CITY OF NEWPORT
MEETING
FEBRUARY 28, 2024
(Approved 3/27/24)
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council came before the Council at meeting held at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
~Black History Month Citations~
Alyse Antone Smyth, Contessa Brown, Lanier Chapman, Makalah Chapman, Hakim Coggins, Isaiah Jackson, Corey Hollins, Renee Lima Howellel, Trevor Neal
COUNCILOR MCCALLA presented citations to all of the honorees present.
Citizens’ Forum:
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to hear items 20-26 after the Consent Calendar. Seconded by COUNCLOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
a. Minutes of the Workshop held January 6, 2024 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
1. Common Fence Music Co dba Newport Live, d/b/a Newport Live Presents The Chris Spedding Trio, Old Colony House; March 22, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
2. Newport String Project, d/b/a Community Concert, Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Ave.; March 24, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
3. Rhode Island Brewers Guild, d/b/a Newport Beer Festival, Fort Adams State Park; April 20, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
4. Newport String Project, d/b/a Newport County Concert, Colony House; April 27, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
5. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, d/b/a Newport Charter Yacht Show 2024, 1 Washington St.; June 23-26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
6. International Tennis Hall of Fame, d/b/a INFOSYS Hall of Fame Open, International Tennis Hall of Fame; July 14-21, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
7. International Tennis Hall of Fame, d/b/a Enshrinement Weekend, Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave.; July 19, 2024 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
8. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, d/b/a Safe Harbor Race Weekend, 1 Washington St.; August 9, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., August 10, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and August 11, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
9. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, d/b/a Newport Brokerage Boat Show 2024, 1 Washington St.; September 12-15, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
c. Bicycle Rental Agency, Renewal, Bike Newport, d/b/a Bike Newport, 62 Broadway
REMOVED d. Communication from Friends of the Waterfront, re: Adopt-an-Access Memorandums of Understanding (Receive and refer to city administration for a recommendation)
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG thanked the Waterfront Commission for their work on public access and moved to receive the communication and refer it to the city administration for a recommendation. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
e. FY2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program (Receive and order advertised for public hearing March 13, 2024)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of item d. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEMS 20-26 were moved after the Consent Calendar.
20. Action Item #6246/24 – RE: Utility Pole Petition – Rhode Island Energy – Perry Street (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR MCCALLA moved to approve the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOULSY (6-0). COUNCILOR CEGLIE left the dais and was not present for the vote.
21. Action Item #6247/24 – RE: Extension of Lease Agreement-Ida Lewis Yacht Club-King Park Floating Dock Storage (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Action Item #6248/24 – RE: Award of Bid #24-050 – Cemetery Mowing (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
23. Action Item #6249/24 – RE: Award of Bid #24-072 – Braga Park Backstop Fence Replacement (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
24. Action Item #6250/24 – RE: Award of Contract – RIMPA - Professional Services for Elm St. Pier Demolition & Rebuild (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
25. Action Item #6251/24 – RE: Automated Speed and Traffic Light Enforcement (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
26. Action Item #6252/24 – RE: Award of Contract - Restoration, and Repair of Exterior Windows at Fire Department Station 5 (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mobile Food Truck, New, Newport Creamery, LLC, d/b/a Newport Creamery, 35 Sockanosset Cross Rd., Cranston, R.I.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mobile Food Truck, Renewal, Amano, LLC, d/b/a AMano Pizza & Gelato, 181 Bellevue Ave., #315, Newport, R.I.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mobile Food Truck, Renewal, Weiner Wagon, LLC, d/b/a Wiener Wagon, 250 West Main Rd., Middletown, R.I.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mobile Food Truck, Renewal, Cluck Truck, LLC, d/b/a 256 Maple Ave., Newport, R.I.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mobile Food Truck, Renewal, 1899, LLC, d/b/a La Costa Lobster & Tacos, 186 Bellevue Ave.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Mobile Food Cart, Renewal, WW Newport, LLC, d/b/a Wally’s Hot Dog Cart, 252 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, R.I. 02842
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Council Liaison Updates
COUNCILOR CEGLIE provided an update on the warming center.
Appointments
Cliff Walk Commission - Kristine Hendrickson (5-year term expires 11/1/2026)
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to appoint Kristine Hendrickson to the Cliff Walk Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. COUNCILOR CARLIN questioned how the applicant was selected. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. St. Patrick’s Day- X. Khamsyvoravong, C. Holder, L. Ceglie, J. Napolitano, M. Aramli
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG introduced the resolution moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Requesting the R.I. General Assembly enact legislation authorizing Newport to issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $98,500,000 for infrastructure improvements
COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN had questions regarding the different projects the bond will be used for. Interim City Manager Laura Sitrin, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
11. Requesting the R.I. General Assembly introduce legislation which would enable Newport to implement a lodging tax to be used for public infrastructure and resiliency investment– M. Aramli
COUNCILOR ARAMLI introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council members.
John Zubak, Owner, Bayberry Inn, 20 Kay St. addressed the Council.
