[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6604349,"mediaKeyId","2989161-21f8e06e77732fb11ffd1d3ec6f0bef7","parentId",2989161,"title","Votes at a glance: Portsmouth council actions on licenses, appointments, transfer-station rules, sports‑fields planning and meeting schedule","audioSeconds",8076,"startMs",235000,"endMs",8311000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2989161-21f8e06e77732fb11ffd1d3ec6f0bef7&start=235&end=8311","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2989161-21f8e06e77732fb11ffd1d3ec6f0bef7/thumbnail_235000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6604349/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Portsmouth-council-actions-on-licenses-appointments-transfer-station-rules-sportsfields-planning-and-meeting-schedule","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604349-316aca03b54a3f4f821c90b3fa32cb2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178706&Signature=jpechHRPt1o6leYXR8ukUhlCk6fMo2g9MsfiWBFfRTqzPwlQyvxoFbNVAG2SagatIaNy6mwic86NISlN~GtgdCrjzWiYMJk-pUdK5hLiCO4-E3sg58bJLSxzC6Chv8XPNKrGjOFJFHde6xyrnJWSLMSDMGp3NItCHxUgSCKwB3h408N-zNIWJUd1UsW3ems8jok7vk7r8Bmoep7lu3rtzR~UKYl3Bh7MBfA85zzK3aPk0COL8PGNSd8SXZmP4yfC-NtS0dhPaW2yBg~hgu3jDMqIGTOnn7-PzKKjB~TITCGI6s6XP8EERKNb037dGGZHDGyzj3yZNFaUmNjhg1uMMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth","date","2025-04-15T01:56:35.697Z","article","At its April 14 meeting, the Portsmouth Town Council took these votes and actions:

- Licenses and seasonal expansions: The council approved three mobile food (peddler) licenses and two entertainment licenses, and a temporary seasonal expansion of a restaurant’s outdoor service area for the 2025 season. (Votes recorded on the consent/Board of License Commissioners items were taken and passed by voice votes; record shows unanimous approval where noted.)

- Appointments and reappointments: The council approved appointments to boards and committees including the Design Review Board (Melissa Desjardins), the Portsmouth Economic Development Committee (Pete LaRange), the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee (Paul Kessen) and reappointments to Parks & Recreation (Kevin Gagliano and Dave Fiorillo). Votes were recorded as unanimous in the meeting record.

- Transfer station rules and Prudence Island hours: The council approved revised transfer-station sticker rules (Portsmouth and Prudence Island). Main changes: the sticker term was shortened from 18 months to 12 months, sticker sales to begin May 1 with no grace period after July 1, specific short-term passes available at Prudence Island (6-month, 4-month, 1-week) and a winter Saturday-hours change on Prudence Island to 10 a.m.–noon (November–Memorial Day). The council approved these rule changes unanimously.

- 3S Sandy Point property (sports fields): Councilor Gleeson moved and council approved a direction that staff work with council and community groups to develop a strategic plan to build two sports fields on the so-called 3S property on Sandy Point Avenue. The council directed staff to identify funding options, potential partners, permitting steps and a phased work plan; the motion passed unanimously.

- Meeting schedule and other routine matters: The council approved canceling the first meeting in July to accommodate staff schedules and summer scheduling. Correspondence and committee reports were received and placed on file.

Why it matters: These routine approvals and rule changes set operational parameters for summer events, transfer-station access and local boards; the 3S property direction starts a process to deliver promised sports fields while asking staff to assemble a funding and implementation plan before construction commitments.

Next steps: Staff will implement the transfer‑station rule updates, publish the summer schedule and sticker sale information, and begin work on a strategic plan for the Sandy Point fields; committee reports and correspondence will be available in the meeting record.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04/14/2025 Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved routine licenses and appointments, updated transfer-station sticker rules and hours, directed staff to develop a plan for sports fields at the 3S property, and canceled the first July meeting. Several items were approved unanimously; the council also received multiple committee reports.","taxTitle","Portsmouth, Newport County, Rhode Island","taxId",79583,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6604353,"Melville Park volunteers ask council for part-time steward, trail and fishing improvements",1589,3167000,4756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2989161-21f8e06e77732fb11ffd1d3ec6f0bef7&start=3167&end=4756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2989161-21f8e06e77732fb11ffd1d3ec6f0bef7/thumbnail_3167000.jpg","/articles/6604353/Rhode-Island/Melville-Park-volunteers-ask-council-for-part-time-steward-trail-and-fishing-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604353-691cfe4f9e2f3ac82c844834a64d31e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178706&Signature=a4KnXyiQ5dKq8Kt1jpX8WNN3cEb5G~-0Q6XzoVR6RpIB~dS4dcu6RRFb2W0GwclD1O5GQrn-8yIAUUVhR6xamRXbyWsAVVsNYBValBXCH1QU5LlnYQo6zkJpFG6hP2gxaRMVcVs7YRyFSxnpWc68IJG2LOWvgTK9nysp9GCk~SJxpJaWMOQIW1~2g7SZmBmbglMwYJymfz~~nv3DvJ~~L3vRyc3jSOKKeBGsiBNrMkR1km56MOhIpYqd~5esM8hm2XU1q6uESlwaLNnrmfBqUAeZdvXeyo1r-c8imKf0ccmvqBzOipU75~WJ4yxAGyYVe9Cw8ePjc1ImC5QWj~pN3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stephen Luce, chair of the Melville Park Committee, presented a detailed report and slide show describing the park’s history, ecology and numerous volunteer-led improvements. He asked the council to consider funding at least one part‑time park steward (10 hours per week or similar) to coordinate maintenance, organize volunteers, pursue grants and perform light stewardship tasks.

