OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Clinton Town Council Regular Meeting - June 3, 2026

Town Council — Wednesday, June 3, 2026
BodyClinton, Connecticut
SessionTown Council
DateWednesday, June 3, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:42:20

Transcript — Verbatim
0:41

All right, it's 8 a.m.

0:43

This is the town council regular meeting for Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026.

0:50

Um if we could leave the pledge, Dennis.

0:56

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:00

And two to the republic for which it stands.

1:03

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

1:11

Thank you, Dennis.

1:13

All right.

1:14

We all have an agenda item number two on the agenda is Morgan Scholarship Awards.

1:19

Recognition of Liam Taunton and Abigail Stack for their performance this year at Morgan School.

1:24

If you have a if you give me a minute, I'll I'd like to read some words about each of those students who we're we are very proud of.

1:31

Liam is a highly motivated and energetic senior who consistently pushes his academic and athletic boundaries.

1:38

A high honors student with and recognized Morgan scholar.

1:42

Liam is known for being deeply engaged in the classroom and always seeking out academic challenges.

1:47

His drive extends well beyond school walls.

1:49

He is a year-round soccer player who earned the prestigious title of goalie of the year in the Shoreline Conference has helped lead the team to several successful seasons.

1:58

Demonstrating strong leadership and an entrepreneur entrepreneurial spirit.

2:04

Liam balances his busy schedule by working as a camp counselor and running his own landscaping business.

2:09

Leam has made a positive impact on the Clinton community.

2:12

Leam will attend UConn in the fall.

2:15

And then the other scholarship award goes to Abigail Stack.

2:18

Abigail is a remarkably driven senior who consistently challenges herself both academically and through extensive community involvement.

2:26

She has balanced a rigorous course load with active leadership in the National Honor Society, step, react, interact, and the spirit squad.

2:35

Overcoming a serious medical condition, Abigail has shown great resilience and drive, taking challenging classes and seeking help when needed.

2:43

Her leadership shines on the athletic field as well, where she served as a two-year captain of the lacrosse team, helping them to a successful season this year.

2:51

Outside of school, Abigail is attending flight school and plans to continue that learning next year at the Florida Institute of Technology.

2:58

So to uh Liam and to Abigail, the town council's congratulations, and we give you the more the Morgan School Scholarship Award.

3:13

If both of you please come forward, we have a couple checks, and maybe we'll get a photo opportunity with the council.

3:19

Council, do you mind?

3:21

Maybe we'll do it over here under the lights.

3:35

Thank you.

3:42

Thank you so much.

3:43

Congratulations.

4:25

All right, moving on to item agenda item number three visitors.

4:29

Do we have any visitors that would like to speak?

4:31

Mr.

4:31

Wolfe.

4:34

Oh, yeah, you're you're welcome to leave.

4:36

You don't have to stay the entire that's why we put you first on the agenda.

4:40

You're welcome to stay too if you find this fascinating.

4:44

Have a good day, guys.

4:52

I'll be quick this morning.

4:53

Great, thank you.

4:54

If you don't mind, your name again, just formality.

4:57

Your name.

4:58

Oh, Seth Wolf, you already said my name, so I'm sorry.

5:00

So I'm sorry, I thought it was good.

5:02

Um so as some of you probably know, I was here um on voting day um with a petition.

5:08

Um basically I was able to be here from seven to eight in the morning, and then I was here from 3:30 to 4:30.

5:17

Um I was able to get five signatures from the morning, which it was pretty lower turnout.

5:23

Um, and then obviously in the afternoon, it picked up.

5:26

Um I got 18 signatures total, which if you kind of take that vote of what people were there, I would probably say that's about 10 percent of the people were willing to sign this petition to get rid of your town manager.

5:41

Um said that they would have signed it if they didn't feel that the town might you know um be vindictive to them, you know, not give them a good tax assessment.

5:52

Um so there's a lot more people who are unhappy with how this town is being run.

5:57

And I spent maybe five minutes to do this, and the next time I do do it, which I will be doing it, I will get the required signatures to have a vote to have her removed if you guys don't do it.

6:11

This town is run unacceptably, and it needs to change.

6:16

So many people said how they don't like what's happening here, and it does need to change.

6:24

And I'm gonna make sure of that.

6:26

And then these are those signatures that I got.

