CouncilNotes
Minutes

Jul. 8, 2026 - Regular Session

Newport · Council July 8, 2026 Official source ↗ Retrieved Jul 25, 2026

public hearing on Church Community Housing, multiple special-event licenses (including removed/then-approved Newport Global Summit), waste-hauler renewals, commission appointments/reappointments, school budget communication, ordinances and resolutions on second reading

What happened

Council heard a public hearing on a Church Community Housing project; handled special-event licenses (one removed then approved); renewed waste-hauler licenses; received resignations; received the Police Dept. annual report; made appointments and reappointments to several commissions; received school budget communication; considered City Manager ordinances (one failed) and adopted other ordinances and resolutions.

Zoning/Land UsePublic SafetyHousingSchools
28Formal actions
27Policy decisions
16Licenses
1Contested

Key actions 5

  1. City Manager communication and ordinance considered (motion failed) Failed · 0–6

    The Council considered a City Manager communication and an accompanying ordinance, and the motion to receive and adopt the ordinance failed by a vote of 0–6.

  2. Public hearing closed and resolution adopted for Church Community Housing Passed · Unanimous

    The council closed the public hearing on the Church Community Housing application submitted by Robert Plane and Steve Ostiguy and adopted the resolution related to that application/project.

  3. Resolution introduced and amended, then approved as amended Passed · Unanimous

    A resolution was introduced, the first and second Resolve clauses were amended, and the council approved the resolution as amended.

  4. Ordinance on second reading adopted Passed · Unanimous

    The council adopted the listed ordinance on its second reading.

  5. Second ordinance on second reading adopted Passed · Unanimous

    The council adopted the second listed ordinance on its second reading.

Members recorded voting

Charles M. HolderDavid Carlin IIIEllen PinnockJeanne-Marie NapolitanoLynn Underwood CeglieStephanie Smyth

Key decisions 7

Public hearing closed and resolution adopted for Church Community Housing

Passed · Unanimous

The council closed the public hearing on the Church Community Housing application submitted by Robert Plane and Steve Ostiguy and adopted the resolution related to that application/project.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO
Individual votes Not recorded
Housing
Source wording

Close public hearing and adopt the accompanying resolution regarding Church Community Housing application/project

See it in the full record

Consent Calendar approved except for one special-event item

Passed · Unanimous

The council approved the Consent Calendar in its entirety except for item b(8), which was removed for separate consideration.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Approve Consent Calendar in its entirety with exception of item b(8)

See it in the full record

Special-event license approved for Newport Global Summit, Inc.

Passed · Unanimous

The council approved a special-event license for Newport Global Summit, Inc. (D/B/A Newport Global Summit) at 76 Bellevue Ave. for August 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and August 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the application had been removed from the Consent Calendar after discussion about an additional location (Belcourt Castle) not part of the application.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO
Individual votes Not recorded
Public Safety
Source wording

Approve license for Special Events item b(8) Newport Global Summit, Inc. (removed)

See it in the full record

Resolution introduced and amended, then approved as amended

Passed · Unanimous

A resolution was introduced, the first and second Resolve clauses were amended, and the council approved the resolution as amended.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR SMYTH
Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Introduce resolution, adopt amendments to first and second Resolve, and approve resolution as amended

See it in the full record

Ordinance on second reading adopted

Passed · Unanimous

The council adopted the listed ordinance on its second reading. Councilor Smyth recused from consideration.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Adopt ordinance on second reading (first ordinance)

See it in the full record

Second ordinance on second reading adopted

Passed · Unanimous

The council adopted the second listed ordinance on its second reading.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Adopt ordinance on second reading (second ordinance)

See it in the full record

Board of License Commissioners consent calendar approved

Passed · Unanimous

The Board of License Commissioners' Consent Calendar was approved in its entirety.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COMMISSIONER CEGLIE
Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO
Individual votes Not recorded
Follow-up Required
Source wording

Approve Board of License Commissioners Consent Calendar in its entirety

See it in the full record

Consent calendar 16 items

Approved as one block

16 items adopted together on the consent calendar

newportFILM request to change event venue for July 9, 2026
Communication from newportFILM asking for an amendment to change the venue on their event permit for July 9, 2026. The packet lists this request for the council to consider on the consent calendar.
communication
Source wording

Communication from newportFILM, re: Request for Venue Change Amendment – Event Permit for July 9, 2026 (Approve)

See it in the full record

Waste Management waste hauler license renewal — 65 Halsey St.
A waste hauler license renewal was listed for Waste Management at 65 Halsey St., Newport, RI.
license
Source wording

Waste Hauler License, Renewals — Waste Management, 65 Halsey St., Newport, RI

See it in the full record

Waste Connections of RI d/b/a E.L. Harvey and Sons — waste hauler renewal
A waste hauler license renewal was listed for Waste Connections of RI, d/b/a E.L. Harvey and Sons.
license
Source wording

Waste Hauler License, Renewals — Waste Connections of RI, d/b/a E.L. Harvey and Sons, MTG,

See it in the full record

CRMC communication about maintenance along Webster Street to Narragansett Avenue
A communication from CRMC described the Application of NRI TT RGG LLC ET AL and said the current plan includes conducting maintenance activities along the entire 550-foot length between Webster Street and Narragansett Avenue, divided into 5 sections, and referenced an attached plan set. The docket entry listed the action as (Receive).
communication
Infrastructure
Source wording

Communication from CRMC, re: Application of NRI TT RGG LLC ET AL for a State of Rhode Island Assent to: The current plan includes conducting maintenance activities along the entire 550-foot length between Webster Street and Narragansett Avenue. For ease of discussion, we have divided the area into 5 sections. Refer to the attached plan set for details. (Receive)

See it in the full record

Michael J. Murray resigns from Sister City Commission
Michael J. Murray, Esq. sent a letter resigning his position on the Sister City Commission. The communication was filed to be received with regret.
communication
Public Comment
Source wording

Communication from Michael J. Murray, Esq., re: Resignation from the Sister City Commission (Receive with regret)

See it in the full record

Deanna Amorello resigns from Historic District Commission
Deanna Amorello submitted a resignation from the Historic District Commission. The communication was docketed to be received with regret.
communication
Public Comment
Source wording

Communication from Deanna Amorello, re: Resignation from the Historic District Commission (Receive with regret)

See it in the full record

William Finlay resigns from Historic District Commission
William Finlay submitted a resignation from the Historic District Commission. The communication was docketed to be received with regret.
communication
Public Comment
Source wording

Communication from William Finlay, re: Resignation from the Historic District Commission (Receive with regret)

See it in the full record

Special-event permit: Serial Killers Speakeasy at Newport Art Museum
The Sallie Hunt Foundation, d/b/a Serial Killers Speakeasy, received a special-event permit for the Newport Art Museum on July 16-17, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and July 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
event
Public Safety
Source wording

Special Events — The Sallie Hunt Foundation, d/b/a Serial Killers Speakeasy, Newport Art Museum; July 16-17, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and July 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

See it in the full record

Special-event permit: Overlap Art Space opening at 112 Van Zandt Ave.
Overlap Art Space, d/b/a Art Opening (for Internalized Landscapes), received a special-event permit for 112 Van Zandt Ave. on July 18, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
event
Public Safety
Source wording

Special Events — Overlap Art Space, d/b/a Art Opening (for Internalized Landscapes), 112 Van Zandt Ave.; July 18, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

See it in the full record

Retromania Summer Shindig vintage market — July 18–19, 2026
A special-event permit was listed for Andrew Gifford, d/b/a Retromania Summer Shindig Vintage Market, to hold a vintage market at 141 Pelham St. on July 18-19, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
event
Source wording

Special Events — Andrew Gifford, d/b/a Retromania Summer Shindig Vintage Market, 141 Pelham St.; July 18-19, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

See it in the full record

Newport Elks Craft Fair — July 25, 2026
A special-event permit was listed for Cynthia Guyon, d/b/a Newport Elks Craft Fair, to hold an event at 141 Pelham St. on July 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
event
Source wording

Special Events — Cynthia Guyon, d/b/a Newport Elks Craft Fair, 141 Pelham St.; July 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

See it in the full record

Redwood Concert Series at Redwood Library — Aug. 4, 11 and Sept. 1, 2026
A special-event permit was listed for Redwood Library and Athenaeum, d/b/a Redwood Concert Series, to hold concerts at Redwood Library and Athenaeum on August 4, 11, and September 1, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
event
Source wording

Special Events — Redwood Library and Athenaeum, d/b/a Redwood Concert Series, Redwood Library and Athenaeum; August 4, 11, September 1, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

See it in the full record

Community Concert: RI Philharmonic at Rosecliff — Aug. 9, 2026
A special-event permit was listed for The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Community Concert: RI Philharmonic, to hold an event at Rosecliff on August 9, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
event
Source wording

Special Events — The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Community Concert: RI Philharmonic, Rosecliff; August 9, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

See it in the full record

Newport Global Summit at 76 Bellevue Ave. — Aug. 18–19, 2026 (removed then considered)
A special-event permit was listed for Newport Global Summit, Inc., d/b/a Newport Global Summit, for 76 Bellevue Ave.; August 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and August 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The item was marked REMOVED on the docket and then discussed by the Council, which also mentioned an additional location (Belcourt Castle) not included in the application.
event
Source wording

Special Events — Newport Global Summit, Inc., d/b/a Newport Global Summit, 76 Bellevue Ave.; August 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and August 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

See it in the full record

Redwood Library Garden Party — Aug. 23, 2026
A special-event permit was listed for Redwood Library and Athenaeum, d/b/a Garden Party, to hold a garden party at Redwood Library and Athenaeum on August 23, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
event
Source wording

Special Events — Redwood Library and Athenaeum, d/b/a Garden Party, Redwood Library and Athenaeum; August 23, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

See it in the full record

Ellen Ruppert appointed to Tree and Open Space Commission
Ellen Ruppert was appointed to the Tree and Open Space Commission for a three-year term (expired 7/8/2029).
appointment
Follow-up Required
Source wording

Appointment — Tree and Open Space Commission: Ellen Ruppert– three-year term expired 7/8/2029

See it in the full record

Licenses & permits 8

Special-event license: Serial Killers Speakeasy at Newport Art Museum

Applicant
The Sallie Hunt Foundation
D/B/A
Serial Killers Speakeasy
Location
Newport Art Museum
Event dates/times
July 16-17, 2026, 6:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.; July 18, 2026, 12:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO
Individual votes Not recorded
Public Safety
Source wording

Approve license (special event: The Sallie Hunt Foundation/Serial Killers Speakeasy, Newport Art Museum)

See it in the full record

Special-event license: Overlap Art Space opening

Applicant
Overlap Art Space
D/B/A
Art Opening (Internalized Landscapes)
Location
112 Van Zandt Ave.
Event date/time
July 18, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Public Safety
Source wording

Approve license (special event: Overlap Art Space/Art Opening)

See it in the full record

Special-event license: Retromania Summer Shindig Vintage Market

Applicant
Andrew Gifford
D/B/A
Retromania Summer Shindig Vintage Market
Location
141 Pelham St.
Event dates/times
July 18-19, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Public Safety
Source wording

Approve license (special event: Andrew Gifford/Retromania Summer Shindig Vintage Market)

See it in the full record

Special-event license: Newport Elks Craft Fair

Applicant
Cynthia Guyon
D/B/A
Newport Elks Craft Fair
Location
141 Pelham St.
Event date/time
July 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Public Safety
Source wording

