Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments

The meeting includes presentations from Sitestream, Connecticut Traffic Operations, and NDDH, along with project updates from staff regarding SS4A and PROTECT. Discussion and action items involve the authorization of an agreement for a Regional Service Grant, approval of the 2024-2025 audit, and adoption of fiscal year 26-27 budgets for NECCOG, NECTD, and Animal Control. Additionally, the agenda covers the endorsement of the Safe Streets for All action plan, approval of planning documents, STIP actions and amendments, and various zoning regulation modifications and map amendments for the towns of Plainfield, Voluntown, Mansfield, Sprague, and Pomfret.

The meeting featured an update from Congressman Joe Courtney regarding federal priorities, transportation and infrastructure funding, and available municipal resources. Project updates were provided for the Streets for All Safety Action Plan, PROTECT, and the TRIP program. A presentation was given on long-term hazard mitigation strategies. The Director's report covered updates on regional animal control, transit district repairs and bus delivery schedules, legislative updates, and new regional programs such as tax collection and assessor services. Additionally, the board approved various regional referrals and zoning text amendments for the towns of Brooklyn, Pomfret, and Mansfield.

The meeting included reports on program updates such as the OPM parcel/CAMA grant, LOTCIP, Safe Streets for All, and the PROTECT transportation resilience program. The director's report covered updates on animal control staffing, transit district bus acquisitions and building improvements, regional town administrator support, town revaluations, outreach efforts, and legislative updates regarding the Governor's vetoed bill. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved STIP amendments for the Quinebaug River multi-use trail and asset management group, as well as several text amendments to zoning and subdivision regulations for the Town of Sterling.

The meeting featured a discussion with the Comptroller regarding property tax and MERS pension reforms. Representatives from the CT GIS Office presented on legislative mandates and data tools, while the BETA Group provided an update on the Regional Safety Action Plan. Program updates included progress on the OPM Parcel/CAMA Grant, the CPRG Comprehensive Action Plan, and the PROTECT sub-recipient funding for resilience planning. The Director's report covered animal control facility and service issues, transit district repair funding, regional town administrator support, and recent legislative updates concerning housing and stormwater management. Additionally, the Council approved STIP actions and addressed concerns regarding bridge maintenance and the management of FOIA requests.

The council discussed proposed state legislation concerning housing and zoning, regional fire and EMS services, education funding, and public records access. A presentation was provided on regional IT shared services, focusing on cybersecurity as a priority. Staff reports covered the status of the Plan of Conservation and Development, animal control facility planning, transit district roof repairs, and regional grant opportunities. The meeting concluded with actions taken on STIP amendments, regional referrals, and a resolution for a regional tax assessment and collection grant.