[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6519516,"mediaKeyId","5354975-226a9caa02bdc6df4d49094dc3d92b27","parentId",5354975,"title","Votes at a glance: COG authorizes brownfields contracts, approves equipment sales and signs off on bridge preservation amendment","audioSeconds",28,"startMs",3894000,"endMs",3922000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5354975-226a9caa02bdc6df4d49094dc3d92b27&start=3894&end=3922","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5354975-226a9caa02bdc6df4d49094dc3d92b27/thumbnail_3894000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6519516/Connecticut/Votes-at-a-glance-COG-authorizes-brownfields-contracts-approves-equipment-sales-and-signs-off-on-bridge-preservation-amendment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519516-e72552ed5d503a96627ffcdce8871ba3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998203&Signature=jj2ZeYW2v1k2R1wQ1lsC-yLGq~oYr9sTgHEGtr3OYzoqwmZ7o~Gd1IUJGwavKD6FJNz-5Gkg0iSI8R~5Bd9Njly~kYB~~BuLwktXutumAEfmc9iztOuRE6ObAf2ZWSEYaJz3Dcj-zOdZJAdjTis0L2cM3GabiyqHdxPwH0psOVkaIBD7iTY1Fd74R~lUc8YEP17m2zYrS0cEW1I2B7-YhA4OamjJaGNNUeFla0XTEuMYOt99~OXmYkGLE8H33dPHf8aCqUTj9nYSRl-4Cj9RNrT3OZ~~d9rCAZJ9O62CfuPoYt27CKRzXU2h8X4gokkyv9FspKp1yTrD-e7-UuzLrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Northwest Hills County, CT","date","2025-07-10T17:35:39Z","article","The Northwest Hills Council of Governments took several procedural and procurement votes at its July 10 meeting. Key outcomes:

- Brownfields contract authorizations: The council empowered the executive director to enter into contracts to advance two brownfields assessment grants (towns: Cornwall and Winsted). The board previously voted to accept the grant awards; staff sought authorization to execute contracts to move the work forward in the absence of an August meeting. A motion to empower the executive director passed by voice vote (ayes recorded; no recorded opposition).

- Public works equipment sales: Acting on a recommendation from the Public Works Equipment Collaborative, the council authorized staff to solicit best offers from member towns for two straw blowers (30‑day internal offer window) and to list two undersized asphalt recyclers and an underused Megawide catch‑basin cleaner on the public auction site (govdeals.net) at set reserve prices. The motion passed after a second; no members objected.

- SIP amendment (bridge deck preservation): The council approved a State Implementation Plan amendment (project code COT01703791) to carry forward bridge deck membrane/waterproofing preservation work in several district bridges. The motion to approve the SIP amendment passed by voice vote.

- Minutes and financials: The council approved minutes presented and accepted the monthly financial statement for May (motions moved and seconded; voice votes).

Votes and motions (summary)

1) Empower executive director to enter brownfields contracts (Cornwall and Winsted)
- Motion: \"Empower Rob to enter into an agreement to further Brownfields grant for Cornwall and Winsted.\" (moved; seconded)
- Mover: council member (mover recorded as \"I'll move that\" in transcript)
- Second: Slack and Raf (second recorded in transcript)
- Outcome: approved by voice vote; no opposition reported
- Notes: Board had previously accepted grant awards; contracts follow procurement and BSC review.

2) Authorize sale/solicitation of public works assets
- Motion: Pursue sale of two straw blowers to interested member towns (internal offer window) and place asphalt recyclers and one catch-basin cleaner on govdeals.net if no local buyers; 30‑day deadline for offers.
- Mover: Doug (Burlington) ; Second: Tom (Morris)
- Outcome: approved by voice vote; no recorded opposition
- Notes: Staff to send comprehensive notice and accept confidential best offers for 30 days; govdeals listing only if needed.

3) Approve SIP amendment (COT01703791) for bridge deck preservation
- Motion: Approve the SIP amendment as presented
- Mover: Tom (name given as mover in transcript); Second: Denise (recorded)
- Outcome: approved by voice vote; no recorded opposition
- Notes: Amendment funds membrane/waterproofing repair across district bridges; carryover of prior project.

4) Approve minutes & accept monthly financial statement (May)
- Motions moved and seconded; voting by voice; approved.

What the votes mean

Most motions were procedural approvals required to advance contracts, asset dispositions and a DOT SIP amendment. The brownfields actions move two assessment projects into procurement and contract execution; the equipment-sale authorization gives member towns first refusal for regionally owned assets and a path to public auction if internal offers are not received.

Provenance excerpts

Brownfields contract authorization: transcript lines around 00:52:05–00:53:20 (motion and second recorded) and voice vote.
Equipment sales authorization: transcript lines around 01:00:00–01:02:00 (public works collaborative presentation and motion; 30‑day offer window) and subsequent voice vote.
SIP amendment approval: transcript lines around 01:04:50–01:05:30 (transportation director introduction and motion; voice vote).

Speakers involved in votes

Rob (Executive Director) — moved/asked for authorization on contracts
Doug (Burlington) — motion to approve equipment sale recommendation
Tom (Morris) — seconded equipment motion and moved SIP amendment
Denise — seconded SIP amendment
Gordon — participated in recording affirmative votes

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"block_3125.50\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":64,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So this is Cornwall. It's in our budget. Is there a motion from the council to empower Rob to enter into an agreement to further Brownfields grant for Cornwall In Winstead. And Winstead.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_3184.64\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":56,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Is there anybody opposed? Hearing none. Seeing none. I'm just gonna get Gordon is I'll see it up just to say aye. Is there any abstentions? Seeing none. Let's consider that measure passed.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_3600.67\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":86,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"But I'm I'm welcome to any other suggestions if anybody else has any ideas. Perfect. 30 days. 30 days. Make make your best offer. Reach out. Otherwise, these the recommendation of the public works collaborative committee will be realized. It will be moved. Is that the motion? That's the motion.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_3635.34\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":44,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"All in favor? Aye. Somebody online with your hand? ... Is there anybody opposed? Seeing no hands, any abstentions? ... consider that motion approved.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_3994.53\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":52,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"That's right. Alright. Is there a motion to approve the SIP amendment as presented? So moved. Thank you, Tom.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_4022.48\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":24,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"All in favor, the sip of that and ask presented, say aye. Aye. K. Anybody opposed? Seeing none. Show that as approved.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","NHCOG July 10, 2025 Regular Monthly Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Northwest Hills COG on July 10 approved several standard procedural and procurement measures: authorization for brownfields assessment contracts, sale/solicitation of public works equipment, and a state bridge‑preservation SIP amendment; the council also approved minutes and its monthly financial statement.","taxTitle","Northwest Hills County, Connecticut","taxId",52776,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6519526,"Northwest Hills COG affirms support for public ownership of Torrington transfer station; urges towns to join new regional authority",2096,842000,2938000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5354975-226a9caa02bdc6df4d49094dc3d92b27&start=842&end=2938","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5354975-226a9caa02bdc6df4d49094dc3d92b27/thumbnail_842000.jpg","/articles/6519526/Connecticut/Northwest-Hills-COG-affirms-support-for-public-ownership-of-Torrington-transfer-station-urges-towns-to-join-new-regional-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519526-90bb8e55a59fb41e82b0bc634581299f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998203&Signature=ookohMqnE6PvZkxrxLhi8AhICSE66JZA2qlWQCO00L~FGQxWQxb-t9dAiYQ62iDBbyIyBK0OKRPHvL2ndyEeUx~FB7lg8~DR8JksSa1-OtkCCK54TBqAzv~MeB7lHD8BQ~YB1OtAHEoEl5nUonBdOCRwj5kn1~u~x-vT2SaeYknphkaI-XFhF4iQR5Gb~aPV1ksNK-10~9jMoc6qSGiNhayjz7ZWJHRyQSvfMwKQbB7DfIQYnGFnYQY7w2ITom-PrQzrYlazd8qKM-PY~8Bshbo7wB~LX1tGjHCCJQoBDM4uKqsIhHCR7BHPxcn1-jsCfvs~vR3hzWQHMWru1ojQ5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northwest Hills Council of Governments on July 10 voted by consensus to continue providing technical and legal support for the Northwest Regional Resources Authority’s effort to keep the Torrington transfer station in public hands and urged member towns to join the NRRA by passing concurrent ordinances.

