Portsmouth Town Council Seeks Report on Elmhurst By 2013

The Portsmouth Town Council met Monday night to discuss various issues. Featured above is a report of the actions taken during the meeting. 

[Updated at 11:15 p.m.]

After an hour of debate Monday night, the council voted to support a statement drafted by President Joe Robicheau. 

The vote was 4-3 with Keith Hamilton, Liz Pedro and Michael Buddemeyer opposed. 

The statement reads as follows: 

The Portsmouth Town Council embraces to the Elmhurst Reuse Committee and, subject to a satisfactory due diligence outcome, that the council endorses the placement of a referendum question on a ballot for an election to be held no later than 4/30/2013; and directs the town administrator to complete the RFP process and begin negotiations with the ALT on language for a conservation easement on the Glen property so-called; and that council task a committee to work with the AIPC staff to evaluate the chapel and so-called out zones potential and report back to the council by 1/31/13. 

However, despite the support for a ballot question, the council would need to vote by Aug. 3 to place a referendum question on the November ballot. The support of the statement above postpones action on this issue. 

The council also made the following late night actions: 

• Took no actions on complaints made on a Stagecoach Road residence. A neighbor complained of mice coming from the property. 

• Tabled a discussion and possible vote to eliminate personnel resolution 2007-04-23 B. President Robicheau asked the council to consider creating a Personnel Panel, which would interview candidates for town jobs (except police officers) and conduct hiring instead of the council. 

• Voted 7-0 to renew the Glen Manor House managers' contract. 

• Approved a request to issue a RFP for security services at .