Approve license (special event: Cynthia Guyon/Newport Elks Craft Fair)

See it in the full record

Special-event license: Roots in Revelry at Ochre Court

Applicant
Salve Regina Dance Program
D/B/A
Roots in Revelry
Location
Ochre Court
Event date/time
July 29, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Public Safety
Source wording

Approve license (special event: Salve Regina Dance Program/Roots in Revelry)

See it in the full record

Special-event license: Redwood Concert Series

Applicant
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
D/B/A
Redwood Concert Series
Location
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
Event dates/times
August 4, 11, September 1, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Public Safety
Source wording

Approve license (special event: Redwood Library and Athenaeum/Redwood Concert Series)

See it in the full record

Special-event license: Community Concert with RI Philharmonic at Rosecliff

Applicant
Preservation Society of Newport County
D/B/A
Community Concert: RI Philharmonic
Location
Rosecliff
Event date/time
August 9, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Public Safety
Source wording

Approve license (special event: Preservation Society of Newport County/Community Concert: RI Philharmonic, Rosecliff)

See it in the full record

Special-event license for Redwood Library Garden Party (Aug 23, 2026)

Applicant
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
D/B/A
Garden Party
Location
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
Event date/time
August 23, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Approve license (special event: Redwood Library and Athenaeum/Garden Party)

See it in the full record

Appointments 7

Ellen Ruppert appointed to Tree and Open Space Commission
Appointee
Ellen Ruppert
Board/Seat
Tree and Open Space Commission
Term
three-year term (expired 7/8/2029)
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by CHAIR HOLDER
Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Individual votes Not recorded
Follow-up Required
Source wording

Appoint Ellen Ruppert to Tree and Open Space Commission (three-year term)

See it in the full record

Jan D’Entremont appointed as full member of Historic District Commission
Appointee
Jan D’Entremont
Board/Seat
Historic District Commission (full member)
Term
three-year term expires 3/25/29
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by CHAIR HOLDER
Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Individual votes Not recorded
Zoning/Land Use
Source wording

Appoint Jan D’Entremont as full member to Historic District Commission

See it in the full record

Benjamin Willet appointed as full member of Historic District Commission
Appointee
Benjamin Willet
Board/Seat
Historic District Commission (full member)
Term
three-year term expires 3/25/29
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by CHAIR HOLDER
Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Individual votes Not recorded
Zoning/Land Use
Source wording

Appoint Benjamin Willet as full member to Historic District Commission

See it in the full record

Theresa (Soni) Stokes reappointed to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission
Appointee
Theresa (Soni) Stokes
Board/Seat
Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission (R.I. Black Heritage Society Representative)
Term
three-year term expires 8-23-29
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by CHAIR HOLDER
Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Individual votes Not recorded
Follow-up Required
Source wording

Reappoint Theresa (Soni) Stokes to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission

See it in the full record

Gary Ruff reappointed to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission
Appointee
Gary Ruff
Board/Seat
Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission (Newport Preservation Society Representative)
Term
three-year term expires 8-23-29
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by CHAIR HOLDER
Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Individual votes Not recorded
Follow-up Required
Source wording

Reappoint Gary Ruff to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission

See it in the full record

Bert Lippincott reappointed to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission
Appointee
Bert Lippincott
Board/Seat
Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission (Newport Historical Society Representative)
Term
three-year term expires 8-23-29
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by CHAIR HOLDER
Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Individual votes Not recorded
Follow-up Required
Source wording

Reappoint Bert Lippincott to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission

See it in the full record

Mary Jameson reappointed to Sister City Commission
Appointee
Mary Jameson
Board/Seat
Sister City Commission
Term
three-year term expires 4-24-2029
Action
Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by CHAIR HOLDER
Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Individual votes Not recorded
Follow-up Required
Source wording

Reappoint Mary Jameson to Sister City Commission

See it in the full record

Communications 6

School budget communication received Passed · Unanimous

The Council received a communication regarding the School budget; Becky Bolan and Beth Cullen spoke to the Council about the matter.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO
Individual votes Not recorded
Schools
Source wording

Receive communication regarding School budget (as moved to receive)

See it in the full record

City Manager communication and ordinance considered (motion failed) Failed · 0–6

The Council considered a City Manager communication and an accompanying ordinance, and the motion to receive and adopt the ordinance failed by a vote of 0–6.

