Portsmouth Ohio Still Has A City Council?
After nearly two months of fervor and white-hot debates over the Pot Plan, people may have forgotten that we still have a City Council in Portsmouth. Those councilmembers still have work to do and legislation to consider. Here’s the rundown on what they will be considering on Mondy night.
LEGISLATION – THIRD READING
An Ordinance Enacting a new Chapter entitled Portsmouth Art Commission of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Portsmouth. CM-20-53
LEGISLATION – SECOND READING
An Ordinance Authorizing the appropriation of $160,000.00 from Wastewater Fund No. 621 in order to increase appropriations for certain projects. CM-20-56
An Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to apply for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to construct new stage seating at the riverfront. CM-20-58
LEGISLATION – FIRST READING
An Ordinance authorizing the vacation of Sinton Street from Gallia Street to the north border of Green Alley as requested by Darren Mault, the Scioto Ribber, and more fully described in the attached legal description with the City of Portsmouth reserving all easements to this property. CM-20-60
An Ordinance to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Portsmouth, Ohio, by rezoning 1871 Bonser Avenue from its current zoning of Residence “B” District to Agricultural”. CM-20-61
An Ordinance authorizing the appropriation of $5,600.00 from CIP Fund Number 301 to be paid from CIP-PS-STRC Line Item Number 301.114.5512 for the Spartan Stadium Press Box roof replacement. Pursuant to Council Rule 5, this legislation is requested to be passed as an emergency in accordance with Section 10 of the Charter for the City of Portsmouth in order to facilitate administration, daily operation and avoid practical and legal entanglements.
An Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Main Street Portsmouth for an additional three calendar years being 2021, 2022, and 2023 authorizing an annual contribution of $55,000. CM-20-63
A Resolution establishing an Arts, Cultural, and Innovation District with the purpose to formalize an area that will welcome, support, attract, and promote artistic, cultural, and innovative enterprises and entities. CM-20-59
Let’s take a closer look at one of these items.
$55,000 per year to Main Street Portsmouth
An Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Main Street Portsmouth for an additional three calendar years being 2021, 2022, and 2023 authorizing an annual contribution of $55,000.
Whereas, the agreement with Main Street Portsmouth is set to expire at the end of 2020. Joseph Pratt is requesting that the agreement be renewed for a new three- year term. The agreement would be a financial commitment of $55,000.00 for three calendar years being 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Main Street Portsmouth cannot operate without financial support from the City of Portsmouth. Main Street Portsmouth is a critical partner in revitalizing our downtown and a valuable component in economic development.
SCDN spoke exclusively with Joesph Pratt about this Ordinance.
Question: “You have made a request for the City of Portsmouth to contribute $55,000 per year to Main Street. Why is that essential?”
Answer: “That’s a continuation of funding we’ve had from the city for many, many years. I think going back to the start of our programming. $55k sounds like a lot, but we leverage it to solicit donations, write grants, raise funds to do huge work the city couldn’t do as affordably that basically provides the city with a Parks and Recreation Department for less than…if the City did it in-house”
You can see the interview, in its entirety, by clicking here.
The City Manager’s Meeting
Typically, the City Manager’s portion of the session is overlooked and under-reported. There are some interesting items we think you should know.
- Mound Park Lighting and Security camera construction is ongoing.
- Skate Park Selection of Design-Build team has been determined.
- Multi-Use Path: Right of way plans have been submitted and are awaiting ODOT’s approval.
- Active Transportation Plan The City is currently working with ODOT and Portsmouth City Schools to develop an Active Transportation Plan to address traffic and safety.
In addition, the Portsmouth Police has reported “Through September 2020 the impound lot collected $98,110.00 and had $24,497.69 in expenses for a Net Revenue of $73,612.31. There have been 208 parking citations and 495 moving citations. There have been 14,980 calls for the year.”