Southington Council Finalizes Elementary School Roof Committee

SOUTHINGTON, CT — With voters doing their part in upgrading the town's elementary school roofs last November, the town's leaders finalized their role last month.

The Southington Town Council on Jan. 26 unanimously approved a resolution formally establishing and empowering the Southington Elementary School Roof Committee.

The remote meeting was held via Zoom.

Southington voters in November 2025 approved a $6.6 million bond package via a 7,472-2,018 vote, to repair and replace roofs at the three elementary schools.

Town officials say the roofs at Hatton Elementary School, William Strong Elementary School and Reuben E. Thalberg Elementary School have exceeded their typical service life.

Officials said all three roofs are more than 20 years old, which is considered standard life expectancy, and two are more than 30 years old.

Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone said the council resolution Jan. 26 was a continuation of action taken at the previous meeting, when the council appointed members to the committee.

“However, the Council at this point needs to authorize and create a resolution officially, empowering that committee to act on behalf of the Town of Southington,” Ricciardone said.

He told councilors the resolution in their meeting packet mirrors language used for other building committees, including the Southington High School Roof Committee for a separate prior project.

Council Chairman Paul Chaplinsky said the measure aligns with past building committee actions. No questions were raised during the discussion.

Under Old Business, the council took up formal action on the resolution.

Councilor Chris Palmieri made a motion to approve the resolution as presented by the town manager. Councilor Dave Zoni seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously, with no opposition voiced.

With the vote, the Elementary School Roof Committee is now authorized to act on the town’s behalf in overseeing the roof project.

For the minutes of the Jan. 26 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.