During a Monday afternoon hearing in Kent County Superior Court, Judge Brian Stern strongly suggested to CCFD Special Master Rick Land, as well as state and town officials, that they attempt to find a quick fix of at least $200,000 to temporarily keep the district open. If accomplished, the district may be able to remain operational until legislators can devise a long-term plan for providing fire and emergency service to residents of Central Coventry.
Several hours after the hearing at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Coventry Town Council, Council President Gary Cote announced a Special Meeting to be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Coventry Town Hall.
In accordance to Section 3.13 of the Coventry Home Rule Charter, Cote called the meeting to request Council approval of a proposal in which the Town would loan a suggested $300,000 to Central Coventry Fire District Special Master Land for the purpose of "extending the time it has to operate in order to allow sufficient opportunity for a plan to protect the citizens of the Central Coventry Fire District and to appropriate money from the Town for said purpose".
A stipulation of the proposed loan would be that its repayment to the Town of Coventry be guaranteed by the court.
If Cote's recommendation is rejected by fellow Council members, the fire district will cease to operate completely as of 11:59 p.m. on Apr. 11, as ordered by Judge Stern during a hearing on Mar. 29. As things stand currently, the district's closure may likely result in a significant lapse in emergency coverage for area residents as long-term aid from neighboring districts would not be sufficient or guaranteed.
Stay with Coventry Patch for more on the looming liquidation of the Central Coventry Fire District.