Clinton Town Council Meeting – May 6, 2026

The Clinton Town Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 8 a.m. in the Town Hall Green Room. The meeting covered public comment, approval of minutes, the town manager's report (including the upcoming budget referendum, summer concerts relocation, and trolley sponsor update), the chairman's report on the performance evaluation process, council discussion on bonding, road funds, empty-building inventory, and speaker system disputes, as well as liaison reports from the Economic Development Commission and Public Works.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Seth Wolf (resident, Janes Lane) addressed the council, expressing frustration over an unresolved sewer leak at a 45-unit apartment complex. He stated he had notified the council and town manager over a month ago but received no response. He showed a video of the leak and cited EPA concerns about harmful bacteria (E. coli, Giardia). He demanded action and said he would continue attending meetings until the issue is rectified. The town manager later stated the matter had been addressed by the building and health departments.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The council unanimously approved minutes from the previous regular meeting and the public hearing/budget meeting. (Motion by Jerry, seconded; all in favor, none opposed or abstained.)

Town Manager’s Report (Michelle)

• Budget Referendum: The referendum vote is Wednesday, May 13, with polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots are available at the town clerk’s office; in-person voting is recommended over mail due to timing.
• Eagle Scout Project: An Eagle Scout will raise funds (approx. $2,300) to install a bike repair station at Bailey’s Dog Park. The town granted approval.
• Route 81 Paving: The state has begun milling the I-95 overpass; one-lane traffic 7 a.m.–5 p.m. The entire length of Route 81 is scheduled for repaving this year.
• Trolley Service: Route finalized; lead sponsors are Indian River Shops and Clinton Crossings. Free service will run Memorial Day weekend (May 25) through Labor Day (Sept. 7), Fridays–Sundays and holidays.
• Parks & Recreation Update: A June 3 council meeting will include the Parks & Rec commission and the new director (Dustin starts May 18, Bo retires May 22). They will address speaker system concerns at Peters field and Indian River field.
• Veterans Breakfast: Second event held April 30; next is May 28 in the Green Room.
• Madison Chamber Events: Ribbon cuttings for Cafe NOLA (May 11) and Hallex (formerly Shore Appliance) (May 19).
• Small Business Workshop: June 9, 8–10 a.m., in the Green Room – resiliency workshop on disaster recovery, insurance, and cybersecurity.
• Summer Concerts: Will be held at Post Office Square (due to construction at Pearson) starting July 9, 6–8:30 p.m. The Michael B. Iradi Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund is a lead sponsor. The location change aims to boost economic impact downtown.

Chairman’s Report (Carl)

• Performance Evaluation: Carl, Jerry, and Chris met with Amy Jennings of McKinnis (HR consultant) on Monday to begin the town manager’s performance evaluation process. A snag: Jerry has been on the council only six months, but the contract requires subcommittee members to have one-year tenure. The council will decide whether to waive that requirement or appoint a different member. Another meeting with Amy will occur before May 20, and she will attend the May 20 council meeting.

Council Discussion

• Public Works / Bonding Confusion: A council member reported that at the April 21 Public Works meeting, the director and a commissioner sarcastically implied that summer projects were postponed due to a clerical bonding error. The town manager (Michelle) clarified there is no bonding on the May referendum; only the library might be bonded in November. Road paving has $280,000–$380,000 in the current budget and will continue as normal. She will speak to the director about the inappropriate comments.
• Roads Fund Discussion: In response to a question, the town manager explained that the state provides about $600,000 for paving, but those funds are placed in general revenue, not a dedicated roads fund. The budget includes $200,000 of town tax dollars toward paving. A roads fund is being considered for long-term capital planning; creating one this year was avoided due to budget tightness after revaluation. The council expressed interest in further discussion in August.
• Contingency Plan for Budget Referendum: A council member asked for a backup plan if the budget referendum fails. The town manager said she and the finance director have a list of additional town-side cuts. The earliest a special council meeting could happen is Thursday after the polls close (Wednesday, May 13 at 4 p.m.), with 24-hour posting notice. The superintendent should also be made aware.
• Inventory of Empty Buildings: A council member advocated for creating a public inventory of vacant commercial spaces to promote economic development. The town manager noted that the future economic development coordinator (if budget passes) would handle such tasks. The EDC is working on a consolidated list of business concerns via the DTOP (Downtown Outreach Program) and Connecticut Main Street study.
• Speaker System Disputes: Two separate issues: At Peters field (football), a council member (a long-time announcer) insisted the speakers are inadequate (amplifier too small, overheating). At Indian River field (turf), a letter from Mike Shove raised concerns. The Parks & Rec commission maintains the systems are working. The town manager will bring Parks & Rec officials to the June 3 meeting to address the council directly.

Committee Liaison Reports

• Planning & Zoning (Brian): No meeting since last council meeting.
• Parks & Recreation (Carl): Held a meeting with a dinner for retiring director Bo. The commission will request a formal honor for Bo at a future meeting.
• Economic Development Commission (Carl): A special meeting was held May 5 with consultant Dale Croop. The EDC is merging two lists (DTOP business concerns and Connecticut Main Street recommendations) into a consolidated action list categorized by responsible town entity. The commission will recommend renewing the Connecticut Main Street contract.
• Public Works (Brian): DPW reported 75–80% through the current budget; no financial issues expected for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Key Outcomes

• The minutes from the prior regular meeting and public hearing/budget meeting were approved unanimously.
• The town manager will follow up on the sewer leak complaint (stated as already addressed by building/health departments).
• The council will decide whether to waive the one-year council tenure requirement for the performance evaluation subcommittee.
• The town manager will clarify the bonding situation with the DPW director and address the inappropriate comments.
• The town manager will bring Parks & Rec officials to the June 3 meeting to discuss the speaker systems at both fields.
• The council plans to further discuss a dedicated roads fund and capital planning in August.
• A contingency plan for a failed budget referendum will be prepared, with potential town-side cuts and a special council meeting on May 14 or later.
• The EDC will finalize the consolidated action list for downtown improvements and present it to the council.
• Meeting adjourned (motion by Jerry, seconded, unanimous).