Executive Director Rob reported that, effective July 1, permitting for regional waste operations transferred to the NRRA and that the former managing entity (referred to in the meeting as the MDA) has ceased operations. Rob said hauler agreements needed revision before the transfer of authority and that the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is currently operating the facility. The COG’s prior budget includes a $25,000 line for MSW technical and legal resources; staff asked the council whether to continue using those funds to support NRRA-startup work and related legal review.

The issue matters because the transfer station is a permitted, operating facility that serves multiple small towns across Litchfield County. Council members and town officials said losing public control could lead to the site being sold to a private operator and to service disruptions or higher costs for member towns.

Discussion and context

Council members described a complex, short-term transition that culminated in DAS taking day-to-day control on July 1. Rob and other participants said there was a “flurry” of activity in the days before the handoff to update and return hauler agreements; some agreements were returned but revised versions drafted by DAS had not yet been provided to the COG staff for review. The executive director recommended continued follow-up and, if necessary, use of Freedom of Information requests to obtain those revised agreements.

Multiple participants urged towns that may ultimately use the NRRA to join now. Rob explained the governance mechanics: voting rights on the NRRA board will be determined by concurrent ordinances that member municipalities adopt. Staff also emphasized that future decisions about operations, recycling programs and shared regional services will be made by the NRRA board once it is seated.

Financial and operational concerns

Mayors and other officials pressed for clarity about costs. Several participants noted the transfer station’s monthly operating shortfall under prior management: testimony reported that disposal fees historically covered roughly half of operating costs and that the facility had relied on outside revenue streams (solar leases, billboard leases and other non-disposal revenues) and a tip-fee stabilization fund to cover the remainder. Council members said those outside revenues may not be available to a new operator and that towns with very different tonnages (some small towns versus larger towns) will face equity and cost-allocation questions.

Several participants said the COG has already identified potential savings — including cuts to overhead — and that, over the longer term, a competitive procurement for services once existing contracts expire could reduce operating costs. But multiple mayors warned that any private sale or closure of the current facility could force short-notice hauling to more distant sites.

Household hazardous waste (HHW) event and vendor issues

Rob reported on the COG’s June 21 HHW collection event at the Falls Village town garage. The event processed about 300 vehicles and used MXI as the vendor for collections. Rob said MXI generally performed well but did not lay down plastic sheeting at the site, which led to some small spills that event staff cleaned; he said the COG would press the vendor to improve on-site containment for future events.

Rob also described one atypical incident: an attendee brought free elemental mercury (apparently loose, in a jar). According to Rob, MXI initially refused to accept the item because disposal is costly (Rob said mercury disposal can run about $700 per pound); state and contractor contacts were engaged. The COG will accept such materials at future events but said it needs to resolve how to manage the high disposal cost.

Next steps and board direction

After discussion, the council heard a motion-like request from staff to continue using existing RSG/RPIA-funded technical and legal resources to support NRRA formation, review hauler agreements and pursue public acquisition options for Torrington’s transfer station. Chair Dan Jerram asked whether any member objected to continuing prior directions; none did. The body recorded the decision as a continuation of prior board direction (consensus). Staff will keep the full COG updated on budget impacts, provide lists of next steps and town-level background materials, and contact town boards about passing the concurrent ordinance needed to join the NRRA.

