[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6497016,"mediaKeyId","5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f","parentId",5493445,"title","Votes at a glance: Portsmouth Town Council, July 28, 2025","audioSeconds",3604,"startMs",117000,"endMs",3721000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f&start=117&end=3721","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f/thumbnail_117000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6497016/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Portsmouth-Town-Council-July-28-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497016-45f7f17c50408d3bf1a69a1b124de68c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501159&Signature=jwx-v~MCT27GpqGz-uYXcozLUBzhiBIgMhm-WkApWNldKxr86SiM89wlJgNE~bHq~csfAJg7rBtA91CJE5vempPr01MlnHYgiJGgRkxHLhFVTgt5EiUklHiVJx6HPZzDNQnDl0BovOSMVArNcHqOD1HbMnv06G60KjPoUoRz87RlIoNYzmzlcIs22eBFvJdTfmWNHM2-MNGjEBA~LSVYhzJVkINn9UJNG8aVmB8gIpjFOZ8LsvEbmp0sNGAWbW5YUTe1HflZqi3fkZb-~9919WcXLSSm9jMJQthGzTIPB~ujOVzjNS-pySwywiqsxY~iB-FkgE2MJdtTTmDMaOsilw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth","date","2025-07-28T23:00:50Z","article","At its July 28 meeting the Portsmouth Town Council approved a series of routine motions and took several formal actions. Key votes and outcomes are listed below.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: Approved as presented. Vote: 7-0.
- Peddlers licenses (Newrow Brews LLC; Coney's Corner d/b/a Croffel Creations): Approved. Vote: 7-0.
- Holiday license (Ocean State Controlled Botanicals d/b/a Newport Cannabis Company/Greenleaf): Approved. Vote: 7-0.
- Adjourn as Board of Licenses/Board of Lisonbee Commissioners: Motion passed. Vote: 7-0.
- Minutes (06/11, 06/23, 07/15): Approved as presented. Vote: 7-0.
- Tax vouchers (20250728 series): Approved. Vote: 7-0.
- Resignations (Miss Andreola: Planning Commission and Economic Development Committee): Received with regret. Vote: 7-0.
- Reappointment (Mr. Harris to Pension Advisory Committee): Approved. Vote: 7-0.
- Appointment (Paul Murphy to alternate, Board of Canvassers): Approved. Vote: 7-0.
- Resolution supporting keeping the birthing center at Newport Hospital: Approved. Vote: 7-0. (See separate article.)
- Special counsel hourly rate (Terry Tierney): Approved increase from $100 to $125 per hour. Vote: 6-1. Councilors debated timing relative to the budget, and supporters cited Tierney's institutional knowledge and value in expensive DEM matters as justification.
- Motion to enter executive session under R.I. Gen. Laws \u0000a7 42-46-5(a)(2) for legal updates: Approved. Vote: 7-0.

Ending: Councilors instructed staff to follow up on items requiring further information, including vendor and agency follow-up on curbside service, RIPTA shelter inventory, and Rhode Island Energy vegetation plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","07/28/2025 Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved routine agenda items and appointments, received resignations and passed a special-counsel fee increase; key outcomes summarized for quick reference.","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},6497020,"Residents report increased traffic noise after vegetation removal along Route 24; council to contact Rhode Island Energy",95,2997000,3092000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f&start=2997&end=3092","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f/thumbnail_2997000.jpg","/articles/6497020/Rhode-Island/Residents-report-increased-traffic-noise-after-vegetation-removal-along-Route-24-council-to-contact-Rhode-Island-Energy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497020-89e4d804a576dfcb960857b54bbbf09f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501159&Signature=CgpGX~0hSu5c5NnrY84UMUyRQcEv6CDCi2Z57BXveDAsJoM6bHyVNC-zLIWTfU5RcjYQvP0D49IGC1r7zU2xFizgcvlpqR5E4fnh~VTQ1G-Ap3A080U-geR1cf9BeHuUZ8PJ~GyG1bgm-mnD94IC5OxTFL5hYqSox~TfmZ9r-Uv0N8NbAFVTxjrtPYH9yTyujN0nGc9njaX6nU6eyFWeZFflbGa0tQXlsdlHadEfTcyxPH-i~yhtSpNhDwG6w5T6MOO5~9-q3XPA~SHE20NZyrJBOSpezLPTtjPpx3QBsRUuprVVRa1B3C8a-JVTFbeVqPEr-XfNg07oQco9~v9Ncw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents raised noise concerns linked to recent vegetation removal along Route 24 and Common Fence Point at the July 28 meeting, saying the clearing has exposed neighborhoods to louder traffic and that on-site wood chipping produces intense short-term noise.

Mel Gonzales (74 In Ariandel Boulevard) described the sound as disruptive: \"When they're doing that with that grinding machine, it's just like, you can't even imagine it,\" Gonzales said, adding that the neighborhood hears heavy truck braking and motorcycles more loudly after removal of trees and shrubs.

