Council Considers Spending on Electric Car Charging Station, New Playground Equipment

Council Considers Spending on Electric Car Charging Station, New Playground Equipment

Portsmouth City Council and City Manager Sam Sutherland will have a lot to deal with at this coming Monday’s City Manager’s and City Council Meeting. In addition to continuing the discussion of increased funding for the Fire Department, they’ll discuss approving $30,000 for an electric vehicle charging station, a $45,000 price jump in the cost of a multi-use path, and the purchase of $100,000 worth of property on 4th and 5th Streets.

Here’s what’s on the agenda at the City Manager’s conference with council members.

Council asked Sutherland to look into purchasing 3 parcels of land on 4th and 5th Street for $100,000. He’ll have a report on that.

Multi-Use Patch Project Price Tag Goes Up

Sutherland will also request an additional $45,000 to cover the cost increase in the multi-use path project. There will also be continued discussion about ways to increase staffing at the Portsmouth Fire Department without jeopardizing the city’s ability to balance the budget.

Sutherland’s office will also request council permission to apply for grants to fund McKinley Pool and $35,000 to expand the Portsmouth City Health Department’s Health Clinic. The expansion will make room for a nurse practitioner, RN, receptionist, and two additional exam rooms to double the capacity of the clinic. This will also allow an expansion into treating patients with hepatitis C.

$30,000 for Electric Charging Station

Council Members have several important measures up for readings at the meeting.

Up for first reading, is a request to appropriate $25,000 from Land Improvement Cemetery/Grounds for new playground equipment for York Park. Council is working with Main Street Portsmouth and the organization has already raised half of the $50,000 required for

Also up for first reading is spending $30,636 from General Fund for an electric vehicle charging station that can charge two vehicles at the same time. Portsmouth has been awarded $20,000 in grant funds through American Electric Power for the project. The City will pay the full amount of $30,636 and recover $20,000 from a grant. 

Up for second reading, is a plan for a user fee of $250.00 for use of the use of Spartan Stadium and a $100 deposit for keys to the facility.

Up for third reading, is an ordinance to rezone a residence at 2311 Timlin Hill Road from residential to boarding house to allow the current owners to operate a bed and breakfast.