In this edition of the Insider:

• 100% Renewable Energy
• Coming Soon! Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
• Windsor Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
• Trick Or Treat Trail – Windsor Ready!
• Turn Off Sprinklers
• Earthquake Safety
• Leaves, Leaves, And More Leaves
• A Message From Windsor Police Department

This summer, Windsor achieved a major sustainability milestone by committing to purchase Sonoma Clean Power’s 100% renewable, locally generated, EverGreen service for all its buildings and facilities. As part of the Town’s 2019 Climate Emergency Resolution, the Town Hall, Huerta Gymnasium, the Community Center, and the Senior Center were immediately converted to EverGreen. This year, the Town Council approved enrollment in EverGreen for the remaining accounts as part of the 2023-2025 biennial budget process, starting in July 2023.

Sonoma Clean Power’s EverGreen service is generated by solar during the day and geothermal from the Geysers at night, an option that is entirely local and quite unique in California. It is a simple way for local governments, businesses, and residents to make a difference in their greenhouse gas emissions. For example, EverGreen is now a key part of the Town’s Net Zero Wastewater program. Learn more about signing up for EverGreen here.

The Town of Windsor is in the final stages of the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project approved by the Town Council on December 21, 2021. 

The AMI system will read the Town’s 9,901 water meters multiple times per day through a series of fixed antennas gathering water consumption data. The data will then be shared with customers through the Town’s WaterSmart portal to help customers manage their water use and monitor for water leaks. The WaterSmart portal has been providing customers with online access to detailed account information since 2019. With the upgrade to AMI, customers using the WaterSmart platform will have real-time use information as well as leak alerts and full utilization of the conservation platform. 

For more information and to activate a WaterSmart account visit https://www.townofwindsor.com/1183/WaterSmart For questions regarding utility billing call (707) 838-1004 or email ub@townofwindsor.com.

On October 17, members of two groups, the non-profit WeAct and the Sonoma County Local Task Force on Integrated Waste Management, toured the Windsor Wastewater Treatment Plant. The visitors saw the current treatment facilities and solar array, and learned about planned upgrades that are part of the Town’s strategy for reducing the climate impacts of water reclamation, known as the NetZero Wastewater program.

Public Works Deputy Director of Water & Environmental Management, Veronica Siwy, commented “The NetZero Wastewater program combines increased efficiency for the aeration basins, innovative biosolids handling, use of clean energy, and extension of the existing recycled water system. We are thrilled to share this vision with community members.” Read about the full NetZero Wastewater program here.  

Mayor Reynoza, the Windsor Police Chief, and staff participated in the annual Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday, October 21, to help spread the word on Know Your Zone. Staff handed out the Know Your Zone postcard to children and their families to help direct them to the correct evacuation zone for their Home, School, and Work locations in the event of an emergency. 

Download a copy of the Know Your Zone postcard and use the QR code for the evacuation map look-up tool. If you have questions or need assistance using the QR code, please email info@townofwindsor.com.

For more information on Town Evacuation Zones and Safe Routes to safely leave your neighborhood visit https://www.townofwindsor.com/1245/Evacuation-Map-and-Information.

It's time to adjust your irrigation! Rainy season is coming and that means cooler days with more moisture in the air. Irrigation is not necessary to maintain a healthy landscape during these colder and wetter months. You can save water and money by turning off your outdoor irrigation. For more water conservation information and tips visit https://www.townofwindsor.com/100/Water-Conservation.

Are you ready for the next Earthquake? 

The following steps will help you prepare and keep you safe Before, During, and After an earthquake. Below are just a few steps to follow with more details available, click on the button above.

BEFORE:

• Practice DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!
• Secure loose and tall furniture to eliminate the threat of injury or damage.

DURING:

• Stand in a doorway and do not rush outside.
• If outside, move away from anything that may fall – powerlines, trees, streetlights.

AFTER:

• Listen to local radio and TV programs for reliable emergency information.
• Check for hazards around you – gas leaks, downed power lines, or ruptured pipes.

For more information on Earthquake preparedness, visit https://socoemergency.org/emergency/earthquake/.

To sign up for Alerts & Warnings visit https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/sign-up/.

LEAVES, LEAVES, and MORE LEAVES 

Tis the season for leaf blowing and raking! We all love a tidy front yard, but please don’t blow or rake your leaves into the street. Leaves can block storm drains, causing flooding when it rains. And while the street sweepers can pick up a moderate number of leaves, they aren’t designed to handle large leaf piles blown from your front yard. Out of respect to your neighbors and your neighborhood street sweeper, please place leaves, twigs, and branches in your green compost bin. For the best ways to handle leaves to protect Windsor’s creeks, visit https://www.streetstocreeks.org/residential/leaves/.

The Town of Windsor is looking for talented people. For information on open positions, click here for the full list. If you have questions about working for the Town, please reach out to our Human Resources team at hr@townofwindsor.com. 

Join our team! Go here to apply.

Here are some public meetings and workshops we would love for you to participate in. For more information on the agenda, click on the hyperlink to the corresponding meeting of interest. You can always find more meeting information on the calendar on the Town website homepage. 

Council Meetings

The Town Council meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6PM.

• November 1, 6PM
• November 15, 6PM

Planning Commission Meetings

The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30PM.

• November 14, 5:30PM
• November 28, 5:30PM

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6PM.

• November 8, 6PM

Public Art Advisory Commission

The Public Art Advisory Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4:30PM.

• October 25, 4:30PM
• November 22, 4:30PM

Senior Citizen Advisory Commission

The Senior Citizen Advisory Commission meets quarterly, on the third Tuesday at 2PM. (January, April, July, October)

• TBD

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

On October 28, the Windsor Police Department will be accepting unneeded medication for safe disposal from 10AM – 2PM. For more information on medication safe disposal sites visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

Tips for Halloween:

Halloween is an exciting time for kids and adults to dress up, walk around their neighborhood, and receive treats. With more people out trick-or-treating, it is important to use caution and keep safety in mind. Here are several tips for kids, parents, and drivers to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.

1. Look left-right-left when crossing the street. When available, cross at marked crosswalks or intersections with a stop sign or signal.
2. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
3. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape and stickers.
4. To prevent stumbling or tripping, make sure that costumes don’t drag on the ground. Don’t dart between parked cars.
5. DRIVERS slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic between 5:30pm to 9:30pm - be especially alert during those hours.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can focus on the road and your surroundings.