Is Coventry Coming Unraveled? Resignations, Missing Records & Arrests

Is Coventry Coming Unraveled? Resignations, Missing Records & Arrests

The dysfunctionality of the Town of Coventry is growing by the minute.

On Wednesday three State legislators called for the immediate resignation of Frank Palin, chairman of the Coventry Fire District. He was arrested last week in Massachusetts and charged with indecent assault and battery on an elderly and disabled patient.

Rep. Jared R. Nunes (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick), Rep. Robert A. Nardolillo III (R-Dist. 28, Coventry) and Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich, East Greenwich) sent a letter to Palin urging him to step down.

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“Due to the recent allegations filed against you, we the members of the Rhode Island General Assembly, are requesting the immediate resignation of your position as Chairman of the Coventry Fire District and will request the Board of Directors to do so by forwarding them a copy of this letter,” the legislators wrote.

Missing Fire Records

Also, last week the Rhode Island State Fire Marshall issued 21 fire code violations against loft mill operator Brady Sullivan’s apartment complex. State Fire Marshall Timothy McLaughlin told GoLocal in a phone interview that he could not explain how the building opened with a certificate of occupancy with the violations in place.

The Fire Marshall’s office sought to review the building’s records but could because the records for the 250,000 square foot mill complex are missing.

"So yes, there's a lot happening in Coventry," said Raptakis in a phone interview. "Brady Sullivan, I finally got in front of the Town Council — now they have the Fire Marshall issue. We met with the Health Department, and the EPA is now involved."

The mill complex is also being investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a number of former tenants have filed lawsuits for environmental contamination issues.

Top Officials Resign, Sewer Costs Debated

Coventry Town Manager Graham Waters, resigned in March and his last day was April 13. The resignation coincided with GoLocal's unveiling that Waters failed to file his annual financial disclosure form to the Ethics Commission. More questions have been raised as Waters lived in the controversial Brady Sullivan complex. He told GoLocal that he paid fair market value for rent.

In April, the second highest ranked official Coventry Finance Director Robert Thibeault announced his resignation. Glenford Shibley, Council President in Coventry, refused to respond to questions about the growing number of issues facing the town.

“Coventry is a wonderful community to live in, but over the past months, there have been multiple concerning issues.  While residents continue to love their community, they expect better and more transparent government on the issues.  I support every effort to make sure that happens.  Lost records, resignations and questionable decisions are unacceptable.  Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability," said Nardolillo in an email to GoLocal.

"We just passed the sewer bill 34 to 0 — to suspend [any changes]," said Raptakis on Wednesday. "Now it goes to the House, and they’re working on it, suspending the program for new tie-ins until February 28, which will give [officials] time to review the Auditor General's report. The Town Council -- and Shibley - call it the 'Raptakis tax bill' which is totally wrong."

"The companion bill prohibits the town from charging double the interest rates," added Raptakis. "The town borrows at 2.7% and then they tell homeowners they need to pay 6%."

"Look, we are working for the public," said Raptakis. "The Town Council — 3 out of 5 have failed to address the issues of Harris Mill, the sewer program. So it's good that the General Assembly works as the other part of the government to represent them and assist them. It's over 37,000 people. This is more than just the fire district."