CITY OF NEWPORT
(Approved 7/22/2020)
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, came before the Council at its regular meeting held on March 11, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
The CITY CLERK called the roll, and the following members were present:
| JAMIE BOVA | LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE |
| ANGELA MCCALLA | JUSTIN S. MCLAUGHLIN |
| SUSAN TAYLOR | JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO |
| KATHRYN E. LEONARD | |
~Proclamation honoring the Rogers High School Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Team – Division III Champions~
ADDED ITEM
* Consideration of or reconsideration of a vote to cancel or revoke the parade permit for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held on March 14, 2020 in light of the coronavirus outbreak and based on receipt of clear direction from state officials after the Council’s meeting and vote on March 10, 2020.
The Council intends to vote on this added docket item as a result of the receipt of further direction from state officials concerning the permitting of large public gatherings such as the parade which requires immediate action to protect the public.
The Council may vote to advance this Added Item on its docket for consideration.
MAYOR BOVA moved the item be added and moved to the beginning of the meeting. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MAYOR BOVA moved to revoke license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding the changing guidelines and situation with the COVID-19. The vote on the motion to revoke the license was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
(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 meeting held February 12, 2020 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
1) Newport Middle Passage Port Marker, d/b/a Wine and 1619 Debate, Pell Center/Young Building-Salve Regina University; March 20, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2) Fort Adams Trust and Newport Rugby, d/b/a Rugby in the Fort, Parade Field, Fort Adams State Park; April 11, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3) Newport Tree Conservancy, d/b/a Tree Fest- Community Event, Morton Park; April 18, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4) Women’s Resource Center, d/b/a Sidewalk Parade, sidewalks in the North End of Newport (route attached); April 19, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Rain date 4/26/2020)
5) Michelle Leys, d/b/a My Best Friends Closet Consignment Sale, The Elks, 141 Pelham St.; April 23, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., April 24, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., April 25, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and April 26, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
6) Robert Pingitore, d/b/a Corvette Car Show, Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham St.; May 3, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and October 3, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Rain dates May 10, 2020 and October 4, 2020)
Removed 7) Bike Newport, d/b/a Bike to Work Day, Newport City Hall front lawn; May 15, 2020 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR MCCALLA recused.
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions regarding the event. The vote on motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8) Food Truck Festivals of America, d/b/a Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival, Fort Adams State Park; May 16 & 17, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Removed 9) Bike Newport, d/b/a Elliot’s Ride for Everyone, beginning and ending at Rogers High School; May 17, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.- route attached- request streets closed to vehicular traffic
COUNCILOR MCCALLA recused.
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions regarding the street closure. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding last year’s event. The vote on the motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR LEONARD opposed.
10) Fort Adams Trust, d/b/a Music at the Fort, North Lawn Fort Adams State Park; June 17, 2020, July 15, 2020 and August 19, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
11) Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Artist’s Ball, Newport Art Museum; July 17, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight
12) Joseph Pratt, Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, d/b/a Newport Yacht Rendezvous; Fundraiser: Yacht hop, dinner and dancing, Newport Shipyard; August 14, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
13) Mary Ann Martin, Unique Boutique Committee, d/b/a Unique Boutique Artisan Craft Fair, Easton’s Beach Rotunda; November 7 & 8, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
14) Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a:
a) Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch, Rosecliff; April 11, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
b) Newport Symposium, Rosecliff & The Breakers; April 16 & 17, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
c) The Newport Flower Show, Rosecliff; June 19 through 21, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
d) Annual Summer Dinner Dance, Marble House; August 15, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
e) Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Marble House, Rosecliff and the Elms; September 18-20, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
f) Holiday Dinner Dance, The Breakers; December 19, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
c. Private Detective License, Renewal, Ryan P. McCormack, d/b/a Coastal Investigation Group, LLC, 9 Waites Wharf, Unit 2
d. Holiday Selling License, New, Nancy Chace, d/b/a Sea Rose Cottage, 223 Spring St.
e. Holiday Selling License, New, Music Box, Inc., d/b/a Life Is Good Newport, 160 Thames St.
f. 2020 Holiday Selling License Renewals (list attached)
g. 2020 Second-hand License Renewals (list attached)
h. Communication from Jeffrey Moniz, re: Resignation from the Historic District Commission (Receive with regret)
i. Communication from Ellen Will, re: Resignation from the Hospitality Commission (Receive with regret)
j. Communication from Sara Churgin, Board Chair, Aquidneck Island Planning Commission Board of Directors, re: Leadership Transition (Receive)
k. Communication from the Planning Board, re: Short Term Rental Regulations
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of items b (7) and b (9). Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
* Consideration of or reconsideration of a vote to cancel or revoke the parade permit for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held on March 14, 2020 in light of the coronavirus outbreak and based on receipt of clear direction from state officials after the Council’s meeting and vote on March 10, 2020.
