You could cover the entire area with flattened cardboard boxes or plastic sheeting. Not very attractive until Spring, but they will keep the weeks down. If you decide to till, do it 2-3 weeks before seeding, then water well, which will stimulate growth of all those seeds the tilling brings up. Pull them before seeding.
Have you thought about working with nature instead of fighting what seems to be the norm for your area? Plant native grasses and ground covers. They won't need as much water, fertilizer, or weed-killers and possibly very little mowing.
