Coventry council presses ahead on audit of former solicitor invoices; CLA to present options Friday

Town Council members agreed this week to press forward with an independent review of invoices from the town's former solicitor and to consider whether related legal work for the Coventry Redevelopment Agency (RDA) should be reviewed as well.

Steve Riley, a Coventry resident, told the council he learned at a previous meeting that the former solicitor continued to advise the RDA and may have a contract with the RDA "substantially similar" to his town agreement. "I'd like to suggest that the town audit the RDA's legal expenses at the same time," Riley said during the public-comment period.

Town Manager Perillo told the council he had obtained the invoices covered by a prior resolution and would forward them to CLA, the auditing firm scheduled to present two review options at a special Friday session. Perillo said CLA will explain the distinction between a narrower review and a more detailed, forensic option so the council can choose a scope. Council members repeatedly asked that CLA receive council questions in advance to streamline the meeting.

Councilwoman Capaldi pressed a related procedural point: "How can they be working for over a year without a signed contract?" Several council members said they have seen no executed RDA contract in town records, while others reported the RDA chair may have signed a copy the town has not received. Manager Perillo said staff is attempting to obtain a signed copy from the former solicitor or the RDA and will follow up.

Multiple council members questioned the cost and value of hiring CLA for a deeper review. One member referenced two price tiers being discussed, saying the more-limited option would be substantially less costly than the full forensic review. "I really would just like to know what CLA brings to the table that a layperson can't do," Councilwoman Capaldi said; other members urged compiling council questions ahead of Friday to avoid unnecessary chargeable time.

The council did not vote on formal investigative next steps at the meeting but voted to schedule CLA's presentation for Friday and asked staff to deliver the invoices and any supporting contracts in advance. Several residents and council members said they expect the Friday session to address whether the RDA's legal bills and any RDA contract with the former solicitor should be included in the review. The town manager and solicitor were asked to report back with the contract status and copies of invoices before CLA's presentation.

What happens next: CLA will present audit options and estimated fees at the special meeting; the council directed staff to submit council questions in advance and to attempt to obtain missing contract documents from the former solicitor and the RDA.