Coventry public meetings in 2022

Town Council

The Town Council Steering Committee recommended the reappointment of three members and the appointment of four new members to various town boards. The committee also tabled discussions regarding Planning and Zoning full-member vacancies and a dispute over school project procurement procedures.

• Recommended reappointment of Beverly Carlson to Parks and Recreation Commission (Unanimous)
• Recommended reappointment of Darby Pollansky to Planning & Zoning Commission (Unanimous)
• Recommended reappointment of Robert Burrington as Planning & Zoning Commission alternate (Unanimous)
• Recommended reappointment of Patricia Laramee to Inland Wetlands Agency (Unanimous)
• Recommended appointment of William Glenney, Richard Pearson, and Stephanie Wierszchalek to Inland Wetlands Agency (Unanimous)
• Recommended appointment of Cathy Mitchell as Coventry Representative to Eastern Regional Tourism District (Unanimous)
• Recommended appointment of Richard Brand to Senior And Affordable Housing Alternatives Study Committee (Unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on school project 'renovate as new' procedures until documents are accessible (Unanimous)

Inland Wetlands Agency

The Agency decided to keep a Cease & Desist order in effect for a property on Bread & Milk Street while awaiting official wetland mapping. One application for the Nathan Hale and Bear Swamp Recreational Trail was withdrawn. No action was taken on a violation at 89 Flanders Road.

• Maintained Cease & Desist order for access road construction at Bread & Milk Street
• Withdrawn: Application #22-41W for Nathan Hale and Bear Swamp Recreational Trail
• Tabled November 16, 2022 meeting minutes until January meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance request for a detached garage at 300 Mark Drive. The board also approved the November 15, 2022, meeting minutes and discussed mandatory sexual harassment training.

• Approved 30-foot rear yard setback variance for detached garage at 300 Mark Drive (5-0)
• Approved November 15, 2022, Regular Meeting Minutes (4-0)
• Consensus reached for members to use self-paced study for required sexual harassment training

Town Council

The Town Council authorized retroactive and ongoing hourly pay for the Democratic Deputy Registrar to cover duties performed while the Registrar was on leave. The Council also approved the December 5, 2022, meeting minutes and the consent agenda.

• Approved retroactive payment of $1,483.48 and hourly pay of $20.52 for the Democratic Deputy Registrar (7-0)
• Accepted December 5, 2022, meeting minutes with corrections (7-0)
• Accepted Consent Agenda (7-0)

Cemetery Commission

The Commission approved previous meeting minutes and discussed the upcoming operating budget, including funds for a new mower, hedge trimmers, and fertilizer. The board also reviewed lot sales and planned infrastructure updates for the Coventry Cemetery.

• Approved October and November meeting minutes (5-0)
• Scheduled 2023 meetings for the 3rd Thursday of every month

Connecticut's Countryside Steering Committee

The committee reviewed the release of a marketing plan and the development of regional brochures. Members discussed the upcoming January 30, 2023 Summit and coordinated Earth Day 2023 activities across four towns. No formal votes were recorded.

• Scheduled 2023 Summit for January 30, 2023, at Patriots Park lodge
• Identified six potential grants for future funding applications
• Proposed a draft memo for municipal budget considerations including website and map creation
• Set next steering committee meeting for January 18, 2023

Housing Authority

The Housing Authority approved expenditures for October and November and accepted the 2023 meeting dates. The board authorized a contract for a private paperwork signing area and approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Willimantic Housing Authority.

• Approved October 11, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October and November treasurers' reports (unanimous)
• Approved October and November expenditures (unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 meeting dates (unanimous)
• Approved $4,153.05 Transfer Enterprise quote for Community Building signing area (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Willimantic Housing Authority for Housing Choice Voucher oversight (unanimous)

Town Council

The Finance Committee approved a retroactive pay increase for the interim Registrar. The committee also discussed the town's financial reports, including a COVRRA deficit and EMS funding, and reviewed a proposed refund policy for the Building Department.

• Approved retroactive pay for Dorothy at $20.52/hr from 7/23/2022 until the Registrar position is filled or the previous employee returns (Unanimous)
• Accepted minutes from November 14, 2022, with corrections (2-0-1)
• Tabled Economic Development Commission requests for further discussion

Coventry Lake Advisory & Monitoring Committee

The committee agreed to collaborate with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to find volunteers and viewing locations for the 2023 eagle count. Other updates regarding water quality monitoring and the lake gate were deferred or pending.

• Approved November 14, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to seek 3-4 volunteers and identify viewing locations for the January 7, 2023 eagle count
• Deferred discussion on water quality monitoring sampling program to the next meeting

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority approved the November 10, 2022 meeting minutes. The board reviewed the FY 2024 operating budget and determined a new pump and motor for the Lakeview pump station will be purchased.

