TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

For Immediate Release: August 18, 2023

Board of Selectmen Approve Extension of Commuter Parking Permits

The Metro-North branch line track repair project is expected to be completed on-time by Labor Day. 

With the branch line set to resume service, the Board of Selectmen approved this week a three-month extension to active commuter parking permits in order to compensate commuters for the three months (June – August) that New Canaan commuter lot parking was not used during the branch shutdown. 

This decision changes the expiration of current active permits to November 30, 2023 from August 31, 2023.  Permit holders will be able to renew their permit for the nine month period of December 1, 2023 -- August 31, 2024 at a pro-rated nine month fee. The 2023-24 permit renewal process will begin around mid-October.

No Fee Increase for 2023-24 Annual Permits

The Board of Selectmen approved 2023-24 annual permit fees with no increase from the current 2022-2023 permit year as follows:

Lumberyard -    $624.00   (9-month prorated amount: $468.00)

Richmond Hill - $474.00   (9-month prorated amount: $356.00)

Talmadge Hill - $474.00   (9-month prorated amount: $356.00)

The 6.35% Connecticut State Sales Tax will be added to these permit fees.

Priority Wait List

The Board of Selectmen also approved a three-month extension for Priority Wait List permit holders.  Any commuter who put their permit on hold during the COVID pandemic and remains on the Priority Wait List after September 1, 2023 will have until November 15, 2023 to elect to either reinstate their permit or go back to the end of the Regular Wait List for obtaining a permit in the future on a non-priority basis.

Any commuter who currently does not have an active permit or is not on the Priority Wait List may obtain a Talmadge Hill permit or may join the Regular Wait List for the Richmond Hill and/or Lumberyard lots.

Daily Fee Parking Options

Daily fee parking options for the Downtown and Talmadge Hill railroad stations are available as follows:

Downtown Railroad Station North and South Lots: 142 First come/first serve Pay-Daily metered spaces - $6.00/day.

Cherry Street Boxcar Parking at St. Aloysius Lot: 64 Reserved Pay-Daily-Online spaces - $6.00/day (subject to change per Boxcar terms – see www.Boxcar.com)

Talmadge Hill Station Boxcar Parking Spaces: 60 Reserved Pay-Daily-Online spaces - $5.50/day (Boxcar marked spaces located in the lot on South side of Talmadge Hill Road and Tier 4 spaces to be marked – see www.Boxcar.com)

Talmadge Hill Station: 15 First come/first serve Pay-Daily metered spaces - $5.50/day (Numbered spaces located in the same lot on South side of Talmadge Hill Road and Tier 4 spaces to be numbered)

Note: According to press reports, the Town of Darien plans to increase their Darien and Noroton Heights railroad station daily-pay commuter parking fee from $4.00 to $5.00.

For any questions please contact the Parking Bureau at 203-594-3040 or email Stacy Miltenberg at stacy.miltenberg@newcanaanct.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 26, 2023

On July 25, 2023, the Town of New Canaan and the Congregational Church of New Canaan executed an agreement regarding the use and maintenance of God’s Acre going forward and put aside further discussion regarding record ownership.

God’s Acre has been honored, maintained and enjoyed in a respectful and harmonious manner.  Notably, the land represents an Ancient burial place and is a hallowed burial ground of some of New Canaan’s earliest residents. Over the last several decades, the use of God’s Acre has been limited in use to a few annual events – including Christmas caroling, Menorah lighting, Veterans Day ceremony, and the erection of an Easter cross – all which are open to the community and will continue to be celebrated on God’s Acre as in the past.

The terms of the agreement outline the responsibilities of the Town, the Church and a Committee, constituting members from each body, which will be responsible for issues and matters related to the operation, maintenance, public safety and activities on God’s Acre.

For further information, contact: 

Town of New Canaan - Tucker Murphy, Administrative Officer (203) 594-3002

Congregational Church of New Canaan – Chris Baker, Chair of Trustees  (203)966-2651

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 13, 2023

2023 Revaluation Set to Begin PHASE 2

The Town of New Canaan is about to commence PHASE 2 of the state mandated revaluation project of 2023 with the assistance of Municipal Valuations Services, LLC (Munival) of Fairfield, CT (the revaluation company hired to assist the Town with the revaluation).

As part of the second phase, Municipal Valuation Services will have data collection personnel assigned throughout the Town of New Canaan, potentially completing double inspections for Quality Control purposes to ensure quality and accuracy. Munival will also be inspecting/verifying the percent complete of current Building Permits in addition to taking exterior photos, inspecting, and measuring the exterior and interior of residential and commercial properties. This means you will continue to see company representatives knocking on taxpayer’s doors asking questions thru October 31st, 2023.

Munival is additionally mailing each residential property owner a data verification letter, which some residents may have already received. This letter contains information specific to your property. We are asking you to review the information listed on the form, make any corrections directly to the form and return this form back to Munival for review. You may return the form either by mail, email, fax or drop off at the assessor’s office (address information will be listed directly on your letter).

All Munival employees will have a Town badge and a company (Munival) badge on their person, along with a signed letter of introduction. They will also have magnets on their vehicles and the company logo on their attire.

Thank you and we look forward to your cooperation during this time.

Please call Municipal Valuation Services at (203) 292-5500 for any additional information or questions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 10, 2023

PONUS RIDGE ROAD BRIDGE WORK TO COMMENCE JULY 17, 2023

Project Background

The Town of New Canaan was awarded federal funding to cover 80% of the construction costs for the rehabilitation of the Ponus Ridge Road Bridge over Collins Pond; the remaining 20% will be covered by the State of Connecticut. The existing bridge, constructed in 1957 and formally known as Bridge No. 05002, is classified as functionally obsolete due to weight restrictions and narrow curb-to-curb width. 

Rehabilitation Details

A comprehensive engineering review determined that the bridge’s superstructure needs replacement. This method of rehabilitation provides many advantages over full bridge replacement including less right-of-way and environmental impacts, a shorter construction period, and reduced cost.

The proposed work involves replacing the existing superstructure with precast concrete deck units topped with a 5-inch minimum thickness shear slab, a waterproofing membrane and three (3) inches of bituminous concrete. The existing abutments will be modified to accommodate the new substructure.  The curb-to-curb width of the deck will be increased to 24-feet wide to accommodate a 10-foot travel lane and 2-foot shoulder in each direction. 42-inch vertical shaped parapets with stone cladding will be constructed on both sides of the bridge to give a stone façade for the structure to improve aesthetics at the site.

Detour

To allow construction to proceed safely and efficiently, the existing bridge will be closed north of the Greenly Road intersection to all traffic from on or about July 17, 2023 through December 2023. The proposed detour route uses Greenly Road, West Road, and Dans Highway.

Impacted residents, emergency services, and postal/parcel delivery agencies will be notified of detour plans well in advance of road closure. Detour signs will be visibly placed.

Although stage construction would have allowed the bridge to remain partially open during construction, it would have required temporary widening of the bridge to accommodate traffic, resulting in an extended construction period and greater right-of-way and environmental impacts as well as additional cost.

Minimizing Construction Impacts

We recognize the inconvenience this closure will present to residents and travelers. Therefore, the Town of New Canaan will take proactive steps to maintain the proposed construction schedule and keep the community informed of any unforeseen changes and impacts. Construction is expected to take one season; road closure will be limited to less than a six (6) month period.

Town staff will be working closely with the contractor, consulting engineer, Connecticut Department of Transportation, and all other involved agencies to ensure the project’s efficient and successful completion.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2023, 12:00 noon

Town Website Upgraded with Design, Meeting Videos, Calendar and Online Registration

The Town of New Canaan’s website (newcanaan.info) has been refreshed for more efficient navigation, and the homepage now features videos of Town meetings, more news stories and an easier-to-use calendar of meetings.

“All of the enhancements were made to provide a more comprehensive picture of the Town government’s operations and services for residents, businesses and visitors to New Canaan, and to enrich the user interaction with the website,” said First Selectman Kevin Moynihan.

Another improvement enables residents to create an account with the Recreation Department online, so they can then register for programs and reserve courts also online.

The most popular features of the Town website have been retained including online transactions for tax payments, dog licenses, and transfer station permits; signing up for emergency notifications; road construction and paving bulletins; and alerts about such things as athletic field closures.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 20, 2023

Waveny Summer Concerts

The New Canaan Recreation Department, in co-sponsorship with local New Canaan merchants, will provide free, open-air music concerts on the lawn and patio behind Waveny House this summer. The concerts will feature a variety of musical groups many of whom are from the Fairfield County area.

All of the concerts are open to New Canaan residents and their guests free of charge.  Concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. until about 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday evening beginning June 21st. Concert rain dates are the next day (Thursday).

Concert goers are welcome to bring a cold picnic supper to the park and enjoy the music. In the event of inclement weather, call 203-594-3610 for concert cancelation information.

For more information, including the scheduled music group names, go to www.newcanaan.info, click on the blue box at the top titled Waveny Summer Concert Series.

For further information, please contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001.

The Board of Finance on June 13, 2023 approved a mill rate of 18.940 for fiscal year 2024, an increase of 3.09% over the fiscal year 2023 mill rate of 18.372. A mill rate of 18.940 means a tax payment of $18.94 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The amount to be raised from taxation for fiscal year 2024 will be $150.18. million, a 4.12% increase from the fiscal year 2023 amount of $144.23 million.

Setting the mill rate marks the final action of the fiscal year 2024 Budget process following the April 5 Town Council approval of the $166.62 million expenditure budget, an increase of 3.12% over the current fiscal year’s budget of $161.58 million. 

The fiscal year 2024 Budget takes into account the Town Assessor’s reported 2022 Grand List increase of 1.02% to $8.01 billion from the 2021 Grand List of $7.93 billion. This Grand List combined with a $6.0 million fund balance draw down resulted in the mill rate of 18.940. Maintaining healthy reserves and a stable mill rate remain priorities of the Board of Finance. 

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said: “I want to congratulate and thank Board Chairman Todd Lavieri and all the members of the Board of Finance for an outstanding fiscal year 2024 Budget that kept the mill rate increase to 3.09% from the current fiscal year and the increase in the amount to be raised by taxation to 4.12% in the upcoming fiscal year.  I want to thank all the departments for their thoughtful approach to covering the needs of their departments and our residents, and building a budget that keeps our tax mill rate increase low in these inflationary economic times.”

Lavieri commented, "By delivering revenue surpluses and coming in under budget on expenses each year for the past four years, we were able to keep the amount raised by taxation nearly flat during that period, an unprecedented accomplishment by our Town and boards.  However, a forecasted decline in non-tax revenues next year and inflationary cost increases of approximately 3% are causing us to raise the tax rate to meet the needs of New Canaan.". “I would like to thank our Board of Finance, our Town Council, our New Canaan school administration, our Board of Education, and our Board of Selectmen for their hard work and guidance," Lavieri concluded.

For further information, contact:  Joshua Kaufman, Budget Manager, 203-594-3026.

FIRE MARSHAL
TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

Where’s the Water?

Even the best Fire Department in the country is helpless without the most important tool to fire fighting – WATER!  Approximately 60% of New Canaan is outside the area covered by the two public water supply companies – Aquarion and Second District Water Company.  This means that water for fire fighting must be trucked in or an alternate water source must be found.

There are some cisterns (buried tanks) and dry hydrants (pipes into ponds, polls and streams) spotted throughout these areas however there are still many areas with no readily available water source.  The key phrase is “readily available”.  There are many ponds, streams, and swimming pools, however getting a fire truck close enough to effectively use them is usually difficult, time consuming and ineffective and every second counts.

There are however, options available to New Canaan residents.  One option is to install a fire department connection into your swimming pool when it is built.  This option is not always feasible due to equipment limitations or differences in elevations but, when everything works out this is a very attractive possibility.

Another option is to install a dry hydrant into a pond or stream (one that flows year round).  Again this has limitations – our fire trucks need to be able to pull up next to the hydrant in all types of weather so “off-roading” to gain access is out of the question.  

Whatever the solution, having a nearby water source is critical to effective fire fighting operations – and it can save property owners significantly on their homeowners insurance which can help pay for the dry hydrant. 

For further information or assistance with this, or any fire safety questions, please feel free to contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-594-3030.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release – June, 2023

Questions: Tucker Murphy 203-594-3002

2023 Family Fourth Fireworks Celebration at Waveny Park

The 42nd Annual Family Fourth of July Celebration gates will open at 5:00 pm on Saturday, July 1st, 2023. Rain dates have been set for July 2, 2023 or July 8, 2023. Activities will include family picnicking, several gourmet food trucks, kids inflatable bounce houses and live music! Live music will include “Mind the Gap’ from 5:30-7:15 PM, and the Town Band from 7:30-9:15 PM.  A spectacular fireworks display is scheduled to start soon thereafter.  No dogs, drones, grills, candles, personal fireworks or sparklers.

All vehicles must enter through the South Avenue entrance to Waveny Park.  Lapham Road will be closed to all traffic.  Entrance passes must be displayed on the driver’s side dashboard and visible through the window.  Pedestrian walkers with passes should only enter the Park from the High School parking area. As a reminder, entrance passes are required for all attendees by car or walk-ins and can be purchased for $35 per car or family at the locations below.  Please note that the event is for New Canaan Residents only and Non-Resident passes will not be sold this year.

Ways to purchase your pass beginning June 1:

On-Line- (June 23rd deadline)  Click Here to access online sales The Recreation website www.newcanaanct.myrec.com will allow New Canaan Residents to purchase 2023 entrance passes on-line beginning June 1 through June 23, 2023.  All on-line purchases will result in 2023 passes mailed directly to your address.  On-line sales will end June 23rd so the committee has time to mail them to you. 

In-Person- Here is a list of in-person locations selling New Canaan Resident entrance passes beginning June 1:

• Parks & Recreation Department in Waveny House at 677 South Ave (thru June 30)*Credit card, cash or checks accepted
• Town Clerk in Town Hall at 77 Main Street (thru June 30)*cash and checks only
• Walter Stewart’s Market at 229 Elm Street (thru June 30)*cash and checks only
• Waveny Swimming Pool, Waveny Park - Saturday, July 1 only, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (*credit card, cash or checks accepted)

Proof of residency will be required in order to purchase in-person.

Make checks payable to Town of New Canaan- Family Fourth.

Inclement Weather - for updates, log-on to www.newcanaan.info (Please do not call Police or Fire Departments). 

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release – May 22, 2023

Contact:

Stacy Miltenberg
Town of New Canaan
Parking Department
203-594-3040
Stacy.Miltenberg@newcanaanct.gov

New Canaan Train Line Shutdown Alert

As announced by the CT Department of Transportation, the New Canaan Branch Line will shut down for track repairs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and possibly longer. For CT-DOT press release dated May 19, click here.

Metro-North has announced that it will provide free bus service from New Canaan branch line stations to Stamford station for all out-of-service trains. A combined bus/train time schedule has been published by Metro-North – Click here. The combined bus and train run times from New Canaan and Talmadge Hill stations to / from Grand Central Terminal will be 1 hour and 45 minutes or more.

Last Friday, the Town of New Canaan issued a Fact Sheet to all New Canaan commuters of possible alternative parking and train schedule options at South Norwalk, Darien, Noroton Heights and Stamford stations, as peak hour commuters who park at the New Canaan and Tallmadge Hill stations in particular will want to find alternative parking and train schedules during the shutdown. Click here for Fact Sheet.

The Parking Department expects that the Town will extend annual commuter parking permits beyond the August 31 renewal date to compensate commuters for commuter lot parking privileges not used during the shutdown. Further action on this will be taken by the Parking Commission and the Board of Selectman in June.

For more information:  Stacy.Miltenberg@newcanaanct.gov or 203-594-3040.

For Immediate Release - May 15, 2923

New Canaan Fire Acquiring Mobile Devices To Improve Pre-Incident Planning

New Canaan Fire Department’s practice of obtaining and updating commercial property structure and risk information will be accelerated with the acquisition of new software and portable data collection devices, Fire Chief Albert Bassett announced on May 15. The Town budgeted for the software, and the purchase of six iPad devices was made possible through a $2,760 grant from FM Global insurance company.

NCFD routinely visits commercial properties in New Canaan and conducts pre-incident planning – collecting information about structure materials, area, access and egress, sprinkler connections and controls, utility shutoff locations, hazards, occupancy, and special requirements in the event of an incident. This helps the department respond with knowledge and quickness to prevent property loss and personal injury from smoke, fire, water or gas leaks, mechanical malfunction, elevator mishaps, or other dangers.

The new portable iPad devices make the pre-incident planning more comprehensive and accurate with all the information and photos uploaded in real-time to the department’s new software program and communications network, Chief Basset said. This compares to the former system of handwritten notes and then later transferring the information into a less efficient data management system.

“The iPads will allow firefighters and fire prevention staff to enter data and use it in real-time, which makes our program much more effective in preventing loss,” said the chief, “and it will enable us to meet our department goal of visiting each commercial property each year. We appreciate the FM Global Fire Prevention Grant Program and thank them for awarding the funds in response to our application.”

FM Global is a mutual insurance company whose research capability and engineering expertise are dedicated to property risk management and the resilience of clients. Through their grant program and other work FM shares their belief that the majority of property loss is preventable.

For more information about New Canaan Fire’s commercial property Pre-Incident Planning program, contact Chief Bassett at albert.bassett@newcanaanct.gov or 203-594-3153.

For Immediate Release – May 8, 2023

New Canaan Urgent Assessment Program

The Town of New Canaan has partnered with Silver Hill Hospital to provide New Canaan residents in urgent need of mental health treatment with a timely psychiatric assessment and tailored referral for ongoing care.

The New Canaan Urgent Assessment (NCUA) Program serves children, adolescents and adults who are New Canaan residents at no out-of-pocket cost.  The Assessment Program is available by advance appointment only and every effort will be made to offer an assessment appointment within 48 hours of an intake call.

The program is available to non-New Canaan residents, and will be subject to the member’s plan coverage benefits, which may include out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and copays.

In order to schedule an intake call, please email NCUA@silverhillhospital.org or call Silver Hill Hospital admissions at 1-866-542-4455 and indicate that you are inquiring about the New Canaan Urgent Assessment Program.

For additional information, see https://silverhillhospital.org/NCUA or call Town of New Canaan Human Services Department at 203-594- 3076.

Contact:

Bethany Zaro

Human Services Director – Town of New Canaan

Bethany.Zaro@newcanaanct.gov

203-594-3093

For Immediate Release: May 2, 2023

Aquarion Water Company and Eversource Gas Pipeline Installation in Silvermine Road (Rte. 106) Starts in May

Starting in May, the Aquarion Water Company will begin work to strengthen the resiliency of the existing Southwest Regional Pipeline with the installation of a new water pipeline.

The new 36-inch diameter water main will parallel the existing water main located in Route 106, Silvermine Road.  The New Canaan phase of the project will begin at Valley Road and proceed approximately 1.6 miles southwest to Clapboard Hill.  Future phases of the work will connect portions of the pipe previously constructed.  The final project will connect the Belden Hill Tanks in Wilton to Farm Road in New Canaan.

During the New Canaan phase of the project, Eversource Gas will be installing approximately 1.6 miles of 16-inch gas pipeline to improve system resiliency between New Canaan and Wilton and increase the availability of gas supply options.

Construction will begin in May 2023 and end in December.  Construction, performed by Burns Construction, will occur Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.  The roadway will remain open to school buses and emergency vehicles.  All other vehicular traffic will follow traffic control and posted detour routes.  The work on Littlebrook Road will be done in the summer during school recess.

Project updates will be posted weekly on Aquarion’s website at www.aquarionwater.com/infrastructure-projects.

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Sebastian Caldarella

Sebastian.Caldarella@newcanaanct.gov

Assessor – Town of New Canaan

203-594-3008

2023 Revaluation Set to Begin

The Town of New Canaan is about to commence the state mandated revaluation project of 2023 with the assistance of Municipal Valuations Services, LLC (Munival) of Fairfield, CT (the revaluation company hired to assist the Town with the revaluation). This process will take place from March 20^th through October 31^st, 2023.

As part of this process, Municipal Valuation Services will have data collection personnel assigned throughout the Town of New Canaan taking exterior photos, inspecting, and measuring the exterior and interiors of residential and commercial properties. This means that company representatives will be seen knocking on taxpayer’s doors asking questions.

Munival will additionally be mailing each resident a data verification letter. This letter contains information specific to each resident’s property. We are asking property owners to review the information listed on the form, make any corrections directly to the form and return this form back to Munival for review. The form may be returned either by mail, email, fax or drop off at the assessor’s office (address information will be listed directly on the letter). A drop box will be out front of the assessor’s office at Town Hall, 77 Main Street, New Canaan.

All Munival employees will have a Town badge and a company (Munival) badge on their person, along with a signed letter of introduction. They will also have magnets on their vehicles and the company logo on their attire.

Please call Municipal Valuation Services at (203)292-5500 for any additional information or questions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 10, 2023

BOARD OF FINANCE APPROVES FY2024 BUDGET OF $166.65 MILLION ?? INCREASE OF 3.14%

The Board of Finance on Thursday March 9, 2023 approved a Total Expenditure Budget of $166.65 million for fiscal year 2024, representing an increase of 3.14% over fiscal year 2023’s budget of $161.58 million.

The Board of Finance’s budget recommendation now goes to the Town Council which may accept, reduce or reject the Board of Finance budget recommendation. The Town Council will hear from Departments and, after an official notice, will hold a public hearing on the budget on March 30, 2023. The Town Council is scheduled to approve the final budget on April 5, 2023.

The Total Expenditure Budget includes Board of Education operating expenses of $88.30 million (up 3.08%) and Board of Education transfers to the Health Internal Service Fund expenses of $14.72 million (up 10.05%) for a combined Board of Education expense budget of

$103.03 (up 4.02%). In addition to these Board of Education expenses, the budget also includes

$9.17 million of other Board of Education expenses paid by the Town. In total, the Board of Finance approved $112.21 million for the Board of Education for FY 2024.

Town department operational expenses were $32.42 million (up 4.96%). Other budget items include a combined Town and Board of Education debt service of $18.39 million (up 0.31%) and tax?funded capital projects of $0.58 million (up 151.72%). To fund this budget, the amount to be raised from taxation is $152.21 (up 5.53%). The final amount to be raised by taxation, and the mill rate will be finalized in May after the Town Council reviews the budget.

“All the departments did a great job to get us to where we are,” Board of Finance Charmain Todd Lavieri said. “After four years of keeping the amount raised by taxation flat, we are faced with increased labor, materials, and health expenses in this budget cycle. We were able to reduce expenses nearly $4M, and the total amount to be raised by taxation by nearly

$6M throughout the process that started in January, while meeting all the necessary operating expenses that were requested. This budget fully funds the Board of Education’s operating spending requests for teachers, administration, aides, health expenses, sports, arts, and many other programs and initiatives. Through careful spending and planning, we have funded our

Schools, important social programs, public works, police, emergency, and fire budgets.”

The Board of Finance’s budget takes into account the Town Assessor’s reported 2022 Grand List (before the Board of Assessment appeals) increase of 1.13% to $8.02 billion from the 2021 net Grand List (after the Board of Assessment appeals) of $7.93 billion.

Attached is a summary of the Board of Finance FY 2023?24 Recommended Budget. The full Board of Finance Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets for FY 2023?24 can be found at the Finance Department homepage at www.newcanaan.info/Departments/Finance.

For further information, contact: Joshua Kaufman, Budget Manager, 203?594?3026.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE 

For Immediate Release - March 2023

New Canaan Launches Website for Waveny House Weddings and Events

March 2023 – New Canaan, CT - To promote numerous recent improvements in and around the Waveny House mansion and its availability as a premier venue for weddings and other events the Town of New Canaan has launched a new dedicated website www.WavenyHouseEvents.com.

The website provides vivid photos of the architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect William B. Tubbs, with vintage grand halls and elegant rooms opening onto the expansive patios with broad views overlooking great lawns and picturesque gardens originally designed by the Olmstead Brothers firm.

Also introduced throughout the website is new Waveny House branding that showcases the timeless quatrefoil decorative element – historically associated with luxury and good luck – that is found throughout mansion in stonework, paneling, windows, lighting fixtures, and fireplace mantles.

Constructed in 1912 for the Lewis Lapham family, Waveny House sits majestically as the crown jewel of New Canaan, overlooking 275 acres of countryside and representing the culture, community and history of the town. The property was acquired by the Town in 1967, when it became the heart of the community welcoming all to be together, connect and celebrate.

Waveny House has long been a cherished venue for local events and weddings. The new website and branding are a symbol of continuing Town capital improvements that have enhanced the mansion and surrounding grounds aesthetically and to meet the ADA accessibility standards. In partnership with the Waveny Park Conservancy, the Town has restored and improved the entrance forecourt, walkways, the walled garden, and surrounding pond and meadows over the last five years.

Further, the Town has hired a dedicated wedding coordinator to serve as the primary point of contact for brides and event sponsors for weddings and the many other events held at Waveny. 

Visit WavenyHouseEvents.com for contacts and more information or contact Tucker Murphy at Tucker.Murphy@newcanaanct.gov or at 203-594-3002.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 31, 2023

BOARD OF SELECTMEN APPROVES FY 2023?2024 BUDGET OF $170.39 MILLION – AN INCREASE OF 5.45% OVER CURRENT FISCAL YEAR

The Board of Selectmen yesterday approved a Total Expenditure Budget of $170.39
million for fiscal year 2023?24, representing an increase of 5.45% over the fiscal year 2023 budget.

The Selectmen’s budget recommendation now goes to the Board of Finance for review during February, and a Board of Finance budget recommendation will then go to the Town Council by March 14th. The Town Council may accept, reduce or reject the Finance Board’s budget recommendation at a Budget Meeting scheduled for April 5th.

The Total Expenditure Budget includes Town Department operations expense of $32.4
million (up 4.83%), Board of Education operating expenses of $103.85 million (up 4.84%), debt
service of $18.34 million (flat), and tax?supported capital projects of $2.05 million.

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan commented: “The Fiscal Year 2024 total expenditure budget approved today by the Board of Selectmen represents a 5.45% increase over the current year’s expense budget primarily due to the headwinds of inflation. Increased expenses for energy and materials, and contracted services are the primary drivers of the proposed budget increases for both the Town and the School District. At the same time, non?tax revenues are expected to increase less than 4% and the amount to be collected by taxation may be expected to increase by about 6%. All in all, the current economic environment presents a challenging budget season for the Town of New Canaan.”

The First Selectman noted that the Town Assessor has reported that the Town’s 2022 Grand List increased by 1.13% to $8.025 billion from the 2021 Grand List of $7.936 billion.

For further information, contact: Joshua Kaufman, Budget Manager, 203?594?3026.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TABLETOP EXERCISE 2022

The Town of New Canaan this week completed a two-day disaster planning exercise, hosted by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), focused on emergency response and recovery from a simulated Category 3 Hurricane and its aftermath impacting New Canaan. 

The program was conducted by Preparedness Consulting & Training, International (PC&TI) based in California, in partnership with New Canaan’s Emergency Management Director Russ Kimes, Deputy EMD Phil Sheibley, and Fire Chief Albe Bassett.

Participants included the Department heads and staff from across Town government, including the First Selectman, Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Animal Control, Health, Human Services, Buildings, Information Technology and CERT.

The participants were tasked with leading the Town’s preparation, response, recovery and communications across 8 modules ranging from 96 hours before storm landfall to 2 weeks after the simulated emergency.  Teams were broken into two groups, each group standing up the various functions of the EOC (Emergency Operations Center), including Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance and Safety.

An after action report will be prepared with lessons learned and improvements will be compiled by OEM to prepare the various Town Departments to improve our overall preparedness in policy, procedures and equipment.

For further information or questions, contact: Russ Kimes, Director of Emergency Management at 203-594-4101 or russ.kimes@newcanaanct.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  August 4, 2022

2022-2023 COMMUTER PARKING PERMITS NOW AVAILABLE

Commuters may now apply for a 2022-2023 Commuter Parking Permit. The three commuter lots are: Lumberyard/Railroad, Richmond Hill and Talmadge Hill.

Permits are available with no wait list at Talmadge Hill only.  The Lumberyard/Railroad and Richmond Hill lots both have waitlists.  You can have your name added to the waitlist (for a $10.00 fee) and purchase a permit at Talmadge Hill while you wait for the other lots to become available.  Email Stacy.Miltenberg@newcanaanct.gov or call 203-594-3040 to be added to the list or purchase a permit for the Talmadge Hill lot.

The Talmadge Hill parking lot is able to accommodate both resident and out of town commuters.  The Lumberyard/Railroad Station and Richmond Hill lots are available to New Canaan Residents only.

Existing Permit Holders:    If you currently hold a parking permit, you must renew prior to September 1, 2022 or notify the Parking Bureau to remain on the “Priority List” until August 31, 2023.

Permit renewal applications for 2022-2023 with instructions were mailed to all existing permit holders on Friday, July 29^th. Renewals will be effective September 1, 2022.  If you need a copy of that application, please contact, Stacy.Miltenberg@newcanaanct.gov or call 203-594-3040.

New Commuters: Permits are available at Talmadge Hill for commuters not holding a current one.  Contact the Parking Bureau through email, Stacy.Miltenberg@newcanaanct.gov or call 203-594-3040 to confirm availability.

Pay Daily Commuters: If a commuter has more flexibility in their schedule and commutes less frequently where an annual permit is not necessary, they may instead wish to pay daily.  In this instance, the following options are available:

• Pay Daily Spaces: There are Pay Daily spaces available for $5.50 per day at the Tallmadge Hill lot or $6.00 per day at the New Canaan Train Station.  Spaces are purchased through the Pay Station machine or PayByPhone app.  A $0.30 transaction fee is charged for PayByPhone.

• Talmadge Hill: The new location for the Pay Daily spaces is the south side of Talmadge Hill Road.  Pay at the Pay Station machine located on the platform or download the app for PayByPhone from the “app store” on your phone.  

• New Canaan Railroad Station: The location for the Pay Daily spaces is the north side and south side of the Railroad Station. Pay at the Pay Station machine located at the lot on the south side of the platform, the Pay Station machines on the train platform or download the app for PayByPhone from the “app store” on your phone.

• Boxcar: Reserve a space for daily or multiple days online.  Go to https//www.boxcarapp.com/parkfaqs to reserve a space after downloading the app from the “app store on your phone.
• Talmadge Hill: Reserve one of 38 Boxcar spaces at the Talmadge Hill Lot.  The daily fee is currently $5.50. The new location for the Boxcar reserved spaces is the area on the south side of Talmadge Hill Road.

• New Canaan Railroad Station: Reserve one of 80 Boxcar spaces at the St. Aloysius Church Parking Lot at 21 Cherry Street. The daily fee is currently $6.00.

For questions or additional information commuters may call Stacy Miltenberg, 203-594-3040.

__________________________________________________________

For additional information, contact Stacy Miltenberg at 203-594-3040.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 2, 2022

COOLING CENTERS

A period of high heat and humidity is forecast for New Canaan until Friday, with high temperatures on Thursday forecast to be 95 degrees.

The New Canaan Library and the Lapham Community Center are both available as cooling centers for residents.  Their hours of operation are below:

Everyone should take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and death during hot weather:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen
• Pace yourself
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down
• Check on a friend or neighbor, in particular the elderly and the functional needs community
• Never leave children or pets in cars
• Check the local news for health and safety updates

For further information or questions, contact: Russ Kimes, Director of Emergency Management at 203-594-4101 or russ.kimes@newcanaanct.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 29, 2022

2022-2023 TRANSFER STATION PERMITS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Residents of New Canaan are now able to apply for their 2022-2023 Transfer Station Permit through the Town of New Canaan website. 

To apply for a Transfer Station Permit, please go to https://newcanaanct.info/transfer-station/ .

New permits must be in place by August 1, 2022.

The permit fee is the same as the current year:

• $45.00 if you have a contract with an approved and registered trash hauler
• $75.00 if you do not have a contract with an approved and registered trash hauler.

If you did not purchase a Transfer Station Permit that expired 6/30/2022:

• You will need to provide a copy of your most recent vehicle registration for the vehicles you are requesting a permit. Under the Vehicle Information, click “Choose File” and insert the file picture of the registration.  You may also email the registration(s) to transferstation@newcanaanct.gov.  Please list your last name in the subject line.

• If you request the $45.00 fee you must provide a copy of the most recent invoice from a trash hauler that is approved and registered with the Town Transfer Station and Health Departments.  Make a copy of your invoice in a file.  At the proper line in the application under Trash Hauler Invoice, click “Choose File” then click on the file. The invoice copy may also be emailed to transferstation@newcanaanct.gov.  Please list your last name in the subject line.

If you purchased a Transfer Station Permit that expired 6/30/2022:

• You will not have to provide a copy of your most recent vehicle registration unless you wish to register a different vehicle. If that is the case, you will need to provide a copy of the new vehicle registration with your permit application.  Under Vehicle Information, click “Choose File” and insert the file picture of the registration.  You may also email the registration(s) to transferstation@newcanaanct.gov.  Please list your last name in the subject line.

• If you request the $45.00 fee you must provide a copy of the most recent invoice from a trash hauler that is approved and registered with the Town Transfer Station and Health Departments. Make a copy of your invoice in a file.  At the proper line in the application under Trash Hauler Invoice, click “Choose File” then click on the file. The invoice copy may also be emailed to transferstation@newcanaanct.gov.  Please list your last name in the subject line.

For questions or additional information, residents may call 203-594-3701. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 19, 2022

The National Weather service has issued a Heat Advisory for the area including New Canaan. Daily high temperatures are expected to exceed 90° for the next several days and a forecast heat index of 98° on Wednesday and 101° on Thursday.

The New Canaan Library and the Lapham Community Center are both available as cooling centers for residents.  Their hours of operation are below:

Everyone should take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and death during hot weather:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen
• Pace yourself
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down
• Check on a friend or neighbor, in particular the elderly and the functional needs community
• Never leave children or pets in cars
• Check the local news for health and safety updates

For further information or questions, contact: Russ Kimes, Director of Emergency Management at 203-594-4101 or russ.kimes@newcanaanct.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 30, 2022

New Canaan Signs Letter of Intent with Cinema Lab LLC to Operate and Reopen the Playhouse Movie Theater in 2023

June 30, 2022 – First Selectman Kevin Moynihan today announced that the Town has entered into a Letter of Intent with Cinema Lab LLC of New Jersey whereby the Town and Cinema Lab will renovate the New Canaan Playhouse building (The Playhouse) with a plan to reopen the movie theater in the second quarter of 2023

Cinema Lab is a movie theatre development and management company focusing on community-vital cinemas. Cinema Lab will add The Playhouse as one of a series of theaters around the country that will offer a technology-forward, ecologically-conscious movie theater showing first run movies that will lead the way in hospitality, programming, presentation and design.  Cinema Lab currently has cinemas in The Village at SOPAC in South Orange and The Bradley at Bradley Beach, New Jersey and The Canon in Canon City, Colorado.  

The proposal includes renovating the exterior and interior of The Playhouse in order to meet current ADA regulations and building codes as well as transformation of the auditorium.  The project design will be dedicated to preserving the historical significance and charm of the original building by leaving the architectural design of the façade and the marquee intact and highlighting the street front windows as an enticing view into a new cinematic experience.  The interior renovations include the addition of a bar that would serve alcoholic beverages, a concession grab and go café, re-imagined auditorium seating with plush chairs and a table to support elevated drinks and local fare.

The Cinema Lab team consists of Luke Parker Bowles; CEO, an award winning film and movie producer and industry veteran, Andy Childs; CFO, former North American CFO of hotel and private club operator Soho House, Brandon Jones; CMO, President of FILMFROG marketing, an outsourced marketing agency and 8 years as head of marketing and director of sales for Studio Movie Grill, the pioneer of in theater dining, Patrick Wilson; Head of Experience, a critically acclaimed actor, director with Tony, Emmy and Gold Globe nominations as well as others. Cinema Lab is an entrepreneurial group that is in the process of assembling a group of local investors in support of the project.

Town funding for the proposed project will consist of $600,000 of American Relief Act funds, $1 million of Bonded Capital and the use of $750,000 from the town’s Movie Theater Fund which has accrued from rent collections from tenants over many years. Cinema Lab has committed to contribute $1.5 million toward the cost of the interior renovations.

The Grand Re-Opening of The Playhouse is planned for the Spring of 2023, which will be the 100th Anniversary year of the building of The Playhouse.

First Selectman Moynihan commented: “I am excited to consummate the Letter of Intent today with Cinema Lab in order to be able to renovate and reopen The Playhouse in time for its Centennial year in 2023. We are very pleased to be working with the Cinema Lab team to create a movie theater experience in New Canaan that will be truly unique and will benefit our business community and will be enjoyed by our residents and residents of surrounding towns for years to come.”

Luke Parker Bowles said: “We feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to develop The Playhouse into a place that seamlessly fits into New Canaan. This beautiful environment is the perfect background for our theater, and we look forward to partnerships with local vendors and programming opportunities with schools, the Library and a cornucopia of other offerings. Thank you for entrusting your historic building to Cinema Lab - it will be a very special place for all ages for many years to come”.

For further information or questions, contact: Tucker Murphy, 203-594-3002 or Tucker.Murphy@newcanaanct.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 24, 2022

NEW CANAAN MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND CEREMONY

The Town of New Canaan and the Howard M. Bossa and Peter C. Langenus Post 653 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States are pleased to announce plans for a traditional New Canaan Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30st, and Memorial Day Ceremony following the parade at Lakeview Cemetery.

Each year we gather to remember with gratitude and honor the proud men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces to protect and preserve a life of freedom for all Americans.

All residents are invited to attend the parade and ceremony. The line of march will be published and posted on Thursday, May 26th.

The Grand Marshal for the parade will be Don Hersam. The VFW Honored Unit will be New Canaan Health Director Jenifer Eielson and her Health Department team, Town Medical Director Dr. David Reed and Schools Medical Director Dr. Harrison Pierce.