Luce described the park’s key features — Mattapacetti Brook and multiple ponds — and noted ongoing issues: trail erosion and mud on low sections, invasive oriental bittersweet strangling trees, a small fishing deck that is heavily used and could be expanded, a floating dock that has become difficult to access and vandalism/graffiti on a historic water tower. Committee members and volunteers have completed repairs and small projects (boardwalk, bridge, cleaned storage shed) and have limited budgets (committee annual budget previously between roughly $13,000–$18,000).

Luce said the committee has secured occasional volunteer support from local landscapers and scouts but that the work load exceeds volunteer capacity. He suggested a modest stewardship position (part-time, seasonal) that could be funded partially from the committee budget and augmented by grants or donations. He also invited councilors and the public to a guided Melville Park tour scheduled for June 28 at 10 a.m.

Why it matters: Melville Park is a 110+ acre town recreational area with ponds, hiking trails and natural features used by local residents and visitors. Routine stewardship affects resident safety, habitat quality and the town’s outdoor amenities.

Next steps: The council received the report and placed it on file. Committee leaders asked staff to explore options for a part-time steward, grant opportunities and capital improvements (improved fishing decks, boardwalk repairs, invasive control) and to list any potential budgetary sources.

","Melville Park Committee presented a tour and report describing maintenance needs, invasive species removal, fishing and trail improvements, and requested funding to hire a part-time park steward to coordinate volunteers and maintenance.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6604357,"Portsmouth council approves 20-year high school roof option to speed repairs, funds gap from fund balance",1487,3213000,4700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2989161-21f8e06e77732fb11ffd1d3ec6f0bef7&start=3213&end=4700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2989161-21f8e06e77732fb11ffd1d3ec6f0bef7/thumbnail_3213000.jpg","/articles/6604357/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-council-approves-20-year-high-school-roof-option-to-speed-repairs-funds-gap-from-fund-balance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604357-712b320ff87398a48fd4bdef9b9bf22c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178706&Signature=R2v5-9OZ1mfFFlB89-vu89U2SQz52Pr7J9uSK7mqTia30z97B3Ks-ZmVtdm~1NHHkYw-yhDCMFc86mgcr9wNHYAX07E8bkZaleU-oJngQwi6zRtZDnOIuAYEwxIfGCZfvPA0IsUp0535KWJ9b2XEH7J61ZeJGXH-5JISOSMJjwgV6GiMKjlPv1GhtVz~yqtGnhDNfdG7TEdQ1WHcSAyRvQtaS0D00ybiwLmtb5iHzY8OUzMtv0k5xC1mi0o9K75HR0~7BmOGKQFIk18fyPT7wCVlZpV9KHIwkw37ctBPIUxWTq-hX9~d5lxA-nF8LZF66L9qSfv9wD1DRmW6ca9~SQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council voted to award the Portsmouth High School roof replacement to the lowest qualified bidder and to fund the immediate shortfall from town resources so work can begin before fall. School department officials explained they received two compliant bids for different roof systems: a lower-cost single-ply membrane with about a 20-year expected life and a higher-cost modified bituminous option with about a 30-year life.

Dr. Kenworthy, School Superintendent, summarized the bidding and recommended the longer-lived option; school facilities staff and other advisors argued for the 30-year membrane for heavy-use, mechanical roofs. Council discussion focused on lifecycle costs, contingency levels and the school department’s capital planning approach.

Finance details presented to council: the school department identified $900,000 in its capital reserve and there was $572,465 available in the builder impact fee account designated for school capital projects. The lower-cost 20-year bid left a funding gap of $496,535; adding a 20% contingency on the bid increased the potential draw from the town’s unassigned fund balance to $890,335.

Councilors debated the 20- versus 30-year trade-off. Several speakers — including former municipal engineers and residents — argued the 20-year option with the saved capital could allow the town to re-invest savings and potentially fund future work. School committee chair Emily Copeland explained that the committee voted unanimously (7–0) to recommend the 30‑year option but that the council must decide what to fund now.

After discussion the council approved the 20‑year option and authorized the use of fund balance as needed to cover the shortfall and contingency so the project may proceed. The memorandum from the school department and the bidding documents will be appended to the contract award, and the school department indicated it will seek reimbursement from the state; officials expect at least $200,000 in state reimbursement for the project as part of school capital aid processes.

