TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

School is beginning, September is upon us, and the warm days of summer will soon be fading away.  Please remember to slow down in school zones and to watch out for all the school children at bus stops.  Many activities in Coventry will soon be lining up as we slide into the early days of autumn.  

We have “Arts on Main” scheduled for September 20^th in the Village, which is a great way to spend the day with the family.  For those interested in the science that keeps Wangumbaug Lake (Coventry Lake) healthy, you should attend the “Annual State of the Lake Forum.”  This will be held on Tuesday September 16^th  at 7:00 PM at Mill Brook Place in Coventry Village.

The Town is working on many projects.  One of our largest projects in recent years is the Coventry High School heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) project.  In 2023, The General Assembly passed legislation requiring that all public schools have a higher level of air quality.  This required improved ventilation and the addition of air conditioning.   All schools previously were required to have heat, however the State set new temperature standards requiring that schools meet the cooling standards or close due to warm weather.  This initiative came out of the COVID-19 Pandemic, where leaders statewide sought to improve the air quality and circulation in our public schools.   Coventry was one of the first Towns to apply for and receive a State grant for the replacement of the CHS HVAC system.  The Town received a $6.6 million grant toward this project.  The project was estimated to be no more than $11,070,000.  Though it is still underway, it is projected to now cost nearly $12.5 million before it is completed.  The higher costs are due to the shortage of parts and the increased costs of construction materials and labor over the last couple of years.  Additionally, the increased costs the Town experienced were further impacted by unexpected electrical expenses due to new transformer installation requirements by Eversource, our power company.  Pro-mech, our contractor, is doing quality work and they are diligently working to get the system up and running for the 2025-26 school year.

The Town Council Finance Committee has been looking at alternatives to funding the additional expenses to this project.  The Town had approved debt for three major projects including the CHS HVAC Project.  Though the HVAC Project came in higher, the total of the three projects has remained within the total voter approved level of debt.   To complete the project as planned, a referendum is being proposed for this fall to consider the transfer of previously approved unused bonding authority from other completed projects to the CHS HVAC Project.  The completion of the new HVAC project will be a tremendous improvement to Coventry High School.  Investing in capital improvements for school districts results in more than just improved facilities for students. Research has shown school facility investments results in improved student outcomes, attracts new residents and strengthens home values. The Town Council will be considering at their first meeting in September the adoption of a resolution to set a referendum vote so that voters can consider transferring the unused bonding authority to provide the needed funding to the CHS HVAC Project.  More detailed information about this will be presented as the referendum and the Town Meeting plans move forward.

Additionally, as summer winds down, the Town continues to work on road paving, drainage and the extension of the water line for residents on Plains Road who have had their wells contaminated. The Town will be seeking bids for construction for the water line extension this fall.  It is our hope we can begin construction soon after awarding the contract. 

Enjoy the remaining warm days of summer.   I hope to see you around Town this month.  Perhaps I will see you at Arts on Main, the Annual State of the Lake Forum or maybe I’ll see you at Connecticut’s #1 Farmer’s Market.  Should you wish to contact me, please email JDrumm@coventry-ct.gov or call the office at 860-742-6324. Frequent updates are also posted to the Town Manager’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CoventryCTTownManager.

Sincerely,

James Drumm

COMING EVENTS:

Tues 9/2-9/30: T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 5:15-6:45 PM, Second Congregational Church, 1746 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 44). A non-profit weight loss support group. See or call 860-944-4945 for info concerning weekly dues (determined by each chapter) and yearly membership fee set by the TOPS organization.website

Fri 9/5: BINGO! The American Legion Post 52 BINGO will resume after its summer break! Held on the first and third Fridays of each month, September to June at First Congregational Church, 1171 Main Street. Doors open at 5 PM and BINGO begins at 6 PM. Beverages and good items for sale. Must be 18+ years to attend. BINGO nights are a ball! Please note: there will be no BINGO on 9/19 due to the set-up for Arts of Main scheduled for 9/20.Email for info. 

Sat 9/6: Shred-it Day, 9 AM - 12 PM, Coventry Public Works parking lot, 100 Olsen Farm Road. Free event for Coventry residents to dispose of paper documents securely. Limit: two bags or boxes per household. Questions to Public Works at 860-742-6588. Details.

Sat 9/6: Coventry’s First Annual Cardboard Boat Race, 10 AM-11 AM Boat Staging, 11 AM Race Begins. View from Patriots Park Beach, 124 Lake Street. Watch talented individuals of all ages race homemade boats made of cardboard and duct tape. Registration is free and day of. Age Group Awards, Adult Division, Solo and Team Divisions, and Judge’s Overall Awards. Food trucks and activities. Presenting sponsor: Coventry CT Cares, Inc. Facebook event page.

Sun 9/7: Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM-1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. The best of locally-grown and locally-made, every Sunday June through October. Today's theme: Dog Days.  Website.

Tues 9/9: 50% Off One Item of Your Choice, 9 AM - 11 AM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Also Sat 9/13 from 9 AM - 1 PM. Noah's Closet sells gently-used children's clothes and toys. Donations of new and gently-used children's items are welcome on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Call Saturday morning for details, 860-742-1616.

Weds 9/10: Mobile Foodshare, 10-10:30 AM, First Congregational Church @ St. Mary's, 1600 Main Street. An outdoor food distribution service for persons of low income. Text FOODSHARE to 85511 to receive the mobile schedule and cancellations directly on your phone. More info.

Fri 9/12: Famous Baked Fish Dinner, 6 PM, First Congregational Church of Coventry, 1171 Main Street. Presented by the Church and American Legion Post 52. Featuring baked cod, baked potato, coleslaw, Italian bread, dessert and drink. Raffle prizes, too. $15 per plate. Take out available. Info: 860-742-8487 or email for details.