The Portsmouth Town Council convened on October 28, 2024, to address several key items under new business, focusing on community initiatives and operational contracts.

The meeting began with a presentation by Jonathan Kavich from the Portsmouth Business Association, who announced a collaborative cleanup event for the seawall in Island Park scheduled for November 9. Kavich emphasized the need for maintenance, citing overgrown weeds that detract from the area's natural beauty. He encouraged community participation, stating that volunteers would meet at Boys Lane at 9:00 AM. Kavich also mentioned that local businesses, including Ace Hardware, would support the effort by providing cleanup supplies. The council expressed appreciation for the initiative, with members indicating their intent to participate.

Following this, the council reviewed a request to add Pleasant Street Wharf to the approved mooring vendor list. The request, supported by the police department and the Harbour Commission, was unanimously approved by the council.

The final item discussed was the approval of a contract for solid waste and recycling operations at the Portsmouth Transfer Station. Mr. Woodhead presented the recommendation to award the contract to Waste Management Connections of Rhode Island, the current contractor, after a single bid was received following an RFP process initiated on September 19. The council approved the contract unanimously.

During the meeting, resident Mary McDowell sought clarification on the RFP process, prompting a discussion about the roles of department heads and the finance department in preparing RFPs. The council acknowledged the importance of community input and expertise in these processes.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted community engagement through the seawall cleanup initiative and ensured continuity in waste management services, reflecting the council's commitment to maintaining Portsmouth's public spaces and operational efficiency.