Clinton Council approves appointments, budget transfers and releases draft vision and mission for public review

The Town of Clinton Town Council on July 1 approved a slate of town appointments and reappointments, authorized two line‑item transfers in the Public Works and Police budgets, and adopted draft Vision and Mission statements for public review during July.

Jeremiah Dunn moved (seconded by Dennis Donovan) to approve the list of appointments and reappointments, which passed unanimously. Appointments and reappointments recorded in the minutes include Kristen Waterbury to the Conservation Commission (term to 6/30/2028); Sandy Allen and John Allen to the Design Review Board (terms to 6/30/2029); Marc Palmieri to the Economic Development Commission (term to 6/30/2030); Joesph Alves to the Fair Rent Commission (term to 6/30/2030); Michelle Benivegna and Rita Foster to CRAHD (terms to 7/1/2029); Todd Pozefsky as Town Treasurer (term to November 2027); and Gary Bousquet as Tree Warden (term to April 2028).

Councilor Carrie Allen moved (seconded by J. Dunn) to approve a Public Works line‑item transfer that decreases WSAM carpeting by $14,489.39 and P&R HVAC by $3,801.08, and increases Eliot House Repair by $18,290.47; the motion passed unanimously. Councilor Dennis Donovan moved (seconded by B. Roccapriore) to approve a Police Department transfer with decreases listed as service contracts ($6,250 and $750) and increases for training ($1,000), prisoner costs ($250), marine support ($5,000) and animal control professional services ($750); that motion also passed unanimously. The minutes repeat “service contracts” twice in the Police transfer section; the record does not clarify whether that indicates two separate service‑contract line decreases or a transcription duplication.

The council reviewed results of a June 22 workshop on leadership and long‑term planning and agreed on draft Vision and Mission statements intended to guide future policy and community priorities. The Vision states Clinton will be “a thriving shoreline community where people of all ages and incomes can live, work, and prosper, rooted in a strong local economy, environmental stewardship, and the civic character that makes Clinton home.” The Mission commits the town to “delivering efficient and effective municipal services that protect public health and safety, preserve our community’s character and history, and provide responsible stewardship of our financial, physical, and environmental assets.” Councilor Chris Passante moved to adopt the statements as draft and place them out to citizens for the month of July; Councilor Jeremiah Dunn seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Town Manager Michelle Benivegna reported a successful rabies clinic held June 27, thanked Clinton Veterinary Hospital for sponsoring the clinic, and said Route 81 paving is nearing completion. She noted America 250 events will begin in July, with a summer concert series starting Thursday, July 9, and that Town Hall hosted a Red, White, and Blue Day fundraiser for the Fireworks Committee.

Tree Warden Gary Bousquet provided an update on coordination with Eversource for tree removals across town and on trees at Liberty Green; he noted Eversource is working closely with the Tree Warden and the Public Works Director. The council scheduled additional workshops and a future Harbor Commission plan review; an executive session will be scheduled at the next meeting for the Town Manager performance review. C. Passante moved to adjourn at 9:08 AM; D. Donovan seconded and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.