The Council intends to vote on this added docket item as a result of the receipt of further direction from state officials concerning the permitting of large public gatherings such as the parade which requires immediate action to protect the public.
The Council may vote to advance this Added Item on its docket for consideration.
2. Mobile Food Establishment (MFEC), New (5 available):
a) Jordan Durand, d/b/a Simple Merchant, 1 Arcadia Ave., Dartmouth, MA
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
b) Emmanuel Maldonado, d/b/a Stank Dog’s, 32 Nathaniel Ave., Pawtucket, RI
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Victualing License, New, GMP Hospitality, LLC, d/b/a Drift Café, 190A Thames St.
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Victualing License, Renewal, Ducket’s, Inc., d/b/a Colonial Restaurant, 175 Memorial Blvd., Easton’s Beach Rotunda
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCLAUGHLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Second-hand License, New, Nancy Chace, d/b/a Sea Rose Cottage, 223 Spring St.
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCLAUGHLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Victualing License, New, Giusto, LLC, d/b/a Giusto, LLC, 4 Commercial Wharf (In conjunction with liquor license transfer)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCLAUGHLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. MR Brick, LLC, d/b/a Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, 140 Thames St. first floor and rear lot and 142 Thames St. first and second floor (In conjunction with liquor license transfer)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Entertainment License, New, Class A (Indoors) MR Brick, LLC, d/b/a Brick Alley Pub and Restaurant, 140-142 Thames St. from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Hearing)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointments
School Committee Vacancy - (8 Applicants)
James Dring
David Sklarz, Ed.D.
David Vieira
Jennifer Jackson
Robert Power, Ed.D.
Michael Cullen
Elizabeth Murphy
Stephanie Winslow
MAYOR BOVA nominated Stephanie Winslow to the fill the School Committee Vacancy. Seconded by COUNCILOR TAYLOR and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Historic District Commission – Don Ross (move from Alternate to Full member)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to appoint Don Ross as full member. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Reappointments
Zoning Board of Review – Robert Buzard (5-year term, expiring 1/1/2025)
MAYOR BOVA moved to continue the appointments. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Newport Housing Authority - Frank Coleman
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to reappoint Frank Coleman to the Newport Housing Authority. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. National Grid- A. McCalla, J. Napolitano, L. Ceglie, S. Taylor, J. Bova
COUNCILOR MCCALLA introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Short Term Rentals-Tax Classification- J. Napolitano, K. Leonard, L. Ceglie
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moved to table the resolution and schedule a workshop. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Preservation of Safe Airspace- K. Leonard
COUNCILOR LEONARD introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. High Capacity Magazines- S. Taylor, J. Napolitano, J. Bova
COUNCILOR TAYLOR introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLTIANO. The motion was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR LEONARD opposed.
