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Coventry council debates agenda rules, public-comment process and audit options; schedules follow-ups
Summary
Public commenters and council members debated agenda language, suspension of council rules and whether to request an audit or state‑level investigation of invoices tied to the former town solicitor; the council agreed to place rule changes and an invoice-audit discussion on the next agenda.
Residents and council members at a special Coventry Town Council meeting pressed for clearer agenda procedures and for action on questions about legal invoices tied to the former town solicitor.
Several speakers from the public urged the council to pursue an independent review. Scott Guthrie suggested bringing in the Rhode Island State Police’s public‑corruption or financial‑crimes unit to “get the politics out of this,” and he urged law-enforcement review of the invoice and financial concerns. The council discussed that possible next steps could include referrals to the state auditor general or state police, subject to further legal and clerk consultation.
A recurring topic during public comment and council discussion was the council’s agenda language and the meaning of “introduction of new business.” Members noted that boilerplate language copied from Cranston made the agenda confusing to residents and to council members; several council members proposed changes to the town‑council rules that would reduce any single person’s control over the agenda and would clarify when and how public comment is afforded.
Council members asked staff and the soon‑to‑be solicitor to prepare revised rules for review. One council member proposed allowing more flexibility for submitting agenda items; another asked that proposed rule changes be circulated in an editable format so members can redline them between meetings.
The council voted 5-0 to place leadership votes and a set of rule‑and‑agenda items on the Oct. 14 agenda. The council also voted 5-0 to docket a discussion and possible next steps on an audit of invoices between the town and the law firm Angel Law; the council said it will do further research and coordinate with the solicitor and state offices as needed.
Public commenters also raised operational items: some asked for improved livestreaming and Zoom links for hybrid meetings; others urged delaying large proposals, such as moving to a municipal fire department, until current governance issues are resolved.
Council members said they will compile suggested amendments into a single document, seek solicitor review, and return the items for public hearing and formal action at a future council meeting.
