NECCOG updates transit, resilience grants and regional services in brief Oct. 24 meeting

The Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (NECCOG) met Oct. 24, 2025, in Canterbury and by Zoom and approved routine minutes and referrals while taking up program updates ranging from transit purchases to federal resilience grants.

Maureen Nicholson, Madam Chair, opened the meeting at 9:04 a.m. and the board unanimously approved the previous meeting minutes after Lincoln Cooper moved and Tracey Hanson seconded the motion. Public participation included contact and project updates from Rebecca Spurrier of Eversource, Luigi Sartori of NDDH on monthly regional harm-reduction reports, and Mike Caplet of Emergency Management, who raised concerns and provided contact information.

In program updates, staff reported mapping work under the OPM Parcel/CAMA grant will begin in winter, CAI continues 25GL updates for Killingly and will address match rates, and GIS viewer training was held with Thompson in September. Staff said the LOTCIP fund, while dedicated to urban projects, may be expanded where eligible. The Safe Streets for ALL initiative completed 15 of 16 stakeholder meetings and logged more than 300 survey responses.

NECCOG staff also reported that four Connecticut regional councils of governments—NVCOG, CRCROG, NEECOG and NHCOG—were awarded $1.2 million each under the U.S. Department of Transportation PROTECT program to enhance transportation resilience in their regions. The meeting record lists the awards as part of broader regional planning work.

The director's report covered several operational items. The Woodstock animal-control case remains pending in court, with an appeal hearing expected in November. NECCOG confirmed that one supervisor has resigned and, because of an anticipated reduction in towns served, the position will not be filled; notification letters about the end of service for towns outside NECCOG on June 30, 2026 will be sent after the election.

On transit, staff said the State has awarded NECCOG six new buses, with ordering scheduled for November; the south-side air conditioning on the NECCOG building has been replaced with State funds, and staff noted roof repairs are needed immediately to advance a planned renovation. The organization also announced the hiring of Virginia Oliver, an HR professional, who will split her time between Plainfield and NECCOG HR responsibilities.

All member towns have signed contracts to begin regional revaluations, which will start in Woodstock; the first of five equal payments is due July 1, 2025. NECCOG is recruiting for an Economic Development/Grant Administrator and will host an Advance CT presentation in Putnam; staff asked interested leaders to RSVP to Jordan.

On legislative matters, staff reported the Governor vetoed HB 5002; a special session is expected in early November as COG leaders work with the Governor on revised language expected to retain $200,000 for regional housing planning and $200,000 for storm resiliency, waste management, recycling and household hazardous waste initiatives. FOI training was announced for December and will be led by Russell Blair, State FOI Training Officer.

Under discussion items, NECCOG reviewed referrals from the Town of Sterling proposing text amendments to zoning and subdivision regulations (definitions, prohibited uses, minimum lot area, accessory apartments, fees, public open space and building-lot provisions). Members moved to approve the listed agenda items and referrals; Kevin Cunningham moved, David Eaton seconded, and the motions were approved unanimously. Chair Nicholson moved to adjourn, and the meeting ended at 9:57 a.m.

The meeting packet also listed CTDOT STIP entries, including an October 2025 amendment to construct the Quinebaug River multiuse trail with total funds of $2,724,941 (federal $2,179,953; state $544,988) and an Asset Management Group action totaling $9,571,220 (federal $7,656,976; state $1,914,244). These CTDOT items were presented as STIP listings in the packet.