14. Communication from the Newport School Committee, re: Request for Joint Workshop on School Bond
MAYOR BOVA moved to receive the communication and schedule a workshop. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCLAUGHLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Communication from the Newport Gulls, re: Donation of New Scoreboard for Cardines Field
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR TAYLOR. Charles Paiva, Newport Gulls, addressed the Council to provide details regarding the scoreboard and provided pictures. MAYOR BOVA moved to receive the pictures. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCLAUGHLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion occurred among the Council and they thanked them for the donation. The vote on the motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Communication from Patricia G. Reynolds, Director of Planning & Economic Development, re: Consultant Update on North End Urban Plan
MAYOR BOVA moved to receive the Communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCLAUGHLIN. Alan Mountjoy, NBBJ, addressed the Council to provide an update. The vote on the motion to receive was VOTE UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Memo from the City Manager, re: Status Report #9 on Zoning Code Update
MAYOR BOVA moved to receive the report. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Patricia Reynolds, Director of Planning and Economic Development addressed the Council to provide an update. The vote on the motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Action Item #5918/20 – RE: Award of Contract - RFP#20-023 - Fire Headquarters Exterior Trim Repair and Painting (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Action Item #5919/20 – re: Award of Contract-E-One Typhoon Pumper- HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
20. Action Item #5920/20 – re: Ordinance Revision – 10.24.010. Parking Prohibited at All Times in Designated Places – Wellington Avenue North Side at Ida Lewis Yacht Club (w/accompanying ordinance)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Action Item #5921/20 – re: Award of Contract- RFP#20-026 - City Hall Roof Replacement and Cupola Restoration (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCLAUGHLIN. William Riccio, Director of Public Services, addressed the Council to answer questions. The vote to receive and approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Action Item #5922/20 – re: Award of Bid # 20-032 – Road Improvement Program 2020 (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLTIANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
23. Action Item #5923/20 – re: Supplemental Agreement #1 Bid # 19-051 – Pavement Marking Program (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR TAYLOR moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
ADJOURN AS COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
1. Class F Daily Liquor Licenses:
a) Fort Adams Trust, d/b/a Music at the Fort, North Lawn Fort Adams State Park; June 17, 2020, July 15, 2020 and August 19, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
b) Fort Adams Trust, d/b/a RI Cup Rugby Game, Parade Field, Fort Adams State Park; April 11, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor Licenses:
a) Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a:
1) Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch, Rosecliff; April 11, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
2) Newport Symposium, Rosecliff & The Breakers; April 16 & 17, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
3) The Newport Flower Show, Rosecliff; June 19 through 21, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
4) Annual Summer Dinner Dance, Marble House; August 15, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
5) Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Marble House, Rosecliff and the Elms; September 18-20, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
6) Holiday Dinner Dance, The Breakers; December 19, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
b) Food Truck Festivals of America, d/b/a Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival, Fort Adams State Park; May 16 & 17, 2020 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
c) United States Golf Association, d/b/a 2020 U. S. Senior Open, Newport Country Club, 280 Harrison Ave.; June 20-29, 2020 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
d) Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Artists’ Ball, Newport Art Museum; July 17, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
3. 2020 Class A Liquor - Sunday Selling License Renewals:
a) Bellevue Wine & Spirits, LLC, d/b/a Bellevue Wine & Spirits, 181 Bellevue Ave.
b) Menchin Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Bliss Road Beer, Wine & Spirits, 25 Bliss Road
c) Shiva Corporation, d/b/a Downtown Liquors, 202 Thames St.
d) Fifth Ward Liquor, Inc., d/b/a Fifth Ward Liquor, 695 Thames St.
e) Harry S. Karanikolas, Inc. d/b/a Harry's Liquor Store, 199 Connell Highway
f) Newport Prescription Center, Inc., d/b/a Island Wine & Spirits, 291 Broadway & Portion of 289 Broadway
g) Ratana Hoan, d/b/a Rex Liquor, 146 Broadway
h) Turnip Greens LLC, d/b/a Stoneacre Wine and Spirits, 580 Thames St. Unit 8
i) Vickers' Liquors LLC, d/b/a Vickers Liquors, 274 Bellevue Ave.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR moved to approve the Sunday Selling licenses. Seconded by COMMISSIONER LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Application of Hammett’s Wharf Hotel, LLC, d/b/a Hammett’s Hotel, 4 Commercial Wharf, holder of Class BT alcoholic beverage license, to transfer ownership to Giusto, LLC (Kevin E. O’Donnell-sole member), d/b/a Giusto, LLC for the same premises (Hearing)
Letters in support of the applicant:
a) Robert L. Barney, President, Claremont Neighborhood Association
b) Toni Elka, Founder and Executive Director of Future Chefs
c) Steven B. Fage
5. Application of Plumb, Inc., d/b/a Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, 140 Thames St. first floor and rear lot and 142 Thames St. first and second floor, holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license, to transfer ownership to MR Brick, LLC (Matthew A. Plumb-50% and Ralph H. Plumb, III-50%), d/b/a Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant for the same premises (Hearing)
MAYOR BOVA opened the public hearing. David Fox, Esq, addressed the board on behalf o the applicant. COMMISSIONER TAYLOR moved to close the public hearing and approve the license. Seconded by COMMISSIONER MCLAUGHLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Action Item #5904/20 – RE: Show Cause Hearing: Mermaids Newport, LLC, d/b/a Poor Richard’s-Benjamin’s-Operating Without a Valid Class BV Alcoholic Beverage License (Continued from February 26, 2020)
CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN advised the Board the matter could be withdrawn as the license holder has satisfied all requirements and the license has been issued.
Laura C. Swistak
City Clerk
ADJOURN – 7:52 p.m.
Holiday Selling Renewals
Second-hand License Renewals