The Parade will start at 9:30 a.m. at the traditional start in the St. Mark’s Church parking lot on Oenoke Ridge Road.  The Parade route will change this year back to the traditional way.

After proceeding down Oenoke Ridge to upper Main Street, past the Wayside Cross and past the Firehouse and Town Hall, the parade route will continue straight down Main Street until arriving at the entrance of Lakeview Cemetery where parade marchers can enter the Cemetery for the Ceremony or can disperse South on lower Main Street. (Note: No street parking will be allowed on Main Street from 8:00 am until the parade finishes.)

The Memorial Ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery after the parade will be conducted under the direction of Post 653 VFW Commander Mike McGlinn, and will include remarks by First Selectman Kevin Moynihan and John Kowalski as guest speaker. The Rev. Dr. Scott Herr of the First Presbyterian Church will give the Invocation and Benediction.

In the event of heavy rain, a parade cancelation notice will be posted on the Town website at www.newcanaan.info. In the event of parade cancelation, a Memorial Ceremony will be conducted at Town Hall at 10:00 am, with limited public seating.

For questions or further information, contact: Pam Flynn, First Selectman’s Office, 203-594- 3087 or Pam.Flynn@newcanaanct.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 13, 2022

BOARD OF FINANCE APPROVES MILL RATE INCREASE OF 1.14% FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023—AMOUNT TO BE RAISED FROM TAXATION TO INCREASE 3.25%

The Board of Finance on May 10, 2022 approved a mill rate of 18.372 for fiscal year 2023, an increase of 1.14% over the fiscal year 2022 mill rate of 18.164. A mill rate of 18.372 means a tax payment of $18.372 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The amount to be raised from taxation for fiscal year 2023 will be $144.74 million, a 3.25% increase from the fiscal year 2022 amount of $140.18 million.

The mill rate setting marks the final action of the fiscal year 2023 budget process following the April 5^th Town Council approval of the $161.58 million expenditure budget, an increase of 4.58% over the current fiscal year’s budget of $154.51 million. 

The fiscal year 2023 Budget takes into account the Town Assessor’s reported 2021 Grand List increase of 1.75% to $7.94 billion from the 2020 Grand List of $7.80 billion. This Grand List combined with a $5.50 million fund balance draw down resulted in the mill rate of 18.372. Maintaining healthy reserves and a stable mill rate remains a priority of the Board of Finance. 

""After two years in a row of declining taxes, we have been able to keep the mill rate almost flat next year which is a solid accomplishment," added Todd Lavieri, Board of Finance Chairman.   I would like to thank our Board of Finance, our Town Council, our New Canaan school administration, our Board of Education, and our Board of Selectmen for their hard work and guidance," Lavieri concluded. 

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said: “I want to congratulate and thank Board Chairman Todd Lavieri and all the members of the Board of Finance for an outstanding fiscal year 2023 budget that kept the mill rate increase to 1.14% and an increase of 3.25% in the amount to be raised by taxation in the upcoming fiscal year.

For further information, contact:  Joshua Kaufman, Budget Manager, 203-594-3026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 8, 2022

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES FY2023 BUDGET OF $161.58 MILLION -- INCREASE OF 4.58%, ESTIMATED MILL RATE INCREASE OF 1.49%

The Town Council on April 5th, 2022 approved a Total Expenditure Budget of $161.58 million for fiscal year 2022-23, representing an increase of 4.58% over the current fiscal year’s expenditure budget of $154.51 million. 

The Total Expenditure Budget includes Board of Education operating expenses of $85.67 million (up 2.81%) and Board of Education transfers to the Health Internal Service Fund expenses of $13.38 million (up 49.66%) for a combined Board of Education expense budget of $99.05 (up 7.35%). In addition to these Board of Education expenses, the budget also includes $9.16 million of other Board of Education expenses paid by the Town. Town department operational expenses were $30.90 million (up 5.46%). Other budget items include a combined Town and Board of Education debt service of $18.34 million (up 4.09%) and tax-funded capital projects of $.23 million (down 86.57%). To fund this budget, the amount to be raised from taxation is $144.74 (up 3.25%).

"With the collaborative and tireless efforts of the town department heads, the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Town Council we were able to pass a budget that has an estimated increase to the Mill Rate of just 1.49%. While being faced with rising healthcare costs, increasing prices of materials and services, we are able to maintain the high level of public services the residents have come to expect of New Canaan and continue to fully support and fund the #1 public school system in Connecticut.” said Town Council Chairman Steve Karl.

The Town Council’s budget takes into account the Town Assessor’s reported 2021 Grand List increase of 1.75% to $7.94 billion from the 2020 Grand List of $7.80 billion. This Grand List combined with a $5.0 million fund balance draw down will result in projected reduction of the mill rate from the current 18.164 to an estimated 18.436 (up 1.49%). The final mill rate to be set by the Board of Finance on May 10, 2022. 

Attached is the Town Council FY 2022-2023 Budget Summary showing further details of Town Department and Board of Education (BOE) year-over-year budget changes. The full Board of Finance Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets for FY 2022-23 can be found at the Finance Department homepage at www.newcanaan.info/Departments/Finance.

For further information, contact:  Joshua Kaufman, Budget Manager, 203-594-3026.

For Immediate Release:  April 6, 2022

Parks & Recreation Summer Permits on Sale Now

New Canaan residents can now purchase summer 2022 Aquatic Permits for the Steve Benko (Waveny) Pool and also for the Kiwanis Park Swim Facility.  In addition, 2022 seasonal permits to the Mead Park Tennis Courts are also on sale.  All purchases can be made through the New Canaan Parks and Recreation Department online registration system at www.newcanaan.info, click on Departments, click on Recreation then on Facilities/Parks and Permits in the blue box on the right or in person at the office on the second floor of Waveny House M-F 8:00-4:00. 

For further information about this press release, please contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 29, 2022

New Parks & Recreation Department Field Notification System

The Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to announce that effective immediately, the Department will send email updates on field conditions, delayed openings and closures This will replace the former call-in system of recorded messages.  Notices of field conditions, delayed openings and closures will also be posted in the green alert box at the top of the Town’s website homepage.

Please register at https://www.newcanaan.info/ to receive email and/or text updates for all fields as well as Mead Park Tennis Courts.

Please follow these steps below to register:

Click on https://www.newcanaan.info/

Then select the following

1. "Stay Notified"
2. "E-Notify"
3. Enter your email and select "Email" or "Text" under "Parks & Recreation Notifications"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 28, 2022

We need your help once again to beautify our Town, Parks, schools and neighborhoods!  The Town of New Canaan, is joining forces with the Chamber of Commerce and Planet New Canaan for the 2022 Clean Your Mile.  For the last several years, the Clean Your Mile effort has included three key components: New Canaan citizens individually tackling neighborhoods; community groups scouring public spaces including parks and schools; and the Chamber's efforts with merchants to clean up sidewalks, storage areas and parking spaces surrounding the shops and restaurants in the downtown village district. 

Clean Your Mile is scheduled for the week of April 17-April 23 but you are welcome to participate anytime!  Individual volunteers and members of numerous community organizations help give New Canaan its annual spring cleaning, beautifying our Town and environment. Youth Groups and Civic organizations are asked to clean the Parks, parking lots, schools and public areas where they have volunteered in previous years.  We welcome families to organize neighborhood teams to clean up roadside trash on their street.  All help is appreciated. 

Please note that upon completion of neighborhood CYM collection, volunteers are asked to notify the Highway Department with the location of bags for pick up by calling 203-594-3704.  Volunteers are asked to secure bags for pick up and place on grassy shoulder and not along roadways.

Garbage bags and a limited supply of grabbers for loan are available for pick up at the Town Hall-Public Works Department or Inland Wetlands.  Dumpsters will be located in the train station commuter lot Friday-Sunday.  Remember to work safe when cleaning roadside.

For questions on this release, contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 10, 2022

BOARD OF FINANCE APPROVES FY2023 BUDGET OF $161.58 MILLION ?? INCREASE OF 4.58%

The Board of Finance on Tuesday March 8th, 2022 approved a Total Expenditure Budget of $161.58 million for fiscal year 2023, representing an increase of 4.58% over fiscal year 2022 of $154.51 million, this translates into a 1.48% increase in the Mill Rate.

The Board of Finance’s budget recommendation now goes to the Town Council which may accept, reduce or reject the Board of Finance budget recommendation. The Town Council will hear from Departments and after an official notice will hold a public hearing on the budget on March 24, 2022. The Town Council will approve the final budget on April 5, 2022.

The Total Expenditure Budget includes Board of Education operating expenses of $85.67 million (up 2.81%) and Board of Education transfers to the Health Internal Service Fund expenses of $13.38 million (up 49.66%) for a combined Board of Education expense budget of

$99.05 (up 7.35%). In addition to these Board of Education expenses, the budget also includes

$9.16 million of other Board of Education expenses paid by the Town. In total, the Board of Finance approved $108.21 million for the Board of Education for FY 2023.

Town department operational expenses were $30.90 million (up 5.46%). Other budget items include a combined Town and Board of Education debt service of $18.34 million (up 4.09%) and tax?funded capital projects of $0.23 million (down 86.57%). To fund this budget, the amount to be raised from taxation is $144.74 (up 3.25%).

“All the departments did a great job to get us to where we are. After four years of keeping the amount raised by taxation flat, we are faced with increased labor, materials, and health expenses in this budget cycle. We were able to reduce expenses nearly $4M throughout the process that started in January, while meeting all the necessary operating expenses that were requested,” added Board of Finance Chairman Todd Lavieri. “This budget fully funds the board of education’s operating spending requests for teachers, administration, aides, health expenses, sports, arts and the rest.  Through careful spending and planning, we have funded our schools, important social programs, public works, police, emergency, and fire budgets, while keeping our Mill Rate increase at a modest 1.48%,” added Lavieri.

The Board of Finance’s budget takes into account the Town Assessor’s reported 2021 Grand List (before the Board of Assessment appeals) increase of 1.76% to $7.94 billion from the 2020 net Grand List (after the Board of Assessment appeals) of $7.80 billion.

Attached is a summary of the Board of Finance FY 22?23 Recommended Budget. The full Board of Finance Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets for FY 2022?23 can be found at the Finance Department homepage at www.newcanaan.info/Departments/Finance.

For further information, contact:  Joshua Kaufman, Budget Manager, 203?594?3026.

Board of Finance FY22-23 Budget Summary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 31, 2022

The Board of Selectmen today approved a Total Expenditure Budget of $164.55 million for fiscal year 2022-23, representing an increase of 6.50% over the fiscal year 2022 budget. 

The Selectmen’s budget recommendation now goes to the Board of Finance for review during February, and a Board of Finance budget recommendation will then go to the Town Council by March 4^th.  The Town Council may accept, reduce or reject the Finance Board’s budget recommendation at a Budget Meeting scheduled for March 30^th.

The Total Expenditure Budget includes Total Town expenses of $40.52 million (up 4.81%), Board of Education operating budget of $100.20 million (up 8.59%), debt service of $18.10 million (up 2.73%), and tax-supported capital projects of $1.37 million (down 20.80%).

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan commented: “The Fiscal Year 2023 Budget passed on today by the Selectmen reflects significant increases in both the Town’s and the School District’s operating and employee health projected expenditures due to inflation in wages, materials and purchased services.  The budget now goes to the Board of Finance and I expect Finance will be able to reduce some of inflation’s impact through the use of reserves and other means of smoothening employee health expenses.  However, it is inevitable that we will see larger increases in the amount to be raised from taxation and in the mill rate in the next fiscal year than we have seen in the prior three fiscal years.”

The First Selectman noted that the Town Assessor has reported that the Town’s 2021 Grand List increased by 1.76% to $7.94 billion from the 2020 Grand List of $7.8 billion.

For further information, contact: Joshua Kaufman, Budget Manager, 203-594-3026.

FY23 BOS Budget Chart

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION

Please take notice that a public information session will be held in connection with a proposal by Homeland Towers, LLC (“Homeland Towers”) and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (“AT&T”) for development of a Public Safety wireless telecommunications tower facility located at 1837 Ponus Ridge Road in the Town of New Canaan. The public information session will be held via Zoom on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86089288140?pwd=MjFGVUpFVThUUGM5NXg3M1ZZVDVpUT09

Meeting ID: 860 8928 8140

Passcode: 327015

 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86089288140# US (Washington DC)

 +13126266799,,86089288140# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

 +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

This wireless telecommunications tower facility is proposed to meet AT&T’s and other FCC wireless carriers’ need to reliably serve the public in the immediate area. Homeland Towers would own, maintain and operate the tower facility project. The facility will be unmanned with no sanitary or water facilities and would consist of a 110’ tall monopine structure with faux branches extending another 5’ above the top of the monopine within a fenced compound in the central portion of the approximately 5.16-acre parcel. AT&T’s antennas would be placed at a centerline height of approximately 106’ with unmanned equipment installed at grade within the compound. The tower and fenced compound are designed to support the antennas and equipment of other FCC licensed wireless carriers along with the Town of New Canaan’s public safety antennas and equipment.

The Connecticut Siting Council has exclusive jurisdiction over the location and siting of wireless telecommunications towers in the State of Connecticut and as such, no local zoning or land use approvals are required. The public information session that is the subject of this notice is being held as part of Homeland Towers’ and AT&T’s municipal consultation with the Town of New Canaan in accordance with Section 16-50l of the Connecticut General Statutes. The purpose of the municipal consultation is to provide information to the Town about the proposed facility so that the Town can provide Homeland Towers and AT&T with recommendations or preferences regarding the siting of the proposed wireless telecommunications facility.

Technical Report Cover Letter

Technical Report to the town of New Canaan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 30, 2021

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN CLOSES ON PURCHASE OF 220 ELM STREET OFFICE BUILDING FROM BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan announced that today the Town of New Canaan closed on the purchase from Bankwell Financial Group (“Bankwell”) of the office building owned by Bankwell located at 220 Elm Street in New Canaan for $6.1 million.

First Selectman Moynihan noted that the building has been purchased for the New Canaan Public School District’s administrative offices and the NCPS Launch and alternative programs to occupy beginning early in calendar year 2023, after a tenant vacates. Currently, the District and its programs occupy rental space at 39 Locust Avenue in New Canaan, and they will occupy the first floor at the 220 Elm Street building. The second floor of the 220 Elm Street building will be sold to private investors as condominium office units with existing tenants.  The net purchase cost of the space for the School District will be less than $2 million.

Since the 220 Elm Street building was constructed in 2001, the Town of New Canaan has owned the land under the building and the building has been subject to a 99-year ground lease.  The building tenants are currently entitled to parking spaces on adjacent Town-owned land and in the adjacent Lumberyard parking lot owned by the Town.  As part of the purchase of the building the ground lease is ended and the land will become owned by the Town and the other condominium owners with undivided ownership interests.

First Selectman Moynihan commented: “I am very pleased to consummate the purchase of the 220 Elm Street space for the School District as it presents a once in a generation opportunity to return to ownership of space for an essential local governmental function.  The economics of owning versus renting for the District’s needs are compelling, and we are very happy to be able to acquire from Bankwell a property that the bank no longer needs.  We thank Bankwell for working with the Town for many months to achieve this mutually beneficial transaction.”

Superintendent Bryan Luizzi commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for the School District and our two specialized programs to move to an excellent location and building for the future.  I am grateful for the First Selectman’s vision and persistence, and look forward to working through the next steps of the relocation in the months ahead.”

For further information, contact First Selectman Moynihan, 203-594-3007 or by email to Kevin.Moynihan@newcanaanct.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 23, 2021

TOWN RECEIVES HIGHEST CREDIT RATING FROM MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE

Moody's Investors Service assigned a “Aaa” rating to New Canaan’s 2021 Series B General Obligation Bonds and maintained the “Aaa” on the Town's outstanding general obligation debt with a stable outlook. This is the highest possible rating by Moody’s Investors Service.  The Town will be issuing $25 million in bonds in December to fund various projects including $10.00 million for a Town grant for the New Canaan Library building project, $3.89 million for roof replacement at New Canaan High School and $2.75 as the Town’s share for acquisition of an office building at 220 Elm Street for the Board of Education’s administrative offices and other programs as well as other approved capital projects.

According to Moody’s credit opinion, “The Aaa rating assignment reflects the amply sized taxed base that is strengthened by exceptionally strong resident wealth indicators. The presence of such a large tax base and high wealth is a particularly key credit strength in Connecticut where the town’s typically lower than average fund and cash balances are offset by the capacity to tap into its wealthy base to raise operating revenues. In addition to its economic strength, New Canaan benefits from stable and effective management that has produced consistent operating results that have driven solid levels of cash and reserves that we anticipate will remain sound. The rating is also driven by our view of the town’s debt and retirement obligations, which are moderate and represent manageable annual fixed costs”.

“The Triple A rating affirmation is another testament to the Town’s commitment to strong financial stewardship. I am very pleased that the Town has once again achieved the highest credit rating possible. Our fiscal stewardship, commitment to strong financial and budget practices combined with a history of prudent financial stewardship continues to pay off and benefit our residents” said Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer.

For further information, contact:  Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer, 203-594-3024.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 28, 2021

MAIN STREET BEING REPAVED 10/29 AND 11/1/2021

The Department of Public Works is planning to repave Main Street from Farm Road to Lakeview Avenue on Friday, October 29, 2021 and Monday, November 1, 2021 weather permitting.

Detours will be in place where necessary to properly direct traffic thru and around the work zone.The Department will also be paving Down River Road and Old Studio Road. Old Studio will be milled today, Thursday, October 28, 2021 and paved Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact DPW at (203) 594-3054.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 21, 2021

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan announced that he has signed a Letter of Intent with Bankwell Financial Group (“Bankwell”) to purchase the office building owned by Bankwell located at 220 Elm Street in New Canaan for $6.1 million.

First Selectman Moynihan also stated that, subject to Board of Education approval, the New Canaan School District’s administrative offices and the NCPS Launch and alternative programs currently occupying rental space at 39 Locust Avenue in New Canaan will be relocated to approximately 54% of the 220 Elm Street building by December 2022.  The other 46% of the building will be sold to two private investors as condominium office units.  The net purchase cost of the space for the School District is about $2 million, which will be bonded over 20 years at currently very low municipal bond interest rates.

Since the 220 Elm Street building was constructed in 2001, the Town of New Canaan has owned the land under the building and the building is currently subject to a 99-year ground lease.  The building tenants are also entitled to parking spaces on adjacent Town-owned land and in the adjacent Lumberyard parking lot owned by the Town.  As part of the purchase of the building, which is planned to close before December 31^st, the ground lease will be ended and the land will become owned by the three condominium owners with undivided ownership interests.

First Selectman Moynihan commented:  “The purchase of the 220 Elm Street space for the Board of Education and School District presents a once in a generation opportunity to return to ownership of space for an essential local governmental function.  The economics of owning versus renting for the BOE’s needs are compelling, and we are very happy to be able to acquire from Bankwell a property that the bank no longer needs.  We thank Bankwell for working with the Town for many months to achieve this mutually beneficial transaction.”

Superintendent Bryan Luizzi commented: “This is our 30^th year at 39 Locust Avenue, and while we’ve been very happy with and grateful for our landlord and the service provided by Plaza Realty, we are excited by this opportunity to adapt the space at 220 Elm Street to meet the needs of our school district offices and programs.  I want to thank First Selectman Moynihan for his vision and persistence.  This plan is a long-term solution that supports the Board of Education as well as the students, staff, and families involved with our Launch and alternative programs.  We look forward to continuing our partnership as we work through the next phases of this exciting move.”

For further information, contact Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer, 203-594-3024 or by email to Lunda.Asmani@newcanaanct.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 28, 2021

PUBLIC FORUM ON PANDEMIC RECOVERY FOR NEW CANAAN MONDAY JULY 12^th

New Canaan Tourism & Economic Development Advisory Committee (TEDAC), in conjunction with the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce and the New Canaan Community Foundation, will sponsor a public forum on Monday July 12, 2021 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm with an emphasis on non-profit organizations and local business to discuss the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be received by the Town.  This hybrid meeting will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Room with Zoom access.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides both state and local funds for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and states in part, “Funds may be used:

• To respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality;
• For the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to the COVID–19 public health emergency relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year prior to the emergency; and
• To make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.”

The Town of New Canaan expects to receive approximately $6 million in ARPA funds in two allocations – June 2021 and June 2022.  Dollars must be allocated to qualifying expenditures by December 31, 2024.  Some funds will go toward government spending for which the Town governing bodies will hold public hearings in the fall.  Some funds may go toward local economic development to support local non-profit agencies and local businesses.

The purpose of the forum will be to act as an information session to assess local needs and to help identify ideas for investment in the community.

Please note that this is the beginning of the process to assess local need, and will not be the only opportunity for input.  Decisions regarding allocating the funds will not be made for several months.

For further information, please contact Tucker Murphy, 203-594-3002, tucker.murphy@newcanaanct.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 3, 2021

TOWN HALL FULLY REOPENS

Town Hall and Other Town Buildings

With COVID -19 restrictions no longer in effect, Town Hall and other Town buildings have fully reopened to the public.  This applies to all Town buildings including Town Hall Annex (Human Services Department), Waveny House (Recreation Department), Lapham Community Center and Vine Cottage (Health Department). No masks are required for anyone fully vaccinated but are still required if you have not been vaccinated.  If you feel ill or have any COVID-19 symptoms, please do not enter but call the Department you need to arrange a remote meeting.

Summer Hours

Town Hall will operate on summer hours of operation (7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) from June 2 to September 3 (Labor Day).

Online Services

For the convenience of the public, many tasks can be performed online or by mail. This includes paying property taxes and sewer fees, getting dog licenses, obtaining Transfer Station passes and Parking permits, reserving Mead Park and High School tennis courts and Waveny Platform Tennis courts, reviewing Town Clerk and Assessor records, applying for building permits, registering to vote and obtaining police reports (ncpdrecords@newcanaanct.gov).  For more information, please go to the Town website, www.newcanaan.info and click on the Online Services box.

Public Meetings

Public in-person meetings for all Town boards, commissions and committees are expected to resume after July 1^st. Some boards and commissions may continue to be in a hybrid format with Zoom.  Information regarding specific meetings, including any login information, can be obtained on the Town website by clicking on the Agenda and Minutes box or Town Calendar.

For more information please contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 3, 2021

The New Canaan Recreation Department, in co-sponsorship with local New Canaan merchants, will provide free, open-air music concerts on the lawn and patio behind Waveny House this summer. The concerts will feature a variety of musical groups many of whom are from the Fairfield County area.

All of the concerts are open to New Canaan residents and their guests free of charge.  Concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. until about 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday evening beginning June 23rd. Concert rain dates are the next day (Thursday).

Concert goers are welcome to bring a cold picnic supper to the park and enjoy the music. In the event of inclement weather, call 203-594-3610 for concert cancelation information.

For more information, including the scheduled music group names, go to www.newcanaan.info, click on Departments, Recreation then Special Events.

For further information, please contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 3, 2021

Update on Commuter Parking Renewals and Changes Regarding Downtown Parking Lots – updated June 3, 2021

At its meeting on June 1, 2021, the Board of Selectmen took action on the following recommendations from the Parking Commission:

Commuter Parking Permit Renewals:

The Board of Selectmen approved the recommendation from the Parking Commission that commuter permit renewals will become effective on September 1, 2021 and going forward, renewals will continue to take place annually on September 1st.  In addition, a commuter who chooses not to renew a permit may remain on a priority list for two years during which time their permit may be reinstated in their assigned lot.

Parking enforcement in the commuter permit lots and daily spaces in the New Canaan train station lot and Talmadge Hill lot as well as the Boxcar spaces at the Talmadge Hill lot will resume on September 1, 2021. 

Boxcar spaces at St. Aloysius Church and Walgreens will continue to require payment.

For questions, please contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001

For Immediate Release:  May 20, 2021

Update on Commuter Parking Renewals and Changes Regarding Downtown Parking Lots

At its meeting on May 18, 2021, the Board of Selectmen took action on several recommendations from the Parking Commission:

Commuter Parking Permit Renewals:

The Board of Selectmen deferred action on setting a date for commuter parking permit renewals. In March, the Selectmen decided that commuter permit renewals and metered parking enforcement would be effective on July 1, 2021, subject to possible reconsideration based on COVID conditions.  The Parking Commission has recommended that renewals be deferred to September 1, 2021. However, since it is still not clear when Metro North train schedules will return to normal and when large numbers of commuters will return to commuting on New Canaan branch line trains, the Selectmen will revisit this decision at its next meeting scheduled for June 1, 2021.

Saturday Enforcement of Park Street and Playhouse Parking Lots:

The Board of Selectmen approved the Parking Commission’s recommendation that metered parking be charged on Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm in the Park Street and Playhouse parking lots beginning on July 1, 2021, as is currently the case with the Morse Court lot. The reason for this change is to enable enforcement of the requirement that town workers who have free permits to park in the Center School and Locust Avenue lots Monday through Friday also park in those lots on Saturdays, and not to park in the Park Street and Playhouse lots which are intended for shoppers and restaurant patrons.

Additional Electric Vehicle Charging Stations:

The Board of Selectmen approved the Parking Commission’s recommendation to add an additional EV charging station at the Morse Court parking lot next to the existing charging station, and, in addition, that a new EV charging station be installed behind the Town Hall Annex.

PayByPhone Added to Downtown Parking Lots:

In addition, the Town has implemented the mobile payment app PayByPhone in all downtown parking lots.  PayByPhone is an easy-to-use mobile, contactless parking payment option.  Residents who park in one of the downtown lots may enter the space number, license plate number and the amount of time to be purchased. The app which is easily downloaded through the Apple Store or Google Play.  Each downtown lot has its own PayByPhone location number to be entered into the app.  To use PayByPhone, just create an account and enter the information required. (Carrier rates may apply.)

For further information, please contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 13, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 12, 2021

NEW CANAAN MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND CEREMONY

The Town of New Canaan and the Howard M. Bossa and Peter C. Langenus Post 653 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States are pleased to announce plans for a traditional New Canaan Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 31st, and Memorial Day Ceremony following the parade at Lakeview Cemetery.

Each year we gather to remember with gratitude and honor the proud men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces to protect and preserve a life of freedom for all Americans.

All residents are invited to attend the parade and ceremony. The line of march will be published and posted on Thursday, May 27th.

The Grand Marshals for the parade will be Boy Scouts Jack Goetz, Ryan Krolikowski, Henry Pohle and Andrew Wilson, who led the Veterans Banner Project in 2019. The VFW Honored Unit will be New Canaan Health Director Jenifer Eielson and her Health Department team, Town Medical Director Dr. David Reed and Schools Medical Director Dr. Harrison Pierce. The Parade will start at 9:30 a.m. at the traditional start in the St. Mark’s Church parking lot on Oenoke Ridge Road. Due to construction activity by Aquarion on lower Main Street, the Parade route will change this year.

After proceeding down Oenoke Ridge to upper Main Street, past the Wayside Cross and past the Firehouse and Town Hall, the parade route will turn right onto Cherry Street and then left onto South Avenue. The route will continue down South Avenue to Harrison Avenue, then left onto Harrison until arriving at the entrance of Lakeview Cemetery where parade marchers can
disperse either North or South on lower Main Street. (Note: No street parking will be allowed on Harrison Avenue from 8:00 am until the parade finishes.)

Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, parade marchers and parade watchers should wear masks when social distancing cannot be maintained among marchers in the parade or among parade watchers along the parade route.

The Memorial Ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery after the parade will be conducted under the direction of Post 653 VFW Commander Mike McGlinn. The Town of New Canaan’s Chief Buildings Official Brian Platz, a United States Marine Corps veteran, will be speaker for the ceremony. Rev. Fr. Rob Kinnally, pastor of St. Aloysius R.C. Church will give the Invocation and Benediction.

In the event of heavy rain, a parade cancelation notice will be posted on the Town website at www.newcanaan.info. In the event of parade cancelation, a Memorial Ceremony will be conducted at Town Hall at 10:00 am, but due to COVID limitations there will be very limited public seating.

Memorial poppies will be available for any donation made to New Canaan VFW Post 653 the weekend before Memorial Day at several New Canaan businesses (ACME, Dunkin Donuts and Walter Stewart’s Market). Post 653 uses fundraising proceeds to pay for flags and wreaths that are laid on Memorial Day and during the Christmas season on veterans’ graves at Lakeview and other cemeteries in New Canaan.

For questions or further information, contact: Pam Flynn, First Selectman’s Office, 203-594-3087 or Pam.Flynn@newcanaanct.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 10, 2021

GAS INSTALLATION BEGINNING DOWNTOWN

Eversource is expanding the natural gas distribution system in New Canaan in the area of Main Street between East Avenue and Locust Avenue and on Locust Avenue between Main Street and Forest Street.  This work is tentatively set to start the week of May 16, 2021, and will continue through approximately June 18, 2021.

All Eversource employees, contractors and field representatives carry identification which they will share upon request.  The gas installation work is weather-dependent and construction activities are subject to change. Advance traffic warning signs and police detail will be placed to afford a safe commute through or near the work zones. Construction activities will be done during the day and night at the following areas: 

Questions regarding this project can be directed to Tiger Mann, Director of Public Works, tiger.mann@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3056.

DRY HYDRANTS-New Canaan Fire Marshal May 2021

The town has added another dry hydrant at 795 West Rd. at the West Road Bridge to its inventory, bringing our total to 44 dry hydrants. Adequate and readily available water supply is a critical function of firefighting. Only about 30 percent of New Canaan is protected by municipal water supply (traditional fire hydrants). The remainder of town relies on cisterns and dry hydrants like this one on West Road.

A dry hydrant is a pipe that is installed underground, into a pond or other body of water, like a large straw, that fire pumper trucks can hook up to and draft or “suck” water for firefighting purposes. Having a dry hydrant makes accessing the water easier and, most critically, quicker especially in the winter time when ponds and rivers may be frozen and access difficult.

There are some dry hydrants and cisterns (buried tanks) spotted throughout our town however there are still many areas with no readily available water source. The key phrase is “readily available”. There are many ponds, streams and swimming pools in New Canaan however getting a fire truck close enough to effectively use them is usually difficult, time consuming and ineffective when every second counts.

Options are however available to New Canaan residents: One option is to install a fire department connection into your swimming pool when it is built. This option is not always feasible due to equipment limitations or differences in elevations. When everything works out this is a very attractive possibility.

A second option is to install a dry hydrant into a pond or stream (one that flows year round). Again this has limitations since a fire truck needs to be able to pull up next to the hydrant in all types of weather so “off roading” to gain access is out of the question.

Another option is to add a cistern to your property. A large underground tank, minimally 10,000 gallons with the same piping as other dry hydrants to access the water.

Whatever the solution, having a nearby water source is critical to effective firefighting operations. The dry hydrant can save property owners significantly on their homeowners insurance which can help pay for the hydrant.

Residents interested in discussing water supply for their neighborhoods should please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-594-3030.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  APRIL 12, 2021

2021 Clean Your Mile is BACK!

After a year off due to Covid, we need your help once again to beautify our Town, Parks, schools and neighborhoods!  The Town of New Canaan, is joining forces with the Chamber of Commerce for the 2021 Clean Your Mile.  For the last several years, the Clean Your Mile effort has included three key components: New Canaan citizens individually tackling neighborhoods; community groups scouring public spaces including parks and schools; and the Chamber's efforts with merchants to clean up sidewalks, storage areas and parking spaces surrounding the shops and restaurants in the downtown village district. 

Clean Your Mile is scheduled for the week of April 18-April 24 but you are welcome to participate anytime!  Individual volunteers and members of numerous community organizations help give New Canaan its annual spring cleaning, beautifying our Town and environment. Youth Groups and Civic organizations are asked to clean the Parks, parking lots, schools and public areas where they have volunteered in previous years.  We welcome families to organize neighborhood teams to clean up roadside trash on their street.  Also, while you are in the Parks, don’t be shy about tossing downed tree limbs off walking trails.  All help is appreciated. 

Please note that upon completion of neighborhood CYM collection, volunteers are asked to notify the Highway Department with the location of bags for pick up by calling 203-594-3704.  Volunteers are asked to secure bags and place on grassy shoulder and not along roadways.

Garbage bags are available for pick up at the Town Hall-Public Works Department or Inland Wetlands.  Dumpsters will be located in the train station commuter lot Friday-Sunday.  Remember to follow recommended Covid safety protocols regarding wearing masks, social distancing and sanitizing hands.

For further information contact Kristi Ready, 203-594-3090, Kristine.Ready@newcanaanct.gov

4/12/2021

Burning Permits

Recent issues regarding open burning and burning permits have raised questions regarding this practice in New Canaan.  Open burning regulations for Connecticut are administrated by the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Air Quality Division with permits issued by the local Fire Department.

Following is a list of tips to help keep us all safe when burning:

• Burning permits are required when burning.  Permits are issued by the Fire Department at 60 Main Street only on the day you wish to burn. A phone call to the Fire Department on the morning of the day you wish to burn might save you a trip if a burning permit would not be issued for that day. 203-594-3140
  
  
• Only brush and tree branches, up to three inches in diameter may be burned.  No leaves, trash or construction/demolition materials may be burned.
  
  
• Burning will not be permitted when the burn danger is “high” or “extreme” and/or high wind days.  Burning also will not be permitted when the air quality index is high according to DEEP.
  
  
• Permits are not required for small camp or cooking fires.
  
  
• Burning in a drum or other container is still considered “open burning” requiring a permit.
  
  
• Burn pile must be well away from structures and loose combustibles and a garden hose must be kept at the ready. The area surrounding the burn pile must be soaked down prior to burning.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2021

Homeland Towers, LLC will perform a balloon test at 1837 Ponus Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT (the “site”), in connection with a proposed 110’ wireless communications facility (the “Facility”) at the Site.

The Facility is proposed to include (1) one monopole with carrier panel antennas and public safety equipment thereon, together with related equipment located within a secure fenced area at the base thereof. The monopole will be designed to resemble a tree.The balloon test will be conducted on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 at the Site, or in case of inclement or windy weather, each consecutive weekday thereafter until the balloon test is completed.

The balloon test will commence at approximately 8:00 am and continue for approximately 8 hours weather permitting.

For questions, please contact Mimi Pitt, 203-594-3001, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES FY2021 BUDGET OF $154.51 MILLION -- INCREASE OF 0.48%, ESTIMATED MILL RATE DECLINE OF 0.2%

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 1, 2021

The Town Council on March 31, 2021 approved a Total Expenditure Budget of $154.51 million for fiscal year 2021-22, representing an increase of 0.48% over the current fiscal year’s adjusted budget expenditure of $153.77 million. 

The Total Expenditure Budget includes Board of Education operating expenses of $83.33 million (up 2.72 %) and Board of Education transfers to the Health Internal Service Fund expenses of $8.94 million (down 8.36 %) for a combined Board of Education expense budget of $92.27 (up 1.53 %). In addition to these Board of Education expenses, the budget also includes $9.05 million of other Board of Education expenses paid by the Town. Town department operational expenses were $29.30 million (up 2.57%). Other budget items include a combined Town and Board of Education debt service of $16.99 million (up 3.76 %) and tax-funded capital projects of $1.73 million (down 22.53 %). To fund this budget, the amount to be raised from taxation is $139.84, (up 0.61%).

“With this budget our schools get a 2.72% increase in their operations budget, and they’ll continue to be the #1 public school system in Connecticut. As was the case in fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021 where the Town provided a combined $1.94 million in special appropriation to meet Board of Education COVID-19 related expenses, the Board of Finance and Town Council is committed to doing the same in fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2022. This approved budget is estimated to slightly lower the tax rate and keeps the amount to be raised from taxation below 1%.” said Town Council Chairman John Engel.

The Town Council’s budget takes into account the Town Assessor’s reported 2020 Grand List increase of 0.85% to $7.80 billion from the 2019 Grand List of $7.73 billion. This Grand List combined with a $5.6 million fund balance draw down will result in projected reduction of the mill rate from the current 18.164 to an estimated 18.120 (down 0.24%). The final mill rate to be set by the Board of Finance on April 13, 2021. 

Attached is the Town Council FY 2021-2022 Budget Summary showing further details of Town Department and Board of Education (BOE) year-over-year budget changes.

For further information, contact:  Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer, 203-594-3024.

Moody's Investors Service assigned a “Aaa” rating to New Canaan’s 2021 General Obligation Bonds and maintained the “Aaa” on the Town's outstanding general obligation debt with a stable outlook. This is the highest possible rating by Moody’s Investors Service. The Town’s recent $10.3 million offering, consisting of $5.1 million of refunding bonds and $5.2 million of new money bonds to fund various Town and Board of Education capital projects.

According to Moody’s credit opinion, “the Aaa rating reflects the Town's large tax base with exceptionally strong income and wealth levels, healthy financial position following several years of operating surpluses and manageable long-term liabilities. The coronavirus pandemic will have a limited impact on the Town's credit quality given a reliance on stable property taxes and very strong tax collection rates. The stable outlook reflects the expectation that the Town's financial position will remain healthy due to strong management, stable revenues supported by strong property tax collections and low fixed costs.” The report also noted the Town’s good financial practices, strong budgetary flexibility and performance, strong institutional framework, liquidity, debt and liability profile, as assets.

“We are very pleased that the Town has once again achieved the highest credit rating, this affirms the Town’s commitment to strong financial and budget practices and history of prudent financial stewardship.” said Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer.

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said “The Town is very pleased to have Moody’s reaffirm its Aaa rating of New Canaan’s credit which enables the Town to benefit from historically very low interest rates, thereby saving our taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual debt service expense. The Town is taking advantage of low interest rates to save approximately $242,000 in debt service expense over the remaining 10 years of refunded bonds.