Result Failed 0–6
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO
NayCHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO, COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Source wording

Receive communication and adopt accompanying ordinance (failed)

See it in the full record

Ordinance received from City Manager and adopted Passed · Unanimous

The council received a communication from the City Manager and adopted the accompanying ordinance as presented.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Receive communication and adopt accompanying ordinance

See it in the full record

First City Manager resolution received and adopted Passed · Unanimous

The council received a communication from the City Manager and adopted the accompanying resolution (the first resolution listed).

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Receive communication and adopt accompanying resolution (1)

See it in the full record

Second City Manager resolution received and adopted Passed · Unanimous

The council received a communication from the City Manager and adopted the accompanying resolution (the second resolution listed).

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Receive communication and adopt accompanying resolution (2)

See it in the full record

Third City Manager resolution received and adopted Passed · Unanimous

The council received a communication from the City Manager and adopted the accompanying resolution (the third resolution listed).

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by COUNCILOR CEGLIE
Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Receive communication and adopt accompanying resolution (3)

See it in the full record

Also in the record 5

meeting notice

From the record
Meeting notice: July 8, 2026 at City Hall

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 City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840.

Source wording

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 City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840.

See it in the full record

Licenses And Permits

Council discussion
Licenses: council questions and approvals

Multiple license approvals were moved and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILOR CARLIN raised questions about parking and traffic for one item, and Sergeant Jason Head addressed the Council regarding the event.

Source wording

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN had questions regarding parking and traffic. Sergeant Jason Head, addressed the Council regarding the event. The motion to approve was 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 CARLIN 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 CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

See it in the full record

Appointments

Council discussion
Appointments to commissions

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Ellen Ruppert to the Tree and Open Space Commission, Jan D’Entremont as a full member to the Historic District Commission, and Benjamin Willet as a full member to the Historic District Commission; each motion was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Source wording

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Ellen Ruppert to the Tree and Open Space Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Jan D’Entremont as full member to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Benjamin Willet as a full member to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

See it in the full record

Reappointments

Council discussion
Reappointments to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission and Sister City

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Theresa (Soni) Stokes, Gary Ruff, and Bert Lippincott to the Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission, and to reappoint Mary Jameson to the Sister City Commission; each motion was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Source wording

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Theresa (Soni) Stokes to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Gary Ruff to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Bert Lippincott to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Mary Jameson to Sister City Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

See it in the full record

Communications

Public comment
Communication received about the School budget

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive a communication; after discussion, Becky Bolan and Beth Cullen addressed the Council regarding the School budget. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Source wording

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. Becky Bolan and Beth Cullen addressed the Council regarding the School budget. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

See it in the full record

Read the full text the original record, verbatim

Official record ↗

*https://www.clerkshq.com/newport-ri - link to supporting documents on the agenda.

CITY OF NEWPORT

DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL

MEETING

JULY 8, 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 City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840.

