Town Manager Report for the week ending September 12, 2025
On Monday our Parks and Recreation Director Scott Sevegny and our CDBG Coordinator Geri Manning held a public workshop at the Coventry Human Services Center on the 3 upcoming playground projects that are scheduled to begin at the end of 2025 and be open in the Spring of 2026. The largest of the projects at Quidneck Field is financed through a CDBG grant of $495k the Town received in 2024 and will include a new playground, new basketball course, a picnic area, swings, and all new landscaping. The 2nd new playground will be on Howard Ave where there currently is a smaller playground. This $100k project is being funded through a DEM Recreational grant and entails a new playground, benches and landscaping. The last project at Giblin Park is the smallest project funded through the Capital Improvement Project at $89k and will include a playground for 5-12-year-olds and new landscaping. There were approximately 20 people in attendance including Town wide Councilperson JP Verducci who answered several questions including traffic control devices and speeding in the area around these sites. The residents seemed to be very enthused about the projects.
On Tuesday the Town Council met to discuss several important issues regarding the Senior Tax Freeze (note: no one currently on the freeze will be losing it), a new planned zoning district at Coventry Centre that has a large commercial component they are proposing along with a mix of residential space, several appointments to boards and commissions, and a summary of our Zoning and Property Maintenance policies. More information will be provided once there is additional research.
On Wednesday I, along with HR Director Lafond and the Coventry Police Command Staff, attended a training at the Crowne Plaza given by the RI Interlocal Trust on Police Liability Issues and Early Intervention. It reviewed the latest Supreme Court cases that will have an impact on policing throughout the country and some pitfalls on how to better charge and prosecute. It was also very informative regarding the importance of early intervention and documentation when you have an employee who may be struggling and not performing up to their normal expectations.
On Thursday I met with the leadership of Council 94 to discuss some personnel matters and preview what we may want to do next year when we begin negotiations on a new contract. While that was happening Asst.TM Broadbent was on the monthly call with the Governor’s Office getting the latest update from them and the RI League of Cities and Towns who also presents on the latest trends and upcoming events. This month’s discussion involved the use of AI and how to integrate it into our municipalities.