For further information, contact: Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer, 203-594-3024.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 31, 2021

Town of New Canaan Receives the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from GFOA

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Town of New Canaan the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its FY2021 Budget documents.

In order to receive the budget award, the Town had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. The guidelines are designed to assess how well the budget serves as:

• a policy document
• a financial plan
• am operations guide
• a communication device

Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other entities and throughout North America and Canada.

The Finance Department has worked diligently with all Town bodies to meet the performance challenges of responsible and responsive financial reporting.

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said:

“The receipt of this GFOA award represents a significant achievement by the town and reflects the commitment of all of our town bodies – Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, Town Council and Audit Committee – as well as our town Finance Department to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. CFO Lunda Asmani leads a strong team to manage finances well for New Canaan taxpayers. We thank him and his staff for their hard work, dedication and achievement on behalf of our town.”

The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.  It is headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, D.C.

Town of New Canaan financial documents can be found on the Department of Finance page of the Town’s website, www.newcanaanct.info.

For more information contact:
Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer
Phone:  (203) 594-3024
Email:  lunda.asmani@newcanaanct.gov

For immediate release on: March 29, 2021

Recreation Summer Facility Permits Available Online on April 5^th

On April 5, 2021, the New Canaan Recreation Department will begin online sales of seasonal passes for the Waveny Swimming Pool, Kiwanis Park, and Mead Park Tennis Courts.  These permits are for New Canaan residents only.  No rush to purchase is necessary as an unlimited number of passes will be available online.  Due to COVID-19, in-person permits will not be available. 

Current clientele can go to the Town website, www.newcanaanct.gov, click on Departments, Recreation and then Facilities & Parks.  You can then click on Waveny Swimming Pool and/or Mead Park Tennis Courts to complete the registration with your existing username and password. The Recreation Staff will be available to assist new residents and those who have forgotten their login information and can be contacted at 203-594-3600.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 25, 2021

STATE ROADWORK WILL REQUIRE DETOUR ON ROUTE 123 BEGINNING ON APRIL 12, 2021

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the replacement of a culvert under Route 123 (Smith Ridge Road) that will require detour of traffic northbound and southbound for 21 days from April 12 to May 12, 2021.  The project is located about 1.1 miles north of the intersection of Route 123 (Smith Ridge Road) and Route 106 (Silvermine Road) between the New Canaan Field Club and 183 Smith Ridge Road. The project is approximately 200 feet in length as measured along Route 123.

The majority of the work is to be completed within a 21 consecutive calendar day window with a traffic detour in which Route 123 will be closed and vehicular traffic detoured onto town roads. However, due to noise restrictions, the Contractor may only perform construction activities from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM for the entire project.  The detour is currently scheduled to start April 12, 2021 and will end May 2, 2021.

LANE CLOSURE INFO:  

Route 123 – Northbound and Southbound from Canoe Hill Road to Silvermine Road:

• Will be closed for 21 days and vehicular traffic will be detoured onto town roads, from April 12, 2021 to May 2, 2021.
• The Northbound traffic will be detoured to Silvermine Road and the Southbound traffic will be detoured to Canoe Hill Road.
• There will be directional signs installed to guide motorists through the detour.

Outside the time frame of the full roadway closure, the public can expect single lane closures and alternating one-way traffic on Route 123 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM from March 23, 2021, until the expected contract completion date of May 20, 2021.

For further information, please contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov; 203-594-3001

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 5, 2021

BOARD OF FINANCE APPROVES FY2020 BUDGET OF $154.51 MILLION -- INCREASE OF 0.48%

The Board of Finance yesterday approved a Total Expenditure Budget of $154.51 million for fiscal year 2022, representing an increase of 0.48% over adjusted fiscal year 2021 of $153.77 million.

The Board of Finance’s budget recommendation now goes to the Town Council which may accept, reduce or reject the Board of Finance budget recommendation. The Town Council will hear from Departments and after an official notice will hold a public hearing on the budget on March 25, 2021. The Town Council will approve the final budget on March 31, 2021.

The Total Expenditure Budget includes Board of Education operating expenses of $83.33 million (up 2.72 %) and Board of Education transfers to the Health Internal Service Fund expenses of $8.94 million (down 8.36 %) for a combined Board of Education expense budget of

$92.27 (up 1.53 %). In addition to these Board of Education expenses, the budget also includes

$9.05 million of other Board of Education expenses paid by the Town. As was the case in fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021 where the Town provided a combined $1.94 million in special appropriation to meet Board of Education COVID-19 related expenses, the Board of Finance is committed to doing the same in fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2022, once the exact costs are known. This special appropriation will be funded by the Town’s reserves rather than levying taxes to fund these expenses. In total, the Board of Finance approved $101 million for the Board of Education for FY 2022.

Town department operational expenses were $29.30 million (up 2.57%). Other budget items include a combined Town and Board of Education debt service of $16.99 million (up 3.76

%) and tax-funded capital projects of $1.73 million (down 22.53 %). To fund this budget, the amount to be raised from taxation is $139.84, (up 0.61%).

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said: “Our Board of Finance worked determinedly and thoughtfully to fashion a budget plan this year that meets all of our town and school needs while managing through the uncertainties of the Covid environment. I want to thank Chairman Todd Lavieri and all the members of the Board for their hours of volunteer time and wise counsel on building a budget that will keep our tax mill rate flat. I also want to thank our town Department heads and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bryan Luizzi and his team for their hard work and a very collaborative budget process.”

“All the departments really did a great job to get us to where we are. We were able to meet all the necessary operating and capital needs that were requested,” added Board of Finance Chairman Todd Lavieri. “This budget fully funds the board of education’s operating spending requests for teachers, administration, aides, health expenses, buses, sports, arts and the rest. We plan to fully fund by, special appropriation from reserves, all COVID-related operational and health expenses once the details become clearer. Those items have been deferred, not cut, at this time. Through careful spending and planning, we have funded our schools, important social programs, the police, emergency, and fire budgets, while keeping taxes flat for the fourth year in a row,” added Lavieri.

The Board of Finance’s budget takes into account the Town Assessor’s reported 2020 Grand List (before the after the Board of Assessment appeals) increase of 0.94% to $7.81 billion from the 2019 net Grand List (after the Board of Assessment appeals) of $7.73 billion.

Attached is a summary of the Board of Finance FY 21-22 Recommended Budget. The full Board of Finance Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets for FY 2021-22 can be found at the Finance Department homepage at www.newcanaan.info/Departments/Finance.

For further information, contact:  Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer, 203-594-3024.

Board of Finance FY21-22 Budget Summary - Click Here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 24, 2021

AT&T Wireless Plans to Co-locate on Proposed New Public Safety/Cell Tower in Northwest Section of New Canaan

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan today announced that AT&T Wireless has notified him that it will join with the Town of New Canaan in seeking approval from the Connecticut Siting Council for a proposed new public safety/cell tower on upper Ponus Ridge Road in the Northwest section of New Canaan.

With the support of Homeland Towers LLC, of Danbury, CT, which is New Canaan’s chosen partner in expanding and improving cellular phone coverage in New Canaan, the Town of New Canaan plans to help construct a tower for both public safety radio antennas (Police, Fire and EMS) and mobile telephone carriers starting with AT&T Wireless.

The proposed public safety/cell tower will be constructed on private residential property at 1837 Ponus Ridge Road, just North of Dan’s Highway on the East side of Ponus Ridge and opposite the Laurel Reservoir.

For years the Town of New Canaan has sought a permanent solution to the need for public safety radio antennas in the Northwest section of town where first responders’ mobile radios did not receive dependable reception. The proposed tower at 1837 Ponus Ridge Road will provide this permanent solution for public safety radio reception for first responders and will also greatly improve mobile phone service for both New Canaan residents and North Stamford residents in the area.

On February 9, 2021, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to approve a Communications License Agreement with Homeland Towers and a related agreement with 1837 LLC, the owner of the 5.16 acre residential property at 1837 Ponus Ridge Road, in order to advance the proposed public safety/cell tower.

First Selectman Moynihan said: “I am very pleased to be able to announce the proposed new public safety/cell tower along with Homeland Towers and to receive the news that AT&T Wireless will co-locate on the tower in order to bring the tower forward in the near future to the CT Siting Council.”

Moynihan added:  “After having successfully obtained Siting Council approval for the planned tower on Soundview Lane in the Northeast section of New Canaan last October, the addition of this new proposed tower to serve our first responders and residents in the Northwest section of town now allows us to turn our focus to additional new towers in the West and Center sections of town where improved cell coverage is badly needed.”

Ray Vergati of Homeland Towers said: “Carriers and emergency first responders have long recognized the need for reliable service in this area of New Canaan and Stamford.  We look forward to the opportunity to work with AT&T and the Town of New Canaan on a project of such importance to the community.”

Homeland Towers is expected to file an application with the Connecticut Siting Council that oversees telecom towers.  The CSC process is expected to take six to nine months before a decision is rendered.

For further information, please contact:  Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 4, 2021

To the Board of Finance and Town Council:

 On January 28, 2021, the Board of Selectmen approved a total expenditure budget of

$157.68 million for FY21-22. This expenditure budget includes budgets for Town Departments, the Board of Education, Debt Service, Tax-Supported Capital Projects, and Contingency. It represents a 2.54% increase in proposed expenditures over the Revised FY20-21 budget.

The Selectmen’s Budget is the result of a thorough review of departmental expenditures requests and revenue projections, the Superintendent’s Budget approved by the Board of Education on January 25, 2021, and consideration by the Board of Selectmen at three separate meetings on January 19, 26, and 28, 2021.

The Selectmen’s Budget reflects the commitment of department managers to hold the line on spending while maintaining services to Town residents. The presence of COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on businesses and individuals in our community. It has required extraordinary efforts by us all to limit the pandemic’s reach.  FY19-20 and FY20-21 saw declining revenues, particularly in parking fees, recreation programs, and building permits, as well as unusual expenditure trends, particularly for the Board of Education and the Town’s self- insured employee health benefits. Those impacts affect the ability to effectively analyze trends.

Budget Summary

 A summary of the Selectmen’s Budget is attached.

Revenues

The Selectmen’s Budget includes budgeted revenues of $150.82 million, with $142.22 million to be raised by taxation.

The Selectmen’s Budget includes level funding of all State grants and appropriations. Despite the State of Connecticut needing to close a shortfall in revenues, the Governor has stated that he would not propose cuts to municipal aid to make up the State’s revenue shortfall. Town Aid Road and the Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) revenues continue to be budgeted in the Capital Projects budget to offset the amount to be bonded.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, annual parking permits for commuter lots, metered parking, and parking enforcement were suspended for most of 2020. Although the proposed FY21-22 parking revenue budget is $204,500 below FY20-21, parking revenue will continue to be reviewed and additional adjustments may be made throughout the budget process up until budget approval.

Expenditures

The Selectmen’s Budget includes Total Expenditures of $157.68 million comprised of:

The Town continues to make significant investments toward education. Of the $3.91 million FY21-22 budget increase, $3.02 million is for the Board of Education. The Board of Education increases are largely attributed to projected expenses in order to effectively respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Other items in the Selectmen’s Budget include:

The Selectmen’s Budget includes a career Assistant Fire Chief position with funding for half a year at $60,656 and a potential start of January 2022. This new full-time Assistant Chief position will help the Fire Chief manage the operations of the fire department.

The Land Use Department budget includes $30,000 to develop an Affordable Housing Plan in accordance with Connecticut General Statute (CGS 8-30j) that mandates all 169 municipalities in Connecticut prepare, amend, or adopt an affordable housing plan for the municipality.

The Selectmen added an additional $10,465 to the New Canaan Emergency Medical Service budget request, increasing the total appropriation to $564,087, a 2% increase over the FY20-21 budget of $553,026.

The Selectmen provided an additional $12,000 for the Kids in Crisis program, increasing the total appropriation to $70,000. A detailed line item budget of General Fund revenues and expenditures is included with this transmittal letter.

Capital Budgets

Given the BOF Debt Management Committee’s guidance on debt management, projects costing less than $50,000 are budgeted to be paid from current taxation.  The Selectmen’s

FY21-22 Capital Budget of $26.74 million includes $20.79 million of Town capital requests and

$5.95 million of Board of Education capital requests.

The Selectmen’s FY21-22 Capital Budget reflects the requests of the Town Departments (guided in part by the Facility Dude Report for buildings) and the Board of Education capital requests, as well as our Bond Counsel’s review of the proposed capital projects for bonding eligibility. The Town capital requests include $7.5 million toward a Police Station renovation or a new building, $3.0 million toward a Library building grant, $2.0 million toward a bridge at Collins Pond, and a $2.4 million for the Pavement Management Program. The Board of Education capital requests include $3.5 million toward the High School roof replacement and

$0.68 million toward various parking lot improvements.

Of the $1.81 million FY21-22 tax-funded capital projects, $1.23 million is for Town projects and $0.58 million is for Board of Education projects. The $1.81 million tax-funded capital budget is 18.6% lower than the prior year’s $2.23 million appropriation.

There is $1.54 million in grants and other sources that will be applied toward capital projects to offset bonding requirements. These include annual LoCIP and Town Aid Road grants and the State’s funding for bridge construction projects.

The balance of $23.40 million is to be bonded, of this $18.03 million is for Town projects and $5.37 million is for Board of Education projects. A detailed project listing of the 5-Year Capital Budgets is attached.

Debt Service

Total FY21-22 Debt Service of $17.62 million is up by 3.7% from the FY20-21 total of

$16.99 million. The total debt service to be paid includes $9.70 million for Town projects and

$7.91 million for Board of Education projects which includes $0.63 million for BOE IT leases.

Contingency

Contingency is budgeted at $675,000 and includes $375,000 in salary contingencies.

There are currently three collective bargaining agreements that expire June 30, 2021 which will be negotiated for FY21-22 and subsequent years. The salary contingency will provide for possible outcome of these negotiations. Other unknown and unanticipated expenses are budgeted in contingency for $300,000. The Selectmen believe that the latter amount is appropriate in view of the size of the total budget and the tightness of the department managers’ budget requests.

Full Funding of Town Pension Plan and Substantial Funding to OPEB Trust

The Board of Selectmen’s Budget includes full funding of the actuarially determined employer contribution (ADEC) of $1.65 million to the Pension Fund even though it is currently funded as of July 1, 2020 at 105.3%. In addition, a contribution of $0.28 million is budgeted to fully fund the OPEB Trust ADEC, a reduction as a result of lower than expected premium increases, favorable census experience, and removal of the Cadillac tax. It is noted that the OPEB Trust is 67.8% funded as of July 1, 2020, which is substantially higher than most other towns and cities in Connecticut.

Contribution from Fund Balance

The Board of Selectmen’s Budget includes Contribution from Fund Balance of $6.85 million as suggested in the Board of Finance Guidance budget model. The FY20-21 approved budget included $4.50 million in fund balance drawdown. An additional $1.5 million special appropriation was approved in September 2020 to address BOE COVID expenses which brought the revised FY20-21 fund balance drawn down to $6.0 million.  The General Fund balance at June 30, 2020 was $34.90 million of which $27.67 million is unassigned. The projected General Fund ending balance on June 30, 2021 is approximately $25.0 million

Grand List

The Town Assessor reported on January 28, 2021 that the Grand List as of October 1, 2020 totaled $7.81 billion, an increase of 0.94% from the 2019 Grand List of $7.73 billion. This will require $142.22 million to be raised from taxation at the current revenue, expenditure, fund balance draw down, and collection rate assumptions. Appeals to the Board of Assessment Appeals during March could reduce the 2020 Grand List in time for the final mill rate calculation to be made by the Board of Finance in April.

Selectmen Recommendations for Board of Finance Review

It is recommended that the Board of Finance review the following budget issues:

1. BOE Internal Service Funds Transfers: The FY21-22 BOE transfer to its internal service fund is $11.19 million, 14.6% higher than the FY20-21 budget of $9.76 million. The Board of Finance should consider combining the Town and BOE internal service fund into a combined internal service fund to mitigate annual budget
   
   
2. Health Insurance Expenses: Further consideration of opportunities to improve cost efficiencies through combined services for the Town and BOE health insurance such as the costs of pharmaceutical
   
   
3. BOE COVID-19 Expenses: Consider budgeting for FY21-22 Board of Education COVID expenses through special appropriation during FY21-22 rather than taxing for these yet to be known expenses as part of the proposed FY21-22
   
   
4. Special Revenue Funds: Review ending balances in the Special Revenue Funds and consider transferring excess fund balances into the FY21-22 General Fund to provide additional funds to provide property tax
   
   
5. Budgeted Tax Collection Rate: Consider increasing the budgeted collection rate from 98.5% to 99.0% to be more in line with the Town’s high 99.4% average collection rate. The Audit Committee supports this
   
   
6. BOE Major Capital Projects: Consider including major Board of Education capital projects (above $200,000) in th e Town's capital budget so that DPW engineers oversee all large capital projects and develop a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the Board of Education regarding budgetary control and management of such major capital

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin J. Moynihan, First Selectman

Cc: Kathleen A. Corbet, Selectman Nick  Williams, Selectman

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 29, 2021

BOARD OF SELECTMEN APPROVES FY 2021-2022 BUDGET OF $157.7 MILLION – AN INCREASE OF 2.54% OVER CURRENT FISCAL YEAR

The Board of Selectmen yesterday approved a Total Expenditure Budget of $157.68 million for fiscal year 2021-22, representing an increase of 2.54% over the fiscal year 2021 budget (revised).

The Selectmen’s budget recommendation now goes to the Board of Finance for review during February, and a Board of Finance budget recommendation will then go to the Town Council by March 4th. The Town Council may accept, reduce or reject the Finance Board’s budget recommendation at a Budget Meeting scheduled for March 31st.

The Total Expenditure Budget includes Town Department operations expense of $29.25 million (up 2.39 %), Board of Education operating expenses of $95.42 (up 3.25%), debt service of $17.62 million (up 3.67%), and tax-supported capital projects of $1.81 million (down 18.60%).

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan commented: “Fiscal Year 2022 budget preparation has been especially challenging this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance have been very supportive of the School District’s needs throughout the pandemic and the Town is very appreciative of the Superintendent’s accomplishments in keeping the schools open with in-person learning to the greatest extent possible. We look forward to working through the rest of the budget season to produce a very lean 2022 fiscal year budget under the circumstances.”

The First Selectman noted that the Town Assessor has reported that the Town’s 2020 Grand List increased by 0.94% to $7.81 billion from the 2019 Grand List of $7.73 billion.

For further information, contact:  Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer, 203-594-3024.

January 8, 2021- Press Release

The New Canaan Fire Department in conjunction with the Fire Marshal is embarking on an initiative to make certain that all buildings are appropriately marked with their address number. Emergency responders, Fire, Police and EMS, have the difficult task of locating an address in a critical situation; one that may mean the difference between life and death.

In this regard it is imperative that street numbers must be displayed and visible to the street according to the Town Code. Numbers should ideally be 4 inches high with good color contrast. It is recommended by the Fire Department that both front and rear entry and exit doors be marked on commercial properties.