Speakers

Executive Director Rob — staff member (executive director, Northwest Hills COG)
Dan Jerram — chair (Northwest Hills COG)
Brian Bartram — (participant/public official; requested reconvening of recycling advisory committee)
Ristad — (participant)
Attorney Zabel — (legal counsel, referenced as working with the COG)
Joe Mazzarella — (Enviro representative)
Mayor Carbone — (mayor; spoke in support of acquisition)
Other participants — several mayors, selectpersons and town representatives (names recorded in the transcript)

Authorities referenced

House Bill 5002 — other — referenced_by:[\"executive director report re: state budget and positions\"]
DAS (Department of Administrative Services) — other — referenced_by:[\"transfer of operations to DAS\"]
NRRA (Northwest Regional Resources Authority) — other — referenced_by:[\"permitting and governance change effective July 1\"]
MDA (previous managing authority, referenced as dissolved) — other — referenced_by:[\"organization that ceased to exist prior to July 1\"]
RPIA / RSG funds (regional service grant funding source) — grant — referenced_by:[\"funding for positions and MSW technical/legal resources\"]

Clarifying details

{ \"category\":\"HHW event vehicles\",\"detail\":\"Vehicles processed at June 21 HHW event\",\"value\":300,\"units\":\"vehicles\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Executive Director Rob\" }
{ \"category\":\"mercury disposal cost\",\"detail\":\"Contractor-stated disposal cost for elemental mercury\",\"value\":700,\"units\":\"USD per pound\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Executive Director Rob\" }
{ \"category\":\"MSW legal/technical budget\",\"detail\":\"Amount set aside in COG budget for MSW technical and legal resources\",\"value\":25000,\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Executive Director Rob\" }

Community relevance

Geographies: Torrington; Falls Village; Litchfield County; North Canaan; member towns across the Northwest Hills COG region.
Impact groups: municipal taxpayers; town public works departments; haulers; residents relying on local transfer-station access.
Funding sources: RSG / RPIA regional service grant funds, tip-fee stabilization funds, lease revenues (historical).

Meeting context

Engagement level: high — extended discussion with multiple mayors, legal counsel and staff participants; staff requested direction on continuing previously authorized technical/legal support.
Implementation risk: medium — acquisition and operation depend on NRRA startup, town ordinances and future funding decisions.
History: item discussed at prior meetings; the COG previously budgeted funds and approved legal services for related MSW work.

Searchable tags:[\"MSW\",\"NRRA\",\"Torrington transfer station\",\"household hazardous waste\",\"HHW\",\"hauler agreements\",\"DAS\",\"regional recycling\"]

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"block_579.89\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":156,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"It was a pretty typical event. We had about 300, vehicles that came through. We had our new vendor working with us, MXI.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_842.83\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":232,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So, outside that, let's see. MSW update engagement of any further legal counsel services. So, as many of you may, are aware, the, through the legislative action, the permit for, the, you know, waste operations here in the in our region has passed to the NRRA, the North, West Regional Resources, Authority.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_2923.46\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":128,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I heard no objection to, going forward with the executive team to continue to try to do that to work within our budget and to keep the council updated.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}
","The Northwest Hills Council of Governments on July 10 affirmed continuing technical and legal support for efforts to keep the Torrington transfer station in public hands and urged member towns to join the newly formed Northwest Regional Resources Authority.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6519521,"Regional housing program reports 209 rental units and 21 ownership homes in development across 12 towns",438,4725000,5163000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5354975-226a9caa02bdc6df4d49094dc3d92b27&start=4725&end=5163","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5354975-226a9caa02bdc6df4d49094dc3d92b27/thumbnail_4725000.jpg","/articles/6519521/Connecticut/Regional-housing-program-reports-209-rental-units-and-21-ownership-homes-in-development-across-12-towns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519521-181fd40efb19682d46146656ccb073ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998203&Signature=RdLfhCEnabPORx-RTkQNYS~3AOLauFKBtQaBJpkXWWygTwmqB3uXnLpqnorQXfm9i99q6n9vo3~6PNVcYSlfLgfspWV4bPFrukdA6g7ZX1nFd2BBRoy5AVkX~601IqagyET5Zhf4jEnxejmHnY7dVuDfrlZdFReG8OBpVq0odhMnRWI8Dsxqk7XB9VL7ulP4-0EIoahLivgw3PwHBvCTZCKxS~NxlY9c~BqZGyCjqPyx2n5uUlLogDe0h~aLXgiH6Q8tNnUJpTLZTBMpxBR2b10wyVjIgQ-AgiSg3kpsYTwWF~9XGDPh8a01f8NV-hjpfAhpx5U2dp6GZuaRiXnaBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jocelyn, the COG’s regional housing coordinator, reported July 10 that the COG and partner organizations are managing a pipeline of 18 affordable housing projects across 12 towns and are supporting predevelopment and funding connections for those projects.

The update listed 209 rental homes and 21 ownership homes in development in towns that include Barkhamsted, Falls Village, Cornwall, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, Salisbury, Sharon, Warren, Washington, Winchester and Norfolk. Jocelyn said the program provides predevelopment seed funding, project management for local nonprofit developers, and outreach to create a pipeline of first‑time homebuyers and renters who are prepared to apply.

Why it matters

The housing effort aims to expand affordable housing choices in rural communities where market prices are high and waiting lists for affordable units are long. Jocelyn highlighted a modular home project and a homeownership program priced near $255,000 for units the program will sell — contrasted with adjacent market homes priced at well over $1 million — to illustrate local affordability gaps.

Current activities and resources

Jocelyn said the COG helps towns and local housing organizations connect with construction and permanent financing, acquisition and predevelopment funds, and potential rural infrastructure sources (for wells, septic and long driveways). She said pre‑applications are open for scattered‑site homeownership units in Salisbury, Cornwall, Norfolk and Washington and for a 10‑unit net‑zero ownership project in Norfolk.

The housing team also maintains an interest form for affordable rental opportunities (posted at nwcthousing.org). Jocelyn said waiting lists for existing affordable properties are long — for example, Salisbury reported about 110 households on its rental waiting list — and that expanding the regional pipeline will reduce those lists over time.

Upcoming: regional housing summit

Jocelyn asked members to save the date for the COG’s Litchfield County Housing Affordability Summit on Monday, Sept. 29, an evening event expected to include the state commissioner of housing and local project updates. She offered to share the presentation and two outreach flyers the housing office is distributing to recruit pre‑applicants and publicize homebuyer counseling resources.

Speakers

Jocelyn — regional housing coordinator (Northwest Hills housing team)

Clarifying details

{ \"category\":\"projects_in_pipeline\",\"detail\":\"Number of rental units and ownership units in active development\",\"value\":209,\"units\":\"rental_units\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Jocelyn\" }
{ \"category\":\"ownership_units\",\"detail\":\"Ownership homes in development\",\"value\":21,\"units\":\"homes\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Jocelyn\" }
{ \"category\":\"salisbury_waitlist\",\"detail\":\"Households on waiting list for affordable rentals in Salisbury\",\"value\":110,\"units\":\"households\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Jocelyn\" }

Authorities/references

Funding sources referenced in the presentation included federal and state housing programs, CDBG (small cities) and other standard construction/permanent financing channels; Jocelyn said the team is working with the Department of Housing on rural infrastructure funding but did not identify a specific new statutory authority during the meeting.

Next steps

Jocelyn will share the slide deck and outreach materials with COG members, continue intake via the rental interest form and accept pre‑applications for the ownership projects. The COG will promote the Sept. 29 housing summit and continue coordinating funding strategy with towns and local nonprofits.

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","The Northwest Hills housing coordinator told the COG on July 10 that 18 affordable housing projects are in development across 12 towns, representing 209 rental homes and 21 ownership homes; pre‑application and outreach efforts are underway and a housing summit is set for Sept. 29.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: COG authorizes brownfields contracts, approves equipment sales and signs off on bridge preservation amendment

Northwest Hills COG affirms support for public ownership of Torrington transfer station; urges towns to join new regional authority

Regional housing program reports 209 rental units and 21 ownership homes in development across 12 towns