[{"_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",6475219,"mediaKeyId","5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d","parentId",5736340,"title","Portsmouth council adopts administrative-code changes to centralize IT and HR authority after heated debate","audioSeconds",2945,"startMs",7779000,"endMs",10724000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d&start=7779&end=10724","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d/thumbnail_7779000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475219/New-Hampshire/Portsmouth-council-adopts-administrative-code-changes-to-centralize-IT-and-HR-authority-after-heated-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475219-3d88de652298ff6790c33b9b72524f9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775124596&Signature=jhzymL~7ld7DCz9Bh7XPrERFXfh~CeIZntqhf0i0mAlwRUdk6DQap0eEY6af1x4t1fAMC6hfAQYzYI5lW7S1xQwFF~KjTE3u7YOyXcdaC7Hy9GMu8bCzvvrwt32lG4fV1aurKKRRcG18d-Hr7KntQC24hr1kFlyCpjFXZvXRdJttbCUwys8kUoPie7JNsBPBtuusfosR~QvccDMqN~YgpwHrZpDGWrmFZ~3QlBGfQwSnFagASbGuDodtLzmfiEsvNZMyh7z1UZlWLvTPeo01XhLdmzE3vbodF6I~LfZ9t-SpV8Mqng3jl54bq68mgLh8rq95lznr3YPIPZE3TxReTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","https://www.youtube.com/@CityofPortsmouth","date","2025-09-05T12:32:09Z","article","Portsmouth City Council on Monday adopted revisions to Chapter 1 of the city’s administrative code that clarify centralized roles for the city’s human resources and information technology functions and align the ordinance with charter amendments voters approved earlier this year.

The council passed third and final reading, as amended, by roll call vote 8–1. Councilor Denton cast the lone no vote. Councilors narrowed language during third reading to specify \"operational efficiency of IT systems.\" The council also corrected a typographical citation to RSA 21‑P:39 before voting.

The changes implement charter amendments approved by voters in February that the city attorney, Morrill, said require administrative-code updates so the city has a single municipal IT and HR structure serving city departments and charter bodies (police, fire, schools). \"The purposes behind the changes ... are to ensure that the IT department and the CIO has the authority to establish standards for cybersecurity and compliance,\" Morrill told the council. Ryan Babcock, the city’s chief information officer, described the work as high-level coordination: \"We're talking more about high-level planning and ... cybersecurity, not physically or logically connecting the networks.\" He added that charter departments would maintain separate operational networks where required.

Opponents, including Kate Coyle, chair of the Police Commission, and members of the School Board, warned the ordinance could interfere with department-specific needs. Coyle said police technology must meet CJIS and other law-enforcement standards and that policing requires \"an IT specialist specific to the police department.\" Superintendent Zach McLaughlin and school board vice chair Brian French spoke at public comment and in council discussion, urging the council to preserve the school board’s authority over curriculum, classroom tools, special education systems and staff evaluations while allowing shared cybersecurity standards. \"The school board controls its expenditures,\" McLaughlin said. \"We all agree on the need for strong cybersecurity ... but directing or approving school IT-based decisions would create conflicting lines of authority.\"

Councilors and staff repeatedly said the intent is collaboration, not takeover. Regulatory counsel Woodland and CIO Babcock noted the city has already seen savings and better procurement outcomes when departments use shared software and coordinated purchasing. \"We're looking for a good coordination to take full advantage of our collective talents,\" Woodland said.

The ordinance language adopted Monday includes provisions that: allow the city CIO to set IT standards; require departments to comply with cybersecurity and procurement policies where applicable; and preserve provisions that charter departments retain functions “unique and specific” to their operations. During third reading the council adopted an amendment narrowing the “operational efficiency” phrase to apply to IT systems only.

Council debate included multiple requests that staff continue to engage charter bodies on implementation and that the city produce clarifying guidance and MOUs as the new language is put into practice. City Attorney Morrill and staff said departments had multiple opportunities to propose alternate language during the six-month governance committee review and that no formal alternative language was submitted for the current draft; several school-board members disputed that account and said they did submit proposed edits earlier in the review.

The ordinance will take effect according to the normal schedule for local ordinance adoption. Councilors said they expect continued dialogue with the police commission and school board as the city develops standards and implementation steps.

