Dec. 11, 2024 - Council Session

Newport

Minutes · December 11, 2024

CITY OF NEWPORT

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL

MEETING

DECEMBER 11, 2024

(Approved 1/8/25)

The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, came before the Council at a meeting to be held on December 11, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers*, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840

The following Council members were present:

XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG

LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE

JEANNE MARIE NAPOLITANO

CHARLIE HOLDER

ANGELA LIMA

DAVID R. CARLIN, III

MARK ARAMLI- arrived at 6:38 p.m.

Citizens’ Forum*: *

Olivia Nagle, 553 Bellevue Ave.

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

LICENSES AND PERMITS

1. 2024-2025 LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS (by class):

LIQUOR CLASS____ BL

d/b/a Norey’s

156-158 Broadway

d/b/a Thai Cuisine

517 Thames St.

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

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Board of License Commissioners and adjourn as Board of License Commissioners and convene as Council.

1. CONSENT CALENDAR____ (THE CONSENT CALENDAR IS APPROVED IN ITS ENTIRETY UNLESS THE COUNCIL REMOVES AN ITEM FOR DISCUSSION. ALL LICENSES ARE GRANTED SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH ORDINANCES (#31-80 AND #98-40).__ __

a. Minutes of the Council meetings held November 13, 2024 (Approve)

b. Special Events:

1. Island Cemetery, Belmont Chapel, d/b/a Victorian Singers at Belmont Chapel; December 13, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

2. St. Joseph’s Church, d/b/a Virgin Guadalupe Procession, Eisenhower Park to St. Joseph’s Church (request road closure-Washington Sq. and Broadway to Mann Avenue, northbound); December 15, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

3. NAACP Newport County, d/b/a NAACP MLK Day Celebration, Thompson Middle School; January 20, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Fern Lima addressed the Council regarding the event. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approved the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Shauna Maguire, d/b/a Newport String Project presents Concert at Ochre Court, Ochre Court; March 23, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

5. Gray Matter Marketing, d/b/a Newport Night Run, Rogers High School (route attached); April 5, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

6. Michelle Leys, d/b/a My Best Friends Consignment Sale, Elks Lodge; 4/24/25 & 11/6/25 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 4/25/25 & 11/7/25 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 4/26/25 & 11/8/25 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 4/27/25 & 11/9/25 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

c. Tattoo License, Renewal, Owner/Operator, David Bennett, d/b/a Sitting Bull Tattoo, LLC, 136 Thames St.

d. Pool Table License, Renewal, Atlas Vending Inc., 1106 North Main St., Providence, RI (1 table)

e. Mechanical Amusement License, Renewal, Newport Music Co., Inc., 899 Union St., Portsmouth, RI (12 locations/22 machines)

f. Communication from Evan Smith, President & CEO, Discover Newport, re: Board of Director Terms (Receive)

g. Communication from Evan Smith, President & CEO, Discover Newport, re: Changes to the proposed Newport Tourism Marketing District (Receive and refer to the City Administration for a recommendation)

h. Communication from the Canvassing Authority, re: Certification of the 2024 General Election results (Receive)

i. Resignations from Boards and Commissions (Receive with regret):

1. Susan Perkins - Zoning Board of Review

2. Stephanie Smyth - Tree and Open Space Commission

3. Stephanie Smyth - Affirmative Action Commission

4. Richard Klaffky - Beach Commission

5. Anand Toprani - Planning Board

CHAIR HOLDER recognized the members who have resigned and moved to receive with regret. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of items b(3) and i. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

2. Pedicab Business License, Renewal, 4 pedicabs, James R. Brown, III, d/b/a New England Pedicab, 43 Forest Drive, Salem, CT

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

3. Pedicab Business License, Renewal, 4 pedicabs, Remy Kritter, d/b/a Pioneer Pedicab, 53 Birchwood Lane, West Warwick, RI

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

4. Victualing License, New, Monarca, LLC, d/b/a Monarca Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 104 Broadway

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

5. 2024-2025 Annual Victualing License Renewals:

a. Victualing Licenses (Liquor)

d/b/a Norey’s

156-158 Broadway

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

d/b/a Thai Cuisine

517 Thames St.

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

b. Victualing Licenses (Non-liquor)

1. Mozz, LLC, d/b/a Mozz, 181 Bellevue Ave.;

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

2. Newport Roast Beef Co, LLC, d/b/a Newport Sandwich Co., 469 Thames St.

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

6. Entertainment License, New, Class A (indoors), 348 Thames Opco, LLC, d/b/a The Red Parrot, 344-348 Thames St. to have entertainment daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Hearing)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing. Olivia Nagle, 553 Bellevue Ave. addressed the Council. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the license.