COUNCILOR MCCALLA moved to amend the resolution by removing the second resolve. Seconded by COUNCILOR ARMALI and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILOR ARAMLI moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
12. Requesting the R.I. General Assembly introduce legislation enabling Newport to implement a ticket and admission tax which would be dedicated to public infrastructure and public safety - M. Aramli
COUNCILOR ARAMLI introduced the resolution and moved for its adoption. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER. Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR MCCALLA moved to amend the resolution by striking “or admission fees” in the last Resolve. Seconded by COUNCILOR ARAMLI and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Olivia Nagle
John Boxer
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to adopt the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and voted 4-3 with COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR NAPOLTIANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
13. Amending Chapter 3.12.020 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “City Manager to maintain specifications- Enumeration of classes” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR MCCALLA requested an update on the Affirmative Action Officer. Interim Manager Sitrin, stated the position was being revised and would be part of the upcoming budget. She also indicated there were no applicants for the previous posting. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Amending Chapter 12.32 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Park and Recreation Areas” to amend Section 12.32.061, entitled, “Public tennis courts, pickleball courts and running track-Regulations.” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. Bart Lloyd, Chestnut St. and Lynn Eagles, Poplar St. addressed the Council. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the ordinance by amending the hours. Seconded by MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG. Laura Sitrin, Interim City Manager, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion failed 0-7.
The motion to adopt the ordinance was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
15. Amending Chapter 10.24 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Parking Restrictions on Specific Streets” to amend Section 10.24.010, entitled, “Parking prohibited at all times in designated places.” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Council Priorities Dashboard
No action taken.
17. Action Item #6230/24 – RE: Grant of Easement – The Narragansett Electric Company, d/b/a Rhode Island Energy-Electrical Distribution System – New Rogers High School Project (w/accompanying resolution)-continued from February 14, 2024
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Jacque Afonso addressed the Council on behalf of R.I. Energy. Joseph DeSanti, Downes Construction, addressed the Council to answer questions. Discussion occurred among the Council and Mr. Afonso. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Pete Rice, 1 Harrison Lane
Eric Nittman, 10 Sullivan St.
Tim Underwood, 2 Brenton Rd.
George Watson, Attorney for RI Energy, addressed the Council to answer questions about language regarding the requirement for no blasting. Colleen Jermain, School Superintendent, addressed the Council. COUNCILOR MCCALLA moved to add the language, “no blasting”, to the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR ARAMLI and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR MCCALLA moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. 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
Charlie Pichetshote addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant to provide an update. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the hearing for one month. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Action Item #6245/24 – RE: Resolution on Real Estate Tax for General Assembly (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The following members from the public addressed the Council: Karen O’Brien, Martin Cohen, Sandi Warner, Linda Stevenson, Michael Cullen, Richard Eberhard. Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR HOLDER moved to continue the item for two weeks. Seconded by MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR MCCALLA and COUNCILOR ARAMLI opposed.
ITEMS 20-26 were moved after the Consent Calendar.
20. Action Item #6246/24 – RE: Utility Pole Petition – Rhode Island Energy – Perry Street (w/accompanying resolution)
21. Action Item #6247/24 – RE: Extension of Lease Agreement-Ida Lewis Yacht Club-King Park Floating Dock Storage (w/accompanying resolution)
22. Action Item #6248/24 – RE: Award of Bid #24-050 – Cemetery Mowing (w/accompanying resolution)
23. Action Item #6249/24 – RE: Award of Bid #24-072 – Braga Park Backstop Fence Replacement (w/accompanying resolution)
24. Action Item #6250/24 – RE: Award of Contract – RIMPA - Professional Services for Elm St. Pier Demolition & Rebuild (w/accompanying resolution)
25. Action Item #6251/24 – RE: Automated Speed and Traffic Light Enforcement (w/accompanying resolution)
26. Action Item #6252/24 – RE: Award of Contract - Restoration, and Repair of Exterior Windows at Fire Department Station 5 (w/accompanying resolution)
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27. Action Item #6253/24 – RE: Changes to the Zoning Ordinance, proposed for immediate action (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR ARAMLI moved to table the item and requested a workshop within three weeks. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
28. Action Item #6254/24 – RE: Ordinance to Permit Accessory Dwelling Units in Newport (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR ARAMLI moved to table the item and requested a workshop within three weeks. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
29. Action Item #6255/24 – RE: State Government Relations and Advocacy Services and Transfer from Council Contingency (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR HOLDER made a motion to move the item forward. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moved to issue the contract to Capital Communications Group and requested they send the Council periodic updates of their lobbying efforts. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR MCCALLA opposed.
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 License, Common Fence Music Co dba Newport Live, d/b/a Chris Spedding, Old Colony House; March 22, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
2. Class F Daily Liquor License, Rhode Island Brewers Guild, d/b/a Newport Beer Festival, Fort Adams State Park; April 20, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
3. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, International Tennis Hall of Fame, d/b/a Infosys Hall of Fame Open, Enshrinement Weekend; July 14-21, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Adjourn- 10:54 p.m.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk