[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6578790,"mediaKeyId","3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2","parentId",3141878,"title","Portsmouth council, acting as license commissioners, approves peddler and entertainment licenses 7-0","audioSeconds",53,"startMs",469000,"endMs",522000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2&start=469&end=522","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2/thumbnail_469000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6578790/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-council-acting-as-license-commissioners-approves-peddler-and-entertainment-licenses-7-0","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578790-5f3069cd344acb1228bcaf60e10351d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162299&Signature=I0WAFM0sB3qu5yQAYddGfeP9rmtNoQPB2OAy2m~DK-vRjlq~Gv45EHxkJtlqA8zwuMdwvNgUZwZSqvTUaf9S8eeGKd59i1No06yCQ7ZiCwaTx3BEtnuG4SsWV0Mp9T21ZQxl4cvC5VViRHBX0jjiTbANJHTtbMbGdgFu2AEp95xrzYjNluIFoJ9gucyCvECvrVgTHWIguKArvQtXExneP9su12bEY2JbP-3g0-hMDTON534myHRiOlsoNLvVrTck-EZxeboKf7K0UVgxAeugi5-zGk7VSVbRXPfkDEXCb2YyD14RM1aRFjp07hv-xG4ur0w2ctP1OPvmA578Py3jkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth","date","2025-04-29T00:53:23.373Z","article","The Portsmouth Town Council, acting as the Board of License Commissioners on April 28, approved several licenses and renewals in a unanimous vote.

The board approved two peddler/mobile food-establishment licenses for SW LLC doing business as Newport Sushi and as Rocket Bottle Rocket Food Truck, an annual peddler license for Newport Fine Linens LLC at 132 Spring Street, and an entertainment license for the Portsmouth Youth Soccer Association for its June 14-15 Father\u000027s Day weekend tournament. Each motion carried by a 7-0 vote.

Nut graf: The licensing approvals were handled as a clustered slate during the meeting; councilors completed the items quickly, returning the body to regular council business after approving the licenses and adjourning the licensing session.

Votes and formal actions
- Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented (consent general agenda) passed 7-0.
- As the Board of License Commissioners, motion to approve two new peddler/mobile food establishment licenses for SW LLC (dba Newport Sushi and Rocket Bottle Rocket Food Truck) passed 7-0.
- Motion to approve annual peddler license for Newport Fine Linens LLC (132 Spring Street) passed 7-0.
- Motion to approve an entertainment license for Portsmouth Youth Soccer Association (tournament June 14-15) passed 7-0.
- Motion to adjourn as the Board of License Commissioners passed 7-0.

Supporting details
The board handled the licensing items in sequence during the consent portion of the meeting. No councilor asked for separate discussion on the license items, and presenters were not identified in the transcript beyond the license names and locations.

Ending: The council resumed its regular agenda after completing the licensing actions.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04/28/2025 Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Sitting as the Board of License Commissioners on April 28, the Portsmouth Town Council approved several peddler and entertainment licenses in unanimous votes.","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},6578800,"Portsmouth council provisionally approves $77.2 million FY26 revenue plan, sets tax rate increase at 1.49%",3444,3163000,6607000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2&start=3163&end=6607","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2/thumbnail_3163000.jpg","/articles/6578800/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-council-provisionally-approves-772-million-FY26-revenue-plan-sets-tax-rate-increase-at-149","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578800-5cb33bc920afd669f68b16225db03e87/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162299&Signature=ZccYoU4k~W4QZ5f2q5YZAwYuHz4SLTAxa1zodtQtIKVigdj1xO5ybQfKfr-Syq3hxrb3zf2oD-cUxwIqoLlEmMiTAUuM60ih4GXTIs1qOBfYzD9QtEKS6tFt7ayaFdcSlD3Oiprg797c73Hlr7p-kq2tTCo~yDeGHV2Jz5O0pqHEfUKcTQrbpTmRLDhVTi5MsQ7v6TTolJxPwGnH~Bfbr5MMcutZluMtpW5tMGfFd8ouMOwuc2iHWPEO-GmP6EZVpWd1s0VcUuMinAEWVBuYoE64d-XbAcFndicPMBqWu-eaCfngOu6L~aej2KRQJd6ZPJRZ7BVz3j8iy3SmfTWsRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth Town Council provisionally approved the revenue portion of the town administrator\u000027s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on April 28, voting 7-0 to advance a $77,199,531 plan that includes a proposed residential and commercial tax rate of $13.3708 per $1,000 in assessed value, a 1.49% increase over the current rate.

