In Case You Missed It: Windsor News, March 21-26

The past week's news was largely shaped by moves made in local government. Things got off to a quick start on Broad Street Monday night as , which has had dog owners up in arms since the ordinance's introduction late last year.

The ordinance, which when in open spaces, was passed on Monday; however, this version of the ordinance included no length requirement. Instead, the control over a dog will largely based on the reaction to the animal from other people in the vicinity.

"As long as the owner/keeper keeps the dog under restraint… This restraint must ensure that the dog does not go within the personal space of other citizens or their animals (no closer than 10 feet) and that the dog does not cause anxiety or fear to citizens by assertive or aggressive behaviors. If a citizen verbalizes fear or concern or reacts to the dog by changing his or her position, the owner/keeper shall immediately apply a leash to their dog,” the ordinance read.

The council also voted to appropriate over $100,000 for renovations to Town Hall and Poquonock Elementary School.

The preparation of the town budget for fiscal year 2012 was discussed Tuesday when the finance committee met at Town Hall.

It was an evening of good and bad news as the committee discussed . There were several options for additional revenue mentioned, including the receipt of 10-percent on all retail sales; however, the retail sales tax and other revenue streams as proposed in Governor Malloy's proposed budget are subject to approval by the General Assembly.

An inability to know whether or not new sources of revenue will be passed, the town council is charged with the difficult task of approving the budget prior to the Governor's budget is approved.

Town Manager Peter Souza discussed the specific's of his projected budget for fiscal year 2012, which reflects an overall increase of 1.5-percent, and a tax increase of just over 4-percent.

The local impact of Governor Malloy's proposed budget extended beyond the finance committee's meeting this week. State legislators visited Town Hall on Thursday, engaging in . State Representatives David Baram, Peggy Sayers and Elaine O'Brien, who all represent Windsor in the state house, presented an opportunity for community members to get answers about Malloy's budget and how it will affect them.

"It's a chance to listen and to see how I can be of help, and what I need to do in terms of how I vote on legislation," said Sayers.