Clinton Town Council Meeting - February 4, 2026

The Clinton Town Council convened on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 5:00 AM UTC (local morning). The meeting covered routine approvals, discussions on alcohol exemptions at town events, a proposed ordinance for automated traffic enforcement, an update on human services grants, the town manager's report, and a vote on a union contract. The council approved minutes, granted exemption requests, scheduled a public hearing for the traffic ordinance, and ratified a collective bargaining agreement.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (January 21, 2026): Moved by Jerry Dunn, seconded by Carrie Allen. Approved with one abstention (Dennis). Vote: all in favor, none opposed.

Discussion Items

• Clinton Arts Society Exemption Request: The society requested exemptions from ordinances 194-4A and 194-5A to serve alcohol at three events in 2026: June 6 (new plein air event), July 12 (summer juried exhibition), and December 3 (holiday party). Council members discussed the town's broader policy on alcohol in town buildings. Some expressed a desire to phase out such exemptions over time, while others wanted to grandfather events with a history of alcohol service. The town manager agreed to compile a master list of past exemptions and develop a sunset plan. The exemption was approved unanimously with the understanding that future policy changes may occur.

• Proposed Ordinance on Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices: The council reviewed a draft ordinance for red-light and speed cameras. Two typographical errors were noted (references to general statutes) and will be corrected. After debate on scheduling a public hearing, the council moved the date from February 26, 2026, to March 25, 2026, to accommodate weather concerns and council availability. A 30-minute information session (6:00–6:30 PM) will precede the public hearing (6:30 PM), allowing the police department to present details and answer questions. The council also discussed the possibility of an online question submission portal to address public misconceptions. The motion to approve the ordinance subject to corrections and schedule the hearing on March 25, 2026, passed unanimously.

• Human Services Grant Activity: Kathy and Bob presented an overview of grant funding for the human services department. Current grants include the Youth Service Bureau grant (state), Local Prevention Council grant (state), and opioid settlement funds (statewide settlement). A federal SAMHSA grant expired in 2025 and was not renewed, leading to the loss of a prevention coordinator position, which the council later funded in the town budget. The department is operating with three staff vacancies (FMLA, departure, unfilled clinician) but is managing with student interns. Outreach efforts have expanded, especially to Spanish-speaking families. Narcan purchases for police were discussed; the department receives free Narcan from the state. No vote was taken, but the council acknowledged the department's work.

• Town Manager's Report: Michelle reported on several initiatives:

  • A small business breakfast seminar to be held on February 5, 2026 (rescheduled from a previous snow day), with ~45 attendees and state panelists. A follow-up event for woman-owned businesses is planned.
  • The Madison Chamber of Commerce is forming a Clinton executive board to create a joint chamber, with no direct town involvement but collaborative support.
  • Budget process begins: initial presentations on February 18, 2026, with workshops in March.
  • A new town clerk, Michael Tierney (certified, from Portland), has been hired; he starts soon.
  • A parks and rec custodian position was posted.
  • The town received $500,000 in federal congressional directed spending for downtown wastewater treatment final design, leveraging $250,000 in existing capital funds.

• Council Discussion: Topics included the old chamber building (planned cleanup and potential use as additional meeting space or temporary office for senior center coordinator Christina Acapora), a request for an inventory of downtown vacant properties to address public rumors, and clarification about the difference between red-light cameras and the existing flock cameras (which the police chief described as transparent and effective in reducing crime, with no complaints). The council agreed to revisit flock cameras as an official agenda item.

• Executive Session and Union Contract: The council voted to enter executive session (motion by Carrie, second by Dennis) to discuss a labor matter with attorney David Ryan. After reconvening, a motion was made to accept the tentative agreement with AFSCME Local 1303-199 (town hall employees). Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of January 21, 2026: Approved with one abstention.
• Clinton Arts Society Exemptions: Approved (unanimous) for the three dates. Town manager to compile a list of past exemptions for future policy discussion.
• Traffic Ordinance Public Hearing: Scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM (information session) and 6:30 PM (public hearing), subject to correction of two statutory references. Ordinance approved as amended for hearing.
• Union Contract: The collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 1303-199 was accepted and the town manager authorized to execute it. Vote: unanimous.