[{"_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",6115573,"mediaKeyId","2738036-cc2563b547dab7301df725829ebd1162","parentId",2738036,"title","Portsmouth officials report $55,000 RIDE grant and emergency response after high school roof failures","audioSeconds",166,"startMs",254000,"endMs",420000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738036-cc2563b547dab7301df725829ebd1162&start=254&end=420","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738036-cc2563b547dab7301df725829ebd1162/thumbnail_254000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6115573/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-officials-report-55000-RIDE-grant-and-emergency-response-after-high-school-roof-failures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115573-9343027389d2f1f6e795d301fe8d5ca0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770739489&Signature=KAcmZ33ydzZAd0VHVek7EkAsiK7iXXzlV0qufjc0ZiSJd2nqnu2fBvTptqf186-nU5R4rU~l2L919Ls9Rr8qve48Izr~i8hnEOqsxMyMzPJAibsf64wVEkUtFi8UaJTvzCwMtJ70V0Hw7sfkMdEIjIz717t1WtvMACtEUx-kCzpNEr7bP~Cr-RkLpdogois0vdQSwEGfwcrUiUsBHyhEzg195OR4LzEdodU-qmXWGA6dM2MzYNT87hutyeNudFNEAFp4iH42hsNDLtUWw4EuqUwDHeOttQV3hxnly0VzU2NqYmZFFT-xk1mOLtgaMHnTKitbr~dTY~bCiQpl-mwYRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth","date","2025-02-24T00:00:00Z","article","Town Administrator Raynor told the Portsmouth Town Council on Feb. 24 that the Rhode Island Department of Education has offered Portsmouth at least $55,000 for the Math Matters/Learning365RI program to support out-of-school math learning for K–8 students. The town will work with school administration to prepare a proposal; Raynor said grant funds must be spent by September 2025.

Nut graf: During the same report, Raynor and school officials described increasing and widespread failures in the high school’s roof membrane. The administration has invited state-approved roofing firms to submit repair quotes as the superintendent pursues an emergency declaration with the RIDE School Building Authority.

Raynor briefed the council that recent inspections “reveal the roof’s waterproofing properties have failed” and that “serious leaks have created major disruptions to the building’s interior during rain and snow events.” He said quotes from state-approved roofing companies are expected in the next two weeks and that students remain in class while the administration implements interim responses during weather events.

Council members pressed for more detail on maintenance history and inspection practices. One councilor asked who was responsible for ongoing roof maintenance and whether the roof should have been replaced earlier. Raynor said the roof had been monitored and was scheduled for replacement in the town’s five-year capital improvement plan, but the recent increases in failures followed freeze–thaw cycles that accelerated membrane deterioration. The superintendent was in the meeting and was invited to answer technical questions; Raynor and the superintendent indicated a combination of internal monitoring and outside inspections had been used.

Raynor also announced a revised RFQ schedule for the town solicitor; qualified attorneys may submit proposals by 4 p.m. on March 18. He noted Founders Day programming on March 7 that will include display of the original Portsmouth Compact at Friends Church and state archivist participation.