Ending: The vote caps a months-long governance process and heavy public comment. Councilors who supported the changes said they were implementing charter changes the voters approved and responding to growing cyberthreats; opponents said the council should proceed more cautiously and protect the charter departments’ operational independence.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","9.8.2025 City Council","oneSentenceSummary","Portsmouth City Council on Monday adopted revisions to the city’s administrative code that centralize certain IT and human-resources authorities — a change supporters said is needed for cybersecurity and coordination and opponents said risks charter department independence.","taxTitle","Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire","taxId",68330,"location","New Hampshire","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},6475202,"Council directs staff to develop resident-parking access plan, asks for pilot options",1422,12200000,13622000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d&start=12200&end=13622","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d/thumbnail_12200000.jpg","/articles/6475202/New-Hampshire/Council-directs-staff-to-develop-resident-parking-access-plan-asks-for-pilot-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475202-0a112edddfc51be0decbf12ec4a211e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775124595&Signature=GNmRd0~4q71UfnQberSmDzAWgyV25nKnuRvgvj-yHCdvGaPnaLl2OZMtx~en3oqO0tGYiq2cdpk8h3fV9E9-SsBUS0zP3bu58ULuIT0oiAuiqt-YIme-6Lyu7ecp~Z16oEaWz4-dbphKQvvB2yyEBS~~B~nSdX8SCYCPr-7c3XQ4bTwAFVW5b-pZRpCNSa3avBLcd9SFgZBzThPDpU8pXw1YM-WL4VhJcyLrQAPguD~j34sS~kt6gxfbli5ABcK1VdxKy-D~LZibkiGdhoL8KUKePOZgBIrwLYHSF-Vk~bEnQGHqZVQGVVMygJ59nv5S~zoUK-2Ler7EwBqjeeBx1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth City Council on Monday directed staff to prepare a detailed implementation plan for a resident-parking access program intended to prioritize residential access near downtown. The motion asked staff to evaluate a $1-per-hour fee for nonresident vehicles and to return with recommended pilot neighborhoods, cost estimates and framework details.

Councilors who sponsored the request said the proposed program would address repeated complaints from residents who find commuter and visitor parking taking long-term spaces adjacent to homes, playgrounds and public facilities. \"Our residents deserve first bite at the apple,\" Councilor Bagley said, arguing residents pay taxes for local facilities and should have priority for nearby parking.

Speakers and several councilors raised practical questions the staff report should answer: how lines would be drawn; how visitors and guests would be accommodated (concerns about seniors and visitors without smartphone apps were raised); enforcement costs and technology options; whether the program would apply to on‑street spaces only or also to surface lots such as Parrot Avenue and the South Mill lot; and whether there should be exemptions for handicap placards (statewide handicap permits remain valid and were discussed as exempt). Several councilors urged staff to consult the 161‑page parking-utilization study and the Desmond Group consultant findings when preparing recommendations.

The councilors’ motion asked staff to consider how the program could support higher-density affordable housing projects that lack parking requirements and to provide implementation steps and costs. Councilors asked for options rather than a single prescription; several members asked that the staff return with alternatives (e.g., lot-based pilots, street-based pilots, app-only versus kiosk and pay-station models).

A majority of councilors voted to direct staff to prepare the plan; the council also voted to extend the meeting past 10:30 p.m. to complete business. Some councilors said previous pilots had mixed results but that the city should plan now because parking deficits are projected in the coming years.

Ending: Staff will prepare a detailed implementation plan and pilot recommendations addressing enforcement, visitor accommodations, cost and equity considerations. Councilors emphasized consultation with parking consultants and a careful public process before implementing any program.","Councilors asked staff to prepare an implementation plan for a resident-parking access program that could charge $1 per hour for nonresident vehicles in select areas and enforce by license-plate; councilors sought pilot options and details on enforcement and exceptions.",{"_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},6475207,"Council amends 2022 bond purpose to cover full municipal complex work; vote 8–1",448,3846000,4294000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d&start=3846&end=4294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d/thumbnail_3846000.jpg","/articles/6475207/New-Hampshire/Council-amends-2022-bond-purpose-to-cover-full-municipal-complex-work-vote-81","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475207-59191deb0ff825a2a9cfe8e4f25ab22b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775124595&Signature=IsHOiKesAILShynC45siVqwMQ-WpGffcWiVaoH1QR9j2TnWX5QhfAoe8iuTWnPk3enXxZlTjl-eerVMHc2~HXPnadWs2G1wSHfQH5Av-JIyZi9jsRs6v4ckxuOgrfCH0w091LYFKJ-gzQNm1Qweu1yAmOV13aopg0hLt1JD4XZGPr-mDsaY2ecfM2s1N4OlVBSfegPdzDUtpxFvErJBR3smEvQqc3T-~TvRnfxSvqnNeMRBZ~2Q2IMm2RxX2d5o8N2770v9ajdIcuHNDffdhQz4UelU3kdcCrDmm3gNd9edGER84ofFZUrZMXj2TrhdMiKW46m83HJRb5vsOvOpqNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth City Council on Monday adopted a resolution amending the purpose of a bond authorization the council originally approved in April 2022 so that any remaining authorized funds may be spent on design and feasibility work for the broader municipal complex rather than solely on a police facility.