6:28

So these people aren't happy, and he needs to be aware of it.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation█████████████████████████████29%
Public Engagement██████████████14%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████12%
Procedural█████████9%
Technology and Innovation████████8%
Personnel Matters██████6%
Historic Preservation████4%
Public Safety████4%
Youth Programs███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Clinton Town Council Regular Meeting - June 3, 2026

The Clinton Town Council held its regular meeting on June 3, 2026, at 8 a.m. The meeting included recognition of scholarship recipients, public comments, approval of routine items, a detailed Parks and Recreation update, a Planning and Zoning update, and several financial and personnel actions.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of minutes from the May 20, 2026, town council meeting.
  • Reappointment of numerous individuals to various boards and commissions (Shellfish Commission, Economic Development Commission, Board of Ethics, Cable TV Advisory, Conservation Commission, Design Review Board, Human Service Advisory Board, Water Pollution Control Commission, Harbor Management Commission, Sustainability Committee, Beautification Committee) for terms ending June 30, 2028-2031.
  • Authorization for the town clerk to apply for a $4,000 Historic Document Preservation Program grant (second phase) to upload land records online.
  • Setting the mill rate for fiscal year 2026-2027 at 22.24.
  • Two line-item transfers: $3,464.46 from repairs/maintenance to clothing allowance and snow plowing/sanding for the police and DPW; and $2,200 from police longevity to police other items, marine support, and animal control professional services.
  • Appointment of Veronica to the Human Services clinical position at $35/hour for 37.5 hours per week, filling a vacancy since 2023.
  • Approval for the Board of Education to access $60,000 from the non-lapsing account for unanticipated capital costs related to network switches and the S2 security system, with the project to be completed before January 2027.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Seth Wolf presented a petition with 18 signatures calling for the removal of the town manager. He stated he collected signatures on voting day and estimated about 10% of voters signed. He indicated many residents expressed dissatisfaction but feared retaliation (e.g., unfair tax assessments). He warned he would continue to gather signatures and vowed to work to vote out council members who do not act.

Discussion Items

  • Parks and Recreation Update: New Parks and Rec Director Dustin addressed the speaker system at Indian River Complex. He reported that Shoreline Audio serviced the system and it is working. Council member Chris disputed this, citing complaints from fans and a petition with 45 signatures. The discussion became contentious, with commission members noting they had not received complaints and that the system was tested. It was agreed to have an independent audio professional assess the system and report back.
  • Indian River Field Turf Project: It was noted that the football field may not be ready for the fall season due to seeding and settling. The possibility of using Old Saybrook's field was mentioned.
  • Naming of IROC Building after Bo Potter: The Parks and Rec Commission unanimously recommended naming the Indian River Operations Center (IROC) building after retired director Bo Potter. The council approved the naming with a unanimous vote.
  • Skate Park Update: Council requested an update for the next meeting. The Parks and Rec director reported receiving a quote for camera repairs and three options from Schumacher for the skate park (complete removal, 60/40 split, or full rehab). Only Schumacher provided quotes.
  • Basketball Court Replacement: Discussion about replacing the basketball court at Peter's Park due to cracks, and the need to find a location for a new court after the Indian River court was replaced by pickleball courts. Limited town property was noted.
  • Planning and Zoning Update: Planning Director Abby provided a comprehensive update including:
    • Aldi project at 224 East Main approved by Inland Wetlands; moving to Planning and Zoning.
    • Pearson project lot split for town retention of the front green.
    • Landfill project moving through permitting.
    • 335 East Main self-storage proposal.
    • New stormwater regulations effective June 10.
    • Housing regulation amendments for middle housing compliance with state law; special public hearing June 22.
    • 830G affordable housing project on Cow Hill Road (17 units).
    • Ongoing construction of 40 affordable apartments at Liberty Place, and another 24-unit project.
    • Business openings: Lily's, Tony's barbershop, Julie's Cup of Joe, Pink Moon and C, Sunday's Pie truck, Hangry Goose, Drifting Galley food truck, Sweet Emilia's ice cream truck.
    • Panera and Chase at Indian River construction continues, likely opening late fall.
    • Unilever property: potential application to expand transit-oriented district and reconfigure master plan.
    • Grants updates: SHIP grants for harbor improvements (platform, boat launch, kayak launch), dredge project, harbor management plan nearing finalization, beach erosion study.
    • Federal local bridge program for three bridges; Waterside Lane Bridge public meeting June 4.
    • Sidewalk project from John/Pearl Street to Grove/North High at 60% design; construction planned spring/summer 2027.
    • CMDA memorandum of understanding including transit-oriented district.
    • $500,000 CDS grant for wastewater system; application process underway.
    • Hazard mitigation plan final edits; to come for adoption.
    • GIS data cleanup and 911 address point coordination.
    • Liberty Green/Veterans Park concept plans.
    • Sustainable CT Bronze recertification.
    • RFP for zoning regulations update.
    • MS4 stormwater compliance work.
    • Enforcement activities (blight, noise complaints).
  • Board of Education Non-Lapsing Account Request: Superintendent and tech director presented request for $60,000 to replace network switches (end of life January 2027) and upgrade S2 security software. The project is a shared town-school initiative. The council approved the request unanimously.
  • Town Manager Report: Covered paving on Route 81 (milling June 9-25, paving June 29 to mid-August), Eagle Scout bike repair station at Bailey's dog park, ribbon cutting for Pink Moon and C, summer concert series at Pearson Gazebo (July 9-August 6), 250th anniversary events (festival August 8, banners, boat parade, George Flynn concerts), Waterside Lane Bridge info session June 4.
  • Chairman's Report: Discussed timeline for town manager performance evaluation, requested explanation of $1.4 million sidewalk grant accounting, noted nonprofits taking over town events (Christmas in Clinton by Placemakers, fireworks by Lance Hedge), asked for updates on American Legion renovation (received $1 million federal grant), economic development coordinator hiring process, state legislative impacts, BRIC grant, and outreach to beach donut business after fire.

Key Outcomes

  • The council approved all consent calendar items unanimously.
  • The council voted unanimously to name the Indian River Operations Center building after Bo Potter.
  • The council approved the $60,000 Board of Education non-lapsing account request.
  • The council set the mill rate at 22.24 for FY 2026-2027.
  • The council will receive an independent audio assessment of the Indian River speaker system and an update on the skate park at the next meeting.
  • The council will hear a report on the sidewalk grant accounting and continue to monitor nonprofit-led town events.
  • The town will continue efforts to support the fire-affected business (beach donuts) and pursue library grant funding.

Meeting Transcript

All right, it's 8 a.m. This is the town council regular meeting for Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026. Um if we could leave the pledge, Dennis. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And two to the republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Dennis. All right. We all have an agenda item number two on the agenda is Morgan Scholarship Awards. Recognition of Liam Taunton and Abigail Stack for their performance this year at Morgan School. If you have a if you give me a minute, I'll I'd like to read some words about each of those students who we're we are very proud of. Liam is a highly motivated and energetic senior who consistently pushes his academic and athletic boundaries. A high honors student with and recognized Morgan scholar. Liam is known for being deeply engaged in the classroom and always seeking out academic challenges. His drive extends well beyond school walls. He is a year-round soccer player who earned the prestigious title of goalie of the year in the Shoreline Conference has helped lead the team to several successful seasons. Demonstrating strong leadership and an entrepreneur entrepreneurial spirit. Liam balances his busy schedule by working as a camp counselor and running his own landscaping business. Leam has made a positive impact on the Clinton community. Leam will attend UConn in the fall. And then the other scholarship award goes to Abigail Stack. Abigail is a remarkably driven senior who consistently challenges herself both academically and through extensive community involvement. She has balanced a rigorous course load with active leadership in the National Honor Society, step, react, interact, and the spirit squad. Overcoming a serious medical condition, Abigail has shown great resilience and drive, taking challenging classes and seeking help when needed. Her leadership shines on the athletic field as well, where she served as a two-year captain of the lacrosse team, helping them to a successful season this year. Outside of school, Abigail is attending flight school and plans to continue that learning next year at the Florida Institute of Technology. So to uh Liam and to Abigail, the town council's congratulations, and we give you the more the Morgan School Scholarship Award. If both of you please come forward, we have a couple checks, and maybe we'll get a photo opportunity with the council. Council, do you mind? Maybe we'll do it over here under the lights. Thank you. Thank you so much. Congratulations. All right, moving on to item agenda item number three visitors. Do we have any visitors that would like to speak? Mr. Wolfe. Oh, yeah, you're you're welcome to leave. You don't have to stay the entire that's why we put you first on the agenda. You're welcome to stay too if you find this fascinating. Have a good day, guys. I'll be quick this morning. Great, thank you. If you don't mind, your name again, just formality. Your name. Oh, Seth Wolf, you already said my name, so I'm sorry. So I'm sorry, I thought it was good. Um so as some of you probably know, I was here um on voting day um with a petition. Um basically I was able to be here from seven to eight in the morning, and then I was here from 3:30 to 4:30. Um I was able to get five signatures from the morning, which it was pretty lower turnout.

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