The council’s decision to award the contract for Well Number Five to Minger Construction was a focal point of the meeting, as the city’s water supply has been under strain following the failure of Well Number Four. A representative from Bolton & Menk emphasized the necessity of the new well, noting that the existing wells, some over sixty years old, are inadequate for current water demands. The new well promises to increase capacity and reliability, aligning with state recommendations and future growth projections. The approved construction bid of $1,799,912 reflects the urgency and scale of the project. Concerns were raised about the implications of delaying the project, including potential difficulties in meeting water demand and fire safety requirements during peak periods or droughts. Stricter state regulations on new well constructions, particularly in metropolitan areas, add pressure to proceed swiftly.

In addition to addressing water infrastructure, the council certified the preliminary property tax levy for 2025. The levy is set to increase by 12.91%, with a 15.24% rise in the general property tax levy and a 2.94% decrease in the debt service levy. This certification is a critical step in the city’s budget preparation process, which includes provisions for significant street projects planned for 2027. The preliminary budget also outlines a 9% increase in employee benefits and plans to hire an additional full-time employee for lawn services, which the city plans to manage in-house.

The meeting began with ceremonial proceedings, including the swearing-in of Officer Adam Santana as a new member of the Winsted Police Department. His lighthearted remarks about his previous job selling ice cream added a touch of humor to the ceremony. The council also recognized John Schlect for his two decades of service in Public Works and announced the recipients of the 2024 Winston Pride Award, which honors contributions to the city’s aesthetic quality.

Community engagement was further demonstrated through the contributions of the Winsted Arts Council and local resident Diane Newman. Julie Gamus, president of the Winsted Arts Council, reported on recent projects, including a new mural funded by private donations and a successful “Music in the Park” event supported by a grant. These initiatives aim to enhance cultural engagement within the city. Diane Newman shared her personal efforts to beautify a city corner by planting flowers and requested city assistance for watering in the future. Her initiative led to the unexpected growth of acorn and butternut squash, underscoring her commitment to maintaining a hometown atmosphere.