Clinton Town Council Regular Meeting - November 19, 2025

The Clinton Town Council held its regular meeting on November 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Green Room. The meeting included the election of a new chairperson, appointment of liaisons, approval of a grant application, and discussion of a financial subcommittee proposal. A visitor raised concerns about property assessments and the town's affordability. The council also received updates on town projects, the Chamber of Commerce vacating its space, and celebrated the Morgan girls' soccer state championship.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from November 5, 2025, were approved unanimously.
• Approval of 2026 Meeting Schedule: The schedule was approved as presented. A suggestion to move start time to 6:00 PM was discussed but withdrawn; the council voted to keep the 7:00 PM start time.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Angela (resident): Expressed frustration with the recent property revaluation, calling it "absolutely ridiculous" and causing financial hardship for middle-class families. She asked how the community could be involved in mill rate discussions. Council members encouraged her to read the information letter sent with assessments and to contact the assessor's office, noting that the current mill rate is not applicable post-revaluation. They stated that the mill rate historically decreases in a revaluation year but cautioned against setting expectations.

Discussion Items

• Election of Chairperson and Vice Chair: Hank Teske was nominated and unanimously elected as chairperson. Carrie was nominated and unanimously elected as vice chair.
• Appointments and Reappointments: Carrie was appointed as liaison to the Pearson School Redevelopment Project. Jerry Dunn was appointed as liaison to Public Works. Both appointments were approved unanimously.
• Empower Main Street Fund Grant: Town Manager Michelle Benevena requested council approval to apply for a $10,000 grant from Connecticut Main Street. She noted a quick turnaround and that the application was ready. The council voted unanimously to authorize the application.
• Finance Director's Report: Bob presented the revenue and expenditure statements for the first four months of the fiscal year (through November 13, 2025). He reported that tax collections are steady, with delinquent tax collections at 60% of budget, building fees at 50% of budget. Investments remain stable but decreasing slowly (rate from 4.34% to 4.2%). General fund balance is estimated at 23% of budget at year-end. No changes in contingency or lapsing accounts. The next report will include details on Fund 60 activity.
• Town Manager's Report: Michelle reported the following:
  • The town's Christmas tree by the building will be retired after this season due to age; a replacement tree is being prepared.
  • Ribbon cuttings for Little City Barber Shop (68 West Main St.) and Barnwilde Collective Boche (161 West Main St., tomorrow at 10 AM).
  • Town Clerk Sharon is retiring after 23 years, last day December 2, 2025.
  • Open positions: full-time land use clerk, two part-time clerks (parks and rec, human services).
  • Town projects: Survey work at the town beach with Race Coastal Engineers for long-term erosion management; sandbags being placed at dog beach area. East Main Sidewalk survey completed, design and permitting next. Beach Park Bridge contractor installing coffer dams, dewatering expected soon. Library renovations update scheduled for January 7, 2026, with potential town funding discussion.
  • The Chamber of Commerce has vacated its 50 East Main Street space due to financial constraints. The town will coordinate removal of items and assess the building for future use.
• Chairman's Report: Hank Teske thanked Carrie for her leadership and emphasized team unity.
• Council Discussion:
  • Financial Subcommittee Proposal: Council member Dennis proposed creating a two-member subcommittee (Hank Teske and Chris Iskovich) to work with the town manager and finance director on the budget. Council member Hank expressed concern that it might be viewed as an insult to the professional finance director. Carrie noted that the charter outlines the budget process and that workshops already allow full council input. The proposal was tabled to the next meeting after consultation with the town attorney.
  • Info Session on Assessments: A suggestion to hold a public info session on the revaluation was discussed. The town manager and others argued that since the mill rate is not yet set, there is little to share beyond what the letter stated, and that setting expectations could be dangerous. The idea was not pursued.
  • Recognition of Morgan Girls Soccer Team: Council member Chris reported that the team won the state championship and received a celebratory escort. He proposed recognizing them at a school assembly rather than a council meeting to minimize logistics. The council supported this; Chris will coordinate with the school.
  • Vision Statement Update: Chairman Hank read the 2020 vision statement and suggested forming a subcommittee to review and update it. He and Brian volunteered to serve on the subcommittee.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Hank Teske elected chairperson (unanimous).
  • Carrie elected vice chair (unanimous).
  • Carrie appointed as liaison for Pearson School Redevelopment Project (unanimous).
  • Jerry Dunn appointed as liaison to Public Works (unanimous).
  • Grant application for Empower Main Street Fund ($10,000) approved (unanimous).
  • Minutes from November 5, 2025, approved (unanimous).
  • 2026 meeting schedule approved (unanimous, with 7:00 PM start time).
• Tabled: Proposal to create a financial subcommittee (to be discussed at next meeting).
• Directives: Town manager to coordinate with Chamber of Commerce for building assessment and future use. Town manager to respond to ACLU FOIA request regarding flock cameras and share information with council. Subcommittee formed to review vision statement.
• Next Steps: The council will hold a day meeting (8:00 AM) in two weeks due to the holiday schedule. The next regular meeting is expected in December.