Local Hero Recognized at Council Meeting

Town Council members began Monday's meeting by honoring Katelyn E. Gagnon for the July 1 rescue of a drowning victim at the Woodland Manor Pool. Gagnon was working as a gate attendant when she noticed the victim and pulled him out with the help of another witness.

Gary Cote congratulated Gagnon and awarded her with a certificate. He, along with Senator Glen Shibley also congratulated her parents for raising a "responsible, caring and compassionate individual."

Fat Belly's Violation

Council members sat as the Liquor Control Board to review and consider a recent liquor law violation at (760 Tiogue Avenue). Owner, Scott Parker, was ordered to provide the council with proof of complete bartender certification for his employees and contribute $250 to the Coventry Substance Abuse Task Force. A violation of underage drinking will be put on file for the business for three years as a first offense. Further violations would call for a formal hearing and the possibility of license suspension or revocation.

"We are glad that you chose to come to Coventry with your business," said Cote. "But we can't sit back and watch this happen again."

Parker assured the council that there would be no further violations.

"It won't happen again," he said. "We're a neighborhood restaurant and we like to do things the right way."

Sewer Fund Principal

A payment of $500,000 upon principal for the refinancing of the tax anticipation notes for the Town of Coventry Sewer Fund was approved after Town Manager Tom Hoover explained that the town had only been required to pay interest for several years as the notes continued to be rolled over. He also stated that Amgen and Rhodes Technologies had both made significant sewer payments this year, making the principal payment affordable at this time.

Ballot Language

The Council approved the placement of appropriate language on the Nov. 6, 2012 ballot for the passage of a referendum on a $5 million bond for air quality and energy efficiency improvements. The cost of financing the improvements will be offset by savings for energy efficiencies and will come at no cost to Coventry taxpayers.