7. __APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS __

Appointments

Zoning Board of Review

Nicole Shevory - Alternate to full member - five-year term ending 12/11/2029

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Nicole Shevory to the Zoning Board as full member. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Melissa Pattavina – Alternate member - five-year term ending 12/11/2029

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Nicole Shevory to the Zoning Board as full member. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Council Liaison Appointments____

CHAIR HOLDER nominated the Council members for liaison appointments and moved to amend the appointments by adding the Henderson Home with Council Carlin appointed. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Affirmative Action Committee – Ellen Pinnock

Aquidneck Island Planning Commission – Xay Khamsyvoravong

Brenton Point Commission – David Carlin

City Council/School Liaison Committee – Lynn Ceglie, Ellen Pinnock

Cliff Walk Commission – Lynn Ceglie, David Carlin

East Bay Community Action Program – Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, David Carlin

Edward King House Senior Citizens Center – Lynn Ceglie

Energy & Environment Commission – Stephanie Smyth

Fort Adams Foundation – David Carlin

Sister City Commission – Charlie Holder

Legislative/State Liaison – David Carlin, Xay Khamsyvoravong

Miantonomi____ Park Commission – Stephanie Smyth, Ellen Pinnock

Military Affairs Liaison – Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, Charlie Holder

Newport Beach Commission – Charlie Holder, Lynn Ceglie

Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce – Stephanie Smyth, Ellen Pinnock

Newport Housing Authority – Jeanne-Marie Napolitano

Newport Partnership for Families – Lynn Ceglie

Newport Prevention Coalition – Stephanie Smyth

Newport Public Education Foundation – Ellen Pinnock, Xay Khamsyvoravong

Newport Public Library – David Carlin

Newport Spring Project Committee – Lynn Ceglie

Tree & Open Space Commission – Stephanie Smyth

Newport Learn 365 RI Initiative – Xay Khamsyvoravong

RI League of Cities and Towns – Xay Khamsyvoravong

Reappointments

Planning Board

Patricia Antonelli – Planning Board – three year term, ending 10/31/2027

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Patricia Antonelli to the Planning Board. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Cliff Walk Commission

Donna Lennox –five year term, ending 11/1/2029

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Donna Lennox to the Cliff Walk Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Historic District Commission

James (Jim) Madson –three year term, ending 10/21/2027

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint James Madson to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Trust and Investment Commission

Harry Elkin ––five year term, ending 10/31/2029

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Harry Elkin to the Trust and Investment Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Beach Commission

Aly Oakley– three year term, ending 3/10/2027

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Aly Oakley to the Beach Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Scott Skuncik –– three year term, ending 9/22/2027

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Scot Skuncik to the Beach Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Waterfront Commission

John Greichen –three Year term, ending 10/28/2026

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint John Greichen to the Waterfront Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Henderson Home Commission

JoAnne Ritchie –one year term, ending 12/11/2025

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint JoAnne Ritchie to the Henderson Home Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Don DeLuca - one year term, ending 12/11/2025

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Don DeLuca to the Henderson Home Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mary Currier - one year term, ending 12/11/2025

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Mary Currier to the Henderson Home Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMUNICATIONS

8. Communication from the Newport Sculpture Commission, re: The Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Memorial Fountain

Federico Santi, Chair, Newport Sculpture Commission, gave a presentation on the sculpture. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER

9. Action Item #6344/24 – re: Coggeshall School Purchase and Sale Agreement (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Peter Regan, Esq, addressed the Council on behalf of his client, BCM Realty Partners. Discussion occurred among the Council and Mr. Regan regarding the purchase and sale agreement. Connor Melville, BCM Realty Partners, addressed the Council to answer questions. The following members from the public addressed the Council regarding the agreement:

Christine Sullivan, 26 Admiral Kalbfus Rd.

Becky Dewitt, 27 Sheffield

Jack Milburn, 17 Atlantic St.

Chris Jones, 15 Cranston Ave.

Penny Hunt, 15 Dartmouth St.

Tom Kane, 56 Evarts

Jackie Torracenta, 146 Evarts St.

Discussion continued among the Council. The motion to approve failed with COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed. In favor, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and CHAIR HOLDER.

10. Action Item #6345/24 – re: Award of Contract - Fire Headquarters Exterior Monitoring (w/accompanying resolution)

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

11. Action Item #6346/24 – re: Award of Contract - Police EOC Door Access & Security Cameras (w/accompanying resolution)

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

12. Action Item #6347/24 – re: Award of Contract - Penetration Testing (w/accompanying resolution)