Councilors said the state agency and Rhode Island Energy have responsibilities along the corridor. The council noted prior inquiries about so-called \"jake braking\" signs and that RIDOT had declined to re-install such signs on safety grounds; staff said they will reach out to Rhode Island Energy to ask about plans for vegetation replacement and any possible mitigation.

Gonzales suggested restricting on-site chipping in residential areas and moving chipping to industrial sites to reduce noise; council staff said they will ask Rhode Island Energy for timelines and for information on whether replacement plantings or other mitigations are planned.

Ending: Town staff pledged to contact Rhode Island Energy for details and to report back to council with any mitigation options or timelines for replanting.","Residents told the council the removal of trees and brush along Route 24 has increased traffic noise and suggested off-site chipping or sound mitigation; the town said it will contact Rhode Island Energy for plans on vegetation replacement.",{"_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},6497026,"Resident asks council to pursue bus shelters; planner says RIPTA sets placement criteria and costs can be high",500,2061000,2561000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f&start=2061&end=2561","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f/thumbnail_2061000.jpg","/articles/6497026/Rhode-Island/Resident-asks-council-to-pursue-bus-shelters-planner-says-RIPTA-sets-placement-criteria-and-costs-can-be-high","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497026-3269b5c4e075c98fe66c47ed9c414f7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501159&Signature=ouShagKonPatx7yPOIFl5uMZCGbG1alVv0SxKiphKT-Ek6b650Uv4pUtci8mnUjfk-qNcWAHtvZt2KxH0kw~Kt4B4SvZedpdlXABHPdPf5lx3jn-Hi3pFHyiAvvcg6Ft1GniS4nKQc7doI8s7lqCM8q-Vv5q9G-vsoK-4sWVGSd4bgswFhNSRnh1~HiXzFHgOnI7KACdMI60LkdfQCYvNXJ9JZayWB8W6wD52Kp5N0OkJvdSNdx68WUjVF-b7c~Uuo85MJgAJ5vlruBNUnhaA4DmstBIVSaxQDKlYOpoxdBV4o2hM6wmNPPoUUtbJRq31pum26s7WBJPxF-GL7pWKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A resident told the Town Council on July 28 that Portsmouth has bus stops without shelters and asked the council to open a conversation about installing shelters at high-use locations, including the new senior center.

Richard Nasau, who identified himself as a Portsmouth resident, asked the council to consider a phased rollout: \"I think that that would be, in addition, and a good, plus, for the town,\" he said while urging that stops near the senior center be considered first.

Town Planner Hisham responded that the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has a formal shelter-placement guide and inventory. \"RIPTA has shelter placement criteria, and they have 3,600 bus stops in the state and 350 shelters,\" Hisham said. She said RIPTA is finishing an inventory of stops and shelters and that placement decisions are based on ridership, proximity to health care and education, and other criteria.

Hisham provided an approximate cost range: a new bus shelter typically has a base cost of about $50,000, with benches and fixtures adding roughly $20,000 and site design, engineering and lighting adding up to $30,000, meaning total site-installed costs can approach $80,000 depending on amenities and site conditions.

Councilors noted that RIPTA would need to approve shelters sited on state right-of-way and that towns sometimes contribute funds or other support. A planner's presentation noted RIPTA is managing a significant budget shortfall and that route and shelter changes are subject to RIPTA budget and prioritization.

Ending: Town staff said they would share RIPTA's design guide and the council would continue to track RIPTA planning and hearings on potential route and shelter changes.","A resident asked the council to consider a rollout of bus shelters near the planned senior center and other busy stops. Town planner Hisham said the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) controls shelter placement and that a new shelter can cost roughly $50,000 plus site work.",{"_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},6497030,"Portsmouth council unanimously backs resolution urging Newport Hospital to keep birthing center open",437,1570000,2007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f&start=1570&end=2007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f/thumbnail_1570000.jpg","/articles/6497030/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-council-unanimously-backs-resolution-urging-Newport-Hospital-to-keep-birthing-center-open","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497030-4caa0d0898a3a0f843c42bf71d88e39e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501159&Signature=ZeRNZUJKosfBu4HAxhv-Q0HqNTWFFM8iiSrMAcsYHTq1PKCClGXGctvci4iEoogGlIW55ReQuLTNUCkNN-BZGgqyttDhNGvrzrPp0Yn7-rQpBsRu0fhH-Lgu9V7JTxuXR6HhVnZio2j9ao-8PTkU~hUndFh2n6aN~-rnL9rttXV54WzJX6VGgLytromlp4tNVldnkfrSxFdKGOHQmrMcFM93uxiajaLwzgE9lW8Cey4kuW5BX~SEovw4LcCHoBJeE~u1BgZ9BI-8puHD7-greQQak0-0xHVtAj3W-q6vBZC51Nb91AbnRERByVR5ZKcVCc8ZlT7gdCxgpGyJEMDaHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth Town Council voted 7-0 on July 28 to approve a resolution urging Newport Hospital and state leaders to keep the hospital's birthing center open.

Councilors discussed public-health and fiscal implications before the vote and several island residents and officials addressed the council during public comment urging local coordination with neighboring municipalities.

A councilor who described a background in health policy told the council the birthing center offers wraparound services — prenatal and postpartum care, lactation support and behavioral-health follow-up — that matter for outcomes and costs, and that forcing patients to travel farther could increase emergency and acute-care use.

Councilor Reese said the town should advocate but not use Portsmouth taxpayer funds to prop up a private operator. \"Under no circumstances should it be considered by this resolution to support the birthing center to include Portsmouth town taxpayer funds in any way,\" Reese said.

Public comment included Pauline Perkins Moyer, who said she was speaking on her own behalf though she is director of resident services for the Housing Authority; she urged strong action and noted large local concern and a planned rally. Zaykom Siburovong, who identified himself as a Newport resident, and representatives of the Newport City Council expressed thanks for Portsmouth's consideration and emphasized coordinated, cross-island advocacy.

The motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded and carried 7 to 0.

Ending: Councilors said they will coordinate with neighboring communities and state contacts; the resolution does not allocate town funds and is framed as intermunicipal advocacy rather than a funding commitment.","The Town Council voted 7-0 to approve a resolution supporting retention of the birthing center at Newport Hospital; councilors and island residents urged collective advocacy and warned against using town tax dollars to subsidize a private business.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6497036,"Portsmouth reviews curbside trash rollout as enrollment falls below early projection",624,693000,1317000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f&start=693&end=1317","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493445-a49ce7765b6cf92ef3ed0bf00e87082f/thumbnail_693000.jpg","/articles/6497036/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-reviews-curbside-trash-rollout-as-enrollment-falls-below-early-projection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6497036-f75cad1d2ea0ed0ee98460bb51824e46/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501159&Signature=i0VBpxLNM6D6o7xBl9iNqHQh2togVRATzr-aTWEpLCZ7HizZde7YVy89mfYIrflQCmD2cCkBfln0nQVHeExi5pGF524XtjIOlKVPoNEAwHRkLmV~Wm8XfHVs14gF1jv~IZFPkNKkowzOHFm7R5QqPrnNuZVAI4-FZPd7S6H4rhYNhqMN7bkPw-iYf108QpDPyWidqq8v-WoqN~8VCVQ~F6pH7pKfksBQg3dlDIPSCz5L5Yiz8UIU8-nuJLsCDHXhXQZQAWNz1DaGMKiExAfprDhFEXYG~6NfYL5R8MCylwlhZquq4ppH4j4-7rJ-wnQnxRdYW~JK45mAQznFNKi-VQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Administrator Rayner updated the Portsmouth Town Council on the town's new curbside waste collection program at the July 28 meeting, saying the rollout began in July and that the town and vendor MEGA are responding to missed pickups and scheduling problems.

\"MEGA has been responsive and is proactively working with us to resolve outstanding issues,\" Town Administrator Rayner said, and staff are tracking customer calls and coordinating with DPW and prior vendors to collect old bins.

Why it matters: the program is structured as an enterprise fund intended to pay for itself. Councilors said enrollment shortfalls could raise future sticker prices for curbside service or the transfer station, because the program's revenue assumptions informed this year's pricing.

Rayner asked residents to place bins out the night before or by 6 a.m.; he said trucks are GPS-tracked and equipped with cameras, and many missed collections were traced to bins not set out on time. He also said staff are working with MEGA to collect and store old bins and to coordinate pick-up of bins left by previous vendors.

Rayner reported the program's enrollment totals: 3,103 Portsmouth households signed up for curbside collection, 1,918 households signed up for the Headley Street transfer station, and 81 households are enrolled at Prudence Island's transfer station. He said the town began selling stickers in March and will continue selling through March of the next fiscal year, at which point the next sticker price will be set.

Councilor Taish raised the program's original projection of 4,000 curbside customers and asked what would happen if fewer households enrolled. \"Curbside is a self supporting enterprise fund like the transfer station and cannot be supported with taxpayer money,\" Taish said, noting that a shortfall would be reflected in future sticker pricing rather than in an immediate supplemental town bill.

Several councilors and residents praised DPW and town staff for responding to complaints. \"Every single time I've asked for information or a follow-up, they've been handled pretty fast,\" Councilor Peo said.

Officials said MEGA is the exclusive contractor and that the town pays MEGA out of the general fund at first, with collection of revenues to occur later from sticker sales; town staff said they will continue to monitor enrollment, resolve service complaints, and report back to council if adjustments are required.

Ending: Rayner said the town will continue daily tracking of service issues and encouraged residents with missed collections to report problems so staff can route them through the resolution schedule.","Town Administrator Rayner told the Town Council the curbside collection program launched in July and that 3,103 households had signed up for curbside service; councilors raised concerns about enrollment, cost assumptions and the program's enterprise-fund status.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Portsmouth Town Council, July 28, 2025

Residents report increased traffic noise after vegetation removal along Route 24; council to contact Rhode Island Energy

Resident asks council to pursue bus shelters; planner says RIPTA sets placement criteria and costs can be high

Portsmouth council unanimously backs resolution urging Newport Hospital to keep birthing center open

Portsmouth reviews curbside trash rollout as enrollment falls below early projection