Coventry ratifies $750,000 design‑build contract for Tioga/Tile Lake gatehouse and gates

The Coventry Town Council on Jan. 14 voted unanimously to ratify a design‑build contract to repair the Tioga/Tile Lake gatehouse, the gates and the piping beneath Tioga Avenue.

Town Manager Dan Perillo told the council the design‑build price is $750,000 and that the town has $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated for the project plus $50,000 in a revolving capital fund. Perillo said the contractor and town expect to start construction in October and aim for completion in spring 2026; the contract timeline requires work to be finished by Dec. 30, 2026. Council motion to ratify the contract passed 6–0.

Why it matters: the gatehouse and lower‑level outlet piping control water levels at the impoundment and have been the subject of prior inspections, a dive report and a recent engineering review. The town’s ability to complete repairs within the stated budget and timeline affects lake operations, boat access and downstream safety, and it determines when the pond can be refilled for the recreational season.

Key details and engineer findings

Town staff and the consulting firm GZA shared results of the recent inspection program and the dive report. Perillo said engineers are satisfied with the repairs completed to date and that concrete testing met expected strength levels. The dive inspection found a trash rack obstructed and worn; crews cleaned the rack but GZA warned the rack is deteriorated and will need replacement or significant repair. The dive work also found one gate that was obstructed; that obstruction has been cleared. The report identified lower‑level outlet pipes that “have been screaming to be lined” for many years, meaning further work and cost estimates will be needed to address long‑term pipe integrity.

Solicitor review and contract form

Solicitor Angel told the council she had reviewed the AIA (American Institute of Architects) form contract and judged the form acceptable; she asked to review the final integrated contract with exhibits before signature. The council then voted 6–0 to ratify the contract in form and authorize moving forward with final exhibits.

Permitting, ownership and public questions

Perillo and Solicitor Angel said the town is still working with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) on a dam operations permit; the town received a draft permit and expects further iterations after DEM comments. Jerry Norkowitz, who identified himself as Lake Tioga’s dam keeper and a member of the Lake Tioga Association, told the council he had questions about whether the project covers the dam or only the gatehouse, whether design plans and the diver (dive) report are public, and whether the contractor has permission from the private owner to access the dam. Perillo confirmed the town has not yet obtained owner permission for access work.

What the council approved (vote)

The council approved the motion to ratify the design‑build contract with a recorded vote of six yes, zero no. The named yes votes in the roll call were Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Capaldi, Councilmember LeBlanc, Councilmember Copley, Vice President Verducci, and President Lima.

Next steps and open questions

Town staff said they will provide the final AIA contract with exhibits to the solicitor before executing the agreement, produce cost estimates for trash‑rack and pipe lining work, and continue working with DEM to finalize the operations permit. Manager Perillo told the council the contractor believes the design‑build price will cover the work but acknowledged the town currently has no additional funds beyond the $750,000 in ARPA and revolving capital.

Ending: The council’s vote clears the town to finalize the contract and proceed with permitting and coordination; officials said they will keep the council and public updated as the permit, owner access and remaining repair estimates develop.