Town Manager Report for the week ending May 30, 2025
On Monday the Town had our annual Memorial Day Ceremony at our 4 designated locations throughout Town organized by USMC Veteran Janie Deptula and coordinated by MC Cory Bates US Army Ranger Veteran. At each site they had the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem. The American Legion, SPRM Post 81 had a Color Guard, a wreath was placed, and TAPS was played to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us to be free.
At Briar Point on Tuesday, myself along with the Parks and Recreation Director and Coventry Police were at the beach due to a vandalism and break and entering to the building which houses all of our equipment and bathrooms that occurred over the weekend. We have replaced all of the damaged locks and will be installing cameras. The lot is newly paved and striped and looks great.
Speaking of Briar Point Beach here is the most recent update on access and staffing: Briar Point is open from now until Labor Day from 1000am to 600pm. Parking passes will be required starting June 13 for entry on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays. Passes can be obtained at the Parks and Recreation Office 1277 Main St during normal business hours and none will be sold at Briar. Parking Passes are $25 for residents for the season and $50 for non-residents. We have staffing now on the weekends and a gate attendant checking passes starting on June 13. For more information please visit the Parks and Recreation website and their Facebook page. It is still free to walk in.
On Wednesday the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) through the RI League of Cities and Towns made a presentation on the Municipalities Role in the Cannabis Act. It outlined the path of cannabis legalization, the establishment of the CCC, what the act provides regarding licensing and geographical zones, and the total of new licenses to be issed-24. We will be working with our Planning Director and the Council to establish guidelines for Coventry’s participation in this program which was passed here by referendum in 2022.
On Wednesday we met with school administration to review our 4th quarter budgets, discuss the use of the upcoming $25m bond funds, and drafting the deficit reduction plan for the Auditor General once our FY 24 audit is complete in June.