On September 16, 2028, the Trustees of Trust Funds approved minutes from the August 19th meeting with amendments removing execution language. They unanimously accepted various donations for the NEVI project in Bohenko Park. The trustees received the annual $25,000 Capital Improvement Plan contribution for fiscal year 2027 and unanimously approved a distribution request for the NEVI project's second installment. They unanimously approved a $10,035 first installment for a market rate housing study. The Lower State Street Market Park distribution request ($26,000) was withdrawn due to lack of current City Council authorization; it will return to the City Council on the 28th. The trustees unanimously approved TD Wealth Management agreements retroactive to July 1st and updated investment selection documents. They discussed the December 18th staffing transition and requested Nathan attend the October meeting to finalize coverage plans. They agreed to hold January's year-end TD report in February. The meeting was adjourned.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2YMOvin9UI
The Board postponed the Hope for Tomorrow Foundation and requests by Amory Wiley Rebockable Trust (64 Woodworth Avenue) and Christopher H. Daniel (50 Wooden Street) to the October meeting. Minutes for August 18 and 25 were approved with corrections.
The Board voted 5-2 to grant variances for Michael J. Forelli to construct a single-family home at 0 Joffrey Avenue and 18 Barbary Lane. This approval allows zero feet of street frontage where 100 feet are required, 12,185 square feet of lot area where 15,000 square feet are required, and two driveways where one is permitted. Approval is subject to two conditions: a driveway access easement must be recorded prior to building permit issuance, and the driveway configuration is subject to modification by the Department of Public Works or Fire Department.
The Board voted 5-2 to deny the appeal by Kathleen B. and Kent A. Logan and others regarding the art studio at 28 Blossom Street, finding that required physical changes do not convert the space from an art studio to a new use.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddC5txHzebk
The committee approved minutes from July by motion. Speakers addressed committee recruitment, seeking to fill two community member vacancies and recruit Eco Club students. SPEAKER_1 will provide text for the city newsletter regarding the Carfree Challenge on September 22nd. A group of six members is authorized to communicate via email. The committee voted to allow subgroups to submit Capital Improvement Program (CIP) proposals for 2028 before the September 18th deadline. Proposals cover the electrification of the city fleet, a zero waste plan to hire a consultant, a city solar plan, and a multi-modal city project. A greenhouse gas inventory is complete and pending final review. The next meeting is scheduled for September 24th.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw0_RuYyxkg
SPEAKER_2 called the September 11th meeting to order. The board approved the draft minutes from the August 7, 2026 meeting by a voice vote. Four commissioner terms end October 1st; reappointments are on the September 14th city council agenda for consideration, with official votes on September 28th. Commissioner Anna Howard is not seeking reappointment. A new "Shuttle Loop and Public Transit Working Group" formation, requesting EDC representation, is on the City Council agenda for Monday. Congress Street sidewalk construction on the Music Hall side begins Monday, targeting completion by October 30th to widen sidewalks and reduce traffic to two lanes. Future meetings are set for October 2nd, November 6th, and December 4th, which includes the Portsmouth High School visit and a presentation by the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_0bY_dS8j8
The Portsmouth Historic District Commission met September 9. Commission officers voted to postpone administrative approvals for 78 Fleet Street and 244 Newcastle Avenue. Applications for 31 Market Street, 6 Dearborn Street, and 394 Pleasant Street were postponed to the October meetings pending additional information. The Commission voted to approve administrative approvals for 25 Cabot Street, allowing replacement of front stairs and deck boards with a Trex railing system, and 175 Fleet Street, approving revised roof hood details. For 34 Highland Street, the Commission voted to allow the installation of four condensers with the stipulation that line sets return for approval at a later date. Regarding the Middle Street boundary adjustment, the item goes to the City Council for a first reading on September 14.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5_2baAmITQ