Nov. 12, 2025 - Regular Session
Newport
Minutes · November 12, 2025
CITY OF NEWPORT
MEETING
NOVEMBER 12, 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 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840.
Citizens’ Forum
a. Minutes of the Regular Council Meetings held October 8, 2025 and October 22, 2025 and workshops held October 15, 16, 20, 2025
b. Special Events:
1. Shops @ Long Wharf, d/b/a Santa Magic@Shops at Long Wharf, 49 Long Wharf; November 29, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
2. Robert Vitello, d/b/a Belmont Chapel Music, Belmont Chapel Island Cemetery:
a. Bobby Cowsill; December 4 & 5, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
b. Dickens Carolers; December 13, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
3. St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, d/b/a St. Spyridon Christmas Bazaar, 390 Thames St.; December 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
4. Bowen’s Wharf Co., d/b/a 55th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting, Bowen’s Wharf; December 6, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (rain date- December 7, 2025)
5. Newport Community School- Tracy L. Shea, d/b/a Holiday Market, Seamen’s Church Institute, 18 Market Sq.; December 6, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
6. Newport Life Magazine Holiday Market, d/b/a Newport Life Magazine Holiday Market, Newport Craft Brewery; December 10, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
7. Puddingstone Events, d/b/a Holiday Soiree, Redwood Library; December 11, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
c. Communication from Gray Matter Marketing, re: Request to change the start time of the Newport Winter 10k from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Approve)
d. Food Concession License, St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, d/b/a Christmas Bazaar, 390 Thames St.; December 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
e. Banner License, IYRS School of Technology and Trades, to hang a banner between the Red Parrot and Midtown Oyster Bar from November 17, 2025 to December 8, 2025
f. Banner License, Newport Classical (R.I. Arts Foundation at Newport), to hang a banner between the Red Parrot and Midtown Oyster Bar from July 1, 2026 to July 19, 2026
g. Holiday Selling License, New, AKA Wireless, Inc., d/b/a Victra, 199 Connell Highway Space C
h. Waste Hauler License, Renewal, Frazier’s Disposal Service, Inc., 168 Ridgewood Rd., Middletown, RI, 02842
i. Communication from C.R.M.C., re: Application of the U.S. Department of the Navy for a Water Quality Certification – Coddington Cove/Narragansett Bay (Receive)
REMOVED j. Communication from Maureen Cronin, Chair, Tree and Open Space Commission, re: Recommendation for the relocation of the Carousel (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Maureen Cronin addressed the Council to answer questions. Discussion occurred among the Council and Ms. Cronin. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
k. Invitation from Imperia, Italy to the City Council to attend 40th anniversary of “Raduno delle Vele d’Epoca” (Gathering of the Vintage Sails); Imperia, Italy, September 2026, dates to be confirmed (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of item j. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Victualing License Expansion- Extended Hours, Broadway Mini Mart Corp, d/b/a Broadway Mini Mart, 316 Broadway to be open extended hours daily between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. (Hearing)- continued from October 22, 2025
The public hearing was declared open. Raza Liaqat, applicant, addressed the Council to answer questions. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Annual Entertainment License, New, Class A (Indoor), Newport Protective Club, d/b/a The Protective Club, 596 Thames St., to have entertainment Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Hearing)
The public hearing was declared open. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Gail Holmes, Wolcott Ave., Middletown, RI, owns 10-12 Dixon St., Newport, RI
Chuck Bolduc, Dixon St., Newport, RI – presented a letter to the Council. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council.
Matt Goldsmith, 604 Thames St., Newport, RI
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 4-3 with COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and COUNCILOR PINNOCK in favor. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.
4. 2025-2026 Victualing License Renewals (lists attached)*
a. Liquor Establishments
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the victualing licenses for liquor establishments. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Non-liquor Establishments
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the victualing licenses for liquor establishments. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Presentation from Elijah Mensah, Housing Planner RE: Newport Housing Planning Update
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Action Item #6470/25 – RE: Amendment to Newport Yacht Club Lease (w/accompanying resolution)- continued from August 13, 2025
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Action Item #6511/25 – RE: Award of Contract - RFP 2026-PS-001 - Traffic Study Thames-Spring Streets Professional Services (w/accompanying resolution) – Continued from October 22, 2025 ~ Memorandum from the City Manager
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. CITY MANAGER KENNEDY and CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council regarding the study. Discussion occurred among the Council. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Pete Rice, 1 Harrison Lane
Jessica Cioci, 24 Hammond St.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to call the question. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Action Item #6521/25 – RE: Reallocation of General Obligation Bond Funding to Advance the Primary Clarifier Rehabilitation Project (w/accompanying resolution)- continued from October 22, 2025
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the item and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to table the item. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
9. Action Item #6522/25 – RE: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank Borrowing for Primary Clarifier Replacement Project (w/accompanying resolution and ordinance)
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and approve the accompanying resolution and ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Rob Schultz, Director of Utilities, and Jim Nolan, Finance Director, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was voted 5-1 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
10. Action Item #6523/25 – RE: Award of Contract - ESRI ArcGIS (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Action Item #6524/25 – RE: Extension of Contract - Bid #2025-BI-001 - Building Official Services (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Action Item #6525/25 – RE: Award of Solicitation- Bulk Rock Salt (w/accompanying resolution)
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.
13. Action Item #6526/25 – RE: Award of Solicitation - Vehicular Lift Replacement (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 #6527/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.24.010. – Parking Prohibited at All Times in Designated Places - Broadway, East Side, Beginning 229 Feet North of Vernon Avenue and Proceeding a Distance of 370 Feet (w/accompanying ordinance)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Action Item #6528/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.52.010-Weight Restricted Streets-No Through-Streets Listed- Signs Required – Bedlow Avenue and Hillside Avenue, between Bedlow Avenue and Admiral Kalbfus Road (w/accompanying ordinance)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Action Item #6529/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.68.020 – Loading Zones; Restriction on Use - Lees Wharf, Southside (w/accompanying ordinance)
CHAIR HOLDER recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion failed 0-6 and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Action Item #6530/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision- 10.24.040- One-hour Parking Limit – Lees Wharf, Ordinance Revision- 10.24.030 – Special Parking Limits During Certain Hours on Certain Streets – Lees Wharf (w/accompanying ordinance)
CHAIR HOLDER recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion failed 0-6.
18. Action Item #6531/25 – RE: Extension of Agreement – State Government Relations and Advocacy Services (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Amending Chapter 12.28.071, of the Codified Ordinances entitled, “Mooring permit classification and quotas” (First Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. City Solicitor Behan addressed the Council regarding the proposed amendment. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Jack Grant, 26 Vaughn Ave.
Pam Grant, 26 Vaughn Ave.
The motion to approve was voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCLIOR PINNOCK opposed.
20. Approving the Revolutionary Hydrant Project – L. Ceglie, D. Carlin, J. Napolitano, X. Khamsyvoravong
COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Penny Fitch and Carmela Geer, Edward King House Senior Center, addressed the Council to answer questions about the project. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Class F Daily Liquor Licenses, Robert Vitello, d/b/a Belmont Chapel Music, Belmont Chapel Island Cemetery:
a. Bobby Cowsill; December 4 & 5, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
b. Dickens Carolers; December 13, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
2. Class F Daily Liquor License, St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, d/b/a Christmas Bazaar, 390 Thames St.; December 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONIER CEGLIE moved to adopt the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. ** PUBLIC HEARING**- 2025-2026 Liquor License Renewals (by class)
The public hearing was declared open.
COMMISSIONER CELGIE moved to close the public hearing and approve all license renewals. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
LIQUOR CLASS A
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IDC Rum Runner, Inc.
d/b/a Rum Runner
5 Marina Plaza, Unit B
LIQUOR CLASS BT
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Newport Time Resorts, Inc.
d/b/a Oceancliff
65 Ridge Rd.
Newport North Hotel Property, LLC
d/b/a Wayfinder, The
151 Admiral Kalbfus Rd.
LIQUOR CLASS BV
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Belle Mer, Inc.
d/b/a Belle Mer
2 Goat Island
348 Thames Opco, LLC
d/b/a Red Parrott
344-348 Thames St.
