[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6115550,"mediaKeyId","2738073-a7e01db88f15eff643d6d50e2ad0d0ef","parentId",2738073,"title","Council ratifies labor contracts and approves solicitor RFQ; votes summary","audioSeconds",438,"startMs",9185000,"endMs",9623000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738073-a7e01db88f15eff643d6d50e2ad0d0ef&start=9185&end=9623","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738073-a7e01db88f15eff643d6d50e2ad0d0ef/thumbnail_9185000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6115550/Rhode-Island/Council-ratifies-labor-contracts-and-approves-solicitor-RFQ-votes-summary","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115550-e88cc51bce5de43609d2dc744e1959f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136947&Signature=NOSSlEDra3SQsiycXbDL5YOmSdc2VBSrlYZFYtah2bYVnz4mkHERKk99afcB2J91~p6Lz8TNIDJZk2cBQ3dTkvYpbB3vUYBzZl~bWnGkAejgXITNRMygNnlkUMZ~gIt-la9~FvIoIZ64AwnAurU232PGEeqwuhXl8Qf92iegANyZF~0dBaBAjmVW--hBR0RpabT0MHuk~2tdXR0dABc1khWEd5T7ku5pC4PCzoRV4v3IevLRcQFTdiyVLb3xizzYgRjjwP1h4sYtpGHMkQaHfGG6zNYcGvVnV-OPBCKfx4pUKUD6l6aZgkx6e7IzLdFQ801pxy2P0ygDmmvVI6mzAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth","date","2025-01-27T00:00:00Z","article","At its Jan. 27 meeting the Portsmouth Town Council approved key labor agreements and moved several administrative items through in a set of formal votes.

Union contracts: Town staff asked the council to ratify negotiated changes to two labor agreements. The Portsmouth Municipal Employees Association (PMEA) wage reopener was ratified by council action; staff described the negotiated wage adjustments as phased increases aimed at keeping municipal pay competitive amid inflationary pressures. The subsequent police contract, a complete multi‑year agreement covering July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028, was also ratified; the police agreement included market adjustments, a $3,000 base pay adjustment in year one, higher percent raises in early years, restructured accreditation bonuses and recruitment incentives. Town staff said the FY26 budget includes the projected increases.

Other votes: The council approved an RFQ to solicit a new town solicitor and made clarifying edits to the draft RFQ before issuing it. The Board of Licensing Commissioners approved a peddler’s license for Coronado LLC (California Taco food truck at 1428 Hartford Ave.). The council also received routine finance and minutes items.

Votes at a glance
- PMEA collective bargaining adjustment: ratified (motion passed; tally not specified on record)
- Police collective bargaining agreement (07/01/2025–06/30/2028): ratified (motion passed; recorded as approved)
- RFQ for Town Solicitor services: approved as amended (vote 7–0)
- Coronado LLC peddler license (California Taco food truck): approved (Board of Licensing Commissioners; 7–0 recorded)

Why it matters: Labor agreements affect the town’s FY26 budget and personnel costs; the solicitor RFQ starts a multiyear professional-services procurement that will determine the town’s outside legal support. The votes clear near‑term personnel and administrative steps necessary for town operations.

What’s next: Staff will incorporate negotiated wage changes into fiscal-year budgeting and release the solicitor RFQ to identify qualified legal firms; the council will interview finalists as needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Portsmouth 01/27/25 Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council ratified negotiated agreements with municipal employee unions and approved an RFQ for town‑solicitor services. The meeting also included several other procedural approvals; this article summarizes formal votes taken on Jan. 27.","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},6115555,"Council pauses curbside program decision after hours of debate; schedules executive session next week",1961,8009000,9970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738073-a7e01db88f15eff643d6d50e2ad0d0ef&start=8009&end=9970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738073-a7e01db88f15eff643d6d50e2ad0d0ef/thumbnail_8009000.jpg","/articles/6115555/Rhode-Island/Council-pauses-curbside-program-decision-after-hours-of-debate-schedules-executive-session-next-week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115555-767858656341d8a7ad1bfc52ee562844/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136947&Signature=b-iI22WviokaBEukahDzTVj79hcr76MDR05iW59NIom7aDjOhN3EJdYYyNtdJ05YxuwlcGjkXB2CKVw0YpzsJ5-jKmuLmlf7ArURECKfrZUtiQMlU~E3ZNGrxZJV62HGp8uHwWz9YsHsOs6~424oVd8UWtV3W939FQKz8NNiJ55ImtKeGo~UbegzHIafLsLviFYNPR9fbngfUiUGAeyu61~w-By4OXmGCHD1WY5OXcCpIDs3KR84l10tKpDiuC-ycvlSz-G3mPiDABlAMdTR6zcYQjPHS68p60xGV87T-3JpwNzzV1W~1hbMet8O4Fm6wa4Y6WP4fQXBHwPDjSTdyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth’s proposed municipal curbside trash program dominated the Jan. 27 meeting and drew extended public comment, attorney input and robust council debate before the council voted to table the item and hold an executive-session discussion next week.

