Town Manager Report for the week ending September 25, 2026
This week the Parks and Recreation Department finalized its plans for the Paine Parking Lot Improvements. The main lot behind the building will be repaved and striped with an official crosswalk for a smoother and safer area for all who use our facility.
On Tuesday we had Secretary of State Greg Amore and the R.I. Semiquincentennial RI 250 Committee, along with Senator Raptakis, Representatives Noret and Read, President Verducci, Vice President Brown, Councilpersons Houle and Iannotti, and our local Boy Scout Troop for the Coventry Liberty Tree Planting at Quidneck Park. It was a great event to bring the community together and for the young Scouts to take part and understand a vital part of our country’s history. Thanks to all who attended.
Right after the Liberty Tree Planting we had our monthly Council meeting in Council Chambers at Town Hall. There were many important items on the agenda including the Conservation Commission, Land Trust, Comprehensive Plan, a land purchase on Meeting St, and proclamations for 2 new Eagle Scouts in our Town. There will be a lot more items coming up on the agendas over the next month including kennels, the RDA Plan, Municipal Fire Department information, and sewers. Please try to attend whether in person or via the Zoom link at the top of each agenda.
Parks and Recreation is still collecting individually wrapped and sealed candy for our annual Halloween Spooktacular on Friday October 16, 2026 at the Town Hall Annex from 600pm-800pm. The rain date will be Saturday October 17. It can be dropped off during normal business hours.
On Thursday Chief Witt and EMA Coordinator Rick Heise held our annual Hazard Mitigation meeting at the Town Hall Annex with staff from various departments along with CCFD and Anthony Fire to review our 35 Hazard Mitigation Action Items. We reviewed our mitigation goals, what projects we have in the pipeline for 2027 and beyond, and where we stand with grant funding for some infrastructure projects like sewers, stormwater mitigation, and building generators. More to come.
RIEMA had a meeting yesterday in preparation for the upcoming rain and wind storm coming up the coast. The latest predictions are a steady rain and wind for the next 3 days with rain accumulations of 2-4 inches and winds around 40mph with gusts to 50-60mph. The Town will have DPW staff on call for any downed trees. RI Energy has brought in additional crews for any power outages. Please stay home and away from any downed wires you may encounter.