Town officials last week upheld a $30 ticket issued to a New Canaan woman who identified herself as a new driver.
The fine assessed to Virginia Easley was “my first ever ticket,” she said in an appeal letter that the Parking Commission discussed during its Sept. 6 meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference.
The town’s Parking Bureau issued the ticket for overstaying in a 15-minute space in the Morse Court Lot, according to Parking Manager Stacy Miltenberg.
In her letter, the appellant said, “I was planning on briefly picking up lunch in town, but the wait time was slightly longer than expected, which caused me to briefly exceed the 15 minute parking limit. I am trying to save money for college and have been working all summer so I really need the money. This will not happen again and in the future I’ll be sure to park where I know I have enough time. Please consider exempting me from this ticket.”
Miltenberg noted during the meeting that an enforcement officer with the town clocked that Easley was in the spot at 1:39 p.m. on Aug. 10 (a Thursday), and that the ticket was issued at 2:14 p.m., meaning she overstayed by at least 20 minutes.
“She technically could have gotten two tickets, which people have,” Miltenberg said.
The Commission asked whether the ticketed woman needs to pay a $60 fine since it’s been more than two weeks since the fine was assessed (no, late fees are set aside in the case of an appeal) and whether the Parking Bureau tried to contact the appellant so she would have an opportunity to participate in the live hearing (yes).
Ultimately, Commissioners Nancy Bemis, Kevin Karl and Drew Magratten voted 3-0 to uphold. Commissioner Marley Thackray was absent. There’s one open seat on the Commission.
“Could be a good life lesson,” Bemis said during the appointed body’s brief deliberations.
Magratten said, “I think we have to uphold.”