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Board of Selectmen approves a slate of contracts, hires and renewals at May 19 meeting
Summary
The New Canaan Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on May 19 to approve dozens of routine items including an audit‑committee appointment, an ambulance transfer to the police for use as a mobile command vehicle, a one‑year OpenGov software renewal, an independent audit engagement with PKF O'Connor Davies, and multiple public‑works contracts and hires.
The New Canaan Board of Selectmen on May 19 approved a package of contracts, personnel actions and project authorizations, largely by unanimous votes.
Among the formally recorded items, the board appointed Ryan Swerdala to a three‑year term on the town audit committee; the appointment is subject to final approval by the town council. The board also voted to accept a transfer of an 11‑year‑old ambulance from New Canaan Emergency Medical Services to the police department for use as a mobile command vehicle supporting the police drone program and equipment staging. Police staff said $14,030 previously promised to EMS and available town funds will offset the transfer; the board approved the request unanimously.
On finance and procurement, the board authorized a one‑year renewal with OpenGov Inc. for the town’s land‑use permitting and licensing software at $36,008.31, with the payment to be split across FY26 and FY27 as appropriate. The board also approved an engagement letter with PKF O’Connor Davies as the town’s independent auditors for the year ended June 30, 2026, at a base fee of $117,950, with any out‑of‑scope work to be negotiated separately.
Public Works items approved included an $11,500 increase to a purchase order for environmental soil testing tied to the Irwin Park demolition after contaminated fill was discovered; a $99,000 contract for construction administration services for ADA classroom work at the New Canaan Nature Center; and a $160,639.62 contract (plus $16,000 contingency) with Seymour Seal Coating for a Pave 26 Cape Seal project covering nine local roads. The tree warden’s low bid for emergency pruning and removals with Olmstead Tree & Shrub Care at $22,260 was also approved.
Parks and Recreation received authorization to hire 103 part‑time seasonal employees for summer 2026 (lifeguards, camp staff and related positions). Human Resources reported hiring two equipment operators for the highway department: Alan Pearson (start 06/02/2026) and Christopher Armiento (start 06/06/2026); both hires were approved.
Parking policy items included a decision to maintain current commuter and business permit renewal fees for the upcoming permit cycles and to preserve a $50 late fee for September renewals. Staff described current waitlists in downtown lots and outlined a plan to provide a post‑renewal data report later in the year.
All motions reported in the meeting were carried unanimously. The board closed with routine Selectmen comments and adjourned.
