Clinton Town Council Regular Meeting – December 3, 2025

The Clinton Town Council held its regular meeting on December 3, 2025, at Town Hall. The council addressed routine approvals, appointments, a holiday party exemption, updates on the America 250 committee, endorsement of the Plan of Conservation and Development, a sidewalk project, a stormwater grant application, and an update on the Economic Development Commission consultant. The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and concluded with adjournment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Amended Minutes (November 19, 2025): Moved by Carrie Allen, seconded by Jerry Dunn. Approved unanimously.

Appointments & Reappointments

• Economic Development Commission: Nikki Dockis appointed to an alternate seat with a term expiring June 30, 2027. Nikki stated she has been a property owner on Glenwood Plaza for 25 years and a real estate broker for 35 years, expressing interest in helping small businesses. Motion by Chris Basante, seconded by Carrie Allen. Unanimous.
• America 250 Committee Reappointments: Mayor Beth Breen, Lorraine Sherbin, Dave Lavassier, Christy Pontillo, Michael Rush, Dana Horrigan, Nancy Mikey, Judith Dynick, Margaret Abbott, Leah Saunders, and Mary Young reappointed for a term until January 1, 2028. Motion by Jerry Dunn, seconded by Brian Rocker Priori. Unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments from visitors; one scheduled speaker was recognized later under the America 250 update.

Discussion Items

• Connecticut Surfcasters Exemption Request (Ordinance 194-4A/194-5A for 2025 Holiday Party): The council discussed the continued use of alcohol in town buildings. The request was due to be on the prior agenda but was missed. The group previously received an exemption and followed rules (temporary permit, liability insurance). The council noted a policy direction to reduce alcohol in town buildings and considered future grandfathering. Motion by Carrie Allen, seconded by Brian. Unanimous approval.
• America 250 Committee Update (Nancy Mikey, Chair): The committee has been working for nearly two years on a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Proposed events include a “Clinton Declaration of Independence” signing, a boat parade (in coordination with Summerfest), and a major town event on August 1–2, 2026 (weather permitting). The committee requested a proclamation from the town manager declaring 2026 the “Year of America 250” in Clinton. The council received the update positively.
• Sidewalk Project – Transportation Alternatives Program: Abby Pearsall, Town Planner, presented the 30% design for sidewalks on West Main Street (both sides) from downtown to Grove and North High Streets. The council had a critical decision to proceed to final design. The project is 80% federally funded; the town’s share of the estimated $1.48 million construction cost is about $296,000. Two affected properties (Mobile Station and 25-27 West Main) were consulted with solutions found. Additional work requested includes a Pearl Street crosswalk and Route 1 drainage improvements, costing the town $1,808 and $13,026 respectively at final design. Motion to authorize the town manager to send a letter to CT DOT to proceed to final design and to execute an additional service agreement with BL Companies, using project line 3060-58500. Moved by Brian, seconded by Chris Basante. Unanimous.
• CT DEEP Long Island Sound Ecosystems Grant: Abby Pearsall presented a no-match grant opportunity for design and permitting of stormwater quality improvements to the Indian River from the municipal parking lot near the former Coffee Break. The grant would cover up to $175,000 for design, with no town match. The project would also support MS4 compliance and downtown beautification. Motion by Chris Basante, seconded. Unanimous.
• Economic Development Commission Consultant Update (Dale Krupp): Dale Krupp, a part-time consultant using ARPA funds since September 2024 (ending January 2026), provided an overview of his work training the EDC and Economic Development Coordinator Alan Thelgate. He led the Connecticut Main Street program, organized a broker’s breakfast in June 2025 (14 real estate agents, 40 attendees), developed a property inventory, and focused on business retention and developer outreach. He noted the EDC now has a permanent chair (John May) and a work plan. Another small business finance breakfast is planned for January 27, 2026. The council praised his contributions.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar items: Minutes, appointments, and reappointments.
• Approved Surfcasters exemption request: Unanimous.
• Endorsed 2025 Plan of Conservation and Development: Motion by Kerry Allen, seconded by Ryan Rocker Priori. Unanimous. Next step: public hearing December 15, 2025.
• Authorized sidewalk project to proceed to final design with additional crosswalk and drainage work. Unanimous.
• Authorized application for $175,000 Long Island Sound Ecosystems Grant for Indian River stormwater design. Unanimous.
• Received and accepted the EDC consultant update acknowledging the end of Dale Krupp’s engagement in January 2026.
• Town Manager Report: Christmas in Clinton event scheduled for December 6, 2025, from 2–5 PM with activities at Town Hall, Joel School craft fair, Santa tree lighting at 5 PM. Clerical union contract to be presented at next meeting (December 17). Ribbon cuttings for Toy Hunter (December 4) and Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care (December 15). Indian River tax abatement breakdown to be provided by year-end.
• Chairman’s Report: Legal opinion received on budget guidance subcommittee; recommended continuing public workshops. Mission statement revision to be handled in full council workshop. Agendas to be distributed Friday before the Wednesday meeting.
• No liaison reports.
• Motion to adjourn by Brian, seconded by Jerry Dunn. Unanimous.