New Canaan Answer Book
Town Government
Apr 23, 2007

Where are the town offices?

New Canaan Town Hall is at 77 Main Street. The Human Services offices are next door in a yellow Victorian house known as Vine Cottage.

The Department of Recreation is in Waveny House in Waveny Park. Lapham Community Center is also in Waveny Park.

Town offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Does the town have an official Web site?
Yes. It is newcanaan.info.
 
Who is the chief executive of the town?

The first selectman is Judith Neville, a Republican elected in 2003. She is also chairman of the Board of Selectmen, which includes Democratic Selectman Johnny Potts and Republican Selectman Paul A. Giusti. The three are elected to two-year terms, which expire November 2007.

The board is responsible for directing the administration, policy-making and daily affairs of the town. The first selectman handles day-to-day administration, while the board handles major decisions. The first selectman is a full-time, salaried position.
The Board of Selectmen meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Board Room on the second floor of Town Hall. The minutes of each meeting are on the town Web site, newcanaan.info.

Is there a directory of town officials?

Yes. Town officials are listed on the town’s Web site, newcanaan.info. There is also a list of officials and elected board members in this section of the Answer Book.

What is the town budget?

The approved town budget for 2006-07 is $103.2 million. It is broken down as follows:
Total town operating expense: $27,179,179
Town capital expenditures: $2,757,950
Town debt service: $3,271,053
School operating expenses: $61,021,573
School capital expenditures: $1,447,162
School debt service: $7,527,860

The complete town budget is online at newcanaan.info. Click on Departments, then Finance.

What is the town’s bond rating?

Moody’s has given the town a rating of Aaa.

What is the current tax rate in town?

The current tax rate is 14.044 mills, which represents a real tax of $14.04 on each $1,000 of assessed value. The next tax rate will be set in May, after the new town budget is approved.

How much is the sewer fee and where do I pay it?

The sewer district, residential and commercial, is $0.633 per $1,000 of the assessed property value and is included in the regular tax bill. The fee may be mailed or paid in person at the tax collector’s office in Town Hall.

What’s a grand list?

A New England term, the grand list is the town’s tax base and represents all taxable property in town. It is compiled every Oct. 1, and then reviewed by the Board of Assessment Appeals.

The 2006 grand list before board review tallied $6,963,518,373. The breakdown is as follows:
Real estate - $6,676,396,000
Motor vehicles - $232,453,870
Personal property - $54,678,503

How often is property revalued?

The state requires a revaluation every four years. New Canaan completed its latest revaluation Oct. 1, 2003. An outside firm is hired to do the job. Vision Appraisal Technology completed the most recent revaluation. Information about each property in New Canaan, including their assessments, is on the Vision Web site at visionappraisal.com.

Who determines how much my house is worth for taxing purposes?

The town assessor’s office is responsible for determining the assessed value of your house. The assessor is Sebastian Caldarella. His office may be reached at 594-3008.

How do I find the assessed value of my home?

You may call assessor’s office at 594-3005 or you may go to the assessor’s office and look at the field card for your property. The field card lists the particulars in figuring the valuation of your home. In Connecticut, an assessment is equal to 70% of the fair market value as established by the assessor.

What do I do if I think my assessment is unfair?

Your first step is to call the tax assessor’s office to review the assessment for any possible inaccuracies. If none are found and you still consider the assessment unfair you may apply to appear before a scheduled hearing of the Board of Assessment Appeals.  Applications must be filed in early February. The board meets annually in March to hear appeals. You may e-mail the board at board.assessment.appeals@ci.new-canaan.ct.us.
 
Where and when do I pay my town taxes?

Property taxes are due in two installments, July 1 and Jan. 1, and may be paid at the tax collector’s office in the town hall, or mailed to the address on the bill. Taxes may be paid within 30 days of the due date without penalty. You may also pay online. Vehicle and personal property taxes are due in one installment on July 1.
Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve you of the responsibility of paying any taxes, penalties, or interest due.

Louise J. Andronaco is the collector of taxes. She may be reached at 594-3064.

What do my taxes pay for?
Taxes support schools, police, road improvements, debt payments, and all other town services. A detailed accounting of how collected taxes are spent are included in the annual town report.

What happens if I don’t pay my taxes on time?

You’ll be charged 1.5 percent interest each month on the installment balance. This works out to 18 percent annually. In addition, before the end of each fiscal year, real estate liens are filed against all properties on which there is a delinquent real estate tax.

Does the town ever foreclose on tax-debtor property and have tax sale?

This has not been done in recent history and the town attempts to work out any individual problems that may occur.

Is anyone eligible for a tax break?

There are two programs for the elderly, a state program and a town program. The income limit for the state program is $28,800 for a single person, $35,300 for a couple. The benefit amount ranges from $150 to $1,250. The income limit for the town program is $39,999. The tax benefit ranges from $700 to $800. Income limits are currently being reviewed and may change. Check with the assessor’s office for details, as well as information on programs for the disabled and veterans.

How are car taxes figured?

They are based on 70 percent of book value.

I received a tax bill for a car I don’t own anymore. What should I do?

The Department of Motor Vehicles maintains vehicle ownership records, which it forwards to the town assessor’s office to determine the tax roll for cars owned by New Canaan residents. DMV will continue sending ownership reports to the town until a vehicle’s license plates are turned in. To remove a car from the tax roll, return the plates to the DMV office in Norwalk or Stamford, and take the DMV return receipt to the assessor’s office.

What do the registrars of voters do?

There are two paid registrars, one from each of the two major parties. They are elected in even-numbered years to two-year terms. They administer all elections and safeguard the voting rights of all citizens. They are also responsible for voter registration and promote voter education projects. The registrars’ office maintains the accuracy of the voter registry.

The registrars are Robert Shafter, Republican, and George Cody, Democrat. Both can be reached at 594-3060.

What are our political parties and enrollments?

As of Feb. 28, 2007, there were 11,845 active voters in New Canaan. By party, there were 6,077 Republicans, 2,215 Democrats, 3,534 unaffiliated voters, and 19 voters registered with other parties.

Who can register to vote?

To register to vote in New Canaan you must be at least 18 years old by Election Day, a U.S. citizen, and a bona fide resident of the town. The deadline to register is 14 days prior to an election. You may enroll in a party or switch parities if already registered.

Where and when can I register?

You may register Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 4:30 at the registrars’ office or the town clerk’s office at town hall. You may also register by mail. To get a mail-in registration form, call the registrars’ office at 594-3060. The Department of Motor Vehicles and library also have voter registration forms. Forms may also be downloaded from newcanaan.info.

Why should I enroll in a party?

Enrollment in a party allows you to participate in primaries and caucuses. You may also serve on the local town committee and participate in its activities. Party membership is the most common route to serving on town boards and commissions.

Are there voting districts in town?

There are three voting districts:
District 1 is the west side of town, from the Stamford border to West Road and Ponus Ridge. Vote at the New Canaan High School gym (north).

District 2 extends from District 1 to Route 123. Vote at the New Canaan High School gym (south).

District 3 is the east side of town, from Route 123 to Wilton and Norwalk. Vote at the Saxe Middle School gym.

If you are not sure of your voting district, call the town clerk (594-3070) or registrars’ office (594-3060) or visit newcanaan.info.

Who can vote by absentee ballot?

Any registered voter who will be out of town during all voting hours may cast an absentee allot. Other reasons, such as illness or religious beliefs, allow use of absentee ballots by people who will be in town during polling hours.

When can I use an absentee ballot?

You may vote by absentee ballot for any election, including a referendum.

How and where do I get an absentee ballot?

You must first fill out an application, which you can pick up at the town clerk or registrars’ office in the town hall, or it may be mailed to you at any address. After you return the application, it will be processed and the absentee ballot will be sent to you, but not until two to four weeks before the actual election. If the ballot is printed and ready, you may fill it out at the town clerk’s office. Absentee ballots, however, cannot be mailed to a person for a referendum.

What is a referendum?

