Town of Clinton Town Council Regular Meeting - October 7, 2026

The Clinton Town Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM in the Town Hall Green Room. The meeting included public comments, a request for a waiver to allow alcohol at a holiday party, approval of a Homeland Security grant resolution, the Town Manager's report on a significant nor'easter, and committee updates on beach erosion and capital projects for parks and recreation.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by a motion from Councilmember Brian, seconded by Councilmember Chris Pasante.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Seth Wolf: Expressed frustration that only one person (himself) regularly attends meetings, stating the town is not engaging its 13,000 residents or 10,000 voters. He suggested the council hold separate quarterly or semi-annual meetings where the public can get answers to questions, calling the current format "talking at the town" rather than genuine engagement.
• Paul McBauer (43 Longate Road, library board member): Announced that the library received a check for $175,000 from a donor-advised fund (DAF) through Charles Schwab for the library project. Noted that fundraising has not started in earnest and that this contribution brings them to about 25% of the project cost, which is expected to be less than the $2.2 million previously bonded.

Discussion Items

• Connecticut Surfcasters Association Alcohol Waiver Request: Mike Simco, corporate secretary, requested an exemption from ordinances 194-4A and 194-5A to allow members to bring their own alcohol to their holiday party on December 4, 2026 at Town Hall. He stated the group has held events there for 17 years without alcohol and has obtained liability insurance. Council discussed liability concerns, the insurance company's recommendation against new waivers, and the precedent already set by grandfathering five groups. Several members (including Councilmember Chris) argued against expanding exemptions. The council opted to table the request until the next meeting (October 21) to first formalize a policy on alcohol waivers. A motion to table was made by Councilmember Brian, seconded by Councilmember Hank, and carried unanimously.
• Homeland Security Grant Authorization Resolution: The Town Manager presented a resolution authorizing the town to negotiate and accept a Homeland Security grant. The council moved and seconded the resolution, which was approved unanimously with no discussion.
• Town Manager's Report:
  • U.S. Bicycle Route 201: The town submitted a letter of support for a proposed 95-mile bicycle route from Rhode Island to New Haven, which would use existing roads and trails with no new construction or cost to municipalities.
  • Meet and Greet: Town Manager will host a meet-and-greet with Abby on October 15 at the library from 5:30 to 6:30 PM for informal community conversation.
  • Boy Scout Cabin Demolition: The building official deemed the Boy Scout cabin at Walnut Hill and Route 81 unsafe. The Boy Scout leadership confirmed nothing is salvageable, so Public Works will post a notice of demolition and remove the structure in coming weeks.
  • Nor'easter Response (September 25-27, 2026): The storm brought a peak wind gust of 54 mph, 1.66 inches of rain, left approximately 4,500 locations (65.5% of the town) without power, and prompted over 60 emergency calls. Two residents were displaced when a tree struck their home. Town crews (Public Works, Police, Fire, Emergency Management) and Eversource responded; aggressive pre-storm tree trimming by Eversource was credited with reducing damage.
• Chairman's Report:
  • The town manager's performance evaluation (FY ending June 30, 2026) is complete following a productive meeting with Michelle. The council will meet at 6 PM on October 21 (one hour before the regular meeting) to finalize goals for the next year.
  • Upcoming presentations: Parks and Recreation Director Dustin will present on facilities and capital projects on October 21; the Police Department will provide a fleet program update on November 4.
• Council Discussion:
  • A suggestion was made for the police department to host a larger community forum on topics like flock cameras; noted that "Coffee with a Cop" is held quarterly and one was occurring that morning.
  • Discussion continued on alcohol waiver policy, with a council member noting historical societies and nonprofits face insurance difficulties and are moving away from serving alcohol. It was agreed to formalize a policy for the Town Hall as the building is unique with many community spaces.
• Town Council Committee Liaison Reports:
  • Pearson Project (by Town Manager): The bonding package is in place; the tax abatement (PILOT) agreement dates need to be adjusted because closing has been delayed. The two-year no-tax construction period will now likely start two years later.
  • Police Commission: Next meeting scheduled.
  • Economic Development Commission: No meeting.
  • Parks and Recreation (reported by a council member): Beach erosion is severe—since 2006, erosion has reached 50-120 feet in some areas. The nor'easter destroyed sandbag protection. Regulatory hurdles limit options. Capital projects were discussed: a revolving fund has ~$326,000; Dustin will present prioritized projects (track repair, press box, Indian River playground, Peter's basketball court, Indian River siding, Ethel Peters security cameras, skate park) at the next meeting.
  • Planning and Zoning: The landfill capping project was approved with 15 conditions, including third-party oversight.
  • Storm Response Thanks: A council member thanked Todd and crews for storm work.
  • Police Pension Meeting: A fund change (investment allocation) was approved unanimously on the advisor's recommendation.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• Connecticut Surfcasters alcohol waiver request tabled to October 21 meeting pending development of a town policy on alcohol waivers.
• Homeland Security Grant Authorization Resolution approved unanimously.
• Boy Scout Cabin demolition scheduled in coming weeks.
• Future agenda items confirmed: Parks and Rec facilities presentation on October 21; Police fleet update on November 4; goals meeting at 6 PM on October 21.
• Beach erosion acknowledged as a critical issue with limited town control due to regulatory constraints; capital projects prioritized for parks.
• Police pension fund investment change approved.