CITY OF NEWPORT
MEETING
APRIL 24, 2024
(Approved 5/22/2024)
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 ARAMLI |
| CHARLIE HOLDER | |
Citizens’ Forum:
Anita Steenson, Small Business Administration
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to hear item No. 11 before item No. 9. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
a. Minutes of Council meeting held March 27, 2024 and minutes of workshops held January 31, 2024, February 20, 2024, and April 3, 2024 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
REMOVED 1. Irish American Athletic Club, d/b/a Not Your Grandmas Bingo Show, 642 Thames St.; April 28, 2024 from noon - 3:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Newport In Bloom, d/b/a/ Newport in Bloom Plant Sale, Elks Club; May 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
3. Elmwal Associates, LLC, d/b/a Summer Concert Series, The Shops at Long Wharf; Saturdays beginning May 25, 2024 through October 5, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
4. Jeanne M. Drapeau, d/b/a Artisans by the Bay Craft Show, Elks Lodge; June 8, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
5. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Opening Reception, Newport Art Museum; June 14, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
6. Newport Film Inc., d/b/a newportFILM Outdoor Film Screenings, multiple locations (list attached), 6/27/24, 7/18/24, 8/1/24, 8/8/24, 8/15/24, 8/22/24, 8/29/24 and 9/5/24 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
REMOVED c. Communication from Turner C. Scott, Esq., re: Request on behalf of the U.S. Senior Open to amend the special event license previously approved to add a merchandise pavilion on June 23, 2024 (Approve)
COUNCILOR CARLIN provided information about the event and moved to approve the request. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
REMOVED d. Bingo License Application, Irish American Athletic Club, d/b/a Irish American Athletic Club; April 28, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
e. 2024 Holiday Selling License Renewals (list attached)
f. FY2025 Annual Budget (Receive and order advertised for public hearing on May 8, 2024)- https://www.cityofnewport.com/FinanceReports
g. Newport Housing Study, Libra Planners, MTAP Consultant (Receive)
h. Communication from the Town of Portsmouth, re: East Main Road, Portsmouth, R.I. (Receive)
i. Communication from Col. William Farrell, Commandant Newport Artillery of Newport and Barbara Simmons DAR, re: Liberty Square (Receive)
j. Communication from Peter Fay, re: Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project (Receive)
k. Communication from Dan Lambe, Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive, re: Congratulating Newport on earning recognition as a 2023 Tree City USA (Receive)
l. Communication from Everytown for Gun Safety, re: Request to light the Newport Old Stone Mill Town in orange on June 7, 2024 for National Gun Violence Awareness Day (Approve subject to details being worked out with city administration)
m. Communication from Michael Ryan, re: Resignation from the Historic District Commission (Receive with regret)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety except items b (1), c, and d. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Special Event License, Audrain Automobile Museum, Inc., d/b/a 2024 Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week, various locations (list attached); October 3-6, 2024 including request to use golf carts on city streets during the event
Road Closure Request- Bellevue Avenue between East Bowery and William Street from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Special Event License, R.I. Slave History Medallions, d/b/a Juneteenth 2024, Eisenhower Park, June 15, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Road Closure Requests-
Washington Square, Duke Street, Charles St. and Park Place
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding the street closure request and the time of year it is being requested. The applicant was not present. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the license by approving the event without the street closure. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Special Event License, Gray Matter Marketing, d/b/a Amica Newport Marathon, Easton’s Beach (route attached); October 13, 2024 from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Road Closure Request- Memorial Blvd. from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and Thames St. at The Red Parrot from 7:05 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Sidewalk Café License, Renewal, The Nitro Cart, LLC, d/b/a The Nitro Bar, 2 Pond Ave.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. 2024 Annual Entertainment License Renewals (list attached)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license renewals. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Daily Entertainment License, Class A (indoors), Uptown Hospitality, LLC, d/b/a Mother Pizzeria, 49 Long Wharf Mall to have entertainment May 12, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Daily Entertainment License, Class A (indoors) and Class B (outdoor), Giusto, LLC, d/b/a Giusto, 4 Commercial Wharf, May 25, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO 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” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Council Liaison Updates
Appointments
Sister City Commission- George Antone (2-year term expires 4/24/2026)
Brenda Bachman (1 year term expires 4/24/2025)
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to appoint Brenda Bachman. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Delany Daley (2-year term expires 4/24/2026)
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to appoint Delany Daley. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Brooke Eaton (1 year term expires 4/24/2025)
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to appoint Brooke Easton. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Michael Falcone (2-year term expires 4/24/2026)
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to appoint Michael Falcone. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Carmela Geer (2-year term expires 4/24/2026)
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to appoint Carmela Geer. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Suzanna Laramee (3-year term expires 4/24/2027)
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to appoint Suzanna Laramee. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Carol Turner (2-year term expires 4/24/2026)
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to appoint Carol Turner. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Alexa Waluk (3-year term expires 4/24/2027)
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to appoint Alexa Waluk. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Historic District Commission- Frank Balla, move from alternate to full member (3-year term expires 2/3/2027)
COUNCILOR ARAMLI recused.
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to appoint Frank Balla as full member. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0).
RESOLUTIONS
10. Suicide Prevention Barriers on bridges- X. Khamsyvoravong, L. Ceglie, A. McCalla, M. Aramli, D. Carlin
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Moved to before item No. 9.
11. Amending Chapter 2.56 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Boards and Commissions” to amend Section 2.56.010, entitled, “General Provisions” (Second Reading)
12. Council Priorities Dashboard
13. Memorandum from the City Manager RE: Grant Status
Interim City Manager Sitrin, addressed the Council to provide an update on the grants.
14. Memorandum from the City Manager RE: Update on Housing
Patricia Reynolds, Director of Planning and Zoning addressed to the Council to provide an update.
15. Memorandum from the City Manager RE: Options and Costs – Easton’s Beach Amenities
COUNCILOR ARAMLI requested daily parking revenues for the past two years. Erik Reis addressed the Council to answer questions. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding the amenities.
16. Action Item #6268/24 – RE: Award of Contract - RFP # 24-049 - Mobile Food and Beverage Service Provider at Easton’s Beach (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
17. Action Item #6269/24 – RE: Harbor Ordinance Amendments - Dinghy Dock Rules and Fee Increases (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Stephan Land, Harbormaster, addressed the Council to answer questions. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council regarding the proposed changes. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Action Item #6270/24 – RE: Supplemental Agreement #1, Contract #23-031 - Sidewalk Improvement Program 2023 (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. William Riccio, Director of Public Services, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Action Item #6271/24 – RE: Contract Amendment No. 1 – Rogers High School – Environmental Site Investigation (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Pete Rice, Harrison Lane, addressed the Council regarding the site. Discussion occurred among the Council and Interim City Manager Sitrin. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
20. Action Item #6272/24 – RE: Resolution Supporting House Bill 2024 – H 7611 and Senate Bill 2024 – S 2587 – Relocation of Utility Services (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Robert Schultz, Director of Utilities, addressed the Council to discuss the bills. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Action Item #6273/24 – RE: Capital Modification 15-023 Veolia Contract – Primary Clarifiers (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Action Item #6274/24 – RE: Capital Modification 15-023 Veolia Contract – Upgrade Septage Receiving (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Oliver Hazard Perry, d/b/a Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival, Bowen’s Wharf & Market Sq.; May 18 & 19, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
2. Class F Daily Liquor License, Newport Tree Conservancy, d/b/a Amica Newport Marathon, October 13, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7:53 p.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Board of License Commissioners and reconvene as Council and move to Executive Session Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-1, as amended, and in accordance with Section 42-46-5 Purposes for Which Meeting May be Closed,
“(a) (1) Personnel Issues” …Discussions of the job performance, character or physical or
mental health of persons to discuss the qualifications of the two candidates remaining after interviews and the selection of one for the City Manager Position. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
Holiday Selling License Renewals
D/B/A Owner Address
AT&T Authorized Prime Comms Retail, LLC 163 Connell Highway
Bodhi Spa, The Bodhi Spa LLC, The 654 Thames St.
Lotus Sonam LLC 411 Thames St. Unit # 4
Tibet in-port Sonam LLC 411 Thames St. Unit #1
Entertainment Licenses by Class
Class A Indoors
DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions
Provence Sur Mer Karen Pinelli located on 39 Touro St. 1st floor Indoor entertainment only
Thames Street Thames Street located at 536 Thames Street NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
International International Yacht & AMPLIFICATION.
Yacht & Athletic Athletic Club
Club