In a recent meeting of the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, significant discussions centered around municipal shared services, flood recovery efforts, and proposed amendments to the organization's bylaws.

The meeting began with an update on the Equity Explorer initiative, where officials reported a 79% response rate from municipalities regarding a shared services survey. Efforts are underway to achieve full participation, with a final appeal to the remaining four communities to respond. Additionally, an upcoming event hosted by the Capital Region Council of Governments on October 8 was announced, aimed at sharing successful strategies among regional municipalities.

A critical focus of the meeting was the ongoing recovery from historic flooding that impacted the region on October 18-19. Weekly meetings have been established to update stakeholders on recovery efforts and funding status. Officials encouraged towns to report any unmet needs related to the flooding, emphasizing a collaborative approach to recovery.

The discussion then shifted to proposed amendments to the council's bylaws, which have been under review for several months. Key changes include the restructuring of committee roles and the incorporation of new definitions and responsibilities. Notably, a contentious amendment was raised regarding the eligibility of mayors from the Valley communities to serve as chairpersons of the council. Several members expressed strong opposition to this provision, arguing it undermines the contributions of these towns and their leaders. A motion was made to table the discussion for further review in a special meeting, allowing for more comprehensive deliberation on the matter.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to enhancing regional cooperation, addressing pressing recovery needs, and ensuring fair representation within its governance structure. The next steps will involve further discussions on the bylaws and continued efforts to support municipalities in the wake of the flooding.