Jun. 11, 2025 - Regular Session
Newport
Minutes · June 11, 2025
CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
JUNE 11, 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
JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO
ELLEN PINNOCK
Citizens’ Forum
Bari Freeman, 34 Friendship St.
Eric Comerma, 59 Bedlow Ave.
~Proclamation honoring the Rogers High School Unified Basketball team on winning their third consecutive State Championship ~
CHAIR HOLDER presented the proclamation to the team.
COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to hear items No. 1 and No. 2 after the Resolutions. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. The motion was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
Moved to after item No. 22.
Moved to after item No. 22.
a. Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (First Reading)
b. Personnel Ordinance (First Reading)
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” (First Reading)
The public hearing was declared open. Robert Plane, Church Community Housing, and Patricia Reynolds, Director of Planning, addressed the Council. Heather Strout, Martin Luther King Jr. Center, addressed the Council.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANINMOULSY.
a. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on May 14, 2025
b. Special Events:
1. Lululemon, d/b/a Summer Solstice Flow, Long Wharf, June 21, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
2. Puddingstone Events, Inc., d/b/a Contrasts, Redwood Library; June 24, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
3. Puddingstone Events, Inc., d/b/a Open Rehearsal, Podcast and Reception, Provence Sur Mer; June 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., June 26, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. and June 28, 2025 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
4. Puddingstone Events, Inc., d/b/a Quest, Rough Point; June 27, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
5. Puddingstone Events, Inc., d/b/a Resonance, Colony House; June 28, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
6. Audrain Motorsport, d/b/a Audrain Youngtimers, McAuley Hall, Salve Regina University; July 12, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
7. Newport Design Festival, LLC, d/b/a Newport Design Week Lectures, Ochre Court, Salve Regina University; July 19, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and July 20, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
8. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Wet Paint Preview Party, Newport Art Museum; August 8, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
9. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Wet Paint, Newport Art Museum; August 9, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
10. The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Coaching Weekend Dinner Dance, The Breakers, 44 Ochre Court; August 16, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
11. Carl Sylvester, d/b/a Bike to the Beach New England, King Park/Streets of Newport; September 13, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
12. Newport Elks, d/b/a Corvette Show, Elks Lodge; October 4, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
13. Rhode Races and Events, Inc., d/b/a Newport Rhode Races, Easton’s Beach; April 18, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Approve subject to details being work out with city administration)
c. Communication from Charles Roberts, re: Requesting to amend the special event license approved for June 21, 2025 to add the lawn/parking area of the Great Friends Meeting House (Approve)
d. Holiday Selling License, New, Malibu Friday, LLC, d/b/a Avalon Shop, 198 Thames St., Unit 4
e. Holiday Selling License, New, Southern Tide, LLC, d/b/a Southern Tide, 139 Thames St.
f. 2025 Holiday Selling License Renewals (list attached)
g. Communication from Meg Dodge, re: Resignation from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Receive with regret)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
The public hearing was declared open. Matthew Lyons, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license renewals. 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.
BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
CONSENT CALENDAR
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO. Chris Boyle, addressed the Board on behalf of the applicant. Discussion occurred among the Board. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of item 2. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN recommended to the Board to provide a 30 day continuance.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to continue the hearing to July 23, 2025. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Board of License Commissioner and reconvene as Council. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Public Sculpture Commission
Charles M Holder, Jr., Council Chair
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Charles M. Holder, Jr. as the Public Sculpture Commission liaison. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPOINTMENTS
Discover Newport Board of Directors
Rebecca Bertrand – three-year term expires 6/11/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Rebecca Bertrand to the Discover Newport Board of Directors. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission
Jacob Wojciechowski – five-year term expires 6/11/2030
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Jacob Wojciechowski to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Elizabeth Petersen - expires 8/11/2026 (filling unexpired term)
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Elizabeth Petersen to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Planning Board
Kevin Michaud - three-year term, expires 6/11/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Kevin Michaud to the Planning Board. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Zoning Board of Review
Richard Berlinsky - 2nd Alternate, five-year term expires 6/11/2030
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Richard Berlinsky to the Zoning Board of Review. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Jonathan Bell - 3rd Alternate, five-year term expires 6/11/2030
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Jonathan Bell to the Zoning Board of Review. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Stephen Land, Harbormaster, addressed the Council to answer questions. 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. 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 receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
ORDINANCES
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
RESOLUTIONS
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moved to withdraw the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR HOLDER introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. CHAIR HOLDER moved to amend the resolution by adding the study would include the area from Bellevue Avenue to Morton Park and Memorial Blvd. to Merton Rd. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
CHAIR HOLDER moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. RESOLUTION- Requesting the City Council resume consideration of FY2026-FY2027 Biennial Budget- C. Holder, J. Napolitano, L. Ceglie- continued from May 28, 2025
CHAIR HOLDER moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. PUBLIC HEARING- FY2026 AND FY2027 BIENNIAL BUDGET
The public hearing was declared open. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Pete Rice, 1 Harrison Lane
Stephanie Winslow, 5 Rowland Rd.
