Council confirms city attorney, approves interim city-hall design agreement amid process objections

Portsmouth City Council on May 12 approved the appointment of Derek Challenger as the city attorney and authorized an interim design agreement for a new city hall and parking garage, while several council members registered objections to process and information flow.

Councilman Hugo moved to appoint Derek Challenger as city attorney beginning May 13, 2026, at an annual salary of $200,000 and to delegate contract negotiations to the personnel committee. The motion passed 5-2. Several council members who opposed the appointment made clear their votes were not a reflection of Challenger's qualifications but were based on concerns that the council had earlier agreed to use a recruiting firm and that the hiring process had been curtailed. Challenger thanked the council and said he would do his best in the role.

Separately the council considered a resolution authorizing execution of an interim agreement for the design of a new city hall and parking garage. Councilman Dodson said his 'no' vote on that item (the only 'no' on the measure) stemmed from procedural questions rather than opposition to the project concept. The resolution passed 6-1.

Council discussion highlighted a tension: several members expressed support for moving projects forward but said they wanted more thorough documentation and clearer procedures before final approvals. Councilman Hugo noted that a recruiting firm had been used and reported that only one applicant (Derek Challenger) was produced from that process; other members said that background justified proceeding, while dissenters called for strict adherence to previously agreed search procedures.

What happens next: The personnel committee will negotiate contract details for the city-attorney appointment. Project staff will proceed with the interim design agreement while responding to follow-up requests for additional information from council members.