Jun. 25, 2025 - Regular Session

Newport

Minutes · June 25, 2025

CITY OF NEWPORT

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL

MEETING

JUNE 25, 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

Citizens’ Forum:

Pete Rice, 1 Harrison Lane

~Citation congratulating the Friends of Newport Public Library~

CHAIR HOLDER introduced the citation and presented it to Joseph Logue, Library Director and Edwina Sebest, Library Trustee.

~Proclamation congratulating the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation for being awarded Best License Plate for 2024~

~Proclamation honoring Jan Slee & John Bagwill for the “Old Stone Mill- The Real Story”~

CHAIR HOLDER introduced the Proclamation and presented it to Jan Slee and John Bagwill.

1. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, The Newport Tree Conservancy, d/b/a Evening of Arboreta, 146 Coggeshall Ave.; August 8, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Sail Newport, d/b/a Sail Newport’s Summer Fundraiser, 72 Fort Adams Drive; August 14, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 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 convene as Council. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

a. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on May 28, 2025

b. Special Events:

1. Denise Chakoian, d/b/a Lagree pop up, Long Wharf Mall in front of Lululemon; June 29, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

2. Friends of the Waterfront, d/b/a Waterfront Concert Series, King Park; 7/11/25, 7/18/25, 8/8/25, 8/15/25 and 8/30/25 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

3. The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Winslow Lecture, The Elms; August 7, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

4. Newport Tree Conservancy, d/b/a Evening of the Arboreta, 146 Coggeshall Ave.; August 8, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

5. Sail Newport, d/b/a Sail Newport’s Summer Fundraiser, 72 Fort Adams Drive; August 14, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

6. Newport Restoration Foundation, d/b/a Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, Rough Point; September 5, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

7. Shops of Long Wharf, d/b/a Car Show @ Long Wharf for Broadway Street Fair; Shops at Long Wharf; October 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

c. Communication from Michael Richards, Friends of Newport Skatepark, re: Notification of a change of date for previously approved special event to celebrate the grand opening being held at Newport Skatepark from June 14, 2025 to July 19, 2025 (Approve subject to details being worked out with city administration)

d. Banner License, Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, to hang a banner between the Red Parrot and Midtown Oyster Bar July 17-28, 2025 advertising The Newport Show

e. Private Detective License, Renewal, Kevin P. Sullivan, d/b/a KPS Investigations Constable Services, LLC, 2 Chastellux Ave.

f. Holiday Selling License, Renewal, Maramill, LLC, d/b/a CK Bradley, 182 Bellevue Ave.

g. Holiday Selling License, Renewal, Newport Sea Foam Trading, LLC, d/b/a Newport Sea Foam Trading Co, 415 Thames St.

h. Communication from Kyle Henderson, re: Requesting permission to waive Section 5.57.040 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Restrictions on permit”, in order to place a food truck at Toppa Field during Youth Flag Football League on 6/29/25, 7/13/25, 7/20/25 and 7/27/25 (Approve)

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

2. Entertainment License, Expansion, MBK, LLC, d/b/a Pour Judgement Bar & Grill, 32 Broadway, to have entertainment indoors Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Hearing)

The public hearing was declared open.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Sound Variance, Jon Koucky/Belmont Carriage House, LLC, 180 Narragansett Avenue for private parties being held on June 28, 2025, July 5, 2025 and July 18, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Hearing)

The public hearing was declared open.

Jon Koucky, applicant, addressed the Council to answer questions. Alex Fowler, 100 Annandale Rd. addressed the Council in support of the license. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.

4. 2025 Entertainment License Renewals (list attached)

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

5. Memorandum from the City Solicitor, re: Proposal from Raftelis for Facilitated Evaluation Services (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the memorandum and approve the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. Communication from the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission, re: Commission’s Final Report

Colin Kane addressed the Council to provide an update on the final report. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the report and reported a workshop will be scheduled at a later time. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Action Item #6449/25 – RE: Amendments #01 and #02 to Brewster Thornton Group Architects’ Contract for Renovations to the Florence Gray Center-Pandemic Recovery Office CPF-CLC (w/accompanying resolution)

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

8. Action Item #6450/25 – RE: Award of Contract-Digital Parking Permit/License Plate Reader Technology (w/accompanying resolution)

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

9. Action Item #6451/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.24.010. – Parking Prohibited at all Times in Designated Places – Spring Street, East Side from Bull Street to a point Fifty (50) Feet North (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the ordinance to change the word “north” to “south”. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. CHAIR HOLDER moved to approve the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

10. Action Item #6452/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.24.010. – Parking Prohibited at all Times in Designated Places – Poplar Street, South Side, from America’s Cup Avenue to a point Seventy-Five (75) Feet East of America’s Cup Avenue (w/accompanying ordinance)

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

11. Amending Section 10.32.110, entitled, “Designated residential parking streets” (Second Hearing)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. Easton’s Beach Revenue- J. Napolitano, L. Ceglie

COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moved to amend the resolution by replacing the resolve with an entirely new resolve which states additional revenue will be put into restricted fund.

Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. CHAIR HOLDER moved to adopt the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

The public hearing was declared open. The following members from the public addressed the Council:

Ali Oakley, 113 Van Zandt Ave.

Beth Cullen, 19 Bayside Ave.

Becky Bolan, 4 Channing St.

Colleen Burns Jermain, 70 Brenton Rd.

Bari Freeman, 45 Friendship St.

James Dring, 27 Dudley Ave.

Jim Frye, Slocum St.

Olivia Nagle, 553 Bellevue Ave.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANMOUSLY.

a. Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (Second Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to remove Civic Support and consider it separately. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moved to remove $250,000 from the regionalization study and move it to the school budget. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. The motion failed 3-4 with COUNCILOR

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to add $35,000 back to the Sister City budget. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 4-3. In favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO, COUNCLOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Opposed- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR SMYTH.

COUNCILOR PINNOCK moved to increase the school funding from 2% to 4%. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and voted 6-1 with CONCILOR CARLIN opposed.

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to approve the Deputy Harbormaster. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNICLOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Superintendent of the Parking Authority. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion failed 4-3. Opposed- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR CARLIN. In favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Utilities GIS Field Specialist. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion failed 4-3. Opposed- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK. In favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Utilities Capital Projects Manager. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion was approved 4-3. In favor – CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG Opposed- COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR SMYTH.

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to approve the Deputy Police Chief. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to pay the salary from the parking fund. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Public Services laborer. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion failed 4-3. Opposed- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR CARLIN. In Favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Code Enforcement Officer. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion failed 4-3. Opposed- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK. In favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Assistant Building Official. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Brad Ward, Building Official, addressed the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.

COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to approve the Civic Support funding except, Newport Bridge, Fab Newport, Conexion Latina and Newport Public Education Foundation. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.

COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to approve Newport Bridge, Fab Newport, Conexion Latina and the Newport Public Education Foundation. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. (5-0)

b. Personnel Ordinance (Second Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the personnel ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to add the Code Enforcement Officer without funding the position. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

CHAIR HOLDER moved to adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

c. Amending Chapter 13.12, entitled, “Sewer service charges” to amend Section 13.12.010, entitled, “Basic Charge” and Section 13.12.050, entitled, “CSO fixed charge” (Second Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 4-3 with COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNICLOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.

d. Resolution Affirming Compliance with the Omnibus Property Tax Relief and Replacement Act

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 4-3 with COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNICLOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.

e. Resolution Authorizing the Tax Levy

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by CHAIR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Adjourn- 10:30 p.m.

Laura C. Swistak, CMC

City Clerk

Entertainment Licenses – Class A Indoors

DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions

Empire Tea & Newport Bubble Tea located at 22 Broadway and 3 Detail Police Office may be required

Coffee LLC River Lane

Poor Richard's- Mermaids Newport LLC located at 254 Thames St. INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY, FIRST

Benjamins FLOOR ONLY, OUTDOOR SPEAKERS TO BE

REMOVED

Class A and B

DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions

Ancient Order of Ancient Order of located at 2 Wellington Ave. & Outdoor limited to: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays &

Hibernians Hibernians patio Holidays from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Belle Mer Belle Mer, Inc. located at 2 Goat Island Outdoor entertainment allowed with amplification

until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and to

midnight Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

preceding a Monday holiday.