By Peter Barhydt
The Town of New Canaan Charter Revision Commission Group 3 met Monday afternoon to continue its review of the town charter, focusing on the assessor’s office and the structure of town government, including the role of the first selectman and the Board of Selectmen.
The special hybrid meeting was held Jan. 12 in the Board Room at Town Hall, with several members participating remotely via Zoom. Commissioner Neville called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
Present were Commissioners Neville, Willett and Palo in person, with Commissioners Case, Jameson and Parrett attending by Zoom. First Selectman Dionna Carlson, Town Council member Penny Young and former First Selectman Kevin Moynihan also participated.
Assessor role reviewed
The commission began its work with a discussion of Article VI of the charter, which governs the assessor’s office. Town Assessor Sebastian Caldarella answered questions about his responsibilities and the charter language that defines the position.
Caldarella noted that since March 2025 he has served as both assessor and tax collector, prompting discussion among commissioners about whether the charter should explicitly allow the two roles to be combined or separated depending on circumstances. Carlson said the decision depends largely on the skill set of the individual serving in the position.
Commissioners also raised questions about the assessor’s appointment process. The charter currently states that the assessor serves “at the pleasure of the Board of Selectmen,” language that differs from other appointed positions, which can be removed only “for cause.” Both Caldarella and Carlson said it would make sense for the assessor’s status to be consistent with other appointed town officials.
The commission discussed whether the charter accurately reflects reappointment requirements for the assessor and tax collector and agreed further review would be needed to ensure the language aligns with current practice and state law.
Attention also turned to the Board of Assessment Appeals. Caldarella said the board’s current size of three members and two-year terms are appropriate but suggested adding an alternate member to address recusals and absences. Commissioners discussed whether training for new board members should be required by the charter, noting that state and professional organizations offer instructional courses.
Caldarella also raised concerns about declining participation in the town’s Elderly Tax Relief Program, though commissioners noted that eligibility requirements are set by ordinance rather than the charter and would need to be addressed by Town Council.
Parks and Recreation discussion postponed
Discussion of Article XII, covering the Parks and Recreation Commission, was deferred because the scheduled interviewee was unable to attend. The commission agreed to reschedule Parks and Recreation Director John Howe for a future meeting.
Former first selectman outlines governance changes
The commission then turned to Article III of the charter and heard from Kevin Moynihan, who served six years as first selectman after time on town committees and Town Council. Moynihan provided written notes and spoke at length about potential changes to New Canaan’s form of government.
Moynihan said New Canaan, while small in population, requires a more modern governance structure and suggested strengthening the authority of the first selectman. He compared New Canaan’s system to those in Greenwich and Westport, where the first selectman operates under a quasi-mayor model.
Among his recommendations were making all town employees report to the first selectman, designating the first selectman as chair of the Police Commission and Fire Commission, and clarifying in the charter the scope of the first selectman’s authority.
Moynihan also emphasized that the first selectman is an ex officio member of all boards and commissions, including the Board of Education, under state statute, and said the charter should recognize the importance of that role.
He recommended keeping the Board of Selectmen at three members, arguing that expanding the board to five would not improve transparency and could reduce public discussion due to Freedom of Information Act restrictions.
Other proposals included making the Board of Selectmen the town’s traffic authority and Water Pollution Control Authority, roles currently assigned to the Police Commission and Board of Finance, respectively. Moynihan said shifting those responsibilities would align New Canaan with practices in other towns.
Moynihan also discussed administrative structure, suggesting New Canaan consider an operations manager model similar to Westport’s rather than a town administrator system, which he said would require more extensive study.
Additional topics raised included preserving the role of political town committees in vetting appointments, considering district-based elections for some Town Council seats, allowing Town Council limited authority to add to the Board of Finance’s proposed budget, and maintaining the appointed status of the Board of Finance and Planning and Zoning Commission.
Moynihan further suggested converting the town clerk and treasurer positions from elected to appointed roles, removing term limits for Audit Committee members, and adding preservation and conservation goals to the charter.
Throughout the discussion, commissioners questioned Moynihan on the feasibility of various proposals, the role of state law, and the balance between elected oversight and professional expertise. Moynihan cautioned the commission against wholesale charter changes and said revisions should focus on targeted adjustments.
Group 3 is one of several Charter Revision Commission panels charged with reviewing sections of the town charter and recommending potential amendments for consideration by Town Council and voters.