Nathan Lenny of the finance department reviewed the bond history: the 2022 authorization totaled $1.4 million; the city has issued $200,000 in June 2023, $300,000 in June 2024 and $400,000 in June 2025 and has expended $451,696.58 to date. Lenny said bond counsel advised that the city should clarify the authorized purpose so work on the entire municipal complex can proceed using the remainder of the authorization without needing a new authorization. \"It really is simply clarifying that your original authorization granted in 2022 is now amended to include ... the municipal complex,\" he said.

Councilors asked for assurances that the change does not increase the total authorized borrowing. Councilor Cook and staff confirmed the amendment does not raise the $1.4 million ceiling; about $500,000 remained unissued at the time of the meeting. Councilor David, speaking in favor, said the municipal building committee has advanced three options and the change will allow the committee to study options that could incorporate a new police station and renovated city hall.

The council adopted the resolution at roll-call vote, 8–1; Councilor Bagley voted no. Assistant Mayor Kelly carried the roll call and announced the tally.

Ending: Councilors said the amendment enables the municipal building committee to continue design work with JSA architects and explore combined solutions for a police facility and city-hall renovations; the amendment does not increase the size of the original bond authorization.","The council voted to amend a 2022 bond authorization so remaining funds may be spent on municipal-complex feasibility and design work rather than only on a stand-alone police facility; the council emphasized no additional borrowing is authorized by the amendment.",{"_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},6475211,"Council advances zoning map changes for Islington Creek neighborhood; public feedback mixed",3557,3732000,7289000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d&start=3732&end=7289","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d/thumbnail_3732000.jpg","/articles/6475211/New-Hampshire/Council-advances-zoning-map-changes-for-Islington-Creek-neighborhood-public-feedback-mixed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475211-0f42adf937c73ecb5d9271c5c0331b61/orig.mp4?Expires=1775124595&Signature=g~2e-VRMb3hJi-4hYJIRLJG8Z8ygpesUi0hm-vg9BfxMADFHmfEBbw9BIwu-nYb5LLMu5X~f7CuoZ0vQsu0b9W3Zsdt8ybM6vbVEOcYqmeo7zbP3xrwEl94N1TU4T8onpHhtgB8YWZGPcv1oXjUvmeOzEINbtTeEjdNSlhHkzR7PI9AoOFwhrXxhjRiZGjWegPBS2-Cn7FDkpk61gn2ceet9VMdaiYB-UL-d93Pdj2wBc1PsqzMorrNFueOyWe-FjgT35VzX6gUnWIryiF6jfwMpse24Y4LaEDYhGuDGfia4VSB4zEErWP1MF9A6CEfMa-oGjX2jwbXBQVqaPPZHxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth City Council on Monday moved forward with zoning map amendments affecting the Islington Creek/Bridge Street area, voting to pass second reading and schedule third and final reading for Sept. 24.

The proposal amends Chapter 10 of the city zoning ordinance. It pulls portions of the North End Incentive Overlay District and the Downtown Overlay District back from parts of Islington Creek, and changes several parcels from Character District 5 (CD‑5) to Character District 4 (CD‑4). Those changes limit where developers can claim overlay incentives (such as additional height in exchange for community space or workforce housing) and remove a requirement for commercial on the entire ground floor in some rear portions of lots in the affected area.

Planner Peter Stith presented the maps and said the principal technical changes are: shifting the North End overlay boundary to align with the centerline of Foundry Place, trimming the Downtown Overlay boundary so it no longer extends as far into the neighborhood, and consolidating split-zoned parcels so several lots become entirely CD‑4 rather than split CD‑5/CD‑4.

Supporters of the amendments said the changes create a better transition from the downtown core to the lower-density historic neighborhood and reduce the requirement that the first floor be commercial in parts of the area. Several residents and commenters — including Robin Huslidge and K. Waldwick — said the changes are modest improvements and urged the council not to delay rezoning until the master-plan process, which could take years.

Opponents included owners of the Ferguson Building (Map 125 Lot 16) and other property owners who objected to an overlay line that would cut through existing buildings: \"We find this latest proposal to be illogical and unfair ... It would go directly through our property,\" speaker Brad Gray said. The Ferguson family and the building’s representative argued the proposed line creates uncertainty for property owners and asked the council to leave their lots untouched. Several speakers pressed the council to reduce allowable heights along Bridge and Hill streets from 50 feet (2–4 stories) to 40 feet (2–3 stories) to preserve neighborhood scale.

