Politics & Government

Neylan Bids Farewell to DPW in Council Reshuffle

Councilwoman makes move from public works to public safety.

Mayor Andy Skibitsky's reshuffle of Town Council committee chairs is official with one member bidding farewell to her old department.

Skibitsky's reshuffle was caused by the retirement of former Councilman Sal Caruana who had served as chairman of the finance policy committee. Councilman Mark Ciarrocca took his place at the budget writing panel with Councilwoman Joann Neylan moving to take his spot as chairwoman of the public safety committee. Neylan's move opened up her spot atop the public works committee for Councilman Frank Arena.

During Arena's first committee report as public works chairman, which included the awarding of several routine contracts for equipment and recycling, Neylan spoke up briefly to congratulate Arena on his new role and give him words of encouragement. She also touched on her feelings for the employees at the Department of Public Works.

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"They were my guys for a number of years and I enjoyed working with them," she said. "Good luck."

During his State of the Town Address, Skibitsky touched briefly on the reshuffle, which brought new chairs to three out of the four committees. He said he has confidence in the new chairs and the work of the committees. Councilman Jim Foerst is the only chairman to continue in his role, which is leading the code review panel.

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"To my committee chairs, thank you for taking on these additional duties," Skibitsky said.


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