Mar. 27, 2024 - Regular Session
Newport
Minutes · March 27, 2024
CITY OF NEWPORT
MEETING
MARCH 27, 2024
(Approved April 24, 2024)
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 pm in the City Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
The CITY CLERK called the role and the following members were present:
| XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG | ANGELA MCCALLA |
| LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE | DAVID CARLIN |
| JEANNE MARIE NAPOLITANO | MARK ARMALIA |
| CHARLIE HOLDER | |
~Citations honoring Latisha Michael, Maria Colon, Valencia Garrett, Jerrell Grimes~
COUNCILOR MCCALLA presented citations to the honorees.
Citizens’ Forum
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to add item m to the Consent Calendar. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
a. Minutes of meeting held February 28, 2024 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
1. Casey Stamouli, d/b/a Wedding/Event Industry Networking Event, Provence Sur Mer, 39 Touro St.; April 24, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2. Channing Memorial Church, d/b/a Born This Way Prom, Florence Gray Center; April 26, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
3. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Free for All Saturday, Newport Art Museum; April 27, June 29, November 2 and December 28, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Newport Social Gala, Newport Art Museum; May 31, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
5. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, d/b/a Newport to Bermuda Race Crew Party; 1 Washington St.; June 19, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
6. Jesus Saviour Church, d/b/a Summer Bazaar, 1 Vernon Ave.; July 25, 26 & 27, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Rain date- July 28, 2024)
7. American Canoe Association, d/b/a Newport Paddle Festival, King Park/Fort Adams State Beach; August 17, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Rain date- August 18, 2024)
8. Conexion Latina Newport, d/b/a Festival Latin Culture Celebration, Great Friends Meeting House; September 21, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
c. 2024 Holiday Selling License Renewals (list attached)
d. Bingo License, Jesus Savior Church, July 25, 26 & 27, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Rain date- July 28, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
e. Food Concession License, Jesus Savior Church, d/b/a Holy Ghost Feast, 1 Vernon Ave.; May 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
f. Food Concession License, Jesus Savior Church, d/b/a Summer Bazaar, 1 Vernon Ave.; July 25, 26 & 27, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Rain date- July 28, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
g. Bicycle Rental Agency, Renewal, Scooter World, LLC, d/b/a Scooter World, 436 Thames St.
h. Bicycle Rental Agency, Renewal, Scooter World, LLC, d/b/a Scooter World, 10-12 Christies Landing
i. Communication from Lisa Knowles, Show Director, Newport International Boat Show, re: Request to withdraw special event application due to Acquisition of the Newport International Boat Show (Approve)
REMOVED j. Communication from John Erickson, re: Petition to allow the use of cobblestone/granite/gravel as an apron to abut City of Newport Streets (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. William Boardman, City Engineer, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
REMOVED k. Communication from Lauren Parmelee, re: Resignation from the Tree and Open Space Commission (Receive with regret)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication with regret. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCCALLA. COUNCILOR MCCALLA thanked Lauren Parmelee for her service on the commission. The motion was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
REMOVED l. Communication from Rebecca Bolan & Louisa Boatwright, Co-Chairs, School Building Committee, re: Timeline for Soil Stockpile (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. COUNCILOR CARLIN urged the city administration to remove the dirt pile. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
REMOVED m. Communication from Scott Avedisian, CEO, RIPTA, re: Routes 64 and 68 (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication from RIPTA. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and COUNCILOR MCCALLA thanked RIPTA for their help. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of items j, k, l and m. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission update
Colin Kane, Chair, addressed the Council to provide an update. Discussion occurred among Mr. Kane and Council. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the update. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Special Event License, Daniel Cano Restrepo/Newport Pride, d/b/a Newport Pride Festival & Bike Parade, Great Friends Meeting House; June 29, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
a. Communication from Daniel Cano Restrepo, re: Requesting the city to absorb the cost of the police detail associated with the event
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive and refer the request to the city administration for a recommendation. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
3. 2024 Sidewalk Café License Renewals:
a. 22 Washington Sq., Inc., d/b/a Bar Cino, 22 Washington Sq.
b. Stone Soup, LLC, d/b/a Caleb & Broad, 162 Broadway
c. Restaurant Bouchard, Inc., d/b/a Chanterelle Restaurant & TSK at the Revolving Door, 505-509 Thames St.
d. Newport Bubble Tea, LLC, d/b/a Empire Tea & Coffee, 22 Broadway
e. ETC Group, LLC, d/b/a Empire Tea & Coffee, 112 William St.
f. Fastnet, Inc., d/b/a Fastnet, The, 1-3 Broadway
g. Carpe Noctem, LLC, d/b/a Fifth Element, The, 107-111 Broadway
h. Monkey Business, LLC, d/b/a Hungry Monkey, 124 Broadway
i. Mel’s Lunch, Inc., d/b/a Mel’s Lunch, 25 Broadway
j. Nick’s Fine Foods, Inc., d/b/a Nikolas Pizza, 38 Memorial Blvd. West
k. Parlor, LLC, d/b/a Parlor Bar & Kitchen, 200 Broadway
l. Picnic Ltd., d/b/a Picnic, 28-32 Bellevue Ave.
m. Scratch LLC, d/b/a Scratch Kitchen and Catering, 88 Broadway
n. Kale Stems, LLC, d/b/a Stoneacre, 28-30 Washington Sq.
o. Broadway Tavern, LTD, d/b/a Tavern on Broadway, 16-18 Broadway
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the sidewalk café license renewals. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Sidewalk Café, New, 95 Broadway, LLC, d/b/a Market on Broadway, 95 Broadway
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
a. Leinster, Inc., d/b/a Malt, 150-154 Broadway
b. MBK, LLC, d/b/a Pour Judgement, 32 Broadway
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the street café license renewals. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Victualing License, Expansion, Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a The Elms Carriage House, 367 Bellevue Ave., to expand the licensed premises by adding an additional 31 indoor seats and 21 outdoor seats and as further described in the attached narrative
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Farmer’s Market License, Aquidneck Community Table, d/b/a Aquidneck Grower’s Market, Wednesday’s beginning May 22, 2024 through October 30, 2024, Memorial Blvd. between Edgar St. and Chapel St. from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER. COUNCILOR CEGLIE had questions regarding a contract with the city. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the item until a contract has been approved. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to continue failed 1-6 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE in favor.
Bevan Linsley addressed the Council on behalf of Aquidneck Growers Market regarding the operations and safety plan. COUNCILOR CEGLIE expressed her ongoing concerns over the area for the market and stated she would never vote in favor of the market at this location. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council regarding an agreement. MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to approve the license subject to the contract coming back to the Council for approval. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
Council Liaison Updates
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO thanked all those involved with welcoming the Japanese exchange students who recently visited.
RESOLUTIONS
9. Litter Free Rhody- L. Ceglie, D. Carlin, J. Napolitano, X. Khamsyvoravong
COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Easton’s Beach- M. Aramli, X. Khamsyvoravong
COUNCILOR ARAMLI introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. COUNCILOR ARAMLI moved to receive additional documentation he provided regarding beach nourishment. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Discussion occurred among the Council. INTERIM CITY MANAGER SITRIN addressed the Council to provide information regarding the beach operations. William Riccio, Director of Public Services addressed the Council. Rick Klaffkey, Chair,Beach Commission, addressed the Council regarding the beach operations. COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moved to amend the resolution by removing 30 days and replacing it with 60 days. Seconded by MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. MAYOR KHAMSYORAVONG moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Amending Chapter 2.56 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Boards and Commissions” to amend Section 2.56.010, entitled, “General Provisions” (First Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CEGLIE questioned other Boards and Commissions' residency requirements and moved to continue the ordinance. Seconded by MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Council Priorities Dashboard
13. Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission update
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to hear item No. 13 after the Consent Calendar. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Communication from the Friends of Newport Skatepark, re: Request approval of the proposed skate park plans
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the plans for the skate park. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Michael Richards, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the Friends of Newport Skatepark. Donny Barley and Sid Abruzzi addressed the Council to request the city to ask the Interlocal Trust if they would approve insurance for ten feet in height as opposed to the nine feet they have already approved. Interim City Manager Laura Sitrin said she would make the request. Discussion occurred among the Council.
The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Action Item #6242/24 – RE: Show Cause Hearing – Bossy Monkey Corporation, d/b/a Bossy Monkey, 472 Thames Street – Violation of the General Laws of Rhode Island and Codified Ordinances of the City of Newport - Failure to Meet the Conditions of the City Council in Granting of Victualing License- continued from February 14, 2024
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the hearing to April 10, 2024. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Action Item #6260/24 – RE: Capital Improvement Program – Adoption in Concept (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Action Item #6261/24 – RE: Allocation of $75,000 for Purchase of a Community Center Van (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOULSY.
18. Action Item #6262/24 – RE: Utility Pole Petition – Rhode Island Energy – Pole Relocation - Sylvan Street
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the communication Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Action Item #6263/24 – RE: Award of Bid # 24-012 – Road Improvement Program 2024 (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 adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Class F Daily Liquor Licenses, Jesus Savior Church, 1 Vernon Ave., d/b/a
a. Holy Ghost Feast, May 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
b. Summer Bazaar, July 25, 26 & 27, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Rain-date July 28, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Newport Art Museum, d/b/a/ Newport Social Gala, May 31, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to adopt the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
3. 2024 Sunday Selling License Renewals - Class A Liquor Stores (list attached)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the license renewals. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY
Adjourn- 9:40 p.m.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
Holiday Selling License Renewals
D/B/A Owner Address
BreakWater Surf Co. Breakwater Surf Company (Newport) LLC 438 Thames St.
Flop Up Shop Heavenly Soles, Inc. 33 Bannister's Wharf
Flori's Treasures Flori's Treasures, LLC 359 Thames St. Unit G
Kay Jewelers #2899 Sterling Inc. 199 Connell Highway Unit 7A
Lululemon Athletica LULULEMON USA Inc. A45 Long Wharf
Mattress Firm Mattress Firm, Inc. 199 Connell Hwy.
Paw Addict Paw Addict RI LLC 397 Thames St. Unit 6
Rochelle's of Newport Rochelle's, Inc. 381 Thames St.
Run Newport Heavenly Soles, Inc. 16 Long Wharf Mall South
Scooter World Scooter World LLC 10 -12 Christies Landing
Scooter World Scooter World, LLC 436 Thames St.
Sephora #908 Sephora USA, Inc. 49 Long Wharf Mall
Sole Desire Heavenly Soles, Inc. 131 Swinburne Row
Style Newport Style Newport, LLC 491 Thames St.
The Black Dog - Thames Black Dog Tavern Co., LLC 240 Thames St.
The Black Dog General Black Dog Tavern Co., LLC 33 Banister's Wharf
Willas LLC 431 Thames Street
*Sunday Selling Class A Liquor Store Renewals *
DBAOwner NameAddress
Bliss Road Beer, Wine & Spirits AMAR7377, LLC 25 Bliss Road
Point Wine & Spirits New Newport Liquor LLC 3 Thames St.