NEW CANAAN, CT — The Board of Selectmen recently approved the appointment of new members to the town’s parking and parks and recreation commissions.
During a Feb. 6 meeting, board members appointed Katie O’Neill to the Parking Commission for a three-year term ending Dec. 1, 2026.
Melany Hearne was also appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a three-year term, also ending Dec. 1, 2026.
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Selectman Amy Murphy Carroll noted she had already spoken with O’Neill and Hearne prior to the meeting.
“It’s so exciting to have someone who wants to join [the Parking Commission] and is so excited about parking,” Carroll said, “that’s great.”
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Carroll and Selectman Stephen Karl agreed both candidates sounded like great fits for their respective commissions.
Karl said O’Neill’s appointment was a full circle moment for him, having previously served on the Parking Commission with her brother before moving on to the Town Council.
“Katie’s…lived here her whole life and has intimate knowledge of parking and the way everything works in town,” Karl said, “so thank you to her for stepping up and offering her time.”
Carroll also pointed out Hearne has “little kids,” giving her a good perspective to add to her commission.
“Park and Rec, that’s the fun one,” Carroll said. “You’re the good guy in Park and Rec.”
Karl echoed a statement made by Carroll at a previous meeting noting how blessed New Canaan was due to the amount of talent in town, as well as how many residents have recently raised their hands to step up and help out.
“It’s really refreshing to see,” Karl said, “especially younger people that have kids. That’s what you want and that’s our future.”
First Selectman Dionna Carlson noted the board recently made a number of appointments to fill various openings in town.
“As you can tell based on the agendas that we’ve had,” Carlson said, “it’s been a priority to get these openings filled and reach out to the community and try to get people to step up and get on these boards.”
The board unanimously approved the appointment of both O’Neill and Hearne.
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