PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL NOTES

Brian Woodhead promoted to Portsmouth DPW director

Had been serving as acting director since 2016, following David Kehew's injury

By Jim McGaw
Posted 9/10/18

PORTSMOUTH — You can remove the word “acting” from the front of Brian Woodhead’s job title.

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PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL NOTES

Brian Woodhead promoted to Portsmouth DPW director

Had been serving as acting director since 2016, following David Kehew's injury

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — You can remove the word “acting” from the front of Brian Woodhead’s job title.

Mr. Woodhead, who has served as the town’s Department of Public Works’ acting director since July 2016, was unanimously appointed director by the Town Council Monday night in a 5-0 vote. (Council members Paul Kesson and Elizabeth Pedro were absent from the meeting.)

Mr. Woodhead had served as deputy director since 2003. He succeeds David Kehew, who went out on medical leave after being injured on duty in the spring of 2016.

Town Administrator Richard Rainer Jr., who requested that the council ratify his promotion of Mr. Woodhead, said Mr. Kehew has been unable to return to work and has accepted a disability pension.

“Brian has been an exemplary employee of the town for over 20 years,” Mr. Rainer said. “I’ve worked closely with Brian on a day-to-day basis for over two years. He has proven his expertise in public works, demonstrates strict adherence to his fiduciary responsibility to our town and has gained the respect and confidence of all who work with him and for him. He is capable, confident, and committed to our mission of extraordinary service.”

Mr. Rainer highlighted several of Mr. Woodhead’s accomplishments during his tenure as acting director, including his supervision of the Narragansett Avenue paving project on Prudence Island. The job won the National Asphalt Paving Association Award for quality in construction.

Mr. Woodhead also oversaw the layout and construction of the town’s first salt shed, “expertly managed” the DPW paving program, assisted in the cleanup of the Glen Farm stables, managed the completion of the Elmhurst Park project, took over as supervisor of the Brown House project at Glen Farm, and more, he said.

“I think Brian has done a fantastic job over the past two years, stepping in when Dave got hurt,” said Council President Keith Hamilton, noting that Mr. Woodhead also has the “respect of his employees.”

Council member J. Mark Ryan said it wouldn’t have made sense to look outside the department for a new director, since Mr. Woodhead has essentially been doing the director’s job over the past two years.

Council member Dave Gleason called the town’s “minimal required qualifications” for the position a “deficiency” and expressed concerns that some of DPW’s current work practices could be considered outdated. However, Mr. Gleason supported the appointment as well.

Another council member, Linda Ujifusa, said Mr. Woodhead has gone above and beyond all expectations as an acting director. 

Council member Kevin Aguiar also voted in favor of the appointment, completing the unanimous vote to applause.

“Wise decision,” said Mr. Kehew, who was sitting next to his friend and former co-worker throughout the discussion.

Chairs for the Brown House

A request by Portsmouth High School student Patrick Renault to build two to four Adirondack chairs to be placed at the Brown House at Glen Farm was unanimously approved. 

Patrick, who is building the chairs for his senior project, wants them to be placed under the tree in a corner of the backyard, facing the historic home. “I will do this with the help and guidance of my mentor, Sarah Macedo, who is a very experienced woodworker,” he stated in a letter to the council.

Mr. Woodhead of DPW said he would be able to secure the chairs permanently so they remain on the property year-round.

Peddlers licenses

Sitting as a Board of License Commissioners, the council unanimously approved peddlers licenses to three businesses for the Firefly Yoga and Wellness Festival at town-owned Glen Park on Saturday, Sept. 15: Sandra Giraldo, doing business as Enjoyful Foods of Warwick; Sherri Snyder, doing business as Art Inspired by Stillness of Foster; and Barbara Lamonico, doing business as Honey & Vine Apothecary of Tiverton.

The board unanimously approved two annual peddler licenses for Sprout & Lentil LLC of Newport; and Angela B. Mandia, doing business as Nirvana, 119A Henry Danis Court.

Towing service OK’d

The council approved a request by Police Chief Thomas Lee to add R&A Auto-Body of Tiverton to the police department’s authorized tow list.

Chief Lee said the extra towing service is needed in Portsmouth, which previously used two other companies. R&A will use a gated lot at 3279 East Main Road, and two tow trucks will provide response for police 24 hours a day, he said.

Soccer field request

The council unanimously approved a request by the Newport Spinnakers soccer team to use one of the soccer fields at the Gardner Seveney Sports Complex at Glen Farm for 10 a.m. on Sept. 16, Oct. 14 and Oct. 28.

The team, which competes in a women’s soccer league and will use the field for its home games, will be charged $100 per day for the use of the field.

Upcoming meetings

Here are some upcoming meetings for the Town Council: 

• 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13: Public hearing on a request by Thrive Coffee House for a sound variance.

• Noon on Saturday, Sept. 15: Annual council excursion to Prudence Island. This meeting will be held at Union Church.

• 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9

Portsmouth Town Council, Portsmouth Department of Public Works

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