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Politics & Government

Windsor Locks Referendum Scheduled for Tuesday

Voters will decide whether multiple capital improvement projects are completed in town, including work on school facilities and local roads.

Now that the town budget has passed, Windsor Locks is looking toward other projects that need to be addressed in the future, some sooner than later.

On Tuesday, June 5, residents can cast their vote on future bonding arrangements for a variety of projects. Polls will be open from noon until 8 p.m. People who live in the first district will vote at the town hall, while those in the second district will vote at the high school.

If approved, the bonding will help fund projects from the replacement of the high school roof to several road resurfacing and repaving initiatives.

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"The referendum is for items that will go out eventually out towards bond anticipation notes," Finance Director Barbara Bertrand said.

A bond anticipation note is a short-term security issued in advance of a larger, future bond issue. Bond anticipation notes are typically payable from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds.

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"If they are affirmed, we’re going to do some of these projects," she said.

The referendum question includes $1.4 million to replace a 20-year-old roof at South Street School and $1 million for various sidewalk reclaiming and repaving projects in the areas of Coolidge Street, Reed Avenue and West Street, along with the resurfacing of the parking lot at the . 

Also, $730,000 for heating and air conditioning improvements to the and are part of the plan, along with the high and middle schools. Another $250,000 could be spent to bring portions of Windsor Locks High School into compliance with ADA standards.

The work to be done on the HVAC would be a step toward making the schools more energy efficient.

Although all of the work included in the referendum vote is necessary, Bertrand said that the replacement of the high school roof is the “top priority.”

"The roof has reached the end of its lifespan," Facilities Manager Steve Mills said. “That is why we are addressing this sooner than later," he said. The roof replacement will cost around $905,000.

The project will also require $490,000 to replace the pool dehumidifier and heating system, with the replacement of the pool filter and piping estimated to cost $200,000.

"The HVAC is almost 20 years old," Mills said.

According to Mills, the plan is to put on a metal roof so that solar panels can be attached.

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