Penelope Hunt, 15 Dartmouth St.
Becky Bolan, Newport School Committee
Amy Yozura, 102 Warner St.
Beth Cullen, 19 Bayside Ave.
Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
a. Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (First Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to remove Civic Support and vote on it separately. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to amend the budget by reducing the Council expenses from $35,000 to $10,000. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO opposed.
COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to amend the budget by reducing the Sister City account from $40,000 to $5,000. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and voted 4-3 with COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR CARLIN in favor. Opposed: CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the budget by removing $250,000 from the school regionalization study and move the funds to the school department in order to save positions but not include the $250,000 toward the maintenance of effort. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion failed 3-4 with COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed. In favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to remove all new positions completely. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 4-3 with COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG in favor. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the first reading of the ordinances to June 18, 2025 and the second reading on June 25, 2025. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion failed, 4-3 with CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed. In favor: COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR CARLIN.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to reduce the school funding from 4% to 2% and requested the School Department come back with additional cuts to restore positions. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed. In favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to cancel the June 16, 2025 meeting. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. COUNCILOR CARLIN withdrew the motion.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
b. Personnel Ordinance (First Reading)
COUNICLOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the personnel ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council and City Solicitor Behan.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to amend the personnel ordinance by removing all nine new positions. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. The motion was voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO opposed. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
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” (First Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
Reconsidered- a. Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (First Reading)
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to reconsider the Ordinance Appropriating Revenues. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to vote on the Civic Support and gave Councilors an opportunity to recuse if needed. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Civic Support
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to approve the Civic Support with the exception of Fab Newport, Newport Bridge, Conexion Latina and Newport Public Education Foundation . Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.
COUNCILOR PINNOCK recused.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to approve Fab Newport, Newport Bridge, Conexion Latina and Newport Public Education Foundation. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0).
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to approve the ordinance appropriating revenues as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
The motion on the vote to approve the sewer rate was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to cancel the June 16, 2025 meeting. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Adjourn- 10:42 p.m.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
HOLIDAY SELLING LICENSE RENEWALS
House of Scrimshaw and Gregory Jordan and Andrew Borer 132 Thames St.
Gifts
New Store, The Gregory Jordan and Andrew Borer 101 Swinburne Row
Newports Best Tee Gregory Jordan and Andrew Borer 107 Swinburne Row
Shirts, Sweatshirts,
Souvenirs
Souvenir Stop II, The Gregory Jordan and Andrew Borer 359 Thames St. Unit F2
Souvenir Stop, The Gregory Jordan and Andrew Borer 115 Swinburne Row
T Shirt Town Gregory Jordan and Andrew Borer 182 Thames St. Unit A & B
ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE RENEWALS
Class A Indoors
DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions
Cafe Zelda Café Zelda, LLC located at 528-530 Thames Street NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
First Floor AMPLIFICATION.
The Newport Lodge of Elks Elks #104 located at 141 Pelham Street
Class A and B (Indoor/Outdoor)
DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions
Landing, The Newport Waterfront located at Bowens Wharf First OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED TO
Landing, Inc. Floor, Outside Patio Second Floor 11:00 P.M. ON MONDAY THROUGH
North West and East Decks THURSDAY, AND TO MIDNIGHT ON
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS
OF HOLIDAY WEEKENDS. LIMIT OF 4 BAND MEMBERS; NO DRUMS