Why it matters: The High School roof had reached emergent condition; approving the lower-cost option allows work to begin quickly to protect learning spaces while preserving fiscal flexibility for other capital needs. The council required the administration to track reimbursements and to consider replenishing fund balance when surpluses permit.

Next steps: Town staff and the school department will execute the contract with the approved bidder, manage contingencies, submit reimbursement requests to the state, and report back to council on final contract amounts and reimbursement timing.

","After hearing cost and life-expectancy comparisons and state reimbursement prospects, the Town Council approved the school department’s recommendation to accept the lower-cost 20‑year roofing option for Portsmouth High School and fund the immediate shortfall from the town’s unassigned fund balance, with reimbursement expected from the state.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6604361,"Portsmouth council advances measure to place nonpartisan-election charter amendment on ballot after extended public debate",534,674000,1208000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2989161-21f8e06e77732fb11ffd1d3ec6f0bef7&start=674&end=1208","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2989161-21f8e06e77732fb11ffd1d3ec6f0bef7/thumbnail_674000.jpg","/articles/6604361/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-council-advances-measure-to-place-nonpartisan-election-charter-amendment-on-ballot-after-extended-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604361-9334afaa013a72a525cad64f2c2ae35c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178706&Signature=GleLWt5H~rxcRNM06NfOcDcibjEmXk-ARGHulMTJvQw9OORnEU9ltlEWSVl~i6Lb7mRBptSjCokHAsCv8WdQbo317Exhac1hEJQ2j7W80kKSy5BGc3QuKTnxSyI~O~3-Rd4SX7w6WFO7ehhxUROUnPDb-S3J3AOqGKyagrgGicDIlLRwbyU8eoeIOoJrTSJ9ENgT6nYcitENr~9jXXfsrRKy1Nn1KjENeNSLXWKQk02kwWbqZ7kZJv2TcmsnDsxCaG~FsykbmYJ3no6HXnfmqEwSYnPk9xrzdDkUHYQtpLJydZGF7Q~jlGTl0Uwygm4xmc1b1NDB8qRvtw6WJmYJ0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilor McDowell moved to advance a resolution asking the Secretary of State to place a Home Rule Charter amendment on a future ballot to make Town Council and School Committee elections nonpartisan. The council heard more than an hour of public comment and an extended council debate before voting to advance the measure.

The proposal would amend Portsmouth’s Home Rule Charter to remove party labels for council and school committee contests and submit that change to the Secretary of State for inclusion at the next general or special election, whichever comes first, as amended during council discussion. Council debate focused on practical effects, voter education needs, and limits imposed by federal law.

Jackie, canvasser for the Board of Canvassers, presented research on how nonpartisan municipal races appear in neighboring towns and described the Secretary of State’s ballot-certification role. Councilors and members of the public questioned how much voter education would be required and the potential cost of a charter amendment process.

Multiple residents and speakers urged either placing the question on the ballot so voters can decide, or urged caution and more study. Several resident commenters and local advocates raised the Hatch Act and its effect on federal employees running for office. Attorney and community commenter Mr. Katzmann (identified in public comment) told the council that the Hatch Act can still bar federal employees from running if a party endorses a candidate; he said party endorsements can transform an otherwise nonpartisan contest into a partisan one under federal guidance and case law.

Councilors asked staff and the solicitor’s office to confirm legal details and to clarify the timeline for ballot certification. Councilor Gavin proposed edits to the resolution to clarify that the amendment would be submitted for inclusion at “the next special or general election, whichever occurs first,” and to remove a sentence that councilors agreed was not needed. Councilors also discussed whether a special election should be used or whether placement on the next general election ballot would be preferable.

The assembly received the Board of Canvassers’ data packet, and Councilor McDowell moved the resolution forward. The council recorded a final vote on the motion to place the amendment on a future ballot (as amended); the recorded outcome in the meeting transcript is a council approval (see actions below). The resolution will be transmitted to the Secretary of State for placement on the ballot in accordance with the amendment language as amended by council.

Why it matters: The change would alter how municipal candidates are presented to voters and could affect eligibility and campaigning practices for local offices. Public commenters and councilors emphasized the need for clear voter education and legal review before implementation.

Next steps: The council directed staff to work with the town solicitor and the Board of Canvassers on final language and timing for submission to the Secretary of State; the resolution packet and supporting data were placed on file.

","After public comment and council discussion spanning concerns about the Hatch Act, voter education and potential costs, the Portsmouth Town Council voted to move a Home Rule Charter amendment on nonpartisan Town Council and School Committee elections forward for inclusion on a future ballot as amended.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Portsmouth council actions on licenses, appointments, transfer-station rules, sports‑fields planning and meeting schedule

Melville Park volunteers ask council for part-time steward, trail and fishing improvements

Portsmouth council approves 20-year high school roof option to speed repairs, funds gap from fund balance

Portsmouth council advances measure to place nonpartisan-election charter amendment on ballot after extended public debate