Council Adopts Fiscal 12-13 Budget; Approves Service Contracts

At Monday night's meeting the Coventry Town Council amended and adopted the Capital and Operating Budgets for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Three amendments were approved including the reallocation of $1.2 million from the town fund balance to the municipal employees and police pensions fund, a $15,000 increase for the Parks & Recreation Department for extended summer camp hours - an increase that will pay for itself with increased revenue, and a $70,000 payment from the recent cancellation of Cox Communications cell tower leases that will be split between the town and school departments. The school department's $35,000 will be used to continue with fire code improvements at the high school.

Eagle Scout Recognition

Council members recognized Matthew Fusco of Boy Scout Troop 39 Summit for earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

"I'd like to congratulate Matthew for his hard work and discipline in becoming an Eagle Scout," said Council President Gary Cote. "I also think his parents deserve congratulations for practicing good parenting and teaching him right from wrong. He couldn't of done this without you, so congratulations goes out to the whole family."

Contracts

• A contract awarded to of Coventry was approved by the Council for the sweeping of certain streets within the town at a total price of $22,064. Town Manager Thomas Hoover explained that the contract had been awarded to Xpress for a number of years and they have successfully swept about a third of the town's roads without incident.

• A contract was awarded to Central Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Raynham, MA for for a total equipped price of $91,296. Police Chief Bryan Volpe reiterated that a portion of the funds came from three years of left over Byrne Justice Assistance Grant money.

"I'm happy with the numbers," said Volpe. "We're already starting to work with Adamson Industries to outfit the cars and it looks like some of the equipment we already have will fit the Dodges, so that will be substantial savings."

• The Council approved an amendment to the contract with Wilkinson Associates to provide specifications and oversight on a select number of projects identified by the Town of Coventry's new energy audit. The amendment will provide $5,100 in savings.

Upcoming Meeting Amendments

The cancellation of the Town Council meeting of May 28, 2012, was approved due to it being Memorial Day. A revised Town Council summer meeting schedule was adopted with meeting being held on June 4, June 25, July 23 and August 20.

Council members also proclaimed June 8, 2012 as American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Day in Coventry.