Portsmouth ponders future of town-owned Glen Manor House

Extends resident managers’ contract, seeks independent consultant

By Jim McGaw
Posted 1/24/17

PORTSMOUTH — Action on a proposed contract extension for the resident managers of the Glen Manor House sparked a Town Council debate Monday on the future of the town-owned building, which …

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Portsmouth ponders future of town-owned Glen Manor House

Extends resident managers’ contract, seeks independent consultant

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — Action on a proposed contract extension for the resident managers of the Glen Manor House sparked a Town Council debate Monday on the future of the town-owned building, which is rented out for weddings and other events.

In the end, the Glen Manor House Authority got its wish when the council voted 4-1-1 to extend the contract of resident managers Katie and Don Wilkinson for another 30 months, subject to negotiations that will be brought back to the council for approval.

As part of the vote, Town Administrator Richard Rainer Jr. and Finance Director David Faucher were directed to write a request for proposals (RFP) for an independent contractor to analyze the property and business in order to maximum assets for the town going forward. Council member Paul Kesson voted against the motion, and council member Elizabeth Pedro abstained.

The Wilkinsons’ contract with the town expires June 30 and the 30-month extension brings it to Dec. 31, 2019. The couple first entered into an agreement with the town in July 2007.

The Glen Manor House averages more than $500,000 in revenue annually, and over $200,000 of that is returned to the town’s general fund, according to Mr. Rainer.

But town officials say they have to start thinking about the future. “We all know that Don and Katie aren’t going to be around forever,” Council President Keith Hamilton said.

The challenge will be ensuring a smooth transition — while keeping costs down — during the Wilkinsons’ remaining time here, council members said. Mr. Hamilton said funding the transition “has to be worked into the contract” with the Wilkinsons.

Mr. Kesson said he would have liked to see proposals from the Manor House Authority on how to accomplish that.

“I can’t extend this contract unless we somehow marry this up so in two years we’re not in the same place,” said Mr. Kesson. He and Ms. Pedro said there will be extra costs involved to have successors shadow the Wilkinsons near the end of their contract.

Barbara Chase, chairwoman of the Glen Manor House Authority, said the panel would make sure to implement their suggestions should the contract extension were granted.

“I get that, but I want to see the plan and the numbers before I approve,” Mr. Kesson replied.

Ms. Wilkinson agreed that a smooth transition was important so the Glen Manor House can maintain its current client base.

“My only hope is, with all of my clients that I’ve built up these relationships with, that I can promise them in 2019 there’s going to be a change in management but that their contract’s honored,” she said.

Mr. Rainer said an RFP will allow the town to explore all the options for the property. While the Manor House has been a consistent money-maker, it’s possible the town could do even better, he said.

“One criticism I’ve received is, are we leaving money on the table? Are there other business models for this property?” said Mr. Rainer.

Marriott, Hyatt?

Local resident Conni Harding, who said she’s been hearing about “corporate plans” for the property, urged the council to keep it under local control.

Mr. Hamilton put to bed any rumors about big corporations such as Marriott or Hyatt making any proposals on the property.

“But if JW Marriott comes in and say, ‘We can earn you a million dollars a year,’ isn’t that an option we should look at?” he said.

John Brady, a member of the Glen Manor House Authority, said he wants the property to continue benefitting local residents primarily, as was originally intended.

“We do a lot for the citizens of the town,” he said, noting that residents are given a half-price discount to rent the property. “We could really make more money by charging citizens of the town the non-resident rate.” 

He added that many physical improvements have been made to the building over the years. “That property was in a decrepit state 23 years ago,” Mr. Brady said. “I hope you can see something beyond dollar signs.”

Council member Linda Ujifusa, the panel’s liaison to the Glen Manor House Authority, said it’s obvious that the town has benefitted tremendously thanks to the Authority and the Wilkinsons. She cautioned against using the RFP to bring in a private company that might not have the town’s best interests in mind, suggesting that an “independent contractor” would be the better way to go.

“Going forward we have to understand all our town properties better,” said Ms. Ujifusa.

Glen Manor House, Glen Manor House Authority, Portsmouth Town Council

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Meet our staff
Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.