Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Legislation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coventry council votes to endorse Senate Bill 3030 as visiting senators outline bills to hold developer bonds longer
Summary
The Town Council approved a resolution supporting Senate Bill 3030 after two state senators described companion bills that would give towns more control over post-construction bond returns and changes to state affordable-housing mandates; public comment urged caution about lost local authority.
The Coventry Town Council voted to approve a resolution in support of Senate Bill 3030 after two state senators briefed the council about a package of housing-related bills and a town-specific bill to allow communities to hold construction bonds for a longer period.
Senator Raptis told the council the town could ask its legal counsel to draft a town bill under the statute cited in the record (transcript reference "37-12-13") that would permit Coventry or its planning commission "not to give the bond back at least two years" so the municipality can verify drainage and other systems perform after construction. "It gives the town up to two years," he said, describing recent local flooding tied to two developments as the policy rationale.
Senator Rogers described broader state legislation he is sponsoring (identified in the meeting as Senate Bill 2275 and a House companion) and said the bills respond to a multiyear wave of housing measures that have tightened statewide mandates affecting local zoning and comprehensive-plan reviews. "This is our fourth year," Rogers said, summarizing the legislative cycle and urging towns to coordinate on possible amendments or carve-outs.
Council members and the town solicitor emphasized that the council could hear informational remarks from the senators but should avoid formal deliberation on bills not on the agenda, citing Open Meetings (OMA) constraints. The council then moved to take item 4A (the resolution in support of SB3030) and passed the resolution after a brief discussion; one councilor recorded opposition and the motion carried.
During public comment several residents urged the council to adopt a stronger posture toward recent state housing bills. Larry Fitz Morris, who identified himself as representing a concerned citizens group, told the council that together the recent state measures "have reduced council's authorities" and urged Coventry to join a handful of towns planning coordinated resolutions and possible court action to seek an injunction while implementation guidance is developed.
The council recorded the action on SB3030 (motion carried) and agreed to follow up with legal counsel on drafting a town bill and on the precise statutory language required for a local bond-hold provision. The senators left after the vote and said they would work with the town on language and next steps.
The council moved on to other agenda items, including the budget review sessions scheduled for subsequent meetings.
