During Monday's meeting of the Coventry Town Council, sewer usage fees were increased from the current rate of $1.55 per cubic foot to $2.83 per cubic foot.
Town Manager Tom Hoover explained that the increase in user fees may be offset by an ordinance to reduce the interest rate on the amortization of sewer assessments.
“By reducing the interest rate from eight percent to six percent there will be a 17 percent savings to users,” he said. Discussion of the proposed interest rate reduction ordinance was set aside for a public hearing at the Jan. 14 meeting of the Town Council.
Pension Plan Position
Council members approved 3 to 1, that the Town of Coventry's position regarding the Coventry Teachers' Association/School Related Personnel (CTASRP) Pension Plan is that it nor the Coventry School Committee is liable for the apparent under funding of the plan. Councilman Ted Jendzejec was the opposing vote. Click here for coverage on this issue from the Nov. 26 meeting.
Public Hearing - Licenses
A council majority vote allowed Sun Lee Enterprises, Inc (Mai Tai Restaurant) an extension to pay its local taxes in full and rectify fire safety and electrical difficulties to have their Class B licenses (with victualing) renewed. Council President Gary Cote, issued a stiff warning, noting that this is not the first time Sun Lee Enterprises had failed to meet the deadline for complying to meet license requirements.
Chatermike Corporation (Nino's) and Gentleman Farmer were given similar extensions until the end of the year for their Class B and Class B. Ltd licenses with victualing, respectively.
“This is setting the town up or financial failure,” said Cote. “If these three businesses do not meet the requirements by January 1, then these three businesses should be shut down immediately on that date.”
Appointments
The following appoints were approved by the Town Council:
- Clint Shurtleff was appointed to the Juvenile Hearing Board for a three-year term of office expiring Dec. 1, 2015.
- Andrew Perra and Jaime Bernard were appointed to the Juvenile Hearing Board for alternate, one-year terms of office, expiring Dec. 1, 2015.
- Leonard Piette was appointed to the Sewer Assessment Board of Review to fill a term of office expiring Nov. 30, 2015.
- Michael LeBlanc was appointed to the Tax Assessment Board of Review to fill a six-year term of office representing Dist. 4, ending Nov. 1, 2018.
Meeting Schedule
Council members approved the 2013 Town Council meeting schedule. (See attached image for schedule.)
Click here for additional coverage from Monday's meeting.
The next Town Council meeting will be held on Jan. 14, 2013 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.