Ending: The administration said it will pursue emergency repair quotes through the RIDE School Building Authority and continue interim mitigation while the council and school leaders assess capital planning and maintenance policies. The council requested follow-up reporting on inspection history and the procurement of repair quotes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Portsmouth 02/24/2025 Town Council","oneSentenceSummary","Town Administrator Raynor told the Portsmouth Town Council on Feb. 24 that the Rhode Island Department of Education has offered the town at least $55,000 for a Math Matters/Learning365RI program.","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},6115578,"Portsmouth council delays vote on switching council and school committee elections to nonpartisan",2898,1283000,4181000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738036-cc2563b547dab7301df725829ebd1162&start=1283&end=4181","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738036-cc2563b547dab7301df725829ebd1162/thumbnail_1283000.jpg","/articles/6115578/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-council-delays-vote-on-switching-council-and-school-committee-elections-to-nonpartisan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115578-4c98155905a1e172b28ddd979a50831e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770739489&Signature=ieC8TGELkdoZj~Ax91I2Ee7SsJ7XefnCHMgqhVxrFnfo-6leNuUwwRgu0zOmhksTmcnTgj3umFlbikqPQG49Pu2qk2nr6AEP3autVdF9LIGkgterPUGR83poxo1N4Y5VR5NYr7~xTBNlCGTeAPvWI5YRYrqY2Xls-lZ5hhsQ9xJm5dGRiRrMy~ncjdGd1Sk-ph5qHxDvASFSEwe1XeK22xcIFJcXXSTeWvJQkKwKjAO5T3LfgQ2t7qSBt7NKt6k3wfDzu30uMNyARN5i0SNoP0c2yOxclka2xyVQkzuPZUSBMUFVT6XKJjnRhQyXfksIJxoMIVPYkN03~0J54704Ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council member McDowell moved on Feb. 24 to place a question on the next election ballot asking voters whether Portsmouth should change town council and school committee elections to nonpartisan contests. The proposal drew extensive public testimony and a lengthy council discussion before a motion to table the item prevailed 4–3.

Nut graf: The item touched on local governance, the Hatch Act’s effects on prospective candidates, and whether taking party labels off the ballot would improve civic participation. Supporters asked to let voters decide; opponents and several local experts urged a structured study—through a charter review committee or a public education process—before sending a charter amendment to the ballot.

Council member McDowell said she believed nonpartisan elections would “increase the candidate pool” and “force us to look at policy decisions over party,” and moved that the council place the question on whichever election—special or general—comes next. Len Katzmann, chair of the Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee, disputed several premises of that motion during public comment, citing academic research and local experience. “I do not believe you can say in sincerity and honesty that you have an evidence-based rationale for moving forward to put this on the ballot tonight,” Katzmann said, urging study and public discussion.

Several speakers representing civic groups and neighbors told the council to let voters decide. Larry Fitzmaurice of Portsmouth Concerned Citizens said removing party labels would allow people barred by the Hatch Act to run and that “all people that are qualified by age and the other qualifications … should be allowed to run for office.” Other commenters, including Mark J. Katzmann and Craig Clark of the Portsmouth Historical Society, urged following the charter’s established charter-review process to vet any amendment.

Council debate followed a broad pattern: some members said the council should put the question before voters and allow a fuller public debate to follow; others said the topic deserved a standalone study and broader public outreach. Council members and public commenters repeatedly referenced the Hatch Act and academic studies on nonpartisan elections’ effects on voter information and turnout.

A motion by Councilor White to table the proposal in order to hold a learning session and gather additional public input carried by a 4–3 vote. The council’s stated fallback remains to place a charter question at the next general election if no special election arises. No charter change was drafted at the meeting; the council did not adopt ballot language and took no further formal steps beyond tabling the motion.

Ending: Council members who supported tabling said they favored a public education process and a charter-review approach before any ballot question. Those who opposed the tabling motion said they would continue to press the measure and seek to place the question on a future ballot with additional outreach.","After more than two hours of public comment and council debate, the Portsmouth Town Council voted 4–3 to table a proposal to place a charter question on the ballot to make town council and school committee elections nonpartisan.",{"_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},6115562,"Votes at a glance: Dec. 24 Portsmouth Town Council actions and hearing notices",8558,135000,8693000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738036-cc2563b547dab7301df725829ebd1162&start=135&end=8693","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738036-cc2563b547dab7301df725829ebd1162/thumbnail_135000.jpg","/articles/6115562/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Dec-24-Portsmouth-Town-Council-actions-and-hearing-notices","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115562-b1a6020b38356ab77ec29ebf85f02ea0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770739489&Signature=PnI7II2ttEa5iasp2l4muZfUg3iL-vJ9InXYunQhCLqZmz0OY-tLd~ZPAnEwqp6S5tBSIRIGE4Nkbzaa0wQ52fHyUUx3kELhtP11WnXbWfv303-l4jFDuZkRWnb3zVGrhBobmYtwxTKNRkgylUIzaESR0mRmz1LCDUE9viWmgOs4isMa8SqLZwQE1rw0oltrLPtjnE2fUs9MbwHTyIRVQp~Qba5QAc6RPgvX23AiZI3loL2F7JiVeeKyJojrI-qGwegjuGQgeErGE96fdA~VNwHwz1wGCnuzCr600OIE4HSFM445~IRFHdo3POgCL48K2OqZIFIqlVmIfd7U1HUCMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Feb. 24 the Portsmouth Town Council took numerous procedural and substantive votes. The list below summarizes formal outcomes recorded on the meeting agenda and in the public record.

