PORTSMOUTH — Prudence Island residents who rely on the ferry to travel to and from the mainland will get a break on winter parking costs in Bristol.

The Bristol Town Council has approved a reduction in off-season parking rates at the Bristol Marina from $125 to $75 per month, Portsmouth Town Administrator Richard Rainer Jr. told the town council Monday night, Nov. 9.

The discounted rate takes effect Nov. 16 and runs through April 14. Residents must pay the entire five-month fee of $375 in advance.

“This follows three years of work by the Prudence Island/Bristol Parking Working Group to make winter parking more affordable and accessible for the island residents,” Rainer said.

There are 23 parking spaces available under the program, and the Bristol harbormaster’s office will accept applications.

“Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the program, and that will ensure its continuation in the future,” Rainer said.

The reduction represents a savings of $250 over the five-month period compared with the previous monthly rate, potentially providing some relief for island residents who depend on mainland parking when using the Prudence Island ferry.

Trash collection update

Rainer also provided an update on participation in the town’s waste collection programs.

As of the end of October, 3,232 households had signed up for curbside trash collection, while 2,000 were registered to use the Hedly Street transfer station. Another 385 households had signed up for the Prudence Island transfer station.

Residents were also reminded that curbside collection will be affected by the Veterans Day holiday.

“There will be no curbside collection on Wednesday of this week in observance of Veterans Day,” Rainer said.

Collections normally scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be delayed by one day. Monday and Tuesday collections are unaffected.

The town’s next electronic waste collection event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at Portsmouth High School. The event is open to all Rhode Island residents.

Liquor licenses renewed

Meeting as the Board of License Commissioners, the council also approved annual liquor license renewals for more than two dozen Portsmouth businesses and organizations, including package stores, restaurants, bars, golf clubs and other establishments.

All renewals passed without opposition, although some council members recused themselves from individual votes.

Among the establishments receiving renewals were Ferreira’s Package Store, Moriarty’s Liquor Locker, Portsmouth Liquors, Allen’s Wine & Spirits, Fieldstones, 15 Point Road Restaurant, The Gulf Stream Bar & Grille, Localz Kitchen & Cocktails, Portsmouth Publick House, Sunset Cove and Newport Polo at Glen Farm.

The council also considered a request from VFW Post 5390, at 822 Anthony Road, to open its activities to the public for trivia on Tuesdays, karaoke on Thursdays, and country line dancing and live music on two Fridays each month.

Other annual renewals included Sunday alcohol sales licenses for the town’s four package stores; extended-hours food service licenses for Cumberland Farms, two Dunkin’ locations and Melville Xtra Mart; and additional licenses for Green Valley and Montaup country clubs.

Administrator on leave

Rainer announced he would be on leave beginning Tuesday, Nov. 10, and expects to return to the office Dec. 1. He said he will remain available for contact during his absence and plans to participate remotely in the council’s Nov. 23 meeting.

Lisa Puglia will serve in his place during that period.

Town Hall will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day, as well as Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday.