South Windsor held their monthly Town Council meeting at the Town Hall on Sullivan Avenue on January 5th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Although it was on the shorter side of most Town Council meetings, only going to around 8:45 p.m, it drew a large crowd with prominent speakers and members of the community.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Pendleton joined the meeting virtually due to health concerns. The first 14 agenda items proceeded as usual, leading into the public comment portion of the evening.
During item 6, Communications and Reports from the Town Manager, Micheal Maniscalco reminded residents that they must clean snow off their sidewalks due to town ordinance. Maniscalco responded to Councillor King about the splash pad incident that happened in late August, questioning the updated status.
New rules and regulations the South Windsor Parks and Recreation Department wishes to implement were briefly discussed during the meeting. The first proposition was to limit the number of large groups attending the splash pad. Discussion of implementing a fee occurred, but was ultimately decided against.
Councillor King inquired about advertising a police department vacancy on the town website to ensure greater public visibility.
“The police advertise their actions on different source…Policeapp.com,” Maniscalco replied in the meeting . This website is used by police stations all around the state and can even be used for dispatch.
While no one stepped forward to speak during the initial public comment period, which was limited to agenda items, the room became much more vocal during the second session, when the floor was opened for general topics.
Item 11 discussed Mindy Lewis’s resignation from being an alternate Member of the Economic Development Commission to a regular MEDC. They thanked her for her service, accepted her resignation and appointed her to her new position.
When it was time for the second public comment, people took advantage of sharing their thoughts with the Town Council. Many residents of the town shared their strong thoughts about the voting change that happened back in November, where the number of seats were changed after the South Windsor Democrats won the majority vote.
It’s written in the meeting rules that public input is not to exceed 30 mins. However, this time was extended 2 extra times with a vote of 7-2, in favor of extending it.
Many prominent figures in the state came to speak at the meeting including President of the Greater Hartford branch of the NAACP Corrie Betts, Connecticut Senator Saud Anwar, State Representative Jillian Gilchrest, State Senator Matt Lester, Dr. Amadasun, Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, and Representative Khan.
