Clinton Town Council Adopts Strategic Plan Framework, Fills Key Vacancy

CLINTON, CT — The Town Council unanimously adopted a new vision statement, mission statement, core values, code of conduct and five strategic directives Aug. 5, while also appointing Michael Shove to fill a vacant council seat.

The council adopted the planning framework after a series of workshops. Its five strategic directives are fiscal sustainability, economic development, quality of life, housing, and organizational and governance excellence. The council also adopted core values of integrity, respect, partnership, honesty, stewardship and accountability.

The newly adopted code of conduct sets expectations for council members on meeting participation, public interaction, confidentiality, conflicts of interest and communication with town staff. Council members discussed potentially adding consequences for violations and agreed to revisit that issue at a future meeting.

The council also voted unanimously to appoint Shove to the vacancy created by the resignation of Jerry Dunn. The Republican Town Committee had recommended Shove for the seat. His appointment is effective upon being sworn in.

Online Vital Records Service Approved

Council members voted 4-1 to authorize Town Manager Michelle Benivegna to enter into an agreement with VitalDirector, an online service that would allow residents to apply electronically for birth, death and marriage certificates.

Town Clerk Lisa Balter told the council that those records can currently be requested only in person or by mail. The proposed service would verify applicants' identities and accept card payments. There would be no annual cost to the town, while customers would pay a $5 transaction fee. Council member Chris Aniskovich opposed the motion.

The council also unanimously approved two Public Works line-item transfers. One moves $125,000 from a sidewalk project grant to the library metal roof replacement account. The second moves $18,000 from contingency to town buildings and facilities following a failure of the Police Department's air conditioning system.

Town Seeks One-Lane Waterside Lane Bridge

Benivegna reported that the town has formally asked the Connecticut Department of Transportation for a design exception allowing the replacement Waterside Lane Bridge to remain one lane with sidewalks on both sides.

The request cites low average daily traffic, seasonal use of the road, a lack of anticipated future development requiring a two-lane bridge and community support for retaining a one-lane configuration. Two residents, Maureen Welman and Barbara Blanco, also commented on the bridge project during the meeting's visitor period.

The town manager's report also said the Route 81 resurfacing project remained on schedule for completion by Aug. 21. Paving within Clinton had been completed, with remaining work including resurfacing the commuter parking lot and applying final lane and shoulder markings.

On the former landfill closure project, the town has received proposals for professional services covering stormwater review, road-condition monitoring and construction oversight. The anticipated cost is $162,645, which has already been appropriated in the project budget. The town attorney is reviewing contract terms and is expected to update the council Aug. 19.

Council Approves Hiring

After an executive session on personnel matters, the council unanimously approved hiring the recommended candidates for a Public Works truck driver position and the economic development coordinator position.

The council also unanimously appointed Laurie King, Ava Crayton, Mary Jane Engle, Amanda Corconran and Abby Roccapriore to the Human Rights Committee through July 1, 2029. Amy Handler was appointed from an alternate seat to a full seat on the Inland Wetlands Commission through June 30, 2029.

The meeting began at 8 a.m. in the Town Hall Green Room and adjourned at 9:35 a.m.