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

LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE

DAVID R. CARLIN, III

STEPHANIE SMYTH

CHARLIE HOLDER

JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO

ELLEN PINNOCK

ABSENT

XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG

Citizens’ Forum

John Cook, 42 Golden Hill Street

The public hearing was declared open. Robert Plane and Steve Ostiguy, Church Community Housing, addressed the Council to answer questions and explain the application and project. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

a. Minutes of the Council meeting held June 10, 2026 (Approve)

b. Special Events:

1. The Sallie Hunt Foundation, d/b/a Serial Killers Speakeasy, Newport Art Museum; July 16-17, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and July 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

2. Overlap Art Space, d/b/a Art Opening (for Internalized Landscapes), 112 Van Zandt Ave.; July 18, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

3. Andrew Gifford, d/b/a Retromania Summer Shindig Vintage Market, 141 Pelham St.; July 18-19, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4. Cynthia Guyon, d/b/a Newport Elks Craft Fair, 141 Pelham St.; July 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

5. Salve Regina Dance Program, d/b/a Roots in Revelry, Ochre Court; July 29, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

6. Redwood Library and Athenaeum, d/b/a Redwood Concert Series, Redwood Library and Athenaeum; August 4, 11, September 1, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

7. The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Community Concert: RI Philharmonic, Rosecliff; August 9, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

8. *Newport Global Summit, Inc., d/b/a Newport Global Summit, 76 Bellevue Ave.; August 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and August 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

*REMOVED- COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding the event and an additional location at Belcourt Castle which is not a part of the current application. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. Redwood Library and Athenaeum, d/b/a Garden Party, Redwood Library and Athenaeum; August 23, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

c. Communication from newportFILM, re: Request for Venue Change Amendment – Event Permit for July 9, 2026 (Approve)

d. Communication from CRMC, re: Application of NRI TT RGG LLC ET AL for a State of Rhode Island Assent to: The current plan includes conducting maintenance activities along the entire 550-foot length between Webster Street and Narragansett Avenue. For ease of discussion, we have divided the area into 5 sections. Refer to the attached plan set for details. (Receive)

e. Waste Hauler License, Renewals:

1. Waste Management, 65 Halsey St., Newport, RI

2. Waste Connections of RI, d/b/a E.L. Harvey and Sons, MTG,

Patriot Disposal, 1166 Shawmutt Ave., New Bedford, MA

f. Communication from Michael J. Murray, Esq., re: Resignation from the Sister City Commission (Receive with regret)

g. Communication from Deanna Amorello, re: Resignation from the Historic District Commission (Receive with regret)

h. Communication from William Finlay, re: Resignation from the Historic District Commission (Receive with regret)

i. Police Department Annual Report 2025 (Receive)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of item b(8). Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN had questions regarding parking and traffic. Sergeant Jason Head, addressed the Council regarding the event. The motion to approve was 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 CARLIN 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 CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

APPOINTMENTS

Tree and Open Space Commission

Ellen Ruppert– three-year term expired 7/8/2029

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Ellen Ruppert to the Tree and Open Space Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Historic District Commission

Jan D’ Entremont– move from Alternate to Full – three-year term expires 3/25/29

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Jan D’Entremont as full member to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Benjamin Willet– move from Alternate to Full - three-year term expires 3/25/29

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Benjamin Willet as a full member to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

REAPPOINTMENTS

Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission

Theresa (Soni) Stokes – R.I. Black Heritage Society Representative – three-year term expires 8-23-29

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Theresa (Soni) Stokes to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Gary Ruff – Newport Preservation Society Representative - three-year term expires 8-23-29

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Gary Ruff to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Bert Lippincott – Newport Historical Society - three-year term expires 8-23-29

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Bert Lippincott to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Sister City Commission

Mary Jameson– three-year term expires 4-24-2029

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Mary Jameson to Sister City Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMUNICATIONS

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. Becky Bolan and Beth Cullen addressed the Council regarding the School budget. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN addressed the Council regarding his support. The motion to approve failed. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE. In favor- 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORDINANCES

COUNCILOR SMYTH recused.

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

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

RESOLUTIONS

COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced an amendment to the resolution in the first Resolve and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced an amendment to the second Resolve and moved for passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

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

Laura C. Swistak, CMC

City Clerk

Adjourn- 8:15 p.m.