The proposal, presented by Town Administrator Rich Reyna, lays out a balanced general-fund budget of about $77.2 million, a 3.76% increase over the prior year, and projects the town will remain roughly $1,033,022 below the state\u000027s statutory levy cap. \"We are proposing a balanced $77,200,000 general fund budget,\" Reyna said during the presentation.

Councilors pressed for more granular revenue forecasting on several lines. Questions centered on the town\u000027s interest-income assumptions, recreation-program revenues and a misallocated line for Prudence Island transfer-station stickers that will be corrected and reflected in upcoming enterprise-fund accounting.

Nut graf: The vote advances the town into the next stages of budget review while preserving opportunities for changes before final adoption. Councilors and staff said they will revisit revenue estimates and certain expenditure lines at upcoming hearings, including the public hearing on June 11 and final adoption slated for late June.

Most important facts
- Proposed FY26 general-fund budget: $77,199,531 (presented as $77,200,000 in the presentation).
- Proposed tax rate: $13.3708 per $1,000 in assessed value (a 1.49% increase).
- Projected tax levy: about $65,481,448 net tax revenue (2.5% increase over FY25, as presented).
- Estimated collection rate used in calculations: 97.75%.
- Vote: Council provisionally approved the revenue line 7-0.

Supporting details and council questions
Reyna said personnel costs, targeted capital investments (about $650,000 proposed), and debt service related to a new school bond were primary budget drivers. Debt service is projected to comprise about 3.71% of the total budget, Reyna said, and is expected to decline after FY26, providing future flexibility.

The town intends to invest $1,170,000 from the general fund in road paving in FY26 and expects a Roadworks state grant of $184,211, which would yield roughly $1,354,211 available for paving if the grant is realized. Reyna said the town\u000027s road-surface rating currently sits at 73.24 and that the planned program would likely push it above 74.

Councilors asked staff to revisit several revenue assumptions:
- Interest income: The budget projects $225,000 in interest income (a 43.6% increase from FY25). Several councilors and one finance commenter said actual year-to-date interest receipts and the town\u000027s audit cash balances suggested a higher realistic figure may be possible; staff noted some large balances have been earmarked for school-bond payments and will be spent before FY27.
- Recreation program receipts: Historic shortfalls in Park & Recreation revenue prompted requests for more conservative or more closely vetted projections.
- Prudence Island transfer-station stickers: Annual sticker sales were incorrectly applied to the Prudence Island budget in FY25. Staff confirmed those sticker receipts will be reallocated to the Headley Street (Portsmouth) transfer-station enterprise fund and reflected in the next sticker-price calculation.

Process and next steps
The council provisionally approved the revenue numbers to keep the budget process moving and scheduled detailed departmental reviews. Staff emphasized the process remains flexible: final levy and rate decisions will be made after additional departmental hearings and when more-precise state aid figures become available. A public hearing is scheduled for June 11, with final adoption anticipated by the end of June.

Ending: The council\u000027s provisional approval allows department-level hearings to proceed, while staff said they would return with updated figures and the council will have opportunities to adjust revenues or expenditures before a final vote.

","Portsmouth Town Council provisionally approved the revenue portion of the town administrator\u000027s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, advancing a $77.2 million plan that would raise the town\u000027s residential tax rate by 1.49% while remaining under the state levy cap.",{"_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},6578782,"Town administrator previews RIDOT paving, CDBG news and LNG site demobilization",201,556000,757000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2&start=556&end=757","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2/thumbnail_556000.jpg","/articles/6578782/Rhode-Island/Town-administrator-previews-RIDOT-paving-CDBG-news-and-LNG-site-demobilization","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578782-eecb682c700ea2e5386834c6da874eb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162299&Signature=M5PBLU2XB4fw8YKJTrnVDhX7bm-r5Pl3r4u10K05Bk~vtSj1ozDTjDVEw84YkZlmBuz9h90FdYPGz7G41pVm30irR8yTzX5jHvTkbs6R7fQBOFvEj~z8C7nBPfKBhgQC6U1l8h48dLcJfFCPYdiR48-QmjZI5H3hx9CzWpt6FQJuMx~XmzcU-ZtAk88C95S~YSKQxxPvVUGeUJrOwTK8gTIre0pJoCjjeGD6yED1u680dWFKOiX4IfkhCwSsybaOx34lCGGI1gHc0TAGROGLDCRR381WQNNGiiL587-FB-9nrHqx5IagW6qAFqvjNfgv8~tcRLD0VsyP8yW5gZLfpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Administrator Rich Reyna delivered a report of ongoing and upcoming municipal matters at the April 28 meeting, including a state paving project, anticipated grant news, a local LNG-equipment demobilization and outreach items.