A referendum is a question or proposal that is submitted to a vote of the electors or voters of a municipality. The outcome may be legally binding or non-binding, depending on the nature of the question. Typically, a referendum is used to approve or reject a budget or major project.

When are elections of town officials held?

Election of town officials occurs on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in odd-numbered years. State and federal elections are held in even-numbered years.

Can I look up old deeds in the town hall?

Deeds are open to the public and are available for review in the town clerk’s office.

Are birth, marriage and death records public?

The general public is allowed to peruse marriage and death record indexes and can obtain copies. Restrictions may apply. Birth certificates are confidential. Certified copies of birth certificates will be issued only to the person in question or, in the case of a minor, their parents or other designated persons.

Besides clergy, who can officiate at weddings?

A justice of the peace may officiate at a wedding within the state, and federal judges may officiate at weddings anywhere. New Canaan has 20 justices of the peace and their names are available at the town clerk’s office (594-3070) as well as on the town Web site, newcanaan.info.

Where do I get a marriage license?

A marriage license may be obtained in the town where the bride lives, where the groom lives, or where they plan to be married. No blood test is required. Both must appear, present a photo ID, and swear an oath. The license costs $30 and is good for 65 days. Visit the town clerk’s office or call 594-3070 for details.

How do I get a license for a civil union?

A civil union is a legal union between two people of the same sex, which grants them the same benefits, rights and protections as are granted to spouses in a marriage. Connecticut recognizes civil unions.

Licenses may be obtained in the town clerk’s office. There is no waiting period and no residency requirement. The fee is $30. For details, call 594-3070.

What is a notary public and where can I find one?

A notary public is someone legally empowered to witness signatures, certify documents and take depositions and affidavits. Every bank has one on staff. Some real estate agents are notary publics, as are some public officials. Some may charge a small fee to notarize a document.

What does the office of town planner do?

The office is focused mainly on land use matters. It reviews applications, enforces zoning regulations, and advises the planning and zoning commission. It also develops and maintains the Plan of Conservation and Development.

Hiram Peck is the town planner. His office is on the second floor of town hall. He may be reached at 594-3042.

What does the building department do?

The building department issues building, mechanical, oil tank, and demolition permits and certificates of occupancy. It also inspects all jobs that require permits, and reviews plans to be sure they comply with mechanical and building codes.

John Picanzi is the chief building official. His office is in the lower level of town hall and may be reached at 594-3012.

What is the Zoning Board of Appeals?

The Zoning Board of Appeals considers requests for special exceptions, called variances, to the town’s zoning regulations. This board meets on the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at town hall. The board’s e-mail address is zoning.board.appeals@newcanaan.info. (Do not send e-mails regarding pending applications.)

What does the Planning and Zoning Commission do?

The Planning and Zoning Commission regulates the use and development of land by issuing permits for new construction and by adapting and enforcing zoning regulations. The commission reviews applications and makes decisions on new commercial and residential construction.

The commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall.

What does the tree warden do?

William Jordan, New Canaan’s tree warden, makes sure town trees are properly maintained, removed and replaced if deemed hazardous. He can be reached at 966-2686.

How can I get involved in town government?

To get actively involved in town government, you may become affiliated with a political party and volunteer your services. If certain functions of government interest you, such as education, recreation or zoning, attend some of the meetings of the agency involved. All town agency meetings are open to the public.

For more information, you can call Republican Town Committee Chairman John Ponterotto at 972-8611, Democratic Town Committee Chairman Elizabeth Jones at 966-7591, or Green Party Secretary David Bedell at 594-9013 or dbedellgreen@hotmail.com.

How are candidates for town offices, boards or commissions chosen?

The political parties nominate candidates for elected or appointed positions. Non-party sponsored candidates may petition to get on the ballot.

Candidates for appointed boards are chosen by the selectmen, usually upon recommendations from the political parties and the current board members.

What town agencies have elected members?

The Board of Selectmen, Town Council, Board of Education and Board of Assessment Appeals are elected. The first selectman, town clerk, town treasurer, registrars of voters, judge of probate, justices of the peace and constables are also elected to their positions.
 
What boards and commissions have appointed members and who appoints them?