Council discussion noted the area is largely developed, so changes will affect future redevelopment more than immediate projects; the recent construction on Foundry Place had already used the incentive overlay, staff said. Councilors who supported the vote said the changes correct zoning mismatches and that more comprehensive changes will be addressed through the upcoming master-plan process and future ordinance amendments.

Ending: Council passed second reading and set the third and final reading for the Sept. 24 meeting. Residents and property owners remain split: some urged action now to limit future redevelopment; others asked for further refinement to avoid splitting lots or to reduce height allowances.","Portsmouth City Council approved second reading of a zoning-map amendment that trims two overlay districts and rezones several lots in the Islington Creek area; council scheduled third reading for Sept. 24 after extensive public hearing with neighbors divided.",{"_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},6475216,"Residents tell council hundreds of detained migrants have been flown through Pease; callers urge action",2435,1362000,3797000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d&start=1362&end=3797","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736340-c79cc9ccdfa6564ad7f22e952c8ac67d/thumbnail_1362000.jpg","/articles/6475216/New-Hampshire/Residents-tell-council-hundreds-of-detained-migrants-have-been-flown-through-Pease-callers-urge-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475216-e6050a0c054ca9ec0a0fb20a63f93261/orig.mp4?Expires=1775124595&Signature=ob~vl8Ht0V9tQGZguykeqHVLOBrFZo6XdZTOlUyaKhWtRQuFXm1wdDuABVJDLS9iYcWCZ-lt1WQtMadXKDeVrOG~iMa5GcOsAypVIYQ69KLBMO2GBny7e3PAG5w2KH-kch5GvgbslVM24kozdMHWXQyZktaRvhmaXxoeACHu776YK2e025FrCaa4jrwEWpHbkcz-ilpyHNQrxWcp8Ofj23YCHaBDFgHymTcamHMj~~5TVSXewkg3Gr5rMJydj0jivaa5yQllmVH9lqIS8msFbSlvb5SAFqIENNnt4zPWxCunopuwGu2KxSZUiAjp58CVuim9ACg1Ichua3DlB3ivew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents used the Portsmouth City Council public-comment period on Monday to say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) flights have been moving large numbers of detainees through Pease International Airport and to urge city officials to investigate and intervene.

Resident Sarah Cornell told the council that since Aug. 5 roughly 400 people had been transported through Pease, arriving in 43 vans and on about 12 flights, and that some detainees — including children — were shackled before boarding. \"They have been moved through your jurisdiction,\" Cornell said, and added that groups at Pease who record the transfers had counted flights to destinations including Chicago, Richmond and Harlingen, Texas.

Other speakers provided similar accounts. Klein Dickens told the council organizers had witnessed detainees who did not know where they were being taken and who \"yelled out the phone numbers of their loved ones and lawyers.\" Several speakers asked the city to follow through on a council resolution passed Aug. 4 that the speakers said recognized residents’ due-process rights. \"Since that rousing speech and solemn resolution, you have allowed about 400 people to be disappeared from Pease and sent to camps,\" Dickens said.

Speakers named local entities and companies in their descriptions: they said Pease Development Authority staff and Port City Air — the fixed-base operator at Pease — assisted incoming flights and, in some instances, staff handled shackles and ushered detainees into secure areas. Those claims came from public commentators and were not established at the meeting by city staff.

Councilors did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting; several councilors and the mayor listened to public comment. Public-safety officials did not present an operational response during the meeting. Several speakers suggested the council use its oversight or public-record tools, and asked for clearer reporting and engagement from the city and port authorities.

Ending: Councilors heard repeated, graphic public testimony alleging large-scale ICE operations at Pease and requests for official follow-up. The city manager and staff did not announce any immediate investigatory action at Monday’s meeting; speakers said they will seek further public accountability.","Several public commenters said ICE charter flights have moved over 400 people through Pease International Airport since Aug. 5, described shackling and transfers, and urged the Portsmouth City Council to investigate and act; council did not take immediate formal action.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Portsmouth council adopts administrative-code changes to centralize IT and HR authority after heated debate

Council directs staff to develop resident-parking access plan, asks for pilot options

Council amends 2022 bond purpose to cover full municipal complex work; vote 8–1

Council advances zoning map changes for Islington Creek neighborhood; public feedback mixed

Residents tell council hundreds of detained migrants have been flown through Pease; callers urge action