Council Approves Warm-Weather Business Licenses

Monday's Town Council meeting began with the undefeated  State Championship Wrestling Team and the two-time  Boys Hockey Team State Championship squad being recognized for their efforts and achievements this year.

Indigo Dream Presentation

Brett Kunzmann, Executive Director of The Indigo Dream Inc., made a brief presentation on behalf of the non-profit group of area students pledging to help the community in cleanup efforts, create a new community garden to help the food bank and other endeavors.

Council members advised them to contact the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee, and the to recruit more volunteers and receive support. “Let us know how the council can support you,” said Council President Gary Cote.

Coventry Community Pride Carnival

Owner Harold Fera of Rockwell Amusements was granted permission by the council to conduct a Coventry Community Pride Carnival on July 4 at 792 Tiogue Avenue.

“I have known Harold for many years and he runs the Washington County Fair and just about every family fair in the state,” said Cote. “He has offered to make this a community event and pledged to donate some money to help the Johnson Pond Civic Association so they can continue to have their annual July 4th fireworks display.”

Business Licenses

• Applications for new victualling licenses were accepted with little or no discussion for: Chocolate Dreams Candy, Luk Thai Cuisine and Balaji Laxmi, Inc,.

• Renewal of peddler’s licenses were issued for Papa’s Hot Dogs, Palagis Ice Cream, Victory Fruits and Vegetables and S & T Fireworks.

• A 90-day Hawker’s License for the sale of fireworks by Charles Norris was accepted with the proviso that it be done inside a tent and comply with all state and local fire and safety statutes.

• An application involving a business name change by David Thomas was approved for the transfer of a Class B liquor license from Café Giannas, Inc. to Inc on 915 Tiogue Avenue.

Resolutions were adopted to:

1. Make a settlement of $70,000 with Cox Communications on cancellation of their lease on two of the town’s communication towers. Monies received from this cancellation will be used towards capital improvements on the school side of the budget, specifically for fire safety devices.

2. Award a contract to Ocean State Transit for bus transportation services for the 2012 Summer Playground Program at a cost of $47 per hour and $0.60 per mile, not to exceed $45,000.

3. Request the General Assembly to support 2012-S 2371 and 2012-H 7746 relating to Property Management Foreclosure and Sale.

4. Authorize the submittal and affirming the 2012 Coventry Community Development Block Grant Program. The town has been a recepient of CDBG funding since 1999, for the purpose of obtaining housing rehabilitation funds for low/moderate income homeowners.

5. Establish a revised-fee policy for local and non-local leagues’ recreational field use.

“We are concerned some teams are not conforming to the requirement of having 80% local residents participate,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Guy Lefebvre. “We do not want to penalize individuals or teams. This fee policy will have no bearing on local youth teams if they are in compliance with the 80% rule. But if they fail to do follow that rule, we will charge leagues the day (higher) rate," he said.