Coventry council reviews parks ordinance amendment to clarify public-gathering permit threshold

The Coventry Town Council on Feb. 17 reviewed a proposed amendment to the Parks and Recreation Commission ordinance intended to clarify when a public-gathering permit is required.

Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas introduced the item and noted the town attorney advised that the current reference in Section 70-88 to Section 66-37 could be read to mean a special-event permit would only apply to gatherings of 300 or more people. The attorney recommended staff re-examine Section 66-37 before the council pursues a formal ordinance change so the town’s intent — to require permits for public events of a size that matters locally — is clear.

Lesley Munshower explained the special-event threshold applies to both town property and qualifying private events that are public in nature; Thomas clarified the requirement triggers a permitting process rather than an outright prohibition. Councilor Mark Wheaton raised the example of the Farmers Market, which can exceed 300 people; Thomas and staff noted the market is a town-run program and thus treated differently from a private special event, and churches would likewise not be covered as a special-event permitting burden in the same way.

No members of the public spoke at the hearing. Town Manager James Drumm told the council staff will review Section 66-37 and return the ordinance package to the Steering Committee with a recommended approach, after which the council can take further action.

By the end of the discussion, councilors agreed to forward the matter to staff and Steering for additional analysis rather than adopting immediate changes. The council recorded the vote on the resolution discussion as in favor of proceeding with staff review; no ordinance amendment was finalized at the meeting.