CLINTON, CT — The Clinton Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously Nov. 4 to authorize a subcommittee to determine the next steps for the town's beach erosion project, following a presentation on shoreline protection options and state permitting requirements.
Commissioners also discussed a proposed $300,000 skate park refurbishment, improvements to athletic facilities and preparations for the department's next budget.
Azure Dee Sleicher, principal of RACE Coastal Engineering, presented the next steps for addressing erosion along the town's shoreline.
The proposed approach includes a living shoreline with offshore rock sills, beach nourishment and shoreline plantings.
Commissioners discussed continued erosion, the loss of existing sandbags and the possibility of installing a rock revetment to provide additional shoreline protection.
Sleicher explained that adding a revetment could require a more extensive state permitting process, potentially delaying the project.
The commission also discussed temporary measures to protect the shoreline while the larger project moves through the approval process.
Sleicher agreed to investigate whether the town could obtain permission to reinforce existing sandbags as an emergency measure.
The consultant will follow up with state officials and report the findings to the project's subcommittee.
Parks and Recreation Director Dustin Huguenin was asked to participate in those discussions and report back to the commission.
Commissioner Chris Williams moved to authorize the subcommittee to make the final decision on the project's direction unless additional input from the full commission is necessary.
Commissioner Ellen Bailey seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The minutes do not identify a final shoreline design or project cost.
Huguenin updated commissioners on a recent presentation to the Town Council concerning improvements to the town's skate park.
The commission plans to include an estimated $300,000 refurbishment in its capital improvement plan.
No separate vote on the skate park project was recorded.
Huguenin reported that Ethel Peters Football Field is improving and remains on schedule for its planned two growing seasons.
The field's irrigation system is functioning properly, he said.
Commissioners also discussed longer-term improvements at the Ethel Peters athletic complex, including replacement of the track, possible installation of artificial turf, improvements to bleachers and locker rooms, and upgrades to the speaker system.
Huguenin will include the proposed track and artificial turf project in the capital improvement plan.
At the Indian River Complex, commissioners discussed replacing soccer goals and how costs might be divided between recreational programs and school-level requirements.
No funding decisions were recorded for those improvements.
Huguenin said he will meet with the Department of Public Works to review plans for removing the Eliot Press Booth while preserving the existing dugout.
The review will address electrical connections and scoreboard considerations.
Commissioners also discussed fencing repairs and the possibility of installing a replacement or storage shed.
The minutes do not indicate that a demolition contract or funding allocation was approved.
The commission reviewed operations from the recent beach season and discussed possible changes for the following year.
Huguenin reported that the splash pad operated successfully, with only a brief interruption during the season.
Commissioners also noted improvements from new mesh fencing near the basketball court.
Possible food vendors and additional lifeguard staffing were discussed as options for the upcoming beach season.
No decisions were recorded on those proposals.
Huguenin is expected to present proposed revisions to the town's pavilion policies at the commission's January meeting.
Huguenin will prepare the Parks and Recreation Department's budget and bring it to commissioners for review once the submission deadline has been established.
A special meeting may be scheduled if additional time is needed.
The commission unanimously approved its 2027 meeting calendar, which includes 10 regular meetings.
No meetings are scheduled for July or December.
Commissioner Brian Smith introduced the motion, which Williams seconded.
Commissioners also unanimously approved the Oct. 6 meeting minutes after correcting the identification of the member who moved to adjourn that meeting.
The correction identified Commissioner Willie Fritz, rather than Chairman Joseph Schettino, as the maker of the motion.
Williams moved to approve the corrected minutes, and Smith seconded.
The commission met Nov. 4 at the Indian River Complex Office Building.
Members present were Schettino, Williams, Smith, Ken Skidmore and Bailey. Fritz and Ron Stopkoski were absent.
Huguenin and Sleicher also attended.
The meeting began at 7 p.m. and adjourned at 8:33 p.m. following a unanimous vote on a motion by Skidmore, seconded by Williams.
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