Mar. 4, 2026 - Regular Session postponed from 2/25/2026

CITY OF NEWPORT

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL

MEETING

*MARCH 4, 2026

*(Rescheduled from 2/25/2026 due to the Blizzard of 2026)

The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council came before the Council at a meeting held at 6:30 p.m. at Rogers High School, 15 Wickham Rd., Student Commons (adjacent to the auditorium and gymnasium), Newport, RI 02840.

Citizens’ Forum*: *

~Proclamation Recognizing Black History Month~

Citations Recognizing Community Members for Black History Month

Gionna Michel, Latisha Michel, Angela Lima, Barbara Jenkins, Pauline Perkins-Moye, Marlin DaCruz, Sierra Jones, Veronica Bourget-Callandret, Barbara Winters, Cheryl Robinson, Fern Lima, Akeia de Barros Gomes, Merrie Scott

CHAIR HOLDER and COUNCILOR PINNOCK presented citations to the honorees.

~Key to the City –presented to Pauline Perkins-Moye~

CHAIR HOLDER presented a Key to the City to Pauline Perkins-Moye.

The public hearing was declared open.  Nicholas Armour, Zoning Officer, addressed the Council to provide information regarding the proposed amendments.  The following members from the public addressed the Council:

Mitchell Edwards, Esq., on behalf of clients in the short term rental community

Nick Desrosiers, Thames St., Newport, RI

Marielle Claire, 12 George St., Newport, RI

Alexandra Teran, 515 Thames St., Newport, RI

Shane Cooper, Woodhaven Rd., Barrington, RI

Brianna McBride, Air BnB Public Policy Manager, New England

Tina Brownell, 15 Florence Ave., Newport, RI

Discussion occurred among the Council members and City Solicitor Behan regarding the amendments.

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

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to request the City Solicitor to bring back language regarding grandfathered properties for the second reading.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

a.       Recommendation from the Planning Board;

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the recommendation from the Planning Board.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

b.      Parking Changes:

·         Chapter 17.04, entitled, “General Provisions” (First Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 4-3.  In favor- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK.  Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.

·         Chapter 17.104, entitled, “Parking and Loading” (First Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Discussion occurred among the Council.  The motion to approve was voted 4-3.  In favor- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK.  Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.

c.       Definitional Change:

·         Chapter 17.08, entitled, “Definitions” (First Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading.   Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Discussion occurred among the Council.  CHAIR HOLDER moved to amend the ordinance by withdrawing the language under guest facilities, “within a long term residential dwelling unit”.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR PINNOCK opposed.

CHAIR HOLDER moved to amend the ordinance by removing the language  regarding the “conversion of rental unit” under guest facilities and moved it be a separate item. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE.  The motion failed 3-4.  In favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.  Opposed- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR CARLIN.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance as amended.  Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

d.      Special Use Permit Proposal:

·         Chapter 17.14, entitled, “Permitted Uses”, 17.56, entitled, “Waterfront Business” and Chapter 17.60, entitled, “General Business” (First Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 4-3.  In favor- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK.  Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.

a.       Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held January 28, 2026

b.      Special Events:

1.      R.I. Slave History Medallions, d/b/a Oyster Fest Black History Month, Newport Art Museum; February 28, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

2.      Puddingstone Events, d/b/a From Salon to Tango, Belmont Chapel, 30 Warner St.; March 8, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

3.      The Sallie A. Hunt Foundation, d/b/a Edgar Allan Poe/Theater Performance, Newport Art Museum; March 19-22, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

4.      Robert Drake, d/b/a Diane Drake Memorial, Easton’s Beach; March 21, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

5.      Newport String Project, d/b/a Community Concert at Ochre Court, Salve Regina University; March 22, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

6.      Communication from the Preservation Society of Newport County, re:  Changing the date from the previously approved Winter Panel from 3/15/2026 to 3/6/2026

7.      Communication from Duneley A. Rochino, CAPT MSC, USN, re:  Request to hold the previously approved and postponed 2025 Cardines Classic Army Navy Baseball Game on May 8, 2026

c.       2025 Annual Report- Affirmative Action Commission

d.      Public Notice, Division of Statewide Planning, State Planning Council Quadrennial Federal Certification Review (Receive)

e.       Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, year ended June 30, 2025

f.        Actuarial Valuation Reports -  Postemployment Benefits Plan, Police Pension System & Fire Pension System as of July 1, 2025 (Receive)

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

LICENSES AND PERMITS

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.

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

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

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

a.       Royal Sweets and Treats, LLC, d/b/a Royal Sweets and Treats, 1 Dudley   Ave., Middletown, RI 02840

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

b.      WW Newport, LLC, d/b/a Wally’s Hot Dog Cart, 252 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI

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

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

a.       Amano, LLC, d/b/a Mano Pizza & Gelato, 181 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI

b.      Wiener Wagon, LLC, d/b/a, Wiener Wagon, 250 West Main Rd., Middletown, RI

c.       1899, LLC, d/b/a La Costa Lobster & Tacos, 186 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI

d.      Cluck Truck, LLC, d/b/a Cluck Truck, 256 Maple Ave., Newport, RI

Appointments

** Discover Newport-** Nicole Canning –three-year term expiring 2-25-2029

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Nicole Canning to the Discover Newport Board.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  DEPUTY CITY MANAGER CARUOLO addressed the Council regarding the agreement.  The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution with the exception of Fab Newport, Newport Bridge, Newport Classical and Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR KHAMSYOVRAVONG recused.

COUNCILOR PINNOCK recused.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve Newport Bridge, Fab Newport, Newport Classical and .  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0).

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

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

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the item to March 11, 2026.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

ORDINANCES

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

RESOLUTIONS

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.

COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0).

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

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

CONSENT CALENDAR

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

LICENSES AND PERMITS

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

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the expansion.  Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Laura C. Swistak, CMC

City Clerk

Adjourn- 10:46 p.m.