Clinton Town Council Regular Meeting - September 16, 2026

The Town of Clinton Town Council held a regular meeting on September 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Green Room. The meeting included public comments, routine approvals, discussions on financial transfers, grant applications, and appointments to boards and commissions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the August 19, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Appointments: Amity Vies was appointed to the Human Services Advisory Board (term until June 30, 2029) and John Vassalo was appointed as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals (term until November 2027); both approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carol Walter (5 Gill Court): Expressed appreciation for Dock Days and requested that the town allocate funds in the next budget to restore the beach near the town dock, which she described as 80% grass and 20% sand. She noted the property was gifted to the town with a deed requiring it to remain a beach, and warned that the area is at risk of being declared wetlands.
• Dean Coogan (65 Waterside Lane): Praised the Clinton Police Department for fireworks safety, but criticized the Flock license plate camera system, citing a WFSB report about immigration data sharing with other states and agencies for 11 months. He argued the system violates Fourth Amendment privacy rights and urged the council to turn off the cameras, stop funding, and remove them. The town manager noted such concerns should be brought to the Police Commission.
• Seth Wolf (20 James Lane): Stated he plans to file a lawsuit by mid-October to have "her" removed; the context of the comment was unclear.

Discussion Items

Board of Education Non-Lapsing Account

• The Board of Education requested a transfer of $250,000 from unexpended FY2025-26 funds to the existing non-lapsing account (balance after Joel Boiler was $321,679) to protect against unexpected capital or special education costs. The council approved this motion unanimously.
• A second motion to transfer the remaining unexpended funds (approximately $250,000) to the general fund (for later allocation to the Roads Fund 66) was also approved unanimously, with clarification that the council would need a separate agenda item to direct those funds to roads.

Landfill Capping Update (Abby)

• The Planning & Zoning Commission held a continued public hearing and will hold a special meeting on September 28, 2026 to potentially vote on the landfill application. Third-party review quotes have been received ($68,000–$147,000) and are being compared. A request from Lorello to stockpile up to 50,000 cubic yards of material before final DEEP permit is under attorney review. No action was taken; this was an informational update.

Ship Grant Application (Dredging)

• The council authorized the town manager to apply for a $400,000 Connecticut Port Authority Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program grant for dredging the town marina, with a town match of $600,000 from existing funds (line 604-165-59865). Motion carried unanimously.

PROTECT Grant Application (Resiliency Planning)

• The council discussed a $600,000 federal planning grant for vulnerability assessments and pre-design activities on Causeway, Shore Road, and Hammock Road. After debate about upfront costs and fund balance (currently at 21% undesignated), the motion was amended to $300,000, with funding to come from undesignated fund balance. The amended motion passed (no recorded opposition).

Library Grant Application

• The council authorized the town manager to sign a $1 million state library construction grant (matching grant). Motion carried unanimously.

Financial Report (Bob)

• The Finance Director presented the September 16, 2026 report, noting FY2025-26 ended with planned fund balance use of $2.6 million and $55,000 in unspent funds. FY2026-27 is two months in; tax collections are consistent (54.5% in first two months). Fund balance forecast remains at 21% of total budget. Various fund balances were reviewed, including CIP, open space, and the new roads fund. Informational only; no action.

Town Manager's Report

• DPW Building: Footings poured; completion expected in October. Total cost $723,100 (grant $543,000; town $179,500).
• Andrews Memorial Theater: A comprehensive master equipment list is being finalized to promote rentals. Potential increased usage during Kate renovation (2027).
• Liquor Liability: New insurance broker review indicates the town has liability liquor coverage, but allowing alcohol without waivers increases exposure. Waivers still require council approval. Six events requested waivers in 2025; two in 2026.
• Civic Plus Notifications: The town is enhancing its existing Civic Send system for more effective public notifications.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of August 19, 2026 (unanimous).
• Appointed Amity Vies to Human Services Advisory Board (unanimous).
• Appointed John Vassalo to Zoning Board of Appeals alternate (unanimous).
• Approved $250,000 transfer to BOE non-lapsing account (unanimous).
• Approved transfer of residual BOE funds to general fund (unanimous).
• Authorized ship grant application ($400k) with $600k match (unanimous).
• Authorized PROTECT grant application amended to $300k from undesignated fund balance (approved).
• Authorized library grant of $1 million (unanimous).
• In executive session, interviewed candidates; afterward, appointed Ellen Bailey to Park and Recreation Commission and Patrick Shea to Economic Development Commission (both unanimous).
• Next steps: Landfill P&Z vote on September 28; further grant applications; police commission to address Flock camera concerns; council to consider liquor waiver policy.