Town Council Chair report 9/7/2026
Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas
Chair Report 9/7/26
First, Congratulations to our Town Council Vice-Chairman on his wedding this past weekend! We wish you and Chelsea all the best in the years ahead.
In today’s big news, Gov. Lamont and the CT Bond Commission authorized $2 million in funding that will allow us to construct a new water tower near the village. The water tower is critical to creating enough water pressure to feed the new water lines going up Cross Street and along South Street, and for fire suppression in Coventry village. Combined with the federal funds we received through Congressman Joe Courtney we can now move forward with this project that will improve drinking water quality, and will support current businesses and future economic development in our village.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, the Booth and Dimock Library will host a presentation titled, “Jewish Identity and Antisemitism”. There is no charge but for security purposes, pre-registration is required. You will find registration information through the library facebook page, web site, or by stopping in at the library. Given recent events at Town Council meetings and the stunning rise in antisemitic incidents here in CT, I encourage Council members and the community to attend.
During my office hours this month, a member of the Cemetery Commission dropped in to share with me her idea to offer some cremation plots at Coventry Cemetery for deceased veterans who have no family to claim their cremains. I appreciate her bringing this sad situation to my attention and for the work she is doing to help solve the problem.
Coventry’s America 250 Committee held their last big event celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. The event was "Continental Breakfast with George Washington”, held at the old Brigham Tavern. It was very well attended by all ages and those of who were there also enjoyed a tour of the inside of the tavern. We learned so much history! The tavern has been a private residence for many years now and I want to send a big thank you to current owners Amy and Alex Ordonez. They were very generous, opening their home to so many people and sharing their extensive knowledge during the tours. Of course, I also want to recognize Town Historian John Holmy and the whole 250th Commission for the work they put into hosting a variety of celebration events throughout the year!
At our September Local Emergency Coordinating Committee meeting, Chief Meyers informed us that Emergency Management Director Alex Bohr and Deputy EMD Mike Heimer have completed all of their required state and federal training. The TownCouncil extends its congratulations to both Alex and Mike
Lastly, there is a new bridge on the trail behind Coventry Grammar School. The Protected Spaces spent Labor Day weekend laborig. They built this bridge over the course of three days and it is fantastic. They have built other bridges and walkways on trails throughout town - including one similar to this at the Williams Preserve. Our gratitude goes out to them for their ongoing work to enhance access to our beautiful protected spaces. I have attached photos of the new bridge to my report - which will be attached to the minutes.