Jan. 8, 2025 - Regular Session

CITY OF NEWPORT

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

JANUARY 8, 2025

The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, came before the Council at a meeting held on January 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840

The DEPUTY CITY CLERK called the Roll and the following members were present:

DAVID CARLIN, III

LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE

CHARLIE HOLDER

XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG

JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO

ELLEN PINNOCK

STEPHANIE SMYTH

COUNCILOR CARLIN made a motion to have a moment of silence in recognition for the passing of President Jimmy Carter and asked for unanimous consent.  VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE made a motion to move the RESOLUTIONS to after REAPPOINTMENTS.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

CHAIR HOLDER introduced the new DEPUTY CITY MANAGER Michael Caruolo.

Citizens’ Forum:

John Walker, 70 Ellery Rd.

COUNCILOR CARLIN made a motion to accept the petition.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Kathryn McKinney, 101 Bliss Mine Rd.

1. Class F Daily Liquor Licenses, Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc., d/b/a:

** REMOVED**  a.       Newport Folk Festival, Fort Adams State Park; July 24-27, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

** REMOVED**  b.       Newport Jazz Festival, Fort Adams State Park; July 31, August 1-3, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar.  Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED 6-1 with COMMISSIONER CARLIN opposed.

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE made a motion to adjourn as Board of License Commissioners and convene as Council.  Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

a. Minutes of the Council meetings held December 1 and December 11, 2024 and workshop held December 18, 2024 (Approve)

b. Special Events:

** REMOVED**  1.       Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc., d/b/a Newport Folk Festival, Fort Adams State Park; July 25-27, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE made a motion to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR Napolitano.  COUNCILOR CARLIN asked about traffic and parking.  Jennifer Rieber, Event Director, addressed questions regarding traffic at the event.  The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

** REMOVED**  2.       Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc., d/b/a Newport Jazz Festival,  Fort Adams State Park; August 1-3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE made a motion to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

c. Arcade License, Renewal, Ryan Family Amusements, Inc., 268 Thames St. (47 machines)

d. Pool Table License, Renewal, Finbarr Murray, d/b/a Fastnet Pub, 3 Broadway (1 table)

e. Tattoo License, Renewal, Owner/Operator, Jennifer Clinch Guertin, d/b/a Anchor Steam Tattoo Gallery, 44 Broadway

f. Private Detective License, Renewal, Ryan P. McCormack, d/b/a Coastal Investigation Group, LLC, 9 Waites Wharf, Unit 2

g. Communication from the R.I. Department of Environmental Management, re: Official Tree Warden Appointment for 2025 (Approve)

h. Communication from Dennis P. Sullivan, re: Request permission to hold the 69th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and to be the sole vendor (Approve subject to details being worked out with city administration)

i. Communication from Charles L. Roberts, Founder & Executive Director, Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, re: Requesting a resolution granting permission to place the George T. Downing statue in Touro Park (Receive)

j. 2024 Annual Reports (Receive)

1. Affirmative Action Commission

2. Canvassing Authority

3. Cliff Walk Commission

4. Energy & Environment Commission

5. Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission

6. Historic District Commission

7. Planning Board

8. Sister City Commission

9. Tree & Open Space Commission

10. Zoning Board of Review

k. Communication from Friends of the Waterfront, re: Adopt-an-Access Memorandums of Understanding (Receive)

** REMOVED**  l.        Communication from Ellen Pinnock, re:  Resignation from the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Committee (Receive with regret)

** REMOVED**  m.      Communication from Peter Baum, re:  Resignation from the Waterfront Commission (Receive with regret)

** REMOVED**  n.       Communication from Fred Roy, re:  Resignation from the Waterfront Commission (Receive with regret)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE made a motion to receive with regret l, m, and n.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar except b.1., b.2., l, m, and n.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Pedicab Business License, Renewal, Timothy Burke, d/b/a Grace Pedicab (1 pedicab valid 5/1/2025 - 4/30/2027)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE made a motion to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Victualing License, New, G & P Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Tropical Smoothie Café, 199 J.T. Connell Highway, Unit 12

COUNCILOR CEGLIE made a motion to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Appointments

Energy and Environment Commission

Kenneth Smith – three year term, ending 1/8/2028

CHAIR HOLDER made a motion to appoint Kenneth Smith.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Newport Beach Commission

Brendan Dyer - three year term, ending 1/8/2028

Elizabeth Ponte - three year term, ending 1/8/2028

CHAIR HOLDER made a motion to appoint Brendan Dyer and Elizabeth Ponte.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Reappointments

Waterfront Commission

David Kane - three year term, ending 1/11/2028

Gary Lash - three year term, ending 10/28/2026

John Kokulis - three year term, ending 1/11/2028

CHAIR HOLDER made a motion to reappoint David Kane, Gary Lash, and John Kokulis.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

21.       Skatepark Dedication- C. Holder, L. Ceglie, X. Khamsyvoravong, J. Napolitano, E. Pinnock, S. Smyth, D. Carlin

~ Communication from Friends of Newport Skatepark

CHAIR HOLDER read the resolution and moved for its passage.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE.  Sid Abruzzi, 6 Thurston Ave., addressed the council.  The motion to adopt the resolution was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

22.       Energy and Environment Commission 10 year plan- S. Smyth, C. Holder, E. Pinnock, X. Khamsyvoravong

COUNCILOR SMYTH read the resolution.  COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved for its passage.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Discussion occurred among the council.  Avery Robertson, Chair of the Energy and Environment Commission, addressed the council.  The motion to adopt the resolution was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

5. Action Item #6356/25 – RE: Harbor Management Plan Amendment (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE made a motion to continue to the next meeting in January.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. Action Item #6357/25 – RE: Contract Addendum - RIMPA Engineering Contract - Elm Street Pier Repair/Replacement Project (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Stephen Land, Harbormaster, addressed questions from COUNCILOR CARLIN.  The motion to adopt was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Action Item #6358/25 – RE: Contract Addendum - RIMPA Engineering Contract Ann Street Pier Extension Project (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Stephen Land, Harbormaster, addressed questions from the council.  The motion to adopt was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Action Item #6359/25 – RE: Agreement for Use of Easton’s Beach Parking Lot/Newport International Boat Show (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Erik Reiss, Recreation Administrator, addressed questions from COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  The motion to adopt was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. Action Item #6360/25 – RE: Agreement for Use of Easton’s Beach Parking Lot/Annual Audrain’s Newport Concours Motor Week (w/accompanying resolution)

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

10. Action Item #6361/25 – RE: Award of Bid #2025-REC-002: Construction Equipment & Operator at Easton’s Beach (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Erik Reiss, Recreation Administrator, addressed questions from the council.  Jim Nolan, Director of Finance, addressed questions from the Council.  The motion to adopt was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

11. Action Item #6362/25 – RE: Award of Bid #2025-REC-001: Rental, Installation and Cleaning, and Upkeep of Portable Toilets at Various Locations (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  CITY MANAGER KENNEDY responded to questions from COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG.  The motion to adopt was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. Action Item #6363/25 – RE: Award of Bid # 2025-PS-24-007(2) - Pine Street Driftway Shoreline Adaptation Project (w/accompanying resolution)

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

13. Action Item #6364/25 – RE: Award of Bid 2025-PS-007 - Fleet Management and Maintenance Services (w/accompanying resolution)

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

14. Action Item #6365/25 – RE: Award of Contract – RIMPA Engineering Services-Upgrade Martin Recreation Center HVAC System (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  CITY MANAGER KENNEDY responded to a question from CHAIR HOLDER on any further work.  The motion to adopt was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

15. Action Item #6366/25 – RE: Ordinance Amendment Chapter 2.120.010 – Fees for permits and licenses, Ordinance Amendment Chapter 10.28.080– Easton’s Beach parking lot (w/accompanying ordinances)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance.  Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH.  Erik Reiss, Recreation Administrator, addressed the ordinance change and responded to questions COUNCILOR CARLIN.  The motion to adopt was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

16. Action Item #6367/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision – 10.44.010. – Multi-Way Stop Signs—Designated – Third Street & Sycamore Street (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  William Boardman, City Engineer, addressed the ordinance change and responded to questions from the council.  Discussion occurred among the council.  CITY MANAGER KENNEDY and CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN responded to questions from the council.  The motion to adopt was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

17. Action Item #6368/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision – 10.24.010. Parking Prohibited at all times in Designated Places – Brewer Street (w/accompanying ordinance)

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

18. Action Item #6369/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision – 10.44.010. – Multi-Way Stop Signs—Designated – Morton Avenue, Spring Street, Coggeshall Avenue (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Discussion occurred among the council.  Harp Donnelly, Fire Chief, responded to questions from the council.  William Boardman, City Engineer, responded to questions from the council.  Discussion continued among the council.  The motion failed 0-7.

19. Action Item #6370/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision – 10.24. Parking Restrictions on Specific Streets – Motorcycle Parking – Broadway at Collins Street (w/accompanying ordinance)

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

20. Action Item #6371/25 – RE Award of Contract-RIMPA-Office Furniture (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  CITY MANAGER KENNEDY responded to questions from COUNCILOR CARLIN.  The motion to adopt was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR CARLIN made a motion to have a moment of silence in recognition for the passing of President Jimmy Carter.  Seconded by COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADJOURN – 8:23 p.m.

Sulpicio C. Alaan, III

Deputy City Clerk