Town Council to Consider Replacing Business Development Manager Position

There’s no question that Bill Clark, the town’s former Business Development Manager who resigned effective June 30, did a great job promoting Portsmouth as a good place to do business.

“His efforts have reflected well on the town’s business position, as well as himself, and have shown us the importance of maintaining a business outreach and marketing service,” said Town Council President Jim Seveney in a recent memo.

There is some question, however, as to how the town should replace Clark.

The position currently is listed in the budget as a consultant position working under the auspices of the Portsmouth Economic Development Committee.

On Monday, the Town Council will discuss whether the job should be folded into the town budget as a formalized position reporting to the Town Administrator.

Seveney suggested the town continue in the short term with the job as a part time position “in keeping with our budget target for FY16,” Seveney wrote.

Meanwhile, the position will be formalized and a formal job description with a “clear set of objectives, timelines and measures of effectiveness” would be created.

The matter will be heard at tonight’s Town Council meeting.

In other business, the town will:

• Discuss the Wastewater Management District Ordinance and Plan Adoption.
• Award a contract for the next revaluation.
• Vote on a holiday licese for Stone Bridge Holdings LLC, d/b/a Stone Bridge Marina.
• Request approval for the summer and fall paving program.
• Request approval to appoint Nancy Parker Wilson as the Portsmouth representative to the Board of Directors of Discover Newport.
• Request Approval To Enter Into An Agreement With Segal Consulting To Review The Method Of Purchasing Health Insurance

The Town Council meets at Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road. The regular business meeting starts at 7 p.m.