• Approved November 10, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes (4-0)
• Decided to purchase new pump and motor for Lakeview pump station ($6,000)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission recommended that the town accept a 1-acre parcel at 430 Talcott Hill Rd. The commission also approved the 2023 meeting dates and authorized a budget withdrawal for trail signs.

• Recommended town accept 1-acre Kortmann property conveyance (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 meeting dates (unanimous)
• Approved November 2, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Authorized $286.50 withdrawal for Voss Trail Signs

Town Council

The Council approved the acceptance of a conservation easement at Sweeney Subdivision and a one-acre land donation from Robert and Mary Kortmann. Four members were appointed to the Senior and Affordable Housing Alternatives Study Committee. The Council also reappointed three members to various town boards.

• Approved conservation easement at Sweeney Subdivision, North School Road
• Accepted donation of ~1 acre of land from Robert and Mary Kortmann (unanimous)
• Appointed Rick Martin, Christine Pattee, Jennifer Petro, and Roberta Wilmot to Senior and Affordable Housing Alternatives Study Committee
• Reappointed Stephen (Ed) Marek to CRCOG
• Reappointed Al Bradley to the Housing Authority
• Reappointed Carol Kent to the Human Rights Commission
• Accepted minutes of November 28, 2022 (6-0-1)
• Accepted Consent Agenda (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Town Council Steering Committee conducted interviews for three candidates seeking appointment to the Inland Wetlands Agency. No appointments were decided during the meeting; recommendations will be made to the full Town Council at a later date.

• Interviewed Bill Glenney for Inland Wetlands Agency
• Interviewed Richard Pearson for Inland Wetlands Agency
• Interviewed Stefanie Wierszchalek for Inland Wetlands Agency
• Scheduled next Steering Committee meeting for December 27, 2022, at 7:00 PM

Economic Development Commission

The committee discussed the use of Placer.AI and the likelihood that Town Council will not fund the subscription. Member Andrew Ladyga provided updates on his acquisition of two state cannabis transportation licenses and potential business developments at 2812 Boston Turnpike. No formal votes were taken on policy or funding.

• Adjourned meeting at 6:55 PM (Unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

The Commission approved a funding request for the 'Connecticut’s Countryside' initiative and adopted the October 27, 2022, meeting minutes. Members discussed local business visits, the closure of a 7-11 location, and potential development at the Mason Street mills.

• Approved request for $3,000-$5,000 from Town Council for 'Connecticut’s Countryside' projects (Unanimous)
• Adopted October 27, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council held a special meeting to review and approve the minutes from the November 21, 2022 meeting. The minutes were accepted with four specific corrections to grammar and phrasing.

• Approved November 21, 2022 meeting minutes with corrections (6-0)

Town Council

The committee recommended three residents for the Senior and Affordable Housing Alternatives Study Committee and recommended three reappointments to other boards. Several Planning and Zoning appointments were continued pending term date verification.

• Recommended appointment of Rick Martin and Jennifer Pietro as at-large members to Senior and Affordable Housing Alternatives Study Committee (Unanimous)
• Recommended appointment of Bunny Wilmot as representative for former ADHOC Senior Housing Committee to Senior and Affordable Housing Alternatives Study Committee (Unanimous)
• Recommended reappointment of Stephen (Ed) Marek to Capitol Region Council Of Governments (Unanimous)
• Recommended reappointment of Al Bradley to Housing Authority (Unanimous)
• Recommended reappointment of Carol Kent to Human Rights Commission (Unanimous)
• Tabled appointment of Christine Pattee to Senior Housing Study Committee pending PZC consultation (Unanimous)
• Continued reappointments of Darby Pollansky and Bob Burrington to Planning and Zoning pending term verification (Unanimous)
• Continued Inland Wetlands Agency appointments for Glenney, Pearson, and Wierszchalek until Dec 5 interviews (Unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Commission approved a proposal for the planning and improvement of Town roadways, culverts, and bridges. It also recommended that the Town Council accept a property donation from the Kortmanns on South River Road. Additionally, the PZC reached a consensus to allow two residences temporarily on the Caprilands property to facilitate the deconstruction of a historical home.

• Approved proposal for planning, design, and improvement of Town roadways, culverts, and bridge replacement (5-0)
• Recommended Town Council accept Kortmann property donation on South River Road (5-0)
• Requested memo to Town Council regarding necessary improvements to North School Road (5-0)
• Consensus reached to allow two residences on Caprilands property for historical deconstruction
• Consensus reached to support DEEP Resiliency Grant for culvert assessments
• Continued subdivision application for 467 Flanders Road until December 12, 2022
• Approved November 11, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0-1)

Town Council

The Council approved a resolution to seek $11.07M for HVAC replacements at Coventry High School, pending a Special Town Meeting and referendum. Other actions included allocating ARPA funds for school and fire station equipment and establishing a Vietnam Veterans Memorial trust.