The Board of Selectmen appoints the members of all other boards and commissions:  Board of Finance, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Park and Recreation Commission, Environmental Commission, Police Commission, Fire Commission, Board of Human Services, Parking Commission, Emergency Medical Services Commission, Youth Adult Partnership, Board of Human Services, Personnel Advisory Board, Historic District Commission, Building Board of Appeals, Housing Authority, and Utilities Commission.

There are also the High School Building Committee, Deer Committee, Town Hall Building Committee, Fire Building Committee, Asbestos Abatement Oversight Committee, Police/EMS Building Committee, and the Downtown Study Committee.

What is the town council ?

The 12-member town council is New Canaan’s legislative body. Its area of responsibility covers ordinances and appropriations. The town council also is responsible for approving, disapproving or reducing appropriations recommended by the board of finance. The council also selects the town’s auditors. Meetings, which are open to the public, are the second Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., in town hall. You may e-mail town.council@ci.new-canaan.ct.us.

What does the town clerk do?

Town Clerk Claudia Weber (594-3070) is also the Registrar of Vital Statistics. Her office is responsible for maintaining numerous records and documents including marriage licenses, birth records, death records, burial and disinterment permits, and cremation certificates. She handles the filing of liquor permits, trade names, notary public records, dog licenses, peddlar’s licenses, and accepts the official filings for all minutes and agendas for the town boards and commissions. Her office also records land records including deeds and survey maps. As a chief election officer, the town clerk also helps to administer elections through the absentee ballot process and is the offical record keeper for all town elections and referenda.

Additionally, she is the “keeper of the seal” of the town and certifies various documents, maintains archives and works on special projects.

What does the town treasurer do?

Town Treasurer V. Donald Hersam has general oversight of town receipts and expenses. He also signs off on official statements for bond issues and reviews disbursements. His signature appears on town checks. He can be reached at 594-3024.

What is probate court?

This court has jurisdiction in the matter of administering estates and approving adoptions. Probate Judge Russell A Kimes, Jr., may also appoint guardians for minors, appoint conservators for those who are incapacitated, and approve commitment papers for those who are mentally ill. The probate court office is in town hall, 594-3050. Hours are weekdays 8:30 to 4:30, or by appointment. Karen P. Smith is the probate court.

How do I get a passport?

Passport applications may be picked up at the probate court office or downloaded from the probate court Web page at newcanaan.info. They are processed weekdays, 9 to 3:30, and during July and August, Monday through Thursday, 9 to 3:30. There are special requirements for children under 14. All forms are available in the probate office or may be downloaded from the department’s Web page at newcanaan.info.  For details, call 594-3050.

What does the Board of Finance do?

Among the many responsibilities of this board is reviewing and approving the annual budget and setting the tax rate. The board also approves account transfers and special appropriations. It also administers the pension fund and bond issues. The board also serves as the Water Pollution Control Authority and oversees the sewer district.

The chairman of the board of finance is also the first selectman. There are 11 additional members on this appointed board, which meets every third Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the board room at town hall. Additional meetings are held in February and March and are primarily related to reviewing the town and school budgets. Members are appointed for a four-year term and alternates for two-year terms.
 
What do the Police and Fire commissions do?

These three-person commissions are responsible for the management and supervision of their respective departments, their personnel, property and equipment.

What does the Environmental Commission do?

This commission serves as the town’s Inland Wetlands Agency, Conservation Commission and Flood and Erosion Control Board. Members are appointed for two-year terms and meetings are every third Monday at 8 p.m. in town hall, unless there is a legal holiday. Then it’s the fourth Monday.

What does the Park and Recreation Commission do?

This commission is responsible for providing the community with a variety of leisure programs and activities that also help provide for a wholesome community. They are appointed for a three-year term and meet the last Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Waveny House or Lapham Center. You may e-mail parkrec.commission@ci.new-canaan.ct.us.

What does the Board of Human Services do?

This board is a combination of the Commission for the Aging, Youth Commission and Board of Human Services. The commission gathers information on all age groups and assists in applying state and federal programs to New Canaan residents. Meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at Vine Cottage, 61 Main Street.

