Cheryl Assis

The Policy Board meeting, conducted in a hybrid format, included monthly reports from the Chair and Executive Director, updates on BIL/IIJA, Municipal Services and Purchasing, Planning, and Public Safety Homeland Security. A legislative update covered discussions in Washington D.C. regarding infrastructure funding and budget processes. Congressman Courtney presented, acknowledging the value of Connecticut COGS and discussing federal funding timelines. Action items included the approval of a resolution authorizing the submittal of the DEEP Recreational Trail Grant application, approval of an agreement with the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) to sustain the Capitol Region Medical Reserve Corps, endorsement of the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) for the Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown MSA, and approval of specific Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments, including a noise barrier replacement on I-691 in Southington.

The meeting included an executive session for the discussion concerning the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of the Executive Director. Following the executive session, the committee reported endorsing the executive director's evaluation and recommended reviewing compensation at a subsequent Personnel Finance meeting. A significant discussion involved a Letter of Support regarding Special Legislative Session concerning Electric Rate Increases, with a consensus reached that the CRCOG Legislative Committee should lead the effort to focus on solutions for rate relief and the effect of rate increases on municipalities. Additionally, the Manager for Newington was introduced.

The meeting commenced with a presentation on the 8-30j legislation requirement concerning affordable housing within Connecticut towns, including background on state affordability and statistical analysis. The commission reviewed and approved recent zoning and subdivision referrals. A discussion followed regarding local planning and development activities across the region, including updates on marijuana/cannabis regulations (recreational components, moratoriums), approvals for middle-income housing units, zoning regulation changes to streamline commercial development, the approval of a new housing project in Hartford, and efforts to address hurdles related to Public Act 21-34 in Avon. Other municipal updates included the approval of a brew pub and distribution warehouse in Windsor, and the approval of a revised general plan in South Windsor. Finally, members expressed interest in future discussions regarding cannabis best practices for zoning and community engagement.

The meeting focused on several administrative and program updates. Discussions included the Public Forum segment where an organization presented on building benches for transit stops and subsequent follow-up arrangements. Staff reports covered the availability of the Vision Zero Program Distinction for Schools, details for the 2024 Connecticut Road Safety Summit, and the availability of the draft final report for the Farmington Area Connectivity Study, with public comments accepted through March 18, 2024. Updates were also provided on BIL/IIJA funding, the CRCOG office relocation scheduled for mid-March, and the CTDOT Bus Stop Enhancement Program survey regarding bus shelter maintenance procedures. Further staff reports detailed upcoming meetings on ADA Compliance, a summary of the Greater Hartford Mobility Study staff review, the LOTCIP Project Solicitation update, and the FFY 2023 FTA Section 5310 Application Cycle deadlines. The committee also reviewed and approved one TIP Amendment concerning the replacement of a noise barrier on I-691 WB in Southington, and approved a proposed schedule change for the March and April 2024 committee meetings due to the office move.

The Municipal Services Committee meeting agenda focused on several critical operational and planning issues. Key discussions included the ongoing solid waste situation, which involved scheduling a tentative meeting with MIRA's representative and planning subsequent discussions with DEEP regarding next steps. The committee reviewed highlights of the CRCOG Municipal Services 2021-2022 Work Plan, with members noting unfortunate past business experiences with Simple Recycling. Further discussions covered the status of the Regional Performance Incentive Program (RPIP) grant, and the potential for a regional approach to broadband improvements utilizing ARPA funding. The committee also addressed workforce development efforts and concurred on the utility of CRCOG maintaining a list for members to track municipal CARES Act funding expenditures. Additionally, the status of the treated road salt bid closing was reported.