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Clinton Considers Full-Time Town Planner

As one solution to economic development that some have described as stagnant, Clinton officials are discussing the possibility of hiring a full-time town planner.

The prospect of budgeting for a full-time town planner was discussed at the Jan. 3 Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting at which the BOS heard town departments introduce their anticipated budget needs for the upcoming fiscal year.

“It’s something to be budgeted for,” said Goupil, who campaigned on adding the position when running for first selectman in 2017. “An on-staff planner would allow for a comprehensive short- and long-term approach to planning initiatives.”

A full-time planner could also offer developers a thorough review of their applications in the Land Use Office, and could increase communication across the relevant boards and commissions to speed up the development process, Goupil said.

When working with the town’s Planning & Zoning Commissions (PZC), the PZC would still have the final say on development matters, but the planner would write and develop regulations. The PZC would hear public comments on any changes, then decide if the change reflects the Town Plan of Conservation and Development.

“We’ve been stagnant, but surrounding towns have updated their zoning regulations,” Goupil said. “Without a fulltime planner we’ll languish.”

Currently, the town uses a consultant town planner, John Guszkowski, on an as-needed basis.

“The consultant planner has been great,” Goupil said, adding that Guszkowski has been helpful in achieving grants and has contacts at the state level.

“The consultant isn’t always able to be in Town Hall and has limited time,” Goupil said, whereas a full-time town planner would be based in Town Hall.

Goupil said part of the impetus for asking for a town planner was the fact that certain aspects of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development, which was approved in 2015, are just now beginning to be worked on.

Goupil said the possible salary for the new position covers a “broad range,” from $60,000 to more than $100,000. Goupil said before someone could be hired, the new position would need to go through the budget referendum process.