The proposed model would use a single contracted hauler for a town-run curbside pickup option and operate an enterprise fund; the procurement process drew multiple proposals and one apparent low bidder (Mega / MTG). Critics and some councilors said the combination of an awarded contract and a separate ordinance requiring signups risked legal challenges and community backlash.

Consultants and staff told the council that the contract process included an RFP, scoring and selection because the town sought a single vendor to operate a town‑run curbside option and to reduce roadway impacts; DPW planning staff said successful bidders offered lower rates than existing subscription services. Supporters said a single municipal program could deliver lower prices for many households; critics said mandating a single vendor would remove consumer choice and might violate state competition rules.

Several residents and local stakeholders urged caution. One resident warned that a mandatory program could reduce competition and asked whether the Attorney General might review the arrangement under Rhode Island law that prohibits unreasonable restraints on trade.

Councilors debated rescinding the ordinance passed by the prior council and whether the town had a signed contract; legal counsel said rescinding an ordinance tied to a procurement could expose the town to claims, but urged the council to seek full legal review. After discussion the council voted 6–1 to table the matter for an executive-session review scheduled for the coming Monday; the council also asked staff to circulate contract documents and legal opinions ahead of the session.

Why it matters: Changing curbside service affects household costs, local small haulers and the town’s roads and budget. The issue has fiscal, operational and legal implications, and residents said they want clarity before the council imposes a single-provider requirement.

What’s next: The council scheduled an executive session for the next Monday to review legal opinions and contract documents and to prepare for a potential final vote at a subsequent public meeting; staff were asked to circulate materials to councilors in advance.","After extended public comment and heated debate about a proposed single-hauler curbside program, the council voted to table further action and hold an executive-session review next week before taking a final vote.",{"_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},6115560,"Council approves $500,000 CDBG application for Breaker/Quaker Manor repairs after lengthy public comment",440,6582000,7022000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738073-a7e01db88f15eff643d6d50e2ad0d0ef&start=6582&end=7022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738073-a7e01db88f15eff643d6d50e2ad0d0ef/thumbnail_6582000.jpg","/articles/6115560/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-500000-CDBG-application-for-BreakerQuaker-Manor-repairs-after-lengthy-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115560-f84fa70a10e41370871c31bf2ebcbc64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136947&Signature=dbg5rNzyM0oNDeEQM-RtgBcfgyQm7VHAPdYtxhPKIceuEDHlEcYG3v0AEyKpe8-wIVtRd~3pNFgGlxixugn08QJW1xnhU8KCiCy7altd53Qw3dohePlEyrrvgI3v4sevY61BHO6-HfZiqOHFuxLg9m6js1CsKtZz9xW9tnN0AVjCkWjqNL72jgUila~UHXbgZKiHc~oo3CfyDoGygqFHxr4NHdQBKL-CzUftHt2pTzC~QvGIZqdPfkOCPwDgyiPdsKNmZgXeII0GaFzQtcMynjj6EY02P8OKPJKpaPQdQDz3jBtRS~v5kObu2Jb2O9quRudRI1xAMS5wsUVd9oM83A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth Town Council voted 5–2 on Jan. 27 to reaffirm a resolution authorizing submission of a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application intended to help repair heating and infrastructure problems at Breaker/Quaker Manor.

The grant application, administered through the state CDBG program, would be a pass-through: the town acts as the applicant and administrator while funds would be used by the housing owner/operator to pay for specified repairs. Town staff said the state program requires municipal sponsorship.

During the public hearing, residents and housing advocates urged the council to fund repairs and demanded a long-term business plan to ensure future financial stability. Tom Reed, a Breaker/Quaker Manor resident and critic of prior management, said the grant would be a \"band aid\" unless the owner presents a trackable business plan. He urged the council to require a clear follow-up strategy.

Representatives of the housing authority and the property manager described conditions at the complex and the need for equipment replacements. Michael Packard, speaking for the property manager, described the mix of boiler systems across the buildings and said replacing inefficient, failing equipment would reduce repeated repair bills and lower operating costs over time.