What are legal notices and where can I read them?

Legal notices are notifications concerning meetings and actions of local commissions and boards. In addition, other important town government information such as proposed budgets, town ordinances and invitations to bid on projects or provide the town services appear in legal notices.

Legal notices may be found at the town clerk’s office at Town Hall. Many legal notices are required to be published in a newspaper having circulation in the town and almost all appear in The New Canaan Advertiser.

How do I know if a meeting is scheduled?

The Freedom of Information Act requires that all town commissions and board meetings be open to the public. The schedule for a board’s regular meetings must be filed each year with the town clerk.

Special meetings may be called up to 24 hours in advance. Emergency meetings may be held without notice; however the board must file its minutes, including the reason for the emergency, at the town clerk’s office within 72 hours of the meeting. For information on Freedom of Information requirements for boards, commissions, and ad hoc committees, visit the Town Clerk’s page on newcanaan.info.

Meetings are posted in the town clerk’s office, on the town Web site, and each week the New Canaan Advertiser publishes a list of upcoming meetings on its editorial page.

Can a commission or board meet privately?

Generally, all meetings involving a quorum (three members of a five-person board, four of a six-member board) must be open to the public. However, Connecticut statutes allow a commission to close a meeting to the public if it is discussing personnel matters, litigation strategy or contract negotiations.

To close a meeting and enter into executive session, the board must take a vote and the meeting’s closure must be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. The commission cannot take any action while in an executive session. It must return to open session before voting on any items.

What if I think a commission held an illegal private meeting?

You may file a complaint with the state Freedom of Information office (860-566-5682), 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, 06106.

What state senatorial district are we in?

The east side of New Canaan is in the 26th and the west side is in the 36th state senatorial district. Representing the 26th District is Judith Freedman, a Republican and Deputy Minority Leader. She can be reached at Legislative Office Building, Room 2800, Hartford 06106; 860-240-8826 or 203-226-8710; Judith.G.Freedman@cga.ct.gov.

William H. Nickerson, also a Republican and Chief Deputy Minority Leader, represents the 36th District. His address is Legislative Office Building, Room 370, Hartford 06106. His numbers are 860-240-8800 or 1-800-842-1421. You may e-mail William.H.Nickerson@cga.ct.gov.

What state house districts are we in?

New Canaan encompasses two districts, the 125th and 147th.

Representing the 125th District is Republican John Hetherington. He can be reached at 697 Valley Road, New Canaan; 203-966-9355 or 860-240-8700 or via e-mail John.Hetherington@housegop.state.ct.us.

William M. Tong, a Democrat, represents the 147th District. He can be reached at 99 Chestnut Hill Road, Stamford, CT 06903-4030; 203-595-9809, 860-240-8585. E-mail William.Tong@housegop.state.ct.us.

Who is our U.S. representative?

Christopher Shays, a Republican, represents New Canaan in Congress. He has  offices at 10 Middle Street, 11th Floor, Bridgeport, CT 06604-4223; 579-5870 (Monday - Friday, 8:45 to 5:15); and Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, 06901-2927; 357-8277 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 to 5).

In Washington, he is at 1126 Longworth, Washington, DC 20515; 202-225-5541, fax 202-225-9629; house.gov/shays.

Who are Connecticut's senators?

Senator Christopher Dodd, a Democrat, may be reached at 100 Great Meadow Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109, 1-800-334-5341, or 448 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-2823; Senator@dodd.senate.gov. Web site: dodd.senate.gov.

Senator Joseph Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, may be reached at 706 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4041. His Hartford office is at One Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-225-5605, fax: 860-549-8478; senator_lieberman@lieberman.senate.gov. Web site: lieberman.senate.gov.

How can I write the governor?

Governor M. Jodi Rell may be reached at State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, 06106, 860-566-4840, Governor.Rell@po.state.ct.us.

Where can I find out more about the state?

The State Register & Manual, known as the Blue Book, provides extensive information about Connecticut and its government. It is available free online at the Secretary of the State’s Web site at sots.state.ct.us.

© Copyright 2007 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers