(Approved 1/8/25)
CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
DECEMBER 1, 2024
3:00 P.M.
Community College of Rhode Island, Auditorium
1 John H. Chaffee Blvd., Newport, R.I. 02840
In accordance with Section 2-2 of the Newport City Charter, the Council-Elect met on December 1, 2024, at which time they were administered the Oath of Office by the Honorable Joseph T. Houlihan, Associate Judge, R.I. District Court.
A G E N D A
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to nominate Charlie Holder. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE.
The CITY CLERK asks if there are any other nominations.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moves the nominations be closed. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH.
CITY CLERK asks all those in favor, and all those opposed. The motion passes unanimously.
The CITY CLERK states that one ballot has been cast for CHARLIE HOLDER as Chair of this Council and he has been legally elected Chair of the Council for the 2024-2026 term.
JUDGE HOULIHAN administers the Oath of Office to CHARLIE HOLDER.
CHAIR HOLDER calls for the nomination of a Vice Chair.
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moved to nominate LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE to serve as Vice Chair. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK.
CHAIR HOLDER asks if there are any other nominations.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moves the nominations be closed. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH.
CHAIR HOLDER asks all those in favor/opposed. The motion passes unanimously.
CHAIR HOLDER directs the City Clerk to cast one ballot for LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE as Vice Chair.
JUDGE HOULIHAN administers the Oath of Office to VICE CHAIR CEGLIE.
CHAIR HOLDER asks for nominations for CITY SOLICITOR.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG nominates Christopher Behan, to serve as City Solicitor for the 2024-2026 term of office. Seconded by VICE CHAIR CEGLIE.
CHAIR HOLDER asks if there are any other nominations.
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moves the nominations be closed. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH.
CHAIR HOLDER calls for a vote. The motion passes unanimously. CHAIR HOLDER directs the City Clerk to cast one ballot for Christopher Behan as City Solicitor for the 2024-2026 term of office.
a. Assistant City Solicitor for Civil Litigation
b. Assistant City Solicitor of Law Enforcement
CHAIR HOLDER asks the City Solicitor to name his appointments of Assistant City Solicitor.
CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN announces his appointment of Girard Galvin as Assistant Solicitor for Civil Litigation and Susan Perkins as Assistant Solicitor for Law Enforcement.
VICE-CHAIR CEGLIE moves the Council to give approval to the appointment of Girard Galvin as Assistant Solicitor for Civil Litigation and Susan Perkins as Assistant Solicitor for Law Enforcement. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK.
CHAIR HOLDER calls for a vote. The motion passes unanimously.
JUDGE HOULIHAN administers the Oath of Office to:
Christopher Behan, City Solicitor
Girard Galvin, Asst. Solicitor for Civil Litigation
Susan Perkins, Asst. Solicitor for Law Enforcement
CHAIR HOLDER asks for nominations for MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE.
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO nominates J. Russell Jackson. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH.
CHAIR HOLDER asks if there are any other nominations.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moves the nominations be closed. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK.
CHAIR HOLDER calls for a vote. The motion passes unanimously.
CHAIR HOLDER asks the City Clerk to cast one ballot for J. Russell Jackson, as Municipal Court Judge for the 2024-2026 term of office.
JUDGE HOULIHAN administers the oath of office to J. Russell Jackson.
COUNCILOR SMYTH RECUSES FOR APPOINTMENT OF PROBATE COURT JUDGE.
CHAIR HOLDER asks for nominations for PROBATE JUDGE.
VICE-CHAIR CEGLIE nominates Gregory F. Fater. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN.
CHAIR HOLDER asks if there are any other nominations.
COUNCILOR PINNOCK moves the nominations be closed. Seconded by COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG.
CHAIR HOLDER calls for a vote. The motion passes unanimously. CHAIR HOLDER then directs the City Clerk to cast one ballot for Gregory Fater as Probate Judge for the 2024-2026 term of office.
JUDGE HOULIHAN administers the Oath of Office to Gregory Fater.
CHAIR HOLDER introduces the Council Members for brief remarks:
ELLEN PINNOCK, First Ward
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE, Second Ward
DAVID R. CARLIN, III, Third Ward
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG, At-Large
JEANNE MARIE NAPOLITANO At-Large
STEPHANIE SMYTH, At-Large
CHARLES M. HOLDER, JR., CHAIR, At- Large
CHAIR HOLDER gives brief inaugural address.
Adjourn- 4:10 p.m.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk