Portsmouth Council approves routine items, tables appointment and agrees to pension review

The Portsmouth Town Council on Sept. 9 approved routine consent items, confirmed licensing actions and voted to retain outside counsel for a pension calculation review.

Council members voted 7 to 0 to approve the bills presented on the consent agenda and to renew a mobile food establishment pedal license. Sitting as the Board of License Commissioners, the council approved a global food establishment license for South County Barbecue LLC and then adjourned the licensing portion of the meeting, each action recorded as passing 7 to 0.

The council considered an appointment for an individual referred to as Lambert but, at a member’s request because other candidates remain in the pipeline, voted to table the appointment until the first meeting in October.

Members unanimously approved a motion to seek an independent labor/pension attorney at the request of the pension advisory committee to review how the disability pension is calculated under the town’s pension fund for the Department of Public Works. Councilors discussed whether the review should be limited to the single disability‑pension matter or broadened to review additional contracts; the council directed staff to pursue the requested review as presented.

Council also voted to reschedule a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 405 of the zoning ordinance to Sept. 23 and received correspondence that will be placed on file for the next meeting. The council confirmed future meeting dates of Sept. 23, Oct. 15 and Oct. 28.