Town Council Chair Report 5/4/2026
I would like to begin this evening by offering condolences to Planning and Zoning Chairwoman Darby Pollansky on the sudden loss of her husband Steven. Darby has given many years of volunteer service to Planning and Zoning and her family is part of our town's fabric.
Today is also International firefighters day honoring all firefighters, including those we have lost. Our gratitude goes out to Coventry's volunteer firefighters who consistently answer the call of duty no matter the time or day in order to help protect our community.
On a lighter note, the Coventry Arts Guild held a lovely ceremony to inaugurate our very first Poet Laureate. It was an honor for me to be there and to present the Town Council's proclamation for Poet Laureate John Stanizzi.
We have been asked by the Office of Policy and Management to let residents know that you might receive a letter inviting you to apply for the Connecticut's Citizens' Assembly on Property Taxes which is a structured, nonpartisan process that will bring together a representative group of residents to learn about, discuss, and develop recommendations on property tax reform. Only households that receive a letter are being asked to consider participating, and those who respond will be entered into a pool for randomized selection. These letters are legitimate and part of a carefully designed, nonpartisan initiative developed by CCM, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Yale University, and UConn. Participants will be selected through a randomized civic lottery to ensure a diverse, representative group of residents. This is not a scam, but a credible effort to bring community voices directly into conversations on this important topic.
I held office hours last week. Some of the topics raised include:
Varsity baseball field conditions at the high school, specifically drainage issues. I shared that to start the process, these types of repairs go through the school facilities and athletics departments to the BOE.
Deteriorated road conditions, especially Brewster St., South St., Swamp Rd. and Grant Hill. I was able to share information about the South St. and Swamp Rd improvement work that is underway.
Questions about the quint fire engine included in the bonding question. I was able to explain the use of the ladder not just for heights but across large area roof such as at the high school/middle school complex; I explained that is like a 3 in 1 as it will replace three aging fire vehicles; and I directed the residents to the town website where there is a slide show reviewing the various bond items. When you go to the town web site, there is a pop up window with a link to all the budget information and presentations.
Discussions about supporting local vendors and why the "low bid" might not always be the best bid.
Lastly, please remember that tomorrow is the referendum for two questions: the town budget and the bond items. Voting is from 6 am - 8 pm tomorrow at the fire station across from town hall.