Canaan selectmen accept registrar resignations and appoint Blue Ribbon Committee; library board updated

First Selectman David Barger presided over the Town of Canaan Board of Selectmen meeting on July 13, 2026, where the board unanimously accepted personnel changes and made several appointments.

The board accepted the resignation of Republican Registrar Susan Kelsey; Selectman Judy Jacobs moved to accept the resignation and Selectman Christopher Kinsella seconded. The motion carried unanimously. The board also accepted the resignation of Deputy Republican Registrar G. Tracy Atwood, again by unanimous vote. Both resignations were recorded “accepted with regret.”

The board voted unanimously to create and populate a Blue Ribbon Committee on Economic Development. The selectmen appointed Tom Wilson, Peter Jensen and Hazel McGuire to open-ended terms and designated Selectman Judy Jacobs as the Board of Selectmen liaison. The committee was charged to produce ideas within six to 12 months.

On library matters, the board accepted the resignation of David M. Hunt Library member Barbara Deinhardt and appointed Mark Gozonsky to a four-year term beginning at the library’s annual meeting. The board also reappointed Henry Todd to a new four-year term. All library votes were unanimous.

All motions and votes were recorded in the minutes as unanimous. The meeting materials include the resignation letters for Susan Kelsey and G. Tracy Atwood and documentation of the Blue Ribbon Committee appointments. The board adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

What happens next: The Blue Ribbon Committee is expected to report ideas within six to 12 months; the town retains the resignation letters in its records and will proceed with any required election or appointment processes for registrar vacancies if and when needed.