There are specific definitions for businesses, condominiums, shared driveways and private homes more than 50 feet from the road and/or not clearly visible. The section of the Town code that refers to street numbering is on our website at www.newcanaan.info/public_safety/Fire_Marshal.php.

If you have any additional questions regarding fire safety or need assistance marking your building, please call the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-594-3030.

Fire Marshal
Town Of New Canaan

January 6, 2021 - Press Release

Taking Down Christmas Trees

Taking down the Christmas tree isn’t nearly as much fun as putting it up. But the longer a tree stays up, the greater a fire hazard it becomes. All Christmas trees can burn, but a dried-out tree can become engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds. In a year where many people began decorating their homes earlier than usual, trees have been in homes longer than usual, presenting an increased risk of fire as the days go by.

1. When Christmas is over or the tree begins to drop needles, dispose of it.
2. Do not leave it in the house or store it in the garage.
3. Never burn a tree in the fireplace or woodstove.
4. To dispose of your tree, it can be taken to the pool at Waveny from Jan. 3-10 where it will be recycled and used to resurface the trails at the Nature Center. This is a joint effort between the Town and Planet New Canaan. Another option is to take the tree to the Transfer Station at 139 Lakeview Avenue. Both are free of charge.

Keep in mind these safety tips when removing lights and decorations and storing them properly to ensure that they are in good working order next year.

1. Use the gripping area on a plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Never pull the cord to unplug any device from an electrical outlet.
2. As you pack up light strings, inspect each line for damage. Throw out any sets that are damaged.
3. Wrap each set of lights and put them in a plastic bag or wrap them around a piece of cardboard.
4. Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children or pets.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 28, 2020

UPDATE ON TOWN PARKING LOT ENFORCEMENT AND PERMIT RENEWALS

Metered Parking Enforcement To Resume January 1, 2021

Metered parking fees and enforcement will resume in all downtown Town of New Canaan parking lots on January 1, 2021.

Timed street parking, loading zones, no parking zones, handicap spaces and any other illegal parking will continue to be enforced.

Downtown Business Parking Lot Permit Renewals

Business Owner/ Business Employee parking permit renewal applications for downtown Town of New Canaan parking lots were mailed to existing permit holders in early December.

Business Owners/Business Employees who have permits in the Morse Court, Park Street and Telephone lots will be renewed for the period of January 1 through June 30, 2021 at a six (6) month pro-rated fee ($466) based on the permit fee rates previously approved for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. This rate includes 6.35% sales tax.

Downtown Business Employees who have permits in the Center and Locust lots will be eligible for a new experimental program of free downtown worker parking permits and will be renewed at "no cost" for the period of January 1 through June 30, 2021. 

Any Downtown Business Employee who does not currently have a permit in the Center or Locust lots can apply for a free permit in the Center or Locust lot by contacting the Parking Department at 203-594-3040 or email to stacy.miltenberg@newcanaanct.gov. 

This experimental program was initiated to make Main and Elm street parking spaces and parking spaces in nearby metered lots more available for customers of shops and restaurants.

Commuter Parking

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, annual parking permits for commuter lots that expired on June 30, 2020 are extended further until March 31, 2021, with a tentative renewal date of April 1, 2021.  Parking permit renewal applications will not be sent out at this time since there may be a need to further delay renewals depending on pandemic conditions.  

Residents who have questions about obtaining a new commuter parking permit or would like to add their names to the commuter lot wait lists can contact the Parking Bureau at 203-594-3040 or email stacy.miltenberg@newcanaanct.gov.  

Metered parking fees in all commuter parking lots will continue to be suspended through March 31, 2021, and parking fees in these lots will not be enforced until that time.

For further information, please contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 28, 2020 

Updated West Road Bridge Replacement:  January – July 2021

The Town of New Canaan under the State Local Bridge Program is replacing Bridge No. 089012 which carries West Road over the Rippowam River.

The Bridge that is located just North of Turtleback Road will be closed to all traffic starting as soon as Jan 11, 2021.  Signage is in place (currently bagged) to redirect traffic. Also attached is the detour plan for clarity.

The new bridge will reduce the frequency overtopping of the roadway, and the bridge will pass the 50-year design flood event.  The project also includes sight line improvements and has been designed aesthetically to fit into the surrounding areas.

The start date was revised due to required utilities relocations. The new bridge is scheduled to be opened in July.

                                                                                                            TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
                                                                                                              PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 21, 2020

          TOWN EXTENDS 90 DAY DEFERRAL PROGRAM ON PROPERTY TAXES AND SEWER FEES IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID PANDEMIC

The Town of New Canaan is extending the Town Council’s April 22nd deferment program allowing all qualified taxpayers the opportunity to delay, for three months, payments of taxes on real estate, supplemental motor vehicle taxes, and sewer fees. The extension now allows for the deferment of these payments due January 1, 2021 to April 1, 2021.

The tax deferment program is open to all qualified residents, non-profits and businesses, including landlords. To qualify, non-landlord taxpayers must attest that their income has decreased by at least 20% during the emergency period due to layoffs, furloughs, business closures or other factor related to COVID-19. Landlord taxpayers must attest that their income has decreased by 30%. For those who pay their taxes in escrow, financial institutions will continue to remit property taxes to the Town to meet the original January 1st date.

Program instructions and forms are posted on the Tax Collector’s page of the Town website at www.newcanaan.info
For further information on the tax deferral program, contact: Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer, 203-594-3024 or email Lunda.asmani@newcanaanct.gov

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

LEAF COLLECTION POLICY

Beginning, Monday, October26, 2020 vacuum trucks will pick up the leaves raked to curbside by home owners in those areas of town zoned for building lots of one acre or less.

In those areas, please rake all of your leaves into the curb.   DO NOT put leaves in plastic bags or mix them with brush or debris.  The leaves are recycled into garden compost so they must be free of foreign matter.  Debris or sticks will clog the vacuum trucks causing breakdowns and delays.  Leaves must be in a windrow, not in a pile.

Residents in the 2 or 4 acre zones of town are requested to compost the leaves on their own property.  Vacuum trucks will not collect in those areas.

Yard maintenance contractors must have proper forms (available at Highway Department office) signed by New Canaan residents before they can dispose of leaves at the composting area, located across from the Waveny entrance on Lapham Road.  Residents may also deposit their leaves at that location. It is important to note that Contractors will be screened to be sure that the leaves originate in New Canaan.  Anyone found violating this policy will be suspended from using the facility for an appropriate period of time as determined by the Director of Public Works. .   

Composted material is usually made available to local residents for use in their gardens to enrich their soil, the following spring.  

The composting site will be opened daily from 8:00am to 2:30pm during normal working days (call 594-3704 for more specific information).   Leaves may be raked to curbside until Monday, Nov 23th,2020 Leaves put out after that date will not be collected by the Highway Department, however the leaf composting site will be available through Saturday, December 5th ,2020

For questions regarding this press release, please contact Mimi Pitt, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3001

PRESS RELEASE 

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN 

For immediate release: Tuesday September 22, 2020

AQUARION MANDATES WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES 

As a possible third drought trigger approaches Southwest Fairfield County, Aquarion Water Company is asking residents to follow the mandatory, twice-weekly irrigation schedule or turn off irrigation systems for the season. Learn additional ways to conserve at www.aquarionwater.com/conserve.

All residents are encouraged to reduce nonessential water use by 20 percent. This may help the region avoid additional mandatory restrictions in the coming weeks. Learn additional ways to conserve at www.aquarionwater.com/conserve.

By hitting a third drought trigger, residents would be required to limit irrigation to one day a week and reduce indoor water use by 20%. In addition, all existing irrigation variances would be rescinded for the remainder of year. Learn additional ways to conserve at www.aquarionwater.com/conserve.

For questions or additional information, please contact Mimi Pitt at 203-594-3001 or by email to mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov.

PRESS RELEASE 

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN 

For immediate release: Tuesday, September 8, 2020

NEW CANAAN NAMES NEW EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Board of Selectmen of the Town of New Canaan today appointed Russell Kimes III as Emergency Management Director and Philip Scheibley as Deputy Emergency Management Director to lead the Office of Emergency Management.

Russ Kimes is a third generation lifetime resident of New Canaan who currently serves as Assistant Chief and head of Volunteers for the New Canaan Fire Department.  He has been a volunteer of Fire Company #1 for 22 years.  He is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician and has many years of experience working in the New Canaan Emergency Operations Center including the major events Hurricanes Sandy and Irene.

Russ is employed full time as a vice president with a leading global investment bank in New York City where he leads the HR Data Governance function.  He also served for 8 years with the US Marine Corps and was deployed in Iraq in 2003.  He is Commander of New Canaan’s Howard M. Bossa and Peter C. Langenus Post 653 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Phil Sheibley is a 16-year resident of New Canaan who retired from a 30-year career with Accenture where he held a leadership role in consulting in the Life Sciences industry.  Phil has been a volunteer with New Canaan’s all-volunteer Emergency Management Service (ambulance service) since 2015, for which he served over the last two years as Captain, responsible for EMS operations including the liaison role with the Emergency Operations Center in emergencies.

Phil is a former board member of the New Canaan Community Foundation and serves as vice-chair of the board of trustees of Lehigh University, his alma mater.

In announcing the appointments of Russ and Phil, First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said: “First, I want to thank Fire Chief Jack Hennessey for his service and leadership as Acting EMD since early June, and especially during the recent Tropical Storm Isaias, where he stood up the EOC for 8 days straight. Jack served as Deputy EMD for almost a decade and remains a key member of the EOC team.”

Moynihan continued:  “New Canaan is very fortunate to have an amazingly talented and experienced Emergency Operations Center team, of which Russ Kimes and Phil Sheibley have been important members.”

“I am very pleased that Russ has stepped up to lead and further serve his hometown as Emergency Management Director as he has for many years as a volunteer leader with Fire Company #1, and as he served our country as a Marine.”

“Russ and Phil will make a terrific team to keep New Canaan prepared for future emergencies and to keep our residents safe.  I personally am very grateful for their dedication and service to our community.”

For questions or additional information, please contact Mimi Pitt at 203-594-3001 or by email to mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov.

PRESS RELEASE 

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN 

For immediate release: Tuesday, August 18, 2020

NEW CANAAN LAUNCHES NEW EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS PLATFORM

This week, the Town of New Canaan will launch a new emergency notifications service platform called Everbridge. 

The need for the Town to be able to communicate with all residents and local businesses in emergencies has been highlighted by the recent Tropical Storm ISAIAS as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Town selected Everbridge after a competitive review process that included our Technology Advisory Committee, our public safety agencies as well as our IT Department. 

The Everbridge platform will enable the Town to alert residents about a variety of events, ranging from severe weather, power outages, missing persons and other emergencies, to more routine and targeted announcements, such as road closures, road repaving and utility maintenance on particular streets.

Everbridge is a worldwide leader in providing critical communications services to states and municipalities to keep residents safe and informed with quick and reliable emergency notifications and public service announcements.  For more information about Everbridge, visit www.everbridge.com.

If a resident does not currently receive emergency notifications from the Town or receives only voice notifications by phone (and not email), they may register for Everbridge multi-modal notifications online on the Town’s website at www.newcanaan.info/everbridge.

Participation in the Everbridge emergency notification system is not mandatory but highly recommended.  The Town’s goal is to have at least one email address and phone number in the Everbridge system for every New Canaan household. 

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan commented:  “Our ability to communicate with all residents in emergencies like the COVID pandemic and weather events like Tropical Storm ISAIAS is critical.  We are pre-registering in Everbridge all town residents for whom we have contact information, and any resident will now be able to update their contact information and preferences easily online. We encourage any resident who has not been receiving emergency notifications to go to the Town website to register at www.newcanaan.info/everbridge.”

Town of New Canaan 
Press Release 

For Immediate Release – August 4, 2020

TRANSFER STATION PERMIT RENEWALS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Due to the COVID pandemic, the Town of New Canaan has changed the process for purchasing Transfer Station Annual Permits to an online process.   

The permit purchase application can now be completed online any time of the day at the Town website www.newcanaan.info.  From the top of the homepage, one should click on Departments, then click on Transfer Station under Public Works, and follow the instructions to apply online, provide the information requested and pay for the permit.

After completing the application and payment, the annual permit will be mailed to the applicant (maximum two per household).

There are several changes from the previous method of permit purchase as well as a new fee schedule, as follows:

• All permits that expired June 30, 2020 will continue to be honored through August 31, 2020.

• The new permits will be effective through June 30, 2021.

• Effective July 1, 2020 the permit fee is:

• $75.00 if resident is not serviced by a private hauler.

• $45.00 if resident is serviced by a private hauler. (Proof of hauler service is required by providing a copy of the most recent trash hauler invoice.)

• Note: the annual fee is not prorated depending upon the time of year purchased.

• Applicants can register up to two vehicles per household. (Proof of registration is required with the online application.)
  
  
• If you live in New Canaan but have a leased car or car registered outside of New Canaan, you must prove residency (current utility bill or other appropriate proof such as residence lease or tax bill.)
  
  
• If you own property in New Canaan but do not reside here you must prove ownership (a copy of your New Canaan property tax bill or other appropriate proof).

• Annual permit applications are no longer available through the old process of completing a downloaded application.  If you do not have access to a computer, please call 203-594-3701.

For all questions call the Transfer Station at (203) 594-3701, or email: transferstation@newcanaanct.gov

If you are unable to provide the required support information online by scanning a copy or taking a phone picture, we can help you at Town Hall, Public Works Department.  Contact: Kristi Ready, Public Works, 203-594-3090.

For further information about this Press Release, contact Bob Mantilia, 203-594-3024.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 14, 2020

WEST ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Under the State Local Bridge Program, the Town of New Canaan is replacing Bridge No. 089012 which carries West Road over the Rippowam River.

The Bridge that is located just north of Turtleback Road will be closed to all traffic starting as soon as July 20, 2020.   Signage is in place (currently bagged) to redirect traffic.  Also attached is the detour plan for clarity.

The new bridge will reduce the frequency overtopping of the roadway, and the bridge will pass the 50-year design flood event.  The project also includes sight line improvements and has been designed aesthetically to fit into the surrounding areas.

The new bridge is scheduled to open between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information, please contact joe.zagarenski@newcanaanct.gov, 203-594-3057.

Town of New Canaan
Press Release

PRESS RELEASE  -- For Immediate Release

WAVENY SUMMER CAMPS WILL OPEN ON JUNE 22 WITH REDUCED CAPACITY AND HOURS

The Town of New Canaan has re-evaluated plans for offering Recreation Department Summer Camps this summer in light of the limitations and requirements imposed by the State of Connecticut on the operation of summer camps.  The Town last week had planned to cancel the summer camps due to potential health risks with the coronavirus pandemic.

After further review of the Recreation Department’s staffing plans and safety protocols, and consideration of the very positive data coming out of the Covid-19 PCR testing that the Town has undertaken, the decision has been taken to go forward with the Waveny Camp for ages 7 to 12 and the Camp Kidsville for ages 5 to 6 conducted at Waveny Park. 

In the first two weeks of community-wide Covid-19 testing, of over 750 Town employees, volunteer first responders and residents who have been tested, there have been no positive PCR cases reported, indicating a very low level of community transmission of the virus within New Canaan presently.  At the same time, the testing for IgG anti-bodies of the same 750+ individuals indicates a relative handful of them have previously been infected with the virus since the pandemic arrived in the United States in February and March.  It is important for the community to remember that maintaining social distancing and wearing masks have played a significant role in reducing our community transmission so we must remain vigilant as we begin to reopen more activities.

Due to State restrictions, the Rec Camps will consist of 6 one-week sessions (rather than 3 two-week sessions) with reduced hours of operation from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (rather than 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, formerly) and serving only 30 children per session for the Waveny Camp and 10 children per session for Camp Kidsville, down from 72 and 42 children per session, respectively, last year.

The Town also plans to make Kiwanis Park’s pond and all facilities available to the YMCA for its Camp Y-Ki for a program of 4 two-week sessions.  The Y has already submitted plans and received approval from the State to operate a camp program with up to 120 campers.   With this additional space available, the Y has agreed to apply for State approval to accommodate additional campers in an effort help the town address the community need for summer camp for New Canaan residents.   Kiwanis Park Pond will be open for public access to New Canaan residents only on weekends and possibly evening hours.

For Further Information:  Contact First Selectman Kevin Moynihan

Kevin J. Moynihan
First Selectman
Town of New Canaan
77 Main Street, New Canaan CT 06840
O: 203-594-3000
C: 203-331-2016
F: 203-594-3123
www.newcanaan.info

Town Of New Canaan
Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 19, 2020

FROM: Town of New Canaan and Chamber of Commerce

It’s Up to All of Us

To allow for small businesses and restaurants to expand their services, Governor Lamont has authorized Phase 1 of the Re-Open Connecticut plan beginning on May 20^th.

In complete alignment with the State, the Town of New Canaan has also developed a plan that will allow for eligible small businesses to open for in store shopping and outdoor dining to resume.  It cannot be emphasized enough that all plans call for the safest protocols possible.  The decision to open any eligible business is at the complete discretion of the business owner. This is a first step toward reopening our town.

The outdoor dining plan consists of allowing restaurants to take the entire space on the sidewalk and the Town will create safe pedestrian pathways to ensure that six-foot social distancing can be maintained. Patrons of the restaurants will be asked to wear masks as they enter and exit the restaurant.  All retails stores will also require masks upon entry as per the Governor’s orders.  Downtown restaurants plan to open as soon as the pedestrian pathways can be built.  The goal is for this to be in place by Friday, May 22^nd.

“Hours and hours of hard work have gone into making sure these plans meet all health and safety guidelines but also that New Canaan’s small businesses are able to reopen and serve their customers in a way that we have come to expect.  The plan that was designed by a group of Town Department heads as well as Tucker Murphy from the Chamber of Commerce strikes the right balance in order to support public health goals and to support our local merchants.  We have worked continually to find ways to ease the pain without compromising public health” said First Selectman Kevin Moynihan.

“The mission of the New Canaan Chamber is to Connect the Community with Commerce, something we do each day.  It takes a Village to save a Village and we are counting on all of you to help save our Village” says Tucker Murphy, Executive Director of the New Canaan Chamber.

The Town of New Canaan has also embarked on a consistent unified messaging campaign thanks to the volunteer efforts of Paula Winicur at Paulawinicur.com, resident and local creative marketing consultant and graphic designer.  The signs will begin to appear in our downtown and on our social media that tells the story that in order for us to “Come Back Strong – It’s Up to All of Us”. 

#comebackstrong

Contact: Tucker Murphy

Tucker@newcanaanchamber.com

203-966-2004

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 23, 2020

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES 90 DAY DEFERRAL PROGRAM ON PROPERTY TAXES AND SEWER FEES IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID PANDEMIC

The Town Council on April 22nd approved offering all qualified taxpayers the opportunity to delay, for three month, payments of taxes on real estate, personal property motor vehicle taxes, and sewer fees due July 1, 2020. This was done in recognition of the financial hardships brought on the by global COVID-19 pandemic.

