PORTSMOUTH — Have a special area of expertise and some extra time on your hands?

If so, you may want to consider volunteering to serve as a member of a town committee. The Town Council is seeking volunteers to serve on the following committees:

Bristol Ferry Town Common Committee

Objective: This board advises the council on matters relating to the Bristol Ferry Town Common, located on the northern end of Bristol Ferry Road at Bayview Avenue. The common, established on March 12, 1714 by the Portsmouth Town Committee, is a 1.5-acre space originally used by farmers and others to keep their livestock and other goods while waiting for the ferry to Bristol. This historic common is currently maintained as a public park, with views of Mount Hope Bay.

Meets: Twice a year, in April and October

Conservation Commission

Objective: To protect and develop the town’s natural resources, protect its watershed resources, and preserve the natural aesthetic areas within the town.

Meets: Third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road

Dog Park Committee

Objective: Supports the maintenance of and improvements to the Portsmouth Dog Park (located within the Melville Recreation Area), including promoting safety for the people and dogs who visit, supporting activities that promote education and training, and cultivating responsible dog ownership and well-behaved dogs.

Meets: Select Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Road (unless otherwise noted)

Economic Development Committee

Objective: Chartered to complete the following tasks for the community: conduct studies; facilitate liaison, cooperation, and collaboration with state, federal, and business related entities; provide advice and assistance to the Town Council and, upon request, to town boards and staff; support promotional activities for the consistent and balanced economic development and growth of the town’s industrial and commercial base. For more information, visit www.portsmouthriedc.com.

Meets: Normally the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at Town Hall.

Melville Park Committee

Objective: Supervises the park environment of the 153-acre town property known as the Melville Recreation Area, to the west of West Main Road and south of the King’s Grant development. The committee monitors the park’s land and water assets to determine and propose means to enhance the enjoyment of the area, and to identify problems with those assets and recommend solutions. It is this committee’s responsibility to maintain passive recreational use, to continuously promote, protect and enhance the natural environment and maintain awareness of the ecological beauty of the park. Safety concerns and securing of wild animal habitat are also matters of concern to the committee.

The committee may recommend the engagement of volunteer or professional expertise for assistance in areas where its internal expertise is considered inadequate or lacking.

Meets: First Wednesday of the month at the Leonard Brown House, 121 Linden Lane

Parks and Recreation Committee

Objective: Advises on the budget and operations of the town’s Parks and Recreation Department; establishes related policies; plans for short and long-term parks and recreation needs; and makes recommendations to the Town Council for investments in facilities or operations. The committee will also carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Town Council.

Meets: Third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Leonard Brown House

Solid Waste/Recycling Committee

Objective: Advises the Town Council and town administrator on matters relating to the disposal of solid waste and recycling programs to increase recycling in Portsmouth to maximum levels.

Meets: Second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at Town Hall

Tax Assessment Board of Review

Objective: Hears and considers appeals of any property owner concerning the amount of his or her assessed valuation as determined by the tax assessor. The board has the authority to order a correction if it appears the valuation has been erroneously or incorrectly assessed. 

Meets: As needed in the second-floor conference room at Town Hall

Tree Commission

Objective: Acts in an advisory role to the Town Council and the tree warden on whether the town is properly fulfilling its tree programs including the planning, care of, and removal of trees on public property in conjunction with the Department of Public Works and other related town departments. It also coordinate efforts by citizens, businesses and groups wishing to donate funds, volunteer work, provide information, or to contribute in any other manner in order to protect, preserve and enhance the town’s trees. The panel also makes recommendations to the council on tree programs, educational programs or other related activities. 

Meets: Normally on the first Thursday of certain months at 7 p.m. in the Planning Board conference room at Town Hall

Wastewater Appeals Board

Objective: Hears residents’ appeals regarding notices of violation issued by the wastewater manager.

Meets: As needed

More info

For more information or an application, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 401/683-2101 or visiting the office at Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road. You may also download an application here. All completed applications should be submitted to the clerk’s office.