The council discussed legal and administrative issues before voting. Two councilors — Patton and councilor Reese — voted against the measure; the council approved the application on a 5–2 vote. Town officials said they will forward the resolution and application to the state for consideration.

Why it matters: Quaker Manor serves low- and moderate-income residents; the CDBG funds would pay for critical systems work that town staff and the housing owner say is needed to maintain safe, habitable units. Opponents at the hearing said the town should require a stronger financial plan and oversight tied to the grant to prevent recurring problems.

What’s next: If awarded, funds would be administered under state CDBG rules; the town would monitor award conditions and the housing owner’s implementation plan. The council asked for updates and requested copies of related management agreements and contracts.","After public hearings and debate, the Town Council approved a resolution to submit a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant application to fund urgent repairs at Quaker Manor (Breaker Manor). Vote passed 5–2.",{"_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},6115564,"Portsmouth adopts Vision Zero policy, staff to finish safety action plan for grant competition",254,2957000,3211000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738073-a7e01db88f15eff643d6d50e2ad0d0ef&start=2957&end=3211","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738073-a7e01db88f15eff643d6d50e2ad0d0ef/thumbnail_2957000.jpg","/articles/6115564/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-adopts-Vision-Zero-policy-staff-to-finish-safety-action-plan-for-grant-competition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115564-1339e773d5ed0651b843f6d13b621944/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136947&Signature=mbAlncZcjb0P-2-jC4qq6s1yUekZ65JOUamkb18koakt8ezgV-YoB2-YiDfJJWCggByf6R3OCcVwDGHyxSUG56uG2T-EZSwkAgn0bTLjw6Uc7t29enYE4td5T3K7OzaXJCk-1CGWFwicOlz-~DY77vMCYrViox-sE~3HzpoI-a4qaq-JG5QwUq93cXW~CIsKhIzHtHn16Dly9wJStRIfN4PHY~7gUNGu6mc7prxkGhc0tS-ehI0D2TKR68Q3schM4nm2muUtQJClJ4pV3L2IPc~xeNIT1GLekVQZv6-kBTwOZkLmEeIPDHMHLLV9SUC6snteC4Xcspi5jUZiDrvHMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth Town Council on Jan. 27 unanimously adopted a Vision Zero resolution directing staff to complete a Safety Action Plan that uses crash data and community outreach to target roadway locations for safety improvements.

The council acted after Tool Design consultants summarized a months-long project produced for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s Safe Streets for All grant. Shauna Kitzman, senior transportation planner with Tool Design, said the plan focuses on the most serious crashes rather than minor fender-benders and uses a “safe system” approach designed to prevent deaths and serious injuries.

\"Speed is a common denominator,\" Kitzman said during the presentation. \"Reducing speeds and calming traffic reduces the likelihood a crash will result in death or serious injury.\" She and staff said public input and crash data show East Main Road repeatedly as a priority.

The plan’s authors said the project creates a local Safety Action Plan (SAP) that will make Portsmouth more competitive for federal implementation grants. The work included crash analysis from RIDOT data, pop-up outreach on Aquidneck Island and a task force that involved town planning, public works and public-safety representatives. The consultants said shared, regional applications with Middletown and Newport could strengthen grant requests.

Town planner Leah (town planner) told the council the task force included police, business and elected-official representation and that final SAP text will be presented to the council in March.

The council voted 7-0 to adopt the Vision Zero resolution and asked staff to return with a final draft of the plan and recommendations for potential grant applications.

Why it matters: Adopting Vision Zero formally signals the town’s prioritization of projects that reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes and is the first step required by the Safe Streets for All grant program. If the town secures implementation funding, it could design and build infrastructure changes — from crosswalks to demonstration projects — that make walking, biking and driving safer.

What’s next: Staff and consultants will circulate a draft SAP to the town task force and RI‑TAC partners, then present a final plan to the council in March to position Portsmouth for upcoming federal grant rounds.","The Town Council unanimously adopted a Vision Zero resolution after a presentation of a data-driven Safety Action Plan. Consultants said speeding and East Main Road were top local concerns; the plan will position Portsmouth to compete for federal implementation funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council ratifies labor contracts and approves solicitor RFQ; votes summary

Council pauses curbside program decision after hours of debate; schedules executive session next week

Council approves $500,000 CDBG application for Breaker/Quaker Manor repairs after lengthy public comment

Portsmouth adopts Vision Zero policy, staff to finish safety action plan for grant competition