This action was taken in response to Governor Lamont’s April 1, 2020 Executive Order 7S (EO7S)-Protection of Public Health and Safety during COVID-19 Pandemic and Response. EO7S allows local legislative bodies authority to adopt programs to support local taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The tax deferment program is open to all qualified residents, non-profits and businesses, including landlords. To qualify, non-landlord taxpayers must attest that their income has decreased by at least 20% during the emergency period due to layoffs, furloughs, business closures or other factor related to COVID-19. Landlord taxpayers must attest that their income has decreased by 30%. For those who pay their taxes in escrow, financial institutions will continue to remit property taxes to the Town to meet the original July 1st date.

“Tonight the Town Council approved the deferral of property taxes for 3 months (without interest) for residents who are significantly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. A simple application requiring minimal data will be required. Our goal was to give affected residents the greatest benefit without impacting the town’s ability to operate smoothly and I believe we achieved that tonight.”

“I want to particularly thank the town’s Chief Financial Officer, Lunda Asmani for helping us better understand the town’s financial position in this period of great uncertainty. With his help the town’s leadership delivered the leanest budget in years and now plans its cash management with confidence that we will continue to provide the excellent services residents expect.”

Program instructions and forms will be posted on the Tax Collector’s page of the Town website shortly.

For further information on the tax deferral program, contact: Lunda Asmani, Chief Financial Officer, 203-594-3024.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE 

For Immediate Release March 30, 2020

FIRST SELECTMAN ORDERS CLOSING OF ALL TOWN AND PUBLIC SCHOOL PARKS AND FIELDS AND OUTDOOR ATHLETIC FACILITIES 

Due to the COVID-19 Emergency in New Canaan and the State of Connecticut, First Selectman Kevin Moynihan today ordered the closure of all Town and Public School parks and fields through April 30, 2020.

First Selectman Moynihan signed the order to be effective immediately in light of the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus in New Canaan and surrounding Fairfield County communities and New York State.

Said Moynihan: “Although New Canaan has had limited spread of the novel coronavirus with 34 residents having now tested positive, we need to do everything possible to try to reinforce the message to our residents that unnecessary social gathering must be discouraged and everyone must practice social distancing.  Only by curtailing the community spread of the virus will we protect our seniors and avoid overburdening our hospitals and first responders as this pandemic proceeds.”

For more information, contact Mimi Pitt at 203-594-3001 or email mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov 

Town of New Canaan
Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday March 24, 2020

WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER

Dear New Canaan friends and neighbors,

As a town and as a nation, we are now a month into the most challenging health emergency we have seen in our lifetimes.

I would like to take a brief timeout to acknowledge and thank our local teams of professionals and volunteers who are working diligently and selflessly to protect and serve our town at this time of great turbulence and fear.

First, our Emergency Management Director Mike Handler (a resident and long-time volunteer EMT) and our indomitable Health Director Jenn Eielson are leading a team in our “virtual” Emergency Operations Center that is second to none.  Mike is the “Voice of 7:00 pm” that is keeping you all informed and hopefully comforting you to know that our town is in good hands.  Jenn is working literally day and night to guide and direct us to healthy outcomes.  I extend my heartfelt personal thanks to Mike and Jenn for their leadership and dedication.

Mike, Jenn and I have the advice and guidance of our two longstanding medical directors: Dr. David Reed for the Town and Dr. Harrison Pierce for the Schools.  We thank them for their expertise and their wisdom.

Next, our first responders – Police, Fire and Ambulance Corps – are selflessly protecting us 24x7 when sickness requires emergency medical care or transport to the hospital.  Newer residents may not know that our 50 NCEMS ambulance drivers and EMTs are ALL volunteers (except for Norwalk Hospital paramedics who ride our rigs).  Our first responders are supported as needed by our Civilian Emergency Response Team, or CERT, 100 strong under the leadership of volunteer Stuart Sawabini. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to these professionals and volunteers in times like these.

 We have two teams of professionals in our Town government and our School District who are performing remarkably to support the needs of our residents and our school children.  Superintendent Dr. Bryan Luizzi and his top-notch educators are leaders in the State of CT showing how to do e-Learning and distance learning seamlessly and effectively.

Our Human Services Department under the direction of Bethany Zaro is coordinating our churches, non-profits, and rafts of volunteers to assure that our seniors and vulnerable families have safe access to groceries (including New Canaan Food Pantry), take-out restaurant meals, Rx prescriptions and medical rides for seniors and disabled (through Getabout).  I want to thank Dr. Luizzi and Bethany and all of our Town and Schools professionals and staff who are playing important roles in providing support to our citizens and students.

I also want to acknowledge the great work of Waveny LifeCare Network CEO Russ Barksdale and his staff who are providing care and protection to resident seniors at the Farm Road complex and New Canaan Inn, and also of Staying Put Executive Director Barb Achenbaum and her team of volunteers who support a large number of our seniors who are “staying put” at home through this crisis.

Volunteers of all ages from our churches, clubs, non-profits and others are also coming together to assist residents and those in need in many ways.  Grace Farms Foundation is preparing meals daily for many in New Canaan and surrounding towns.  Many of our restaurateurs are bravely staying open to provide curb-side delivery of take-out meals for our families. Our two local supermarkets, Walter Stewarts Market and ACME, are steadfastly supplying food and groceries to our families, and our pharmacies and gas stations are staying open to serve us.  Tucker Murphy and Laura Budd of the Chamber of Commerce are working with us to find ways to support our local businesses and restaurants to help them survive the economic damage of this crisis.

Our Assembly representatives, State Senators Alex Kasser and Will Haskell and Representatives Tom O’Dea and Lucy Dathan are all working hard for us in Hartford making connections for us with State officials as we negotiate the details of the Governor’s declared State of Emergency.

To all the above, on behalf of a grateful town and on behalf of all of our residents, I say Thank You.

Finally, I want to thank all of you, our residents and your children, for your kindness, your support and your indomitable spirit and for adhering to the recommended guidelines for social distancing and self-isolating to the greatest extent possible.  Please continue to keep safe and protect against the further spread of the novel coronavirus.

We need everyone to do their part to defeat this enemy. We WILL get through this together. 

Kevin J. Moynihan
First Selectman

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Monday March 23, 2020

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

WEEK OF 3/23/2020

Board of Selectmen

Tuesday March 24, 2020

8:30 AM

Those wishing to participate in the meeting should connect to Zoom, a

Web-based video conferencing tool, on their computers, tablets or phones.

The Zoom link is:

https://zoom.us/j/298138648?pwd=SEtZNGN3a2ZIcXN2MXY3YUx1QjQxdz09

The meeting can also be seen on NCTV – Channel 79.

Town Council

Tuesday March 24, 2020

7:00 PM

Those wishing to participate in the meeting should connect to Zoom, a

Web-based video conferencing tool, on their computers, tablets or phones.

The Zoom link is:

https://zoom.us/j/9251671532       

The meeting can also be seen on NCTV – Channel 79.

For further information, please contact Mimi Pitt, 203-594-3001, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release March 22, 2020

TOWN OFFICES TO CLOSE TO RESIDENTS BEGINNING MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 Emergency in New Canaan and the State of Connecticut, and pursuant to Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7H issued on March 20^th, 2020, the Town of New Canaan will take additional steps to protect its employees and residents against the further spread of the novel coronavirus. 

Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, Town Hall and other Town offices will be closed to the public, and most essential Town employees will continue to serve the public from home. 

New Canaan residents, vendors and others doing business with the Town should contact individual Town departments via telephone or email, or do their business online, if possible, at the Town’s website at www.newcanaan.info. 

If any resident has difficulty contacting a Town department or finding an answer they need, please call or email any of the following:

Cheryl Jones   203-594-3108   cheryl.jones@newcanaanct.gov

Pam Flynn       203-594-3000   pam.flynn@newcanaanct.gov

Mimi Pitt         203-594-3001  mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov 

We appreciate your cooperation during this difficult time.  We urge all residents to Stay Home and Stay Safe.

Kevin J. Moynihan

First Selectman

For more information, contact Mimi Pitt at 203-594-3001 or email mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN 

PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Tuesday March 17, 2020

Recreation Department Facilities Update

Waveny House and the Lapham Community Center are CLOSED to the Public

Both the Recreation Office Staff and Lapham Community Center Staff are working normal business hours Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. the Staff is available by phone, and email to assist the public. 

The Carriage Barn Arts Center and the Powerhouse Theater are both CLOSED.

Here is the Status of our Public Park Facilities:

Our Town Parks remain OPEN with some restrictions. The open space is a great place to enjoy nature, exercise, walk, ride a bike or jog.  Just remember to maintain the recommended social distancing while enjoying our open fields and trails in Waveny Park, Irwin Park, Mead Park, and Kiwanis Park. 

The Playgrounds at Mead Park, Kiwanis Park and Dixon are CLOSED.

WAVENY PARK-

• On advice from the Office of OEM and the Health Dept.  ALL Athletic Fields are CLOSED for Play. 
• All New Canaan youth and adult organization sport practices, games and gatherings are SUSPENDED at least through March 31^st.
• The Trails are open.

Restrooms – The Outdoor Restroom Building and the Restroom at the Waveny Lodge are CLOSED

The Paddle Tennis Courts are open and available for play, however NO attendant is on duty and the Waveny Paddle Lodge is closed to the public.  Players are asked to make reservations online and use the honor system for play with regard to playing time.

MEAD PARK-

• On advice from the Office of OEM and the Health Dept. ALL Athletic Fields are CLOSED for Play. 
• The Playground is CLOSED. 
• All New Canaan youth and adult organization sport practices, games and gatherings are SUSPENDED at least through March 31st. 

Public restrooms at the Mead Park Lodge are CLOSED.

Apple Cart Concession in Mead Park is open for take-out service

Irwin Park-

• The trails are open, the Grass Athletic Fields are closed for Play.

Kiwanis Park-

• The playground is CLOSED.  
• The walking trail is open.

Spencer’s Run Dog Park is OPEN.   However dog owners should follow CDC Guidelines of Social distancing of a least 6 feet for social gatherings.

The High School Track is open for walking/Jogging however there are NO public restrooms available.

The High School Tennis Courts are Open for Play.

For further information, please contact Mimi Pitt, 203-594-3001, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Tuesday March 17, 2020

As the novel coronavirus situation unfolds, New Canaan Human Services is grateful for those individuals seeking opportunities to volunteer. At this time, following the guidance of our local and state health officials and given the unique nature of this event, the best way for our community members to help is to make sure they limit public interaction and exposure, as well as, to sign up on- line to receive emergency outcall updates from the Town. Please go to https://www.newcanaan.info/alert_detail.php to register. As this crisis evolves over the next few weeks we may need to rely on volunteers to help execute an efficient and effective community response. If you would like to be included in that effort please contact Human Services at 203-594- 3076 or enza.albano@newcanaanct.gov as we are in the process of assembling a volunteer list.

Also, if you are concerned for a friend, neighbor, or family member please contact our department so we may offer assistance to this person(s).  GetAbout Senior Transportation, Lapham Center, Meals on Wheels, Men’s Club of New Canaan, New Canaan Public Schools, Places of Worship, Staying Put and other entities are working with the Town to provide necessary services and communication outreach to ensure the safety and well-being of New Canaan residents, in particular, our seniors and vulnerable population. Food delivery will be provided along with other necessary requests. With respect to the New Canaan Food Pantry, we will maintain regular food distribution dates/hours with a new drive-thru protocol being implemented next week. Person to Person in Darien continues to provide for our resident’s requesting food.  As the situation evolves, we remain committed to the needs of the community and how we can help. Those families and individuals already utilizing our programs and services will continue to receive them. Human Services urges any resident to call our main number at 203-594-3076 if you would like to speak with a case worker.

We are truly inspired by the kindness, generosity, and selflessness residents have displayed. Thank you for making New Canaan such a strong and cohesive community. With everyone’s help, we will get through this unprecedented pandemic.

Bethany Zaro, RN, MPH - Interim Director, New Canaan Human Services – 203-594-3093 bethany.zaro@newcanaanct.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 16, 2020

Due to current public health concerns of the coronavirus spreading in the state, the bipartisan transportation forum that was scheduled for next Wednesday, March 18 at New Canaan Town Hall has been POSTPONED.

Citing public safety as the main priority, and with the most recent local developments, including the closing of public schools, the lawmakers decided that it is best to postpone events where the public may be at risk.

While the transportation forum has been postponed, the legislative delegation (Senator Will Haskell (D-Bethel/New Canaan/Redding/Ridgefield/Weston/Westport/Wilton), Senator Alex Kasser (D-Greenwich/New Canaan/Stamford) and State Representative Lucy Dathan (D- Norwalk/New Canaan) and Representative Tom O’Dea (R-New Canaan/Wilton), doesn’t want to miss the opportunity to announce that funding for two local projects they have championed, were included on the State Bonding Package that they voted on during yesterday's session.

The Reconfiguration for Route 7 and Route 15 interchange in Norwalk and Improvements on the New Canaan Branch line to increase frequency and enhance service to and from main line, including siding, platform and improvements to the Springdale Station are slated to receive funding when they are placed on future agenda and passed by the State Bond Commission for final allocation.

Once public health officials announce that it is safe to host public events again, an announcement will be sent with the new information.

NEWS RELEASE

March 16, 2020

Department of Public Works Limited Access due to COVID-19

Due to health concerns for the general public and our employees, The Department of Public Works (DPW) is requesting that the public limit visits to our office at Town Hall, and elsewhere, to essential activities only. Effective immediately, please conduct your business and service requests via telephone, internet and/or email. The DPW will continue to conduct business and deliver services, however, our offices in Town Hall will be OPEN for visitors, by appointment only, between the hours of 8am and 12pm.

All our Departments (Administration, Engineering, Highway, Parks, Town Buildings, Transfer Station, Tree Service and our Wastewater Treatment Plant) are currently fully staffed and operational. Our Transfer Station is currently OPEN. Town Parks are OPEN but Town Playgrounds and Bathrooms in the Parks are CLOSED.  We ask that the public use proper social distancing wherever and whenever possible.

If you have any questions regarding our services or how we can help serve your needs better, please contact us at (203) 594-3054 or via email at Tiger.Mann@newcanaanct.gov . Our website also contains information about services we offer and requirements for permits at http://www.newcanaan.info .

The majority of business or service requests can be conducted without person to person contact. Some of our services or business that we offer are:

- Street Opening Permits
- Driveway Permits
- Storm Drain Connection Permits

- Sanitary Sewer Connection and Disconnection Permits

If you do not have access to a computer you may call our office at the number above.

Work Requests: If you have a service request, go to the Town of New Canaan Web page at www.newcanaanct.gov, and click on “Report a Problem” and follow the prompts. If unable, feel free to contact the DPW at (203) 594-3054, and we will handle your request promptly.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to continue to provide the services offered in as safe a manner as possible, for everyone.

Appendix I

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Wednesday March 18, 2020

TOWN COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING

Tonight's Town Council Meeting (3/18/2020) being held at 7:00 p.m. will be a virtual meeting.  Those wishing to participate in the meeting should connect to Zoom, a web-based video conferencing tool, on their computers, tablets or phones.  The Zoom link is:  https://zoom.us/j/640131414
The meeting can also be seen on NCTV - Channel 79.

For further information, contact Mimi Pitt, 203-594-3001, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Tuesday March 3, 2020

Information about COVID-19, the Coronavirus

The Town of New Canaan, like much of the world, is monitoring events surrounding COVID-19, the Coronavirus.  As with all emergency concerns, and at First Selectman Moynihan’s direction, New Canaan is operating under a unified command structure, which ensures that all appropriate disciplines are involved in key decision-making. 

New Canaan’s public safety agencies are working continuously to review emergency operations plans in response to concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus in the United States.  These agencies include the town’s Director of Health, the town’s Medical Director, the Medical Director for the New Canaan Public Schools, the town’s office of Emergency Management, as well as Police, Fire, EMS, and others.  In addition, town personnel are in contact and meet regularly with our partners at the State and Federal levels.  Also, the public safety team held a meeting on Monday, March 2, with the Superintendent of Schools of NCPS, representatives of New Canaan Country School, St. Luke’s School, St. Aloysius Elementary School, and the YMCA to keep everyone informed and coordinated. 

As with any potential health concern, information sharing is vital.  Because information regarding the spread of COVID-19 in the United States is evolving rapidly, the town urges the public to stay informed by accessing information at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov.  The town’s website www.newcanaan.info will link directly to the CDC site until such time as we may have information that is specific to New Canaan.  Should that occur, we will keep everyone updated regularly.  

FIRE MARSHAL

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
 

Change Your Clocks—Change Your Batteries 

As it seems that this interminable winter will never end, we look for signs that better (i.e. warmer) weather is approaching.  One of those is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time which starts this weekend, officially at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 8, 2020.  (Remember “Spring ahead – Fall back”).

In concert with the nationwide campaign “Change Your Clocks – Change Your Batteries”, The New Canaan Fire Department wants to remind everyone to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO alarms.

“There is no greater tragedy than one that could have been prevented.”  I can’t take credit for this statement however, I could not agree more and the tragedy of home fires with the devastation they create is a perfect example.  When the prevention is as easy as installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, it becomes more ironic.

Thanks to generous donations by New Canaan Fire Fighters Local 3224, free batteries will be offered to New Canaan residents (3 per household, please) at Fire Headquarters on Main Street from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. on Saturday, March 7, 2020.  Residents who are unable to change their own batteries may call fire headquarters at 203-594-3140 to arrange for fire fighters to come to your residence for assistance.

If anyone has any questions or concerns about smoke detector or carbon monoxide detectors or other fire safety topics, pleased contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-594-3030.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE  RELEASE -   February 19, 2020

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN ISSUES 2020 COMMUNITY SURVEY REPORT

In December, 2019, the Town of New Canaan commissioned GreatBlue Research, Inc. of Glastonbury, CT to conduct a Community Survey  among New Canaan residents to gather feedback on town programs, services, and initiatives. During the month of January, 403 telephone interviews among a random sample of New Canaan residents were conducted and 1,748 digital surveys were obtained. The sample size of 2,151 for this study has a margin of error of+/- 1.9% at a confidence  level of 95%.

In summary, of the 2,151 residents surveyed, more than seven-out-of-ten, 73.1%, reported they "strongly agree" (22.3%) or "somewhat agree" (50.8%) with the statement: "Liviog in New Canaan is a good value for tile taxes I pay and services I receive." In addition, the strong majority, 89.5%, reported they would be "very likely" (55.8%) or "somewhat likely" (33.7%) to recommend New Canaan as a place to live. More than one-half of residents (52.3%) reported their current perception of New Canaan "meets expectations" they had prior to moving to the town. One-quarter of residents (25.8%) reported New Canaan "exceeds expectations," while 18.5% reported New Canaan "falls short of expectations."

The highest frequency of respondents (71.8%) reported "quality of schools" was the primary reason or one of the primary reasons they chose to live in New Canaan, followed by "downtown village·· (42.1%) and "family friendliness/strength of the community" (35.0%). "Quality of schools" (50.0%), "family friendliness/strength of the community" (37.5%) and "downtown village" (33.2%) were also the top three (3) reasons why residents have decided to continue living in New Canaan.

