RiverCOG selects RRS for regional waste authority study and approves officers slate

RiverCOG authorized staff to negotiate a contract with RRS to perform a DEEP-funded regional waste authority feasibility study and approved its slate of officers for the coming year.

Staff said seven firms applied for the grant; four were interviewed and RRS scored highest. The selected scope covers a planning study to evaluate options — joining existing authorities, creating a new authority, or other arrangements — and may include a follow-up operational/engineering study of the Essex transfer station if the town authorizes using that facility. The grant total was listed at roughly $612,000–$620,000; staff said DEEP is providing a 25% advance to start work and that up to $250,000 in startup funds would be available later if a new authority proceeds.

Members asked that contracts make clear the scope and that engineering work tied to an Essex facility would proceed only with town approval. A member quoted a firm price of about $260,000 for RRS’s bid on a line item; staff said final negotiated numbers will be confirmed in contract talks. The council moved to authorize negotiations and then approved the motion by voice vote.

In governance business the council approved a one-year slate of officers (chair Tony Salvatore; vice chair Dave Cox; secretary Bob McGarry; treasurer Fortuna; at-large members Eileen Haines and Eric Kocher) after a motion and voice vote.

Why it matters: A regional waste authority could change how the region manages collection, transfer and disposal; authorizing the study advances decision-making while protecting town authority over use of town-owned facilities.

What’s next: Staff will negotiate contract terms with RRS clarifying phased authorization and town approvals for any transfer-station engineering work; the council will hold a short special meeting to review a delayed audit draft and will report back on the study’s negotiated costs and timeline.