Key items Reyna summarized:
- RIDOT paving: The Rhode Island Department of Transportation plans to bid West Main Road and Sprague Street paving this summer and may begin construction in the fall. Reyna said a traffic-management plan will be presented to the council at the May 12 meeting and that the project includes intersection and box-widening work at Macquarie and at Union (Old Mill/Union), as well as sidewalk and crosswalk work near the high school.
- CDBG funding: The town awaits a Community Development Block Grant announcement for the Ade Bethune House Senior Center; CDBG funds would cover the town-owned portion of that building used by the Portsmouth Senior Center.
- Mount Hope Bridge: Reyna said he invited the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority director to update the council on Mount Hope Bridge maintenance and rehabilitation; that presentation will be scheduled at a future May meeting.
- Old Mill Lane LNG equipment: Rhode Island Energy winter-operations crews have demobilized portable LNG equipment as of April 8; Reyna said a project to reposition seasonal portable LNG equipment further from the road began last week and will include vegetation clearing, grading and permeable pavers; work is expected on weekdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and to continue through November.
- Naval War College and Navy outreach: Reyna reported he represented Portsmouth at a Mahan Hall reopening; the Navy station commanding officer plans to reinstate Navy community-leadership meetings beginning May 8 and the council will be invited to participate.
- Portsmouth Award: Reyna said nominations for an annual Portsmouth Award will open next week and close June 30.

Nut graf: Reyna\u000027s report offered scheduling and project updates that the council said they would discuss at upcoming meetings; one resident raised localized drainage concerns tied to the Sprague Street intersection and asked for DPW follow-up.

Questions from the public and council
Resident Paul Kessinger raised ongoing drainage flooding at the Sprague Street intersection and asked whether DOT would scope the drainage system. Reyna acknowledged the concern and asked DPW to follow up.

Ending: Reyna closed the report by noting the April 8 demobilization of LNG equipment and informing the council of upcoming invitations and application deadlines for awards and future briefings.

","Town Administrator Rich Reyna told the council the Rhode Island Department of Transportation will soon bid West Main Road and Sprague Street paving, the town expects a CDBG announcement for the Ade Bethune House Senior Center, and Rhode Island Energy has demobilized temporary LNG equipment at Old Mill Lane.",{"_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},6578785,"Public commenter presents data on ballot ordering and nonpartisan elections; council discusses implications for federal employees",164,2168000,2332000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2&start=2168&end=2332","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2/thumbnail_2168000.jpg","/articles/6578785/Rhode-Island/Public-commenter-presents-data-on-ballot-ordering-and-nonpartisan-elections-council-discusses-implications-for-federal-employees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578785-1370e4b41569895662e20421e5f5f59b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162299&Signature=TSVzTHEo0DtmmdU-bwGaNWz9LLU4znN9WcS8kXO1BC1BbTj3j6zS5Zn1Z7Xv54TtmbZjeBxaK1Z3HWvh6TpkGYJLLPJDgMIaKr~vVJ7D~a9O3ZU3wLHN5AvXFXxIRaWmK52rDBPM5GCnmBvSPixXmEvU2tqe2M3CWxxQ7H4EBXQGRQFmK0~YAvB2R3BkcBvK4ix0es9eHN3LAx7-WtAMbv0LyoG~hA4-FuOuLgIqgE8m4HY5I5~PNGw2-UmydXs6HuTdLqWr~KcdbzC4egyScml95dr3T0p-1Mn2VTZHnoI8QS2GDXDuKwqGM6hQp~R9ixKirFrz7z6Eu3eHbmUQzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public-comment period on April 28, Theodore Peace of 85 Glenwood addressed the council with data he said showed ballot-order effects and urged consideration of nonpartisan elections and randomized ballot ordering to level the playing field.

Peace said he analyzed eight biannual election cycles across six municipalities and found that top-listed candidates won at an elevated rate (87.5% election rate for top-listed candidates in his sample) and that bottom-listed candidates performed worse. He argued these findings create a statistical disadvantage for candidates listed low on the ballot and suggested Portsmouth consider nonpartisan ballot ordering to encourage broader participation, including by federal employees.

Nut graf: Peace said nonpartisan elections and randomized ballot order could reduce the advantage conferred by placement on a ballot. Councilors questioned the data set\u000027s size, local applicability and whether correlation equaled causation.