Over two-fifths of residents reported "affordability of living" (45.9%), "state income taxes" (43.5%), 'state taxes" (42.2%) and 'local property taxes/mill rate" (40.9%) would cause them to move from New Canaan to another town or state.

While the highest frequency of residents reported they believe New Canaan's taxes are 'about the same" as "Darien" (69.5%), "Westport" (60.5%), "Wilton" (41.9%) and "Greenwich" (37.7%), three quarters of respondents (75.2%) reported they believe New Canaan's taxes are "lower" than taxes in "Westchester County.'' Further, over one-third of residents reported they believe New Canaan's taxes are "higher" than "Greenwich" (37.0%) and ''Wilton" (34.2%).

The highest frequency of residents reported the "library annual operating budget" (29.0%), public works (road maintenance. snow plowing, sidewalks, etc.)" (28.2%), and "schools" (27.9%) as the areas New Canaan should ·'increase" spending for now or in the near future. In addition, the highest frequency of respondents (23.1%) reported they believe New Canaan should "decrease" spending for "open space."

The GreatBlue report may be viewed at NewCanaan.info/2020CommunitySurvey.

For further information, contact Pam Flynn, Executive Assistant to the First Selectman, at 203-594-3000 or by email to Pam.Flynn@newcanaanct.gov.

PRESS RELEASE

Recently New Canaan has suffered three major structure fires with two of them related to fireplace use.  The cause of the third fire was not able to be definitively determined. There was also a small brush fire caused by dumping of fireplace ashes that caused no damage (fortunately). Several residents have called regarding concerns for their fireplace

Following are some fireplace safety tips to help keep us safe as we move into the fireplace season:

1. Depending on amount and type of use, chimneys should be cleaned and inspected by certified chimney cleaners at least every few years - more often if used extensively or if woodstoves are used. Older chimneys may require video inspection to check for cracked flue liners and loose mortar.
   
   
2. If a fireplace has been idle for long periods of time, an inspection may be in order. Some animals will build nests in chimneys which can cause a blockage or catch fire.
   
   
3. Always insure fire place damper is fully open before lighting.
   
   
4. Always use fireplace screens to stop flying  embers.
   
   
5. Ashes may contain hot embers for several days.  If cleaning is required always  use a metal ash bucket with a tight sealing lid available at most hardware or home improvement stores.
   
   
6. Only bum dry, seasoned hardwoods. Never bum trash or wrapping papers. This may overwhelm the flue causing the fire to spill out of the fireplace.
   
   
7. A good spark arrestor cap at the top of the chimney is always a good idea; especially where a wood shingle roof is present. This will also prevent critters from building nests as well.
   
   
8. Never use combustible liquids to help start a fire.
   
   
9. Always wait for at least 24 hrs. to close the fireplace flue damper. The smoldering embers may produce carbon monoxide (CO).
   
   
10. Insure that smoke and CO detectors are present and properly operating.

For questions regarding fireplace safety please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal's Office at 203-594-3030.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE  RELEASE  -  NOVEMBER  5, 2019

 REMEMBERING NEW CANAAN VETERANS

During the month of November the Town of New Canaan honors and remembers all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces in several different ways.

On Monday, November 11th, the annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at God's Acre at the corner on Main Street starting at 10:50 am. Local Clergy, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Daughters of the American Revolution, the First Selectman, a Guest Speaker, and the New Canaan Police Department will participate in honoring all veterans.

The Gold Star Walk at Mead Park was rededicated on November  4th The Memorial is in honor of the  38 New Canaan servicemen who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.  After the war in 1946, a tree was planted for each man. This week, DPW planted 16 new trees   to replace ones that have died since the originals were planted. This was paid for by New Canaan Beautification League and  a donation from resident Jim Bach who spoke at the rededication    ceremony. Throughout  the years,  the Town has worked  with local volunteers  to  maintain and  enhance  the  memorial  for future generations.

Blue banners featuring several local veterans are on display this month on lamp posts in the downtown area. This is the Eagle Scout service project of resident, Jack Goetz. It is titled "New Canaan Honors our Veterans". The project was funded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Exchange Club.

For further information, contact Pam Flynn, Executive Assistant to the First Selectman at pam.flynn@newcanaanct.gov  or by phone at 203-594-3000.

Change Your Clocks -  Change Your Batteries.

"There is no greater tragedy than one that could have been prevented." I cannot take credit for  this statement however, I could not agree more and the tragedy of home fires and the devastation they inflict is a perfect example.  And when the prevention is as easy as installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors it becomes more ironic.

This year daylight savings time ends on Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 AM. (Remember "Spring ahead - Fall back"). In concert with the nation wide campaign "Change Your Clocks - Change Your Batteries", The New Canaan Fire Department and the New Canaan Fire Marshal's Office also want to remind everyone to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. By being proactive this also helps avoid that annoying "chirp" that inevitably starts at 2 in the morning! Also, if you have an alarm system, having annual servicing to ensure proper operation is  vital.

Thanks to a generous donation by the New Canaan Fire Company, fire fighters will again be offering free batteries to New Canaan residents (3 per household, please) at Fire Headquarters at 60 Main Street from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. on Saturday, November 2, 2019. Residents who are unable to change their own batteries may call fire headquarters at 203-594-3140 to arrange for fire fighters to come to your residence for assistance.

Additionally, Kidde Corporation and Home Depot through Operation Save a Life have donated smoke detectors and CO detectors, which are available to residents who need them - also free of charge (limit 3/ household).

If you have a security system with integrated smoke detectors, residents are reminded that these systems require annual maintenance as well.

If anyone has questions or concerns about smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, alarm systems or, other fire safety topics, please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal's Office at 203-594-3030 or the New Canaan Fire Department at 203-594-3140.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 2019

125th Anniversary Celebration for the Daughters of the American Revolution

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan issued the following proclamation in honor of the 125th Anniversary of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) The Hannah Benedict Carter Chapter:

Whereas: On September 14, 1894 the Hannah Benedict Carter Chapter of the NSDAR was founded; an

Whereas: It is one of New Canaan's oldest woman's civic organizations dedicated to serving our veterans, promoting patriotism and education and preserving our community's connection with the past;  and

Whereas: The DAR sponsors an annual American history essay contest for the New Canaan schools, gives an annual Good Citizen award to outstanding high school seniors, and presents a Community Service award to a local volunteer who has given exemplary service to our community;  and

Whereas: DAR members conduct many acts of charity and community service, sponsors U.S. Constitution Week in New Canaan, and participates in Veterans Day Ceremonies and the Memorial Day Parade;  and

Now Therefore, I, Kevin J. Moynihan, First Selectman of the Town of New Canaan, do hereby extend best wishes on this occasion and declare October 23, 2019 as HANNAH BENEDICT CARTER DAY in the Town of New Canaan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- October 18, 2019

TOWN AGREES TO ADD MORE BOXCAR PARKING SPACES TO SERVE DOWNTOWN TRAIN STATION

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan today announced the addition of 20 more daily­ fee reservable parking spaces through the Boxcar app to serve commuters near the downtown New Canaan train station.

The Town of New Canaan has entered into an agreement among the Town, Boxcar, Inc. ("Boxcar") and the owner of parking spaces at 36 Pine Street (i.e., the Walgreens shopping complex) pursuant to which 20 surface parking spaces will be made available to commuters using the Boxcar app (www.boxcarapp.com). Additional spaces may be added to the new Boxcar 36 Pine Street location based upon demand.

In September 2018, New Canaan became the first municipality in Connecticut to contract with Boxcar to make privately-owned parking spaces available to commuters on a daily basis. The first Boxcar commuter parking spaces in New Canaan launched in October 2018 with 60 parking spaces at St. Aloysius R.C. Church, 21 Cherry Street (corner of Park and Cherry Streets), and just one block from the downtown New Canaan train station. The 21 Cherry Street Boxcar location now has 68 daily-fee reservable spaces.

Boxcar's commuter parking service for 36 Pine Street will begin on October 24th. Once users download the Boxcar app (from the Apple App Store or Google Play) and create an account, they can choose and pay for parking on the days they need it. Spaces can be reserved up to14 days in advance (28 days for New Canaan residents). Same­ day reservations can also be made, subject to availability.

Boxcar is a New Jersey-based commuting company founded in 2016 that manages leased parking spaces in 35 towns as well running commuter buses from New Jersey into Manhattan through its app. Boxcar now manages parking spaces in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and California, as well as Darien, Greenwich and Stamford, Connecticut, in addition to New Canaan.

If you have any questions about Boxcar's commuter parking service, visit www.boxcarapp.com/parkfaqs or email April@boxcarapp.com, or call 908-485-7275.

For further information about this release, contact Parking Department Head Stacy Miltenberg at 203-594-3038 or by email at stacy.miltenberg@newcanaanct.gov.

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS  RELEASE

For immediate release: October 1, 2019

Domestic Violence and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

First Selectman, Kevin J. Moynihan joined Dede Bartlett, the co-chair of the New Canaan Domestic Violence Partnership and High School Principal, Bill Egan in front of the high school this morning to read the following proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month:

WHEREAS, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of a severe form of physical violence by an intimate partner  within their lifetime

WHEREAS, Among high school students who dated, 21% of females and 10% of males experienced physical and/or sexual dating violence.

WHEREAS, One in four teens in a relationship say they have been called names, harassed or put down by their partner through cell phones and texting.

WHEREAS, Teen victims of physical dating violence are more likely than their non-abused peers to smoke, use drugs, engage in unhealthy diet behaviors, engage in risky sexual behaviors and attempt or consider suicide.

WHEREAS, I support making New Canaan a Zero Tolerance Community. I will continue to vigorously support those who are working towards "Breaking the Cycle" of domestic violence and give priority to domestic  violence  awareness  education  and intervention  programs in our community;

THEREFORE, I, Kevin Moynihan, First Selectman proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the  Town of New Canaan.

For further  information, contact: First Selectman  Kevin Moynihan at 203-594-3000

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- September 18, 2019

MORE PARKING SPACES!

The Town of New Canaan is pleased to announce the addition of 50 more parking spaces at 36 Pine Street parking lot to meet the ever-growing need to increase the number of spaces available to the public in the vicinity of the train station.

The first Boxcar parking spaces launched in September of 2018 with 60 numbered daily-fee spots in the St. Aloysius R.C. Church parking lot at 21 Cherry Street.

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 to enter into a Parking Spaces Agreements with Eton Centers Co., LLC, and the owner of the 36 Pine Street parking lot in New Canaan. This is a tri-party Owner Agreement among Eton Centers, Boxcar, Inc. and the Town Of New Canaan. The parking spaces owned by Eton Centers will be subleased to Boxcar, Inc. for rental to individuals using the Boxcar app.

Boxcar's commuter parking service for the 36 Pine Street lot (see www.boxcarapp.com) is effectively immediately for parking spaces to be utilized on October 1 forward. The Boxcar app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

The way this works is that a parking spot can be reserved and paid for through the Boxcar app for parking available starting in October. The first step is to download the Boxcar app (from the Apple  App Store or Google Play) on your smart phone and create an account. You will then be able to reserve parking for the days you want.  The initial daily fee at Boxcar/36 Pine Street location   is $6.99.

Boxcar is a New Jersey-based mobility company. New Canaan is the first town in Connecticut to partner with Boxcar to make daily, reservable parking available for its train commuters.

If you have any questions about Boxcar's commuter parking service, visit www.boxcarapp.com/parkfaqs, email April@boxcarapp.com, or call 908-485-7275.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

TOWN SUPPORTS FIRST ANNUAL FIELDFEST

The New Canaan Athletic Foundation (NCAF) has announced plans for FieldFest '19 to be held on Saturday September 7 from 5-10 pm at Cappo Field in Waveny Park. The event, open to all, will include food, family-friendly activities and will feature live music including 70’s rock and roll tribute band, 8Track Band, Funky Dawgz Brass Band with a mix of New Orleans R&B, hip-hop and funk and Bad Dog Buddy with classic rock and current hits. This is the first of what the NCAF hopes to become an annual event.

The New Canaan Athletic Foundation, a tax-exempt non-profit corporation, has set a goal of raising $3,000,000 by 2029 for capital improvements to the Town's athletic facilities and fields. In support of this commitment, the Town and the NCAF have established a public-private partnership with the goal of uniting in a common civic purpose. By working together, the Town and the NCAF hope to establish a master plan for New Canaan Athletic Facilities and build an endowment over time for turf replacement and enhancement projects.

In commenting on FieldFest “19, First Selectman, Kevin Moynihan, said"

General admission tickets for FieldFest '19 are $75 per adult and children under 18 can attend free. Family passes are available for $250 which includes admission for two adults and unlimited children as well as a $100 donation to the New Canaan Athletic Foundation. MVP tickets are also available for $5000 which includes catered food and an open bar for up to 10 adults. For more information, go to ncaffieldfest.org.

For more information, contact:   Mimi Pitt, 203-594-3001, mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2019

TOWN LAUNCHES UPGRADE TO PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM

At the end of July, the Town completed a comprehensive upgrade to the Public Safety Radio System serving Fire, Police, Ambulance Corps and Public Works vehicle and hand-held mobile radios. The new system uses state-of-the-art simulcast radio technology and substantially improves coverage and the ability of first responders to operate safely and provide security to residents throughout  town.

Planning for this $2.3 million system upgrade began in 2014 when significant radio system deficiencies were identified. In the Northwest and West portions of town, first responder portable radios received poor signal reception and, in some cases, no reception at all. In addition, the computerized backbone of the old radio system was aging and nearing obsolescence. The old system had a "single-point-of-failure" design, with broadcasting antennas only on the Waveny Water Tank, which exposed the town  to losing its entire public safety radio system in a severe storm. The age and condition of the system was in dire need of an overhaul.

The five-year upgrade project was led by Stuart Sawabini, a former Chairman of the Police Commission and a director with New Canaan's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Deputy Police Chief John DiFederico, and Public Works senior engineer Joe Zagarenski. The upgrade planning and implementation process required about 35 presentations and cross departmental coordination with various authorities resulting in national, state or town oversite.

Testing of the new system was performed on virtually every road in New  Canaan.

The results far exceeded the 95% minimum voice clarity standard.  Most importantly,  the Northwest portion of town now has vastly improved coverage, as does West School.

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan commented: "While the new public radio system provides a vast improvement in supporting public safety, the need for improved cellular phone coverage in the North and West parts of town remains a critical challenge for the public safety of our residents, first responders and Public Works staff in emergency situations arising from extreme weather events and power outages."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2019

TOWN HIRES NEW FIREFIGHTER

Richard William Garbus was unanimously approved as a new hire to the New Canaan Fire Department by the Board of Selectmen at its meeting on August 6, 2019. This was the last step of a rigorous hiring process that included a written test conducted by the Connecticut  Firefighter Testing Consortium, a Candidate Physical Ability Test conducted by the Connecticut Fire Academy and an extensive interview conducted by the New Canaan Fire Commission.

Firefighter Garbus, known as Will, is a resident of Wilton and has been an active member of the New Canaan Fire Company No. 1, the volunteer arm of the New Canaan Fire Department since 2013 Chief Jack Hennessey noted, "Will has been very active at the firehouse for the last few years and has participated in various levels of training. He will be a great addition to the department."

The New Canaan Fire Department consists of twenty-four (24) full time paid firefighters plus a paid chief. In addition, there is a very active volunteer company that was chartered in 1881 and consists of  some thirty volunteers who train and respond to emergencies.

Scheduled to begin his employment on August 26, 2019, Firefighter Garbus will spend his first 15 weeks training at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks before returning to his full time position in New Canaan.

For further information, contact: Mimi Pitt, 203-594-3001 (mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov)

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2019

WCHN COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY

The Town of New Canaan Health Department has collaborated with Norwalk Hospital and the Western Connecticut Health Network to conduct a New Canaan health needs assessment. This information is vital to the development of our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). As part of this process, the Western Connecticut  Health Network is conducting a short community survey to  learn   more about you and our community's health needs. Your voice matters to this process.  The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete.  Thank you for  your  participation.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GreaterNorwalkHealthSurvey

We will be keeping the survey open until mid-September so that we can get as many responses as possible.

The survey link can also be found on the Town of New Canaan website on the Health Department page:

https://www.newcanaan.info/departments/landuse/health/index.php

Our thanks for your support. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: Jennifer Eielson, Director of Health for Town of New Canaan 203-594-3019 (jen.eielson@newcanaanct.gov) or The Strategy Group at info@thestrategygroupllc.org

Submitted by: Mimi Pitt. 203-594-3001 (mimi.pitt@newcanaanct.gov)

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PRESS RELEASE

THE WESTERN CONNECTICUT CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 24, 2019

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously at their meeting on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 to approve the appoinhnent of Laura Budd, Marketing Associate at the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, as the Town's Representative to The Western Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Laura has worked for the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce for over seven years and was hired to focus on marketing efforts. She has an extensive media and marketing background and manages promotion for the 10 plus events the Chamber hosts each year as well as produces all website and e-mail content and manages services for the 400 member organization.

The Western Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau represents over 60 towns including New Canaan. Recently restored state funding has allowed for reorganization and a new Board of Directors. Their mission is to promote leisure and business travel to the region, in keeping with the values of the individual communities served and in conjunction with the State Office of Tourism. Previously, the Bureau promoted events hosted by the New Canaan Historical Society, the Glass House and other businesses and event organizers in town.

New Canaan's representative on the Board will ensure that the marketing goals of community and economic development are met and event and tourism related activities in town are updated for integration into the overall marketing programs of the Visitors Bureau.

For further information, contact Kevin Moynihan, First Selectman at kevin.moynihan@newcanaanct.gov

TOWN OF NEW CANAAN

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7 /15/19

ROAD MICROSURFACING BEGINNING ON WEDNESDAY JULY 17

The Town of New Canaan is performing planned road maintenance during the month of July. This maintenance effort has included full-depth repair of isolated areas exhibiting excessive cracking and the installation of a chip seal over the existing pavement. The next phase involves the installation of a microsurfacing product over the chip seal which has been shown to be more cost effective and environmentally beneficial than blacktop paving.

The microsurfacing will be applied to the following streets in two installments over two consecutive days, weather permitting:

Day 1 and 2: 7/17 and 7/18/19
Barnegat Road
Ogden Road
Dan's Highway
Valley Road
Parade Hill Road
Forest Street
Beacon Hill lane

Day 3 and 4: 7/19 and 7/22/19
Transfer Station Access Road
Transfer Station/Sewer Plant
Highway Access Road
Marshall Ridge Road
Sunrise Avenue 
Bickford lane Skyview lane

Each application will require up to twenty (20) minutes to set and be ready for traffic so expect minor delays. Residents on those roads directly affected have received additional information. Further questions can be directed to the Director of Public Works, Tiger Mann at (203) 594- 3056, Tiger.Mann@newcanaanct.gov or Highway Superintendent Mose Saccary at (203) 594- 3709,   Mose.Saccary@newcanaanct.gov.