Mayor Jim Kalb appointed a committee of himself, auditor Trent Williams, solicitor David Kuhn and Portsmouth City Councilman Mike Mearan to help the city construct a new municipal building.

The city's plans are to build one at the Adelphia Communications site on Washington Street.

At Monday's City Council meeting, President Howard Baughman said the committee will serve indefinitely.

Baughman wants to break ground on the building in the spring.

The building has been estimated to cost taxpayers $10 million to $12 million.

Kalb said the city has looked into grants to pay for the building, but that few are available.

“I think the advisory group is the best way to go,” Baughman said of the committee. “This will speed up the process.”

The committee will address such matters selling city property and acquiring property near Washington Street to build the city building.

In other business, City Council passed ordinances: