[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6480383,"mediaKeyId","5681604-7c1fa4261a2c6970411c786691481f62","parentId",5681604,"title","Votes at a glance: Coventry council approves licenses, appointments, bond release, school impact allocation and multiple equipment purchases","audioSeconds",2303,"startMs",1751000,"endMs",4054000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681604-7c1fa4261a2c6970411c786691481f62&start=1751&end=4054","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681604-7c1fa4261a2c6970411c786691481f62/thumbnail_1751000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6480383/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Coventry-council-approves-licenses-appointments-bond-release-school-impact-allocation-and-multiple-equipment-purchases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480383-42f5ff4555096acceee6a62965e09b7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146960&Signature=JTvMgOJ5B3KtPoLEBYWDJzoBjFWiBuWLIyLSNIb8qH5XmAO59N7FtMoaqG3s0nNNMQHG7Mt0xZMbMHPAfTjUDzdGyL-L-mlUyBXgCT~VH6vTo9Zh5LdTMdnI1Wsa4L-UAmmLYFMajdOVU8wBVYPC1is7Dnk~e15xfkOtb9pqqinB0Wm83gZWC~sm~9uwI1IRH1SldNZJWPVox-1N9Sl0U~n8-iESjpGUeWdkCDggJczxg1EGCYKRS5oQnurEFC6kITSREmICToEely0ci-SNpVVtoZ3d68AboMs0VP9DGa2PAN~IFeG8TdQxI~YkuIHi3I0fRoD5uIB3AKQxc6-Jmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Coventry Rhode Island","date","2025-08-27T14:12:29Z","article","The Coventry Town Council took a series of votes Monday night on routine licenses, minutes, appointments and multiple resolutions. Below is a concise list of actions, vote outcomes and key details recorded in the meeting.

Licenses and event approvals (motions passed):
- Saints John and Paul Parish Harvest Festival (class F liquor and exhibitions/performances) for Sept. 20: motion approved; council also voted to waive the license fee; vote 7-0.
- Little Lattes Play Cafe (victualing license) at 57 Sandy Bottom Road: motion approved; vote 7-0.
- Twisted Twirl (victualing license) at 1532 Main Street Building C (ice cream/shakes): motion approved; vote 7-0.
- Brookdale Center of New England (class F liquor & exhibitions) event on Sept. 18: motion approved; vote 7-0.
- Western Rhode Island Civic Historical Society Paint House Museum Heritage Day (exhibitions/performances) Sept. 13, rain date Sept. 14: council approved and waived fee; vote 7-0.
- Fireworks license for Aug. 30 (rain date Sept. 1) at 66 Indian Trail by American Fireworks, John Giusey: motion approved; vote 7-0.

Minutes and procedural approvals:
- A block approval of open session minutes (March 18, May 20, June 2, June 10) and executive session minutes (multiple dates) were approved as presented; votes recorded with affirmatives and some abstentions as noted in the clerk's roll calls.

Appointments:
- Arthur F. Chapman Jr. appointed to the Land Trust Committee: motion by Councilman Pasqua, second by Councilman Capaldi; vote 7-0.

Resolutions and budgetary actions (key items):
- Resolution 2025-88: Approve undercarriage truck chassis wash station for DPW (passed 6-1). See separate article for discussion details.
- Resolution 2025-89: Final bond release for Cedar Creek Phase 2 (release of remaining 10% retention balance $18,373.43 to ASCO Group Inc., AP 318 Lot 172) approved; vote 7-0.
- Resolution 2025-90: Approve allocation of school impact fees ($9,996.10) for pretreatment work related to the Coventry High School sewer connection; vote 7-0. Manager said the high school impact-fee account holds about $110,000.
- Resolution 2025-91: Approve Turner and Townsend Heery as project manager for two school bond projects, not to exceed $100,000 (to be paid from the school bond funds); vote 7-0.
- Resolution 2025-92: Approve purchase of three sanitation trucks for DPW; the council amended the motion to make approval contingent on the vendor providing written confirmation that quoted prices and tariff exemptions will be honored; amended motion passed 7-0. (See separate procurement article.)
- Resolution 2025-93: Approve purchase of two Ford Police Interceptor AWD SUVs for frontline patrol (funded by budget and JAG grant); vote 7-0.
- Resolution 2025-94: Approve purchase of an administrative police vehicle (amended to be funded from impact fees rather than operating budget); amendment passed and resolution approved 7-0.
- Resolution 2025-95: Approve Village at Tiok subdivision sewer extension connecting an estimated 52,800 gallons per day flow; council voted 7-0.

Other notes:
- Council instructed DPW and staff to provide supporting documentation where requested (for the undercarriage wash, disposal/warranty details) and required written vendor confirmation for truck pricing before final contracting.
- Several public commenters raised issues unrelated to votes (zoning enforcement, cemetery maintenance and playground grants); those items were noted by managers for follow-up.

Full roll-call tallies are recorded in the meeting minutes; where recorded in the transcript, the clerk read the roll for each motion. Motions and seconds were taken on the record for each item.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council - 26 Aug 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the Coventry Town Council meeting the body approved a block of licenses and minutes, appointed a land trust member, released a final construction bond, allocated school impact fees, named a project manager for school bond projects, and approved multiple equipment purchases including DPW trucks and police vehicles.","taxTitle","Coventry, Kent County, Rhode Island","taxId",79575,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6480387,"Council approves purchase of three sanitation trucks with contingency on vendor quote",387,3293000,3680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681604-7c1fa4261a2c6970411c786691481f62&start=3293&end=3680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681604-7c1fa4261a2c6970411c786691481f62/thumbnail_3293000.jpg","/articles/6480387/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-purchase-of-three-sanitation-trucks-with-contingency-on-vendor-quote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480387-7ddac7c7db4cd44bc5304cd8bc842b7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146960&Signature=oQNCIM~dYv7jgoocv7g-vAPqYm5glcrUVPzqkbYcyBXh2rquOGdeFFq9vpPqGqOCpY83-80cu6~lMAbsr42MWtNZJiJ0E~oDbIwKu2X4oRixS~1BA3ko2HiwUgUSac9wZupUkC04EqoYmfmdvSGCeA2FH1nAZmvZ2CsAhZIId9XBFFXOi0-5uFq7MoI7AWumZP8bFhq8MKodIVWHZrOBYSvsP6GtZHMHdyNbBMGkyzNyMru-E1sJw8pGSOOrOZ9-EBBTU1LgcP7Gb6-5n396vYnyEqhn9tHfvfvzZ8lu5n8dvvhOt0s4FdYSNpQNahHAv0RFmQjefQaUFIyPy4oU9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Coventry Town Council approved Resolution 2025-92 authorizing the purchase of three sanitation trucks for the Department of Public Works, and amended the motion to make approval contingent on receiving written confirmation from the vendor that the quoted price and tariff exemptions will be honored.

Why it matters: The town has been working to replace aging trash trucks that have experienced corrosion and mechanical failures. Council members and the public pressed for protections against price increases and tariffs on equipment ordered months before delivery.

Public comment prompted questions about the vendor quote. Britney Boyer, a resident, pointed out language on a vendor quote indicating a quote expiry and a possible price increase. \"That quote has expired. It appears we're now subject to a price increase,\" Boyer said, adding that the $1.3 million figure in the packet \"doesn't seem accurate based on this quote.\" She asked the council to obtain an updated total before approving large spending.

DPW Director Kevin McGee told the council the vendor had agreed to hold the price through Sept. 1 if the council approved the purchase; he said the manufacturer lead time for new trucks is long and delaying could result in higher future prices. \"We had 3 trucks that we ordered back in February '24. We are over 18 months right now, and we still haven't received the third truck yet,\" McGee said.

Council action: The council adopted the resolution with an amended contingency. The original motion to approve was made by Councilman Pasqua and seconded by Councilman Capaldi; Councilman Brown later amended the motion to make approval contingent on the vendor providing written confirmation that the quoted prices and tariff exemptions would be honored; Pasqua seconded the amendment. The amended motion passed unanimously, 7-0.

Implementation and finance: McGee said the town anticipates delivery in approximately 18 to 24 months and that the town will finance the purchases through a combination of capital funds and the capital revolving fund; the town also sets aside money annually in the budget to replace trucks. Staff said the vendor offered to hold the quoted price through Sept. 1 if the council approved now; staff agreed to obtain written confirmation of that commitment and of any tariff exemptions before finalizing the purchase order.

What remains: The council required the written confirmation be provided and placed a contingency on the authorization; DPW will return with the written vendor confirmation and finalize procurement steps once documentation is received.","Coventry approved a resolution to buy three new sanitation trucks to replenish aging fleet, with the council adding a contingency that the vendor honor current quoted pricing and any tariff exemptions in writing; delivery lead times for trucks were reported at 18 to 24 months.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6480391,"Council approves undercarriage wash for DPW vehicles after debate over costs and disposal",597,2403000,3000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681604-7c1fa4261a2c6970411c786691481f62&start=2403&end=3000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681604-7c1fa4261a2c6970411c786691481f62/thumbnail_2403000.jpg","/articles/6480391/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-undercarriage-wash-for-DPW-vehicles-after-debate-over-costs-and-disposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480391-acd63e300970f0edb31ba54b405e39c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146960&Signature=Jp8nQazPOIaaU~iN6RuQLgryXp2lF3fPBdjpG1JrSxuLth5LE76Oqk8-4ClgGyTg16VIA7dnby78f3qEgyqn46njC8lnu5yTvhDJsE7kk7CEaBJNw6dui6MgwPLTLqFoI8oMUvxbtdUDossLP01TJeVw1mVo6tzgVAm1fO70SADAAkBeGoxgFrPw8Yj8NNssxA41uFDP9ioN3MsMycASbdbDUe6~PYC7UMwCjuZH2AWkEJv83eC1Y2j95m6d9wEmbJuucHWN9gBGsvNUQg0yIaGtYTvfBvcPi21mx9emQWec4KCG8U5ev0~9Ddw9qFep1-TUPnJrGmyPWTx1l0tbmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Coventry Town Council voted 6-1 to approve a dedicated undercarriage truck-wash for the Department of Public Works, a capital expenditure supporters said will help prevent corrosion and reduce major repair costs on municipal vehicles.

Why it matters: Council members and staff said corrosion from winter salt has led to structural failures and expensive replacements. The council has budgeted capital funds for the system; supporters argued preventive maintenance will save taxpayers money over time, while opponents sought more detailed cost and disposal analysis.

Director of Public Works Kevin McGee told the council that repeated corrosion had led to failing transmissions and frames and that parts costs for some repairs had reached six figures. \"We're getting transmissions, housings that are rusting... costing us $1,020,000 dollars,\" McGee said, arguing the undercarriage wash is a small investment compared with recurring repair costs.

Questions from council members focused on lifecycle costs, hazardous-waste disposal and warranty terms. Councilman Hall asked whether the packet included a maintenance and disposal cost analysis and whether local repair vendors could service the system; he urged the council to review documentation on system lifespan and disposal arrangements before committing funds. \"If something breaks, what is the average cost of repair?\" Hall asked.

McGee said the quoted price includes integral components such as a tank system and a clarifier to collect solids and fluids, and that the town already has a contract for disposal that would be expanded to receive the system's wastewater; any overflow would go to the on-site detention pond. He said municipalities in New York using similar systems reported savings on parts and longevity of equipment.

Supporters included Councilman Pasqua and Councilman Brown, who cited chronic breakdowns of trash and large trucks and urged preventive maintenance. \"If we have a piece of equipment that could help maintain these things and keep them on the road longer and avoid those issues, I'm all for it,\" Pasqua said.

Opponents and cautionary voices asked for written cost estimates and a longer warranty. Councilman Hall said a single-year warranty seemed insufficient for a $100,000 purchase and asked for the supporting report and study that had been referenced in budget discussions.

Vote and implementation: The resolution (2025-88) to approve the undercarriage wash passed 6-1. Council member Houle voted no. The DPW director said the system is automated (vehicles drive over the unit) and should not require additional staff. Implementation will be led by the DPW with follow-up on disposal costs and warranty arrangements.

