Town Manager Report for the week ending April 11, 2025
On April 3 and 4 the Coventry Police Department attended the R.I. Police Accreditation Conference in Newport in which they had the opportunity to collaborate with other municipal departments, share perspectives, attend workshops and seminars, and discuss the latest advancements in law enforcement.
On Monday night the School Building Committee met for the first time in over a year to review all of the school projects that are a part of the $25m school bond that was passed by the voters in 2023. All of the schools will have some upgrades but a majority of the work is focused on the high school and middle school with projects including a new gymnasium for both schools, a new roof for the ASFMS and a fire suppression system for the high school. Another big project will be the construction of a new well at Western Coventry Elementary School and bathroom renovations.
On Tuesday night the Town Council passed a Provisional Budget for FY 26 that will now be advertised and discussed at two upcoming Public Hearings on April 29 at 600pm and on May 3 at 1000am. All residents are welcomed to attend those meetings and will have the opportunity to ask questions of the Town Manager and the Council. Along with the Provisional Budget the Council passed a resolution to formally approve the $25m School Bond and to authorize the Town Manager, Solicitor, and Finance Director to apply to RIHEBC for the bond issuance.
On Thursday the Municipal Fire Commission met to continue the discussion on the operation of the four Fire Districts and heard from the Town Grant Writer on funding opportunities for staffing, equipment, and apparatus. There was also a presentation on what a consolidated budget and consolidated tax rate for a municipal department could look like.
At the Senior Center this week CPS OPTIX came on April 7 to offer their full optic services to our seniors and on April 9 West Bay Community Action was at the center helping our seniors apply for fuel assistance for the remainder of the season. There are many upcoming events for the remainder of April at the Senior Center if interested.