Killingworth in 2019: The Year in Review
Winter
The town starts the year with a proposal by Chatfield Solar Fund, LLC, to install a nearly 2 megawatt solar farm on more than 20 acres off Chestnut Hill Road. The Connecticut Siting Council holds a site walk and hearings, which draws a substantial number of opponents.
The RSD #17 Board of Education proposes a budget increase of 0.32 percent for 2019-’20; with an increase in enrollment, Killingworth’s assessment would rise 0.42 percent.
Spring
Killingworth approves the Region 17 budget proposal 750 to 336 on May 7, though Haddam voters disapprove in numbers great enough to send the budget back to the board.
The Connecticut Siting Council denies Chatfield Solar Fund, LLC’s solar farm proposal on May 9, citing “a substantial adverse environmental effect.”
On May 10, H-K softball coach Jeff Talbott notches his 300th win with the program.
The town budget and revised RSD #17 budget pass at referendum on June 4. The town budget, which passed overwhelmingly, spends $5,321,467 for operations and $1,773,655 for capital improvements. Killingworth’s share of the schools budget is $16,738,611.
Summer
The Haddam Killingworth High School Class of 2019 celebrated commencement on June 11
Republican Francesco Lulaj, owner of La Foresta, announces his candidacy for first selectman. He will face Killingworth Conservative party member Robert P. Sassi at primary.
The RSD #17 Board of Education taps Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Holly Hageman to take the role of superintendent of schools.
The Killingworth Farmers Market opens on Wednesdays on Route 81.
The Parmlee Farm hosts A Place Called Hope Nature Fest on July 13.
RSD #17 Superintendent of Schools Howard J. Thiery announces he has taken a position in another district.
In August, mosquitoes in both Killingworth and Madison test positive for EEE, a rare and potentially deadly virus.
Fall
Francesco Lulaj wins the Republican primary against Robert Sassi by a landslide, setting up a race against incumbent Democrat Cathy Iino.
On Nov. 5, Iino wins re-election in Killingworth by a comfortable margin.