Resignations, Appointments Top New Council's Agenda

The new Portsmouth Town Council is taking on several important issues at the first weekday meeting of the new session. 

Portsmouth School Committee vacancy

The new members on the council will consider steps to replace a vacancy on the Portsmouth School Committee. Member Jonathan Harris stepped down a day after the General Election. 

The committee will receive his resignation letter and consider steps to advertise. The town council is responsible for appointing new members to the school committee. 

Ballot Question for Toll Issue? 

The town council will also discuss proposing a ballot question on the controversial issue of bridge tolls. Two hearings were recently held on this issue in Portsmouth and Tiverton.

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority will place tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge once transfer of ownership is complete. The governor authorized the transfer of ownership in the 2013 budget. 

Resignations and Appointments 

The council will also discuss the appointment of a new town solicitor tonight. The council will also receive a letter of resignation from Portsmouth Police Chief Lance Hebert. 

Hebert is retiring after 25 years with the Portsmouth Police Department. 

The council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. To view the full meeting agenda, click here.