PORTSMOUTH — Due to a procedural issue, Bill Sales’ request for a exception to the town’s noise ordinance was withdrawn at Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting.
Instead, the business will come back to the council at a later date to proposed a change to the ordinance.
On Sept. 15, Robert A. Lantz, owner of Bill’s Sales, 1960 East Main Road, was issued a summons to appear in Municipal Court to answer charges that he violated the town’s noise ordinance. He is expected to be back in court on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The charges were based on numerous complaints filed by a Crossings Court neighbor over noise generated at the business, which sells firewood, storage sheds, stoves, gazebos, children’s play sets, lawn furniture and more.
According to police, the noise was generated by hammering, a diesel truck, logs dropping, a chain/conveyor belt and other sources.
Proclamation for ‘Officer Sully’
Also Tuesday night, the council presented Police Officer Scott Sullivan — aka “Officer Sully” — with a proclamation in recognition of his recent 2014 Justice Award for Community Service from Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.
Officer Sullivan, who’s now the school resource officer, was recognized for his work in improving the holidays for Portsmouth’s youth by creating fund-raising events and coordinating a donation drive. Last year, the program was so successful that the Police Department received enough donations to assist 132 people in town and was also able to provide gifts to families in need in neighboring communities.
“His untiring efforts were rewarded; he raised $9,000 and was able to help poor children not only in our community but we was able to assist families all over Aquidneck Island,” said Council Vice President James Seveney, reading from the proclamation. (Council President Keith Hamilton was away on business.)
Seven officers from the department, including Chief Thomas Lee and Deputy Chief Brian Peters, also attended the ceremony.
Appointments
The council voted unanimously to elevate Allen J. Shers to first alternate on the Zoning Board of Review, and to name Kathleen T. Pavlakis as second alternate.
The council also voted unanimously to appoint Scott S. Dickison to the Wastewater Appeals Board.
Solar polar
Council members received a letter from Marion S. Gold, commissioner of the R.I. Office of Energy Resources, informing them that the town, along with Middletown and Newport, have been selected to participate in the next round of Solarize Rhode Island.
According it its website, “Solarize Rhode Island is a unique solar buying program that uses pre-selected installers and access to flexible financing to make going solar easy and affordable.”
Three municipalities — Tiverton, Little Compton and North Smithfield — have participated in previous phases of Solarize Rhode Island. The campaigns in Tiverton and Little Compton saw the towns collectively double their solar installations, according to Ms. Gold.
Oyster farm
In other correspondence, the town received word from the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council that it is considering the application of Manuel Sousa, of 51 Middle Road, Apt. 308, to construct and maintain a one-acre oyster aquaculture farm using cages on the bottom of Gull Cove off Island Park.
The plans may be viewed here.
Anyone who wishes to request a hearing on the matter must do so in writing by Oct. 26. The request must contain your mailing address, e-mail address and valid contact number and mailed to Oliver Stedman Government Center, 3808 Tower Hill Road, Suite 116, Wakefield, RI 02879.
Prayer for council
The council received a written prayer from Sophia Listenberger, a junior at Aquidneck Island Christian Academy on East Main Road.
“I an writing you to tell you that I am praying for you and your decisions in office. I am praying that The Lord will guide you as you lead me and the other people of the town,” Sophia’s letter reads in part.
Jim Nelson, who teaches American government at the school, said students are writing similar letters to many different lawmakers — local and national — as part of their lesson plan.
The council thanked Mr. Nelson for the letter, which can be read in its entirety here.
A quick one
Tuesday’s meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m., only 26 minutes after it began.
The council’s next two regularly scheduled meetings are set for 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26 and Nov. 9.
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