Aug. 13, 2025 - Regular Meeting

Newport

Minutes · August 13, 2025

CITY OF NEWPORT

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL

MEETING

AUGUST 13, 2025

The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council will come before the Council at a meeting to be held at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840

The CITY CLERK called the roll and the following members were present:

XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG

LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE

CHARLIE HOLDER

DAVID R. CARLIN, III

STEPHANIE SMYTH

ELLEN PINNOCK

JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO

COUNCILOR CEGLIE made a motion to move item No. 22 to after the proclamation. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Citizens’ Forum

Kyle Hence, 73 Washington St. spoke about water fluoridation.__ __

~ Proclamation honoring Joe Logue,

recently retired Director of the Newport Public Library~

CHAIR HOLDER presented the proclamation to Mr. Logue.

22. Congratulating the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust - D. Carlin, E. Pinnock, S. Smyth

Moved to before item No. 1. COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Lisa Morrison, Past President of the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation addressed the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

The public hearing was declared open. No members from the public addressed the Council.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and remove Michael Falcone from the Sister City Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

a. Minutes of the Executive Session held July 1, 2025, Regular Council Meeting held July 9, 2025 and Special Meeting held on July 15, 2025

b. Special Events:

1. The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Coaching Weekend, streets of Newport (routes attached); August 15-17, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

2. Stephanie Rickerman, d/b/a Newport Mental Health Community Outreach/Mental Health Awareness, Miantonomi Park; August 25, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. St. Augustin Church of Newport, d/b/a Feast of St. Augustin, St. Augustin Church; August 28, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

4. R.I. Arts Foundation at Newport, Inc., d/b/a Newport Classical Music Festival, Miantonomi Park; September 7, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

5. Dominique Alfandre, d/b/a Life After Life: A performance in the Common Burying Ground, Common Burying Ground; November 1 & 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

c. Waste Hauler License, Renewal, Waste Connections of RI, 1166 Shawmutt Ave., New Bedford, MA

d. Communication from the R.I. Ethics Commission, re: Public Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Receive)

e. Communication from the R.I. Division of Statewide Planning, re: Transportation Advisory Committee Public Notice, Draft Moving Forward R.I. 2050- Rhode Island’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (Receive)

f. Communication from Friends of the Waterfront, re: Adopt-an-Access Report on CRMC-Designated Rights of Way (Receive)

g. Banner License, Newport Prevention Coalition, to place a banner and flags on the front lawn of City Hall from August 25, 2025 to September 2, 2025 for International Overdose Awareness Day

REMOVED h. Communication from Franklin Street Business Owners, re: Signage Request (Approve subject to details being worked out with city administration)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve subject to details being worked out with city administration. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. CITY MANAGER KENNEDY addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of h. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Newport Festa Italiana, d/b/a Italian Heritage Parade, streets of Newport (route attached); October 13, 2025 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Bowen’s Wharf Company, d/b/a Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, Bowen’s Wharf and Market Square (w/food truck); October 18 & 19, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

~Request to close Market Square for October 18 & 19, 2025

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADJOURN AS COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

1. Class F Daily Liquor License, St. Augustin Church, d/b/a Feast of St. Augustin, Corner of Carroll Ave. and Harrison Ave.; August 28, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Board of License Commissioners and reconvene as Council. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Bowen’s Wharf, d/b/a Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, Bowen’s Wharf and Market Square; October 18, 19, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ADJOURN AS BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

AND RECONVENE AS COUNCIL

REAPPOINTMENTS

6. Action Item #6470/25 – RE: Amendment to Newport Yacht Club Lease (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the item. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Action Item #6471/25 – RE: Ordinance Amendment – Title II, Chapter 2.120, “General Fee Schedule” – Special Event - Impact Fees (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Action Item #6472/25 – RE: Usage of Grant Funds Awarded 2019-2022 JAG Variable Pass-Through Funds (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. Action Item #6473/25 – RE: Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Contract – July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 and Jul 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028 (w/accompanying resolution and ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution and ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to amend the contract by implementing a 4% retroactive increase as opposed to 2.9%. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. CITY MANAGER KENNEDY and CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council. The motion to amend the contract failed 1-6. In favor- D. Carlin. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CEGLIE, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.

COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to amend the contract by offering a 4% salary increase as opposed to the 3% increase. The motion failed, there was no second.

The motion to approve was voted UNANIMOUSLY.

10. Action Item #6474/25 – RE: Municipal Bond Project Funding (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

11. Action Item #6475/25 – RE: Award of Contract - Roadway Crack Sealing Project (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. William Riccio, Director of Public Services, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. Action Item #6476/25 – RE: Award of Contract - Rubberized Asphalt Chip Seal (w/accompanying resolution)

13. Action Item #6477/25 – RE: Local Public Agency Agreement – RIDOT - Municipal Road & Bridge Program (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

14. Action Item #6478/25 – RE: Contract - Criminal Investigative Division Vehicle Purchase (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

15. Action Item #6479/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.44.010- Multi-Way Stop Signs-Designated Spring Street, Bowery Street and Young Street (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Jason Head, Traffic Sergeant, addressed the Council to answer questions. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the item to the next meeting. Seconded by COUNCIOLOR SMYTH. The motion failed 1-6. In favor- COUNCILOR CARLIN. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO, COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.

The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

16. Action Item #6480/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.20.120 Parking Prohibited in Specified Places-Unauthorized Moving in Prohibited Areas. Thames Street, East Side, Beginning 12 Feet South of South Baptist Street, Proceeding a Distance South 42 Feet – Ride Share & Pick Up/Drop Off (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

17. Action Item #6481/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.24.010- Parking Prohibited at All Times in Designated Places. Thames Street, East Side, Beginning Fifty-Four (54) Feet South of South Baptist Street, Proceeding a Distance of Forty-Six (46) Feet South (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

18. Action Item #6482/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision – 10.32.110. – Designated Residential Parking Streets Bush Street – 24 Hours (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

19. Action Item #6483/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.24.010. – Parking Prohibited at All Times in Designated Places – Union Street, East Side (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

20. Action Item #6484/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision –10.24.020. - Parking Prohibited in Certain Places During Certain Hours–Oak Street, South Side, Collins Street, North Side (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

21. Action Item #6485/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision – 10.24.030- Special Parking Limits During Certain Hours on Certain Streets-Broadway, West Side, Beginning Sixteen (16) Feet South of Oak Street and Proceeding Fort-Two (42) Feet South, to be Designated Police Visitor Parking Only, Monday Through Friday, From Eight a.m. to Six p.m. (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

22. Congratulating the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust - D. Carlin, E. Pinnock, S. Smyth

23. Newport Hospital Council Liaisons - S. Smyth, X. Khamsyvoravong, E. Pinnock, C. Holder

COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. The motion failed. In favor- COUNCILOR CEGLIE, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Opposed- COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and CHAIR HOLDER.

The motion to approve the resolution was voted 4-3. In favor- COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.

24. Opposition to Proposed RIPTA Service Cuts – X. Khamsyvoravong, S. Smyth, E. Pinnock; L. Ceglie, D. Carlin

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

25. Invasive Plant Growth – C. Holder, J. Napolitano

CHAIR HOLDER introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

26. Speed Limits in School Zones – E. Pinnock, S. Smyth, X. Khamsyvoravong, D. Carlin

COUNCILOR PINNOCK introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. Sandra Flowers, 19 Keeher Ave., addressed the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

27. Celebrating Ida Lewis – D. Carlin

COUNCILOR CARLIN introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. Jan Slee, Mill St., addressed the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

28. School Regionalization – J. Napolitano

COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Discussion occurred among the Council. The following members from the public addressed the Council:

Beth Cullen, 19 Bayside Ave.

Melody O’Brien

Amy Yozura, 102 Warner St.

COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to continue the resolution and schedule a meeting. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. The motion failed 4-3. In favor- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE, COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to amend the first Resolve by adding the deadline of September 30, 2025 for Middletown and Newport to make appointments to the Academic Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to amend the resolution to

COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to continue the resolution until the City Manager provides a report on the city resources that will be required. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. The motion failed 4-3. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CARLIN. In favor- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR SMYTH.

CHAIR HOLDER moved to adopt the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK opposed. In favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR CEGLIE, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG.

Laura C. Swistak, CMC

City Clerk

Adjourn- 9:22 p.m.