Council Approves Contracts for Dam Inspection, Sewer Maintenance, Cell Tower and Equipment Leases

Upper Pond Dam Inspection

Council members awarded a contract in the amount of $3,120 to the engineering firm Fuss & O'Neill for the initial inspection and report of Upper Pond Dam at Breezy Lake. The services are required by the consent agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) in order for necessary repairs to be made to the dam and surrounding property. 

The earthen gravity dam, located adjacent to Breezy Lake Beach, needs percolation updates and improved channeling of water through its culvert to a drainage swale. A portion of land around the dam requires new loam as well.

Sewer System Maintenance

A contract was awarded to Weston and Sampson at an annual cost of $150,150 for the operation and maintenance of the Town of Coventry's sanitary sewer system, including the newly-acquired Woodland Manor system and pump station.

The contract provides daily 24/7 service including emergencies. The Town purchased the property from Woodland Manor on Dec. 18.

Verizon Tower Lease

Council members approved an initial 5-year lease of tower space at Coventry High School to Verizon. The Tower is owned by the Town of Coventry, and therefore receives 100% of the revenue generated through the rental, or in this instance, the School Department will receive the revenue. 

Verizon will join T-Mobile on the tower. After the first five years, the Town may choose to implement up to five renewals of five years each, for a total possible lease period of 30 years. According to Municipal Information System (MIS) officer, Ed Warzycha, if the full 30-year period is utilized, the school department would receive a total payout of more than $1.4 million.

Copier/Scanner Lease

The Council approved a 60-month contract with Advanced Business Machines to lease copy machines and scanners for use in various municipal departments. 

MIS officer Warzycha explained that the company offered to combine all equipment leases and maintenance and install new machines and systems, at at estimated monthly savings of $850 or approximately $10,000 annually.