Coventry Council Moves to Improve Water Quality; Swears in New Chief

The Town Council made an effort toward improving the water quality in town Tuesday, voting to help residents pay for upgrades to their wastewater treatment systems.

Whether they need a new septic system or have access to the town sewer system, homeowners can seek state funds to defray their costs. The council approved the town's participation in the Department of Environmental Management's Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency Program. The program offers low-interest loans funded by the RICWFA, and would follow the rules of the U.S. Clean Water Act. The $300,000 in funds would be used to replace failed cesspools and septic systems for Coventry residents that meet regulations and eligibility requirements.

Additionally, the council unanimously voted to establish a low interest sewer connection loan program, which would offer $150,000 to allow residents living in existing homes to pay for a sewer connection with a two percent interest loan. The paperwork behind the loans will go through the Coventry Planning Department and the loan itself through the Rhode Island Housing Department. The loan opportunity is available to help all eligible Coventry residents and is not income-based.

Economic Development Commission 

The council approved the establishment of an Economic Development Commission that will involve small business owners in the town with attracting new business and come up with ideas to increase Coventry's economic development. The commission will be made up of all new members and will meet once a month per the town ordinance.

DPW Emergency Purchase

The council authorized the Department of Public Works to buy four snow plows to aid in future snow removal efforts. The plows cost a total of $30,800, which will require the town's ice and snow control account to be adjusted but will not put the overall budget into a deficit.

Swearing-In Ceremony

Colonel Bryan Volpe was sworn in last night as the new chief of police in front of many family members and friends. Volpe replaced Colonel Ronald DaSilva when he retired on Jan. 29 after 22 years of service. He celebrated the evening with his wife Susan, daughters Lauren and Melaina and step-daughters Olivia and Amanda.

Safe Community Program

The council passed a resolution, three-to-one, requesting that the Rhode Island General Assembly reinstate former Gov. Donald Carcieri's executive order reqiring employers to check residency status of potential employees through the federal E-verify program, or introduce other measures that would accomplish the same goals and to support Attorney General Peter Kilmartin's Initiative Program for Safe Communities. District Five representative Ted Jendzejec did not support the motion.

Fire Equipment Upgrade Delay Request

A motion was approved to request that the General Assembly allow the town to delay for five years the installation of any fire safety equipment or upgrades in any building over which the School Committee has jurisdiction.

The sprinkler and alarm systems at  need to be replaced but do not currently impact the safety of the building, the council said.

Dave's Marketplace License

The council approved the application for a new victualling license for Dave's Marketplace of Coventry Inc., of 23 Shopper's Park. The supermarket will feature a cafe where patrons can purchase coffee or eat prepared foods they bought within the store. 

Town Manager Thomas Hoover said the council "Welcomes Dave's with open arms," and is looking forward to its opening in early March.

Public Hearing

Andrew Catanzaro's application for a new Class B Liquor license with victualling was approved for use at Andiamo Restaurant Inc., 1650 Nooseneck Hill Road. (Formerly Half Moon). The restaurant will offer a full menu of Italian dishes and a full-service bar. Catanzaro currently owns JC's Tavern in West Greenwich and Strikers Bar & Grill on Sandy Bottom Road.

Proclamations

• The Council congratulated Andrew John Cook for his accomplishment in attaining the Eagle Scout award. Andrew has spent the last 12 years in the Boy Scouts serving as den chief, troop guide and assistant patrol leader. His Eagle Scout High Court of Honor was held at the Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge on Saturday morning.
• Louis "Pops" Senerchia was recognized by the Council for his 22 years of dedicated service to the and to the town of Coventry. He will retire on March 31.

The next Town Council meeting will be held on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.