• Approved resolution for $11.07M Coventry High School HVAC project (7-0)
• Scheduled Special Town Meeting for Dec 19, 2022, and referendum for Jan 10, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved $59,500 in ARPA funds for grammar school office HVAC replacement (7-0)
• Approved $23,500 in ARPA funds for South Street Fire Station generator (7-0)
• Established trust fund for Vietnam Veterans Memorial repairs and maintenance (7-0)
• Authorized $50,000 from CNREF for lake management funding (7-0)
• Authorized Board of Education to use up to $6,650 from reserve fund for Hale Early Education Center HVAC repair (7-0)
• Supported submission of CT DEEP Resiliency Grant (7-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission approved the proposed 2023 meeting schedule and accepted the October 13, 2022, minutes. Members discussed the oversight of $1 million in state grants for field and road improvements at Miller Richardson Park and potential ADA renovations to the Patriots Park bandshell.

• Approved 2023 proposed meeting schedule (5-0)
• Accepted October 13, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0, 1 abstention)

Inland Wetlands Agency

The Inland Wetlands Agency approved two Department of Public Works projects for drainage maintenance and police department parking regrading. The agency also directed the removal of an illegal access road on Bread & Milk Street.

• Approved #22-53W drainage easement maintenance at 425 Ripley Hill (3-0)
• Approved #21-28W MOD01 police department parking regrade at 1585 Main Street (3-0)
• Directed owners of Bread & Milk Street property R05031 to remove illegal access road and restore parcel
• Granted extension to December 4, 2022, for #22-41W Nathan Hale and Bear Swamp Recreational Trail project
• Approved November 3, 2022 special meeting minutes (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved 2023 meeting dates with December date changed to December 13 (3-0)
• Supported CT DEEP Resilience Fund Grant application for cross culvert engineering study
• Postponed 89 Flanders Road violation review until January

Connecticut's Countryside Steering Committee

The committee discussed a marketing plan from DKA and planned a 4-town summit for the fifth Monday of January at Patriot’s Park lodge to launch the brand and form committees. Members also coordinated preliminary Earth Day activities and shared regional arts and economic updates.

• Proposed 4-town summit for the fifth Monday of January at Patriot’s Park lodge
• Proposed Earth Day event featuring trail walks and cleanups
• Scheduled future meeting with town managers to discuss budget

Town Council

The Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend funding for school HVAC repairs, a grammar school rooftop unit, lake management, and a veterans memorial trust. The committee also discussed budget deficits in EMS and COVRRA, as well as a timeline for a CHS HVAC grant referendum.

• Recommended approval of $6,650 from Board of Ed 2% fund for preschool HVAC repairs (Unanimous)
• Recommended allocation of $59,500 from ARPA funds for Coventry Grammar School rooftop HVAC unit (Unanimous)
• Recommended moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial Trust funds into a town-managed special trust (Unanimous)
• Recommended appropriation of $15,000 from the 1.5% fund for lake management (Unanimous)
• Accepted October 11, 2022 minutes with one correction (Unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Commission approved a 90-day mylar filing extension for the Maynard Subdivision on Broad Way and adopted the 2023 meeting calendar. A subdivision application for 467 Flanders Road was continued to November 28, 2022. Members discussed draft cannabis establishment regulations, but no formal action was taken on them.

• Approved 90-day mylar filing extension for Maynard Subdivision on Broad Way (5-0)
• Adopted 2023 meeting schedule (5-0)
• Approved October 24, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Continued hearing for subdivision application at 467 Flanders Road to November 28, 2022

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority approved the Capital Improvement Plan and the 2023 meeting schedule. The board also voted to temporarily stop sewer use billing for 162 Lakeview Drive after confirming the sewer line was capped. Several large projects are on hold pending the completion of the 2022 Facilities Plan.

• Approved October 13, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved temporary pause of sewer use billing for 162 Lakeview Drive (4-0)
• Approved 2023 Regular Meeting Schedule
• Approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Cemetery Commission

The Commission approved a request to open a grave for a full burial at Grant Hill Cemetery. The board also reviewed the public launch of the GIS application and discussed upcoming landscaping and budget requests.

• Approved application to open grave for Gregory Toth at Grant Hill Cemetery
• Published GIS application publicly

Veterans Memorial & Events Commission

The Commission awarded the bid to repair the CT Vietnam War Memorial to Earth Dynamics. Members discussed the need for repairs to Memorial Park benches and the cannon's wooden wheels, with findings to be presented to the Town Council.

• Awarded CT Vietnam War Memorial repair bid to Earth Dynamics

Town Council

The Town Council approved moving forward with a Request for Proposals for an executive search firm to recruit a Town Manager. The Council also adopted the charge for a Senior and Affordable Housing Alternative Study Committee. Additionally, two members were reappointed to town commissions.

• Approved Request for Proposals for Town Manager executive search firm (7-0)
• Adopted charge for Senior and Affordable Housing Alternative Study Committee (7-0)
• Reappointed John Marvin to the Cemetery Commission (7-0)
• Reappointed Daniel Murphy to the Water Pollution Control Authority (7-0)
• Accepted October 17, 2022 meeting minutes with corrections (6-0-1)
• Tabled adoption of the 2023 meeting schedule (7-0)

Inland Wetlands Agency

The Agency approved applications for an inground pool at 323 Woodland Road and a lake retaining wall at 202 Avery Shores. A request to build a horse barn at 111 Cassidy Hill Road was ruled as a permitted as-of-right activity. Several other items were postponed for further work or documentation.

• Approved #22-45W for inground pool and patio at 323 Woodland road (3-0)
• Approved #22-49W for lake retaining wall and grading at 202 Avery Shores (3-0)
• Ruled #22-57AR for horse barn at 111 Cassidy Hill Road as an as-of-right activity (3-0)
• Granted 30-day extension for #22-41W Nathan Hale and Bear Swamp Recreational Trail (Consensus)
• Postponed #22-53W 425 Ripley Hill Drainage Easement
• Postponed enforcement action for 89 Flanders Road pending site plan
• Approved September 28, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

School Energy & Building Efficiency Building Committee

The committee approved two payment requisitions for roofing work at Coventry High School and G.H. Robertson Intermediate School. Members also reviewed cost estimates and grant application progress for a unit ventilator and HVAC project.

• Approved Greenwood Industries, Inc. requisition for Coventry High School for $142,668.92 (Unanimous)
• Approved Greenwood Industries, Inc. requisition for G.H. Robertson Intermediate School for $1,869.55 (Unanimous)
• Approved September 29, 2022 minutes as amended (Unanimous)
• Approved October 6, 2022 minutes as amended (Unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved the purchase of reflective trail signs for Voss Trail. Members discussed the potential use of an unused information kiosk and a proposed nip bottle surcharge program for community service.

• Approved October 5, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved $286.50 purchase for Voss Trail reflective signs

Energy Conservation / Alternative Energy Advisory Committee

The provided document is a meeting agenda rather than minutes of a completed meeting. No decisions, approvals, or denials are recorded in the text.

Economic Development Commission

The Commission voted to recommend the Placer.ai demographic data platform to the Town Council as a tool to attract and retain businesses. Members also reviewed vacant development sites and the status of upcoming cannabis regulations.

• Approved motion to present Placer.ai subscription to Town Council (Unanimous)
• Adopted September 22, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Pension Committee

The regular meeting scheduled for October 27, 2022, was canceled. No substantive decisions were made.

Town Council

The Steering Committee voted unanimously to forward a draft RFP for hiring a recruiting firm to search for a new Town Manager to the full Town Council, with corrections and edits. The committee also unanimously recommended reappointing John Marvin to the Cemetery Commission and Daniel Murphy to the Water Pollution Control Authority, and continued several items pending interviews with candidates for land-use boards. Discussion was held on amending the charge of the Ad-Hoc Senior and Affordable Housing Study Committee and on planning enhancements at Miller Richardson Park.

• Forwarded draft RFP for Town Manager search firm to full council (unanimous)
• Recommended reappointment of John Marvin to Cemetery Commission (unanimous)
• Continued reappointment of Pollansky to Planning & Zoning Commission pending interview (unanimous)
• Recommended reappointment of Daniel Murphy to Water Pollution Control Authority (unanimous)
• Continued appointment of Murray to Planning & Zoning Commission pending interview (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of September 27, 2022 with corrections (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Coventry Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to extend a temporary moratorium on cannabis establishments for 90 days to allow time to finalize regulations. The commission also approved a 40-day extension to open a public hearing on the moratorium revision and a 90-day extension for filing mylars for the Studenroth Subdivision. A public hearing on a two-lot subdivision at 467 Flanders Road was continued to the next meeting at the owner's request.

• Approved 90-day extension of temporary moratorium on cannabis establishments (5-0)
• Approved 40-day extension to open public hearing for cannabis moratorium revision (5-0)
• Approved 90-day extension for filing mylars for Studenroth Subdivision at 445 Goose Lane (5-0)
• Continued public hearing for two-lot subdivision at 467 Flanders Road to next meeting

Cemetery Commission

The Coventry Cemetery Commission approved a sub-committee to create plans for columbarium and improvement projects (5-0), approved the September meeting minutes (5-0), and approved stump grinding at Nathan Hale Cemetery (5-0). No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved sub-committee to create plans for columbarium and improvement projects (5-0)
• Approved September meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved stump grinding at Nathan Hale Cemetery (5-0)