PORTSMOUTH — A long-range plan to transform the historic Phelps House at Glen Farm into a bed and breakfast received initial endorsement by the Town Council Monday night when it voted unanimously to spend $49,500 for emergency repairs on the 1915 town-owned home.

The town is working with the nonprofit historical preservation group Preserve Rhode Island to rehabilitate the two-and-a-half-story Federal Revival-style home at the east end of Linden Lane.

A bed and breakfast, Preserve Rhode Island says, would complement other public uses at Glen Farm and would create synergy with the town’s Glen Manor House nearby for private event rentals.

But the home, which has been vacant for more than five years, needs plenty of work. “While in good structural condition, emergency repairs to the leaking roof and gutters are critical,” states a report by Preserve Rhode Island.

The use of the home as a B&B requires “up-front rehabilitation,” says the organization, and that’s where the town comes in. An initial investment by the town would go far in securing the needed funding for the rehabilitation project, which is estimated to cost about $400,000 in all.

The town’s total share would be anywhere from $100,000 to $166,000, depending on what grants are available, according to Preserve Rhode Island.

Whether the town enters into a partnership with Preserve Rhode Island or not, Town Administrator John Klimm said the home’s roof and downspouts are in bad shape and need to be repaired.

Director Public Works Dave Kehew agreed, saying water has penetrated the roof shingles and the wooden shutters are rotting away.

“No matter what the future holds, I’d like to button up that building,” said Mr. Klimm, adding that the $49,500 initial investment would come from municipal budget accounts that have not been used. In addition, the town is saving about $60,000 this year due to its recent AAA bond rating designation that has made for lower interest rates, he said.

Council member David Gleason, a former chairman of the Lower Glen Farm Preservation Committee who has led efforts in shining a light on neglected town properties, said the Phelps House needs immediate attention.

“It is damaged due to water and neglect,” Mr. Gleason said. “The fact that we have the extra money, if you will, is all the more reason to proceed with this.”

Resident Peter Roberts objected to the appropriation by the town. “Everything’s going up and you’re talking about spending more,” he said. “Quit spending money.”

Mr. Gleason said while he understood Mr. Roberts’ concerns, the town can never earn any potential income from a building that is in disrepair. “This is one that needs immediate action,” he said.

The council voted 5-0 to spend $49,500 to repair the home’s roof and gutters. (Town Council President James Seveney and council member Keith Hamilton were absent from the meeting.)

Administrator search

In other business Monday night, the council voted unanimously to use an executive search firm to help hire its next town administrator.

Mr. Klimm announced recently that he will not be seeking an extension of this three-year contract with the town, which expires Jan. 30, 2015. The town used an outside search firm to hire Mr. Klimm three years ago.

Council member Elizabeth Pedro said using an outside search firm doesn’t preclude any town employees or local residents from applying for the administrator’s job. “That’s still an option,” she said.

“The process used by the previous council to select Mr. Klimm was outstanding and we should clone it,” Larry Fitzmorris of the taxpayer watchdog group Portsmouth Concerned Citizens told the council.

Mr. Roberts addressed Mr. Klimm directly. “It’s been a pleasure having you here, and you’ve truly been a professional,” he said.

Thanks from Prudence

Jim Oswalt, who owns a home on Prudence Island, thanked the council for its efforts in helping to find a new ferry service for islanders.

Prudence Island Ferry, which had been the sole provider of ferry service since the mid-’80s, made its last run in September. Taking over the service was A&R Marine, doing business as Prudence & Bay Islands Transport.

“We have a ferry that’s operating seamlessly, we have a dock that’s operating seamlessly,” said Mr. Oswalt. “You listened to us, you stepped up to the plate. You absolutely did the right thing for us.”

Before leaving the meeting, Mr. Oswalt said he wished he could have shown his appreciation more, such as by presenting the council with an official commendation.

“But this is Prudence Island, and this is what you get,” he said.