Nut graf: The meeting included routine license approvals, reappointments to town boards, scheduling of public hearings, a resolution in support of restoring general revenue sharing to cities and towns, and several administrative and procedural votes. Where the transcript recorded tallies or roll-call results, they are listed below.

Votes at a glance (select items recorded on the Feb. 24 agenda and minutes):

- Consent agenda: Motion to approve as presented — Passed 7–0.
- Peddler/mobile food establishment licenses: Matthew E. Cowell (Meat Sweets RI LLC) — Approved 7–0; What’s Up Cupcake LLC — Approved 7–0.
- Victualer’s license: Quidnik Opco LLC (Flow’s Drive-In) — Approved 7–0.
- Board of License Commissioners: Motion to adjourn as the Board of License Commissioners — Passed 7–0.
- Minutes: Minutes from 01/27/25, 02/03/2025 and 02/10/2025 — Approved with counts recorded (two items 7–0; one item 6–0–1 with Ms. Blank abstaining) as read into the record.
- Reappointments and appointments: Nancy Zitka to Board of Canvassers — Approved 7–0; Mr. Harding to Planning Board — Approved 7–0; Mr. Fitzgerald to Tree Commission and as Tree Warden — Approved 7–0.
- Parks & Recreation appointments (3 openings, 4 candidates) — Tabled to March 10 (motion to table passed 5–2).
- Salvation Recycling Committee: Cynthia Burke and Mr. Kaiser appointed — Approved 7–0.
- Nonpartisan elections item (charter question to ballot): Motion to place question was introduced; a subsequent motion to table passed 4–3. No ballot language was adopted at the meeting.
- Request to advertise public hearing for a sound-variance application (Ragged Island, 54 Crystal Ferry Road) — Public hearing set for March 24, 2025; motion passed 7–0.
- Request to support forming a local 250th-commission/committee for state’s 250th celebrations — Council voted to support creating or supporting a local 250 committee (motion passed 7–0); the historical society offered to help lead and the state will provide a Liberty Tree and plaque.
- Resolution: Support for restoration of general revenue sharing to cities and towns — Motion to approve resolution passed 7–0.
- Resolution: Support for Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns 2025 legislative priorities — discussed at length; council discussion but no recorded formal amendment or rejection in the transcript.
- Civic support placeholders for FY26 (see separate article): Motion to level-fund civic support at FY25 levels with library increase and subsequent floor amendments — final amended motion passed 6–1.
- Zoning/land-use: Motion to advertise public hearing for Tier 2 zoning and land-use updates — Public hearing set for March 24, 2025; motion passed 7–0.
- Correspondence: Resolution from Exeter in support of full funding for categorical transportation aids — Received and placed on file 7–0.
- Adjournment: Motion to adjourn — Passed 7–0.

Ending: Several items will return to future meetings for follow-up (Parks & Recreation appointments, civic-support final appropriations, and follow-up on the high school roof). The town clerk and town administration were directed to advertise hearings and collect required backup where documentation was incomplete.","The council approved multiple routine licenses and appointments, confirmed minutes, scheduled public hearings, and voted to support a resolution on general revenue sharing. Several appointments were approved unanimously while some items were tabled.",{"_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},6115567,"Council approves level funding for most civic support requests; adds money for food pantry and MLK Center",2721,5807000,8528000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738036-cc2563b547dab7301df725829ebd1162&start=5807&end=8528","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738036-cc2563b547dab7301df725829ebd1162/thumbnail_5807000.jpg","/articles/6115567/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-level-funding-for-most-civic-support-requests-adds-money-for-food-pantry-and-MLK-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115567-14fe083dbb4d36bcec5756413cf4d4bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770739489&Signature=TeUJjzP1Tac9y-Zc0u-CaoHm1cY4QGe-dfbUqKtkbey6OIke38MohKJmWNEUeGxiynvgDGpiLTsP1Akc2hwXct7BVwnwYF3Pr4ao9ej5V6lOBSLIuC1KKQ4b-kNIV~z5xnovE~ibo~nE7gYv9q-q2DS6aEIkCbUz8wO0NrN7DqR3geQhEpvaZ~XxzLC19fwKsiDycuo-mMOD70JNNRYjWe0qGaAwNmM8YJqrZhq~0ALSDMvFM8XNkKP601cH3~CPSGHmX~qFgiESvzyd4uhai03XwoRIvUZV4Wd4lWjoSQSCTETFu0FFJzzKO7H2XZ0QuUgyHwmSty1gmBORi4vPXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth Town Council on Feb. 24 set preliminary civic support allocations that will inform the town administrator’s budget development, choosing to level-fund most outside requests at FY25 levels while approving targeted increases for several organizations.

Nut graf: Councilors voted to level-fund the civic-support slate and then adopted three amendments on the floor to add funds to local hunger-relief and community programs. The council described the action as a direction to the town administration as it builds the FY26 budget, not a final appropriation.

After council discussion and public remarks from organizational representatives, the council approved the primary motion to level-fund the civic support requests at FY25 levels with an exception for the public library’s requested increase. Two subsequent amendments were adopted: full funding of Aquidneck Island Food Pantry’s $5,000 request and full funding of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center’s $5,000 hunger-relief request. The council also preserved a $1,000 grant for a wildlife rehabilitator group. The amended package passed by a 6–1 vote.

Presenters described service volumes and operations. Donna Matthews, secretary of the Aquidneck Food Pantry, told councilors the pantry served the equivalent of 5,932 family visits (17,364 individual instances) in 2024 and relies on about 35 regular volunteers. Allison Novick, representing the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, said Portsmouth resident use of the center’s services has grown 33% and described mobile pantry operations, fresh-produce distribution, and nutritional-education programming.

The Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) representatives described three near-term priorities: completing an audit and maintenance plan for completed Island Waters projects, conducting an Aquidneck Island resident-priorities survey, and building an online research library to make prior island studies accessible. AIPC asked the council to consider a small funding placeholder to sustain core operations while the commission pursues grants and other funding sources.

Ending: Councilors repeatedly described the vote as guidance to the administrator; allocations can be revisited during the formal budget process. The council instructed the administrator to treat the approved amounts as placeholders for the FY26 budget build and to expect detailed follow-up from organizations where backup or financial statements were incomplete.","The Portsmouth Town Council voted to level-fund most civic support requests at FY25 levels, approved full funding for the Aquidneck Island Food Pantry and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, and approved the library's requested increase. The final amended civic support package passed after several amendments, 6–1.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Portsmouth officials report $55,000 RIDE grant and emergency response after high school roof failures

Portsmouth council delays vote on switching council and school committee elections to nonpartisan

Votes at a glance: Dec. 24 Portsmouth Town Council actions and hearing notices

Council approves level funding for most civic support requests; adds money for food pantry and MLK Center