What comes next: McGee and DPW staff will expand disposal contract details and provide the council with supporting documentation; council members requested periodic reporting on maintenance savings versus disposal costs.","The Coventry Town Council approved a $100,000 undercarriage truck-wash system for the Department of Public Works 6-1 after questions about maintenance, disposal of contaminated wash water and warranty length; proponents said the system will extend vehicle life and reduce parts costs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6480395,"Coventry council hears residents’ concerns as Westwood Estates ordinance is presented for first reading",3731,601000,4332000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681604-7c1fa4261a2c6970411c786691481f62&start=601&end=4332","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681604-7c1fa4261a2c6970411c786691481f62/thumbnail_601000.jpg","/articles/6480395/Rhode-Island/Coventry-council-hears-residents-concerns-as-Westwood-Estates-ordinance-is-presented-for-first-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480395-8ef2e968dc1ccf7a4215b672947bb643/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146960&Signature=W9qSM7OiHMEsKOFA3h9MMZmSote9qGCpgn4ht6OPfIZn2Ss5KzAoIcmrp21JwsxPZc22oMZVVZuCmm73GYFoP2ah6BXZm11nlJ5mG3YMzfp5kI7VGd4YZnyCYUsHuuoWX2-4dY6WiRuiGikU6G~RZPenNH60qlb8ecE8mKLyoLRa9LoFITwEn90ZNF6A7LtMNTaJURdMOEU-mFfJ-aWIHINu18nnnmNZhPOV7HHnfyykHjB~A88VUNUC1n5q2kQWfH1C15-KnpPGaeOa5VnRZ7mAdYCHwi~cC6kxZD9R4bajSOJjzunPSOwCIVETBeQcLBH1yZOLs8brJWg-4MM5Ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents of Westwood Estates told the Coventry Town Council on Monday night that a developer'backed reconfiguration that would turn mobile homes 90 degrees and add units could damage older homes, reduce yard space and strain drainage and water systems.

The council did not take a final vote. Solicitor Michael Angel and town staff said the ordinance concerning Westwood Estates was on the agenda for first reading, which is procedural, and that a future public hearing will be scheduled where residents may present formal testimony.

Why it matters: Dozens of residents attended and provided specific concerns about safety, property damage and potential displacement. Because the ordinance is at first reading, the council has not yet held the formal hearing where evidence and testimony would be added to the record.

Residents urged council to delay or reject the reconfiguration plan. Kathy Phillips, who identified herself as a Westwood Estates resident, listed concerns including the potential need to install sewers and hookup fees, reduced water pressure noted by the fire department, and the proximity of septic systems to homes under the proposed layout. \"Our purpose of coming before you today is to express our concerns regarding the reconfiguration relocation project at Hometown Westwood Estates,\" Phillips said.

Another resident, Jonathan Longo, described structural risks from moving older homes and the loss of lot space if units are reoriented. He said current homes in the park span construction dates from the 1960s through 2020 and warned that moving older homes could cause frames to bend or fail. \"When they move them... more than likely, I know mine, mine's 1972, is not gonna survive jiggling that around,\" Longo said.

Residents also raised operational questions: whether moves would be voluntary, who would be responsible for damage from relocation, whether owners could be charged higher rents if lots were reconfigured and whether Hometown America'the park owner'has a history of litigation that residents said makes them wary. Phillips read aloud portions of complaints and settlements from suits involving Hometown America, including allegations of rent increases, eviction notices during the COVID-19 pandemic and withheld maintenance services; she said the cases were presented to show a pattern that concerned residents.

Town staff and legal counsel: Town Solicitor Michael Angel explained the procedural status of the ordinance and urged residents who wish their remarks to be part of the formal record to return for the public hearing, because tonight's docketed public comment does not substitute for testimony at a hearing. \"Tonight, it is on for first reading, which is procedural in nature,\" Angel said. He and staff said the ordinance must be filed by a council member and that posting and distribution requirements had been met.

Town Manager (name on file with clerk) and planning staff have indicated a public hearing will be scheduled; residents were encouraged to leave contact information with the clerk or manager so they can be notified when the hearing is docketed.

What the council did: The council received public comment only; the Westwood Estates ordinance (listed in the packet as Ordinance 2025-21) was presented for first reading and not voted on. The solicitor and staff described next steps: a formal public hearing will be scheduled and the council will take testimony at that hearing.

Next steps and context: The ordinance will be placed on a future agenda for a public hearing. Solicitor Angel recommended residents return for that hearing to ensure their remarks are entered into the formal record.","Residents of Westwood Estates urged the Coventry Town Council to delay or reconsider a reconfiguration plan that would rotate and add units; the council received public comment and the town solicitor and manager explained the ordinance is at procedural first-reading stage with a future public hearing to docket formal testimony.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Coventry council approves licenses, appointments, bond release, school impact allocation and multiple equipment purchases

Council approves purchase of three sanitation trucks with contingency on vendor quote

Council approves undercarriage wash for DPW vehicles after debate over costs and disposal

Coventry council hears residents’ concerns as Westwood Estates ordinance is presented for first reading