Key points from the presentation and Q&A
- Peace said nonpartisan Middletown had higher candidate participation after shifting from partisan races. He argued top-listing confers a measurable advantage.
- A councilor observed the sample size and local variables (ballot initiatives, local trends) may confound results and challenged whether the data showed causation or only correlation.
- Peace acknowledged limits in his sample (48 election races examined back to roughly 2005) and said federal employees can serve in nonpartisan races, though he cautioned the Office of Special Counsel has guidance regarding partisan political committee endorsements that could affect federal employees' ability to run.

Ending: Councilors thanked Peace and debated data interpretation and next steps; no formal council action occurred.

","A resident presenting statistical analysis urged Portsmouth officials to consider nonpartisan ballots and randomized ordering after finding what he described as a strong advantage for top-listed candidates in local elections.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6578795,"Volunteers and grants expand Portsmouth dog park, committee says",1146,1001000,2147000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2&start=1001&end=2147","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141878-1dd78bdedee3624651906ea8a56b1ad2/thumbnail_1001000.jpg","/articles/6578795/Rhode-Island/Volunteers-and-grants-expand-Portsmouth-dog-park-committee-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578795-bc12f4e0378486582d204f2b046e424b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162299&Signature=Lhd7dXTUfyHlK0378jQGOl1WVoMuefEp5vRxie19q3xVnkPzV37lkAZvjnOZV-FLpvLtR~7W1n1Z-37OFcsuxT1Oklpy0fSnrqjqxkS6tpML~ried7isONRCES5WhMkEW7xuhZA-LPiOHXigVrZWhe8pzbRRCkoL89E2c0G95gTYRzRYpUKTaEd0xGfawwcezgaPZHcQ38K9eBAfqHd~tuqmB9Vd7c1CeaXJbIYm3RCbrRZ4wlcelCn1FtZeKjd6kskWOQNGtGrJRWrFZ9uvQcn~ASgu1LuXp-xnJeK5G3bz0f9du99D5W71x6~vczIXe4uKq5-3hk2SRZ3iWCvdGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Portsmouth Dog Park Committee briefed the Town Council on April 28 about a completed expansion and next steps, saying the site has been doubled, newly fenced and fitted with trails, benches and other amenities funded by donations and grants.

The committee\u000027s presenter described the project history: planning began with a proposal in 2013 and an original park opening in 2017. Committee members secured private grants (including funding from the Van Buren Charitable Foundation) and used pro bono work from local engineers and university design students to plan a fenced trail system. The committee reported approximately $23,000 currently in its account to fund ongoing upgrades.

Nut graf: The expansion added roughly half a mile of looped trails, additional parking and seating, a built shed for tools, a \"secret garden\" and a small rock garden. Committee members said the park will remain open during construction and emphasized that community volunteers, local businesses and a recurring team of U.S. Marines who volunteer twice a year provided most on-the-ground labor.

Details and funding
The committee said the expansion doubled the park\u000027s footprint, established looped trails (half a mile one-way), installed benches and increased parking. Solar lighting (initially four solar lights on a timer that turn off at 9 p.m.) was added at the front of the park for early-evening winter use; the committee said they intend to expand lighting next fall but will avoid lighting the trails to discourage after-hours use.

Funding sources named during the presentation include private grants (Van Buren Charitable Foundation), local fundraising events (trivia nights at Ragged Island Brewery and a Clemens Market golf-tournament donation) and in-kind contributions from DPW and local businesses such as Steel Giraffe (donated a donation box). Committee members said they collected about $23,000 in private funds to date and plan additional incremental improvements, including limited agility equipment.

Community and operations
Committee members credited DPW for construction support and said volunteers maintain the site; they described recurring biannual support from a group of Marines stationed at Naval Station Newport who provide heavy labor. The committee asked that residents interested in helping attend a workday (8 a.m. to noon) and noted they provide pizza and letters recognizing marine community service. The presenter provided the council a printed handout with the committee\u000027s website and Facebook page.

Ending: Councilors thanked the committee; no formal council action was taken on the presentation.

","A citizen-run committee described completed and planned improvements to the Portsmouth dog park, including a fenced double-size area with new trails, benches, solar lights and agility equipment; committee members said they have raised about $23,000 and secured grants and in-kind help from community partners and DPW.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Portsmouth council, acting as license commissioners, approves peddler and entertainment licenses 7-0

Portsmouth council provisionally approves $77.2 million FY26 revenue plan, sets tax rate increase at 1.49%

Town administrator previews RIDOT paving, CDBG news and LNG site demobilization

Public commenter presents data on ballot ordering and nonpartisan elections; council discusses implications for federal employees

Volunteers and grants expand Portsmouth dog park, committee says