Diego’s Newport, LLC
d/b/a Diego’s
11 Bowen’s Wharf
Mermaids Newport, LLC
d/b/a Poor Richard’s-Benjamins
254 Thames St.
Goat Island Grille, Inc.
d/b/a Regatta Place, The
5 Goat Island
The Quencher, LLC
d/b/a Quencher Newport, LLC, The
95 Long Wharf
Radish Patch, LLC
d/b/a Vieste Vino Hooked
580 Thames St., Unit B102, B103 & B104
Wharf Pub Newport, LLC
d/b/a Wharf Southern Kitchen, The
37 Bowen’s Wharf
LIQUOR CLASS D
-------------------------------------------------
Irish American Athletic Club
d/b/a Irish American Athletic Club
642 Thames St.
Newport Lodge #104 Benevolent & Protective
Order of Elk’s
d/b/a Elk’s Club
141 Pelham St.
Newport Protective Club, The
d/b/a Protective Club
596 Thames St.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
Adjourn- 9:04 p.m.
*VICUTALING LICENSE RENEWALS
LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENTS
Belle Mer Belle Mer, Inc. 2 Goat Island
Diego's Diego's Newport, LLC 11 Bowen's Wharf
Oceancliff Newport Time Resorts, Inc. 65 Ridge Road (hotel only)
Poor Richard's-Benjamins Mermaids Newport, LLC 254 Thames St.
Red Parrot Restaurant, The 348 Thames Opco, LLC 348 Thames St.
Regatta Place, The Goat Island Grille, Inc. 5 Goat Island
The Quencher, LLC Quencher Newport The, LLC 95 Long Wharf
Vieste Vino Hooked Radish Patch, LLC 580 Thames St. Units B102,
Wayfinder, The Newport North Hotel Property LLC 151 Admiral Kalbfus Rd.
Wharf Southern Kitchen, The Wharf Pub Newport, LLC 37 Bowen's Wharf
NON LIQUOR____ ESTABLISHMENTS
DBA Ownership Address
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Ash Mart Ash Mart Inc 2 Carroll Ave.
Ben and Jerrys Newport Coastal Cones, LLC 33 Bannisters Wharf
Ben and Jerrys Newport Coastal Cones, LLC 359 Thames St
Ben's Chili Dogs Ben's Chili Dogs, LLC 156 Broadway
C.H. Charles 5 & 10 Ihabch654 Inc. 232 Broadway
Corner Cafe, The FitzSimoes LLC 110 Broadway #3A
Cupcake Charlie's Cupcake Charlie's, LLC 135 Swinburne Row
Empire Tea & Coffee Newport Bubble Tea LLC 22 Broadway
Empire Tea & Coffee Newport Bubble Tea, LLC 135 JT Connell Hwy
Empire Tea + Coffee ETCGROUP, LLC 112 William St.
Franklin Spa Thomas Hospitality LLC 229 Spring St.
Lukes Lobster Lukes Lobster RI LLC 36 Bowens Wharf
Marco's Café Marco's Subs, Inc. 382 Spring St.
Market on Broadway Market Newport LLC 95 Broadway
New Good Friend Chinese Restaurant Che Wen Zhang 137 Connell Hgwy
Newport Sandwich Co. Newport Roast Beef Co. LLC 469 Thames St.
Provencal Bakery Michael Joseph Nardolillo, Inc. 311 Broadway
Sodexo Services Global Café Sodexo Management, Inc.* 51 Lawrence Ave
*Change of Ownership
Sodexo Services Jazzman's Sodexo Management, Inc.* 36 Ochre Point Avenue
*Change of Ownership
Sodexo Services Miley Café Sodexo Management, Inc.* 7 Ochre Point Ave.
*Change of Ownership
Springline Coffee LLC Springline Coffee LLC 33 Bannisters Wharf