Alicia Meyer

‘The Goodwill Has Been Taken Away’: Two Resign from Human Services Commission

By |

Saying they felt poorly treated in their volunteer roles, two members of a town body that oversees the New Canaan Department of Human Services on Thursday resigned from their positions. Judy Dunn, a member of the Human Services Commission since 2010 and its chair for the past five years, said in a letter read aloud at the appointed body’s regular meeting that First Selectman Kevin Moynihan had acted inappropriately in selecting the nine-member body’s next chair himself. Because the Commission had a quorum, the first selectman also had been incorrect in January to postpone an organizational meeting for the body to elect its own chair, Dunn said in her letter, and wrongly asserted that Commissioner Renate Dolphin should resign for missing meetings. “Mr. Moynihan said Renate Dolphin had missed three meetings and should be asked to resign,” Dunn said in the letter, read out by Commissioner Alicia Meyer. “He said I should ask her to resign.

Government

Police Commission Chairmanship Turns Over at Heated Meeting

By |

The appointed municipal body that oversees the New Canaan Police Department elected a new chair Wednesday night during an awkward organizational meeting. Paul Foley, a member of the Police Commission since December 2013, was elected chairman by a 2-1 vote following a heated exchange between his predecessor in the role and the town’s highest elected official. 

Sperry DeCew, a member of the Police Commission since June 2012, had served the past two years as chair. 

As per section 15-3 of the Town Charter, the three-member Commission meets “promptly after” Dec. 1—typically in January—for the election of its own officers “at the call of the First Selectman.” 

As First Selectman Kevin Moynihan opened the organizational meeting, held during the Commission’s regular meeting at police headquarters, DeCew said, “Let’s get on with this circus. Nominations for Commission chairman.”

Commissioner Jim McLaughlin—himself appointed one year ago to the Police Commission—nominated Foley. DeCew called for any other nominations.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

By |

Tickets for the annual Turkey Bowl are to go on sale from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School. They cost $10 apiece (cash) and are for New Canaan residents only, school official say. There’s a two-ticket limit and purchasers must bring photo ID. The rival football game against (ew) Darien High School is to be played at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, and no tickets will be available at the gate. NCHS recently was ranked the #2 high school in the state by niche.com, Darien #3.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

By |

Congratulations to family-owned pet supply retailer Pet Pantry Warehouse on its 75th year in business. Founded in Greenwich, Pet Pantry opened its New Canaan store on Grove Street seven years ago. In marking the milestone, the New Canaan Dog Days organizer is hosting in-store events throughout 2020—such as face painting, balloon art, ice cream socials, educational lectures, contests, portrait sessions and music—and is calling on locals to recommend nonprofit beneficiaries for its newly launched $75,000 fundraising effort. Suggestions can be emailed to to the Pet Pantry executive team at ppw75@ppwpet.com. 

***

An art gallery on Burtis Avenue hasn’t paid its $4,000 monthly rent in about one year and now owes about $58,000 to its landlord, according to a complaint filed last week in state Superior Court. The owner of 9 Burtis Ave.—a limited liability company that’s owned by three Manhattan residents, according to Connecticut Secretary of the State records—filed papers Nov.

Around Town

Town Inks Lease with St. Mark’s for New Canaan Food Pantry Space

By |

Town officials on Tuesday approved New Canaan’s first-ever lease agreement with the longtime host of a local food pantry that increasingly is in demand. Under the agreement, New Canaan retroactive to Jan. 1 and through Dec. 31 will pay $1,200 per month to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, then $1,250 per month for the next calendar year.