CITY OF NEWPORT
MEETING
MARCH 13, 2024
(Approved 4/10/2024)
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council came before the Council at meeting to be held at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
The CITY CLERK called the Roll and the following members were present:
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG ANGELA MCCALLA
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE DAVID CARLIN
JEANNE MARIE NAPOLITANO MARK ARMALI
CHARLIE HOLDER
Presentation of Certificates of recognition to Rogers High School Culinary students Zoila Chavarria, Xander Cantelmo, Jada Unger, Sebastian Ganes, Dominic Carfora
COUNCILOR MCCALLA presented certificates to the honorees.
Citizens’ Forum:
Stephen Diomandes, 10 Burdick Ave.
1. PUBLIC HEARING - FY2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing.
No members from the public addressed the Council.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
a. Minutes of meeting held February 14, 2024 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
1. Greater Newport Chamber, d/b/a Women in Business After Hours, Rosecliff; March 21, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
REMOVED 2. Newport in Bloom, d/b/a Daffodil Days, various locations throughout the city; April 6-23, 2024
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. John Hirschboeck and Ellen Pinnock addressed the Council regarding the event. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMNOUSLY.
3. Audrain Automobile Museum, d/b/a 10th Annual Daffodil Parade, route attached; April 21, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Rain Date April 27, 2024)
4. Newport/Fall River Star Kids Scholarship Program, d/b/a Star Kids Annual Fundraiser, Ochre Court; May 11, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
5. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, d/b/a Live from the Loading Dock, grassy area between Great Friends Meeting House and Mumford Manor; 5/15/24, 6/12/24, 7/17/24, 8/21/24, 9/18/24 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
6. Newport Rugby Football Club, d/b/a NERFU Championship Rugby Tournament, Fort Adams State Park; May 18 & 19, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
7. Trinity Episcopal Church, d/b/a Strawberry Festival, 1 Queen Anne Square; June 15, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8. Newport Rugby Football Club, d/b/a Newport Summer 7’s Rugby Tournament, Fort Adams State Park; June 22 & 23, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
9. Boys and Girls Club of Newport County, d/b/a Newport Yacht Rendezvous, Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard; June 22, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
10. Boys and Girls Club of Newport County, d/b/a Growing Together, Hotel Viking; September 26, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
c. Tattoo License, Renewal, Owner/Operator, Bret Lohnes, d/b/a Captain Bret’s Tattoo Shop, Inc., 4 Collins St., Unit 4A
d. Food Concession License, Newport Rugby Football Club, d/b/a:
1. NERFU Championship Rugby Tournament, Fort Adams State Park; May 18 & 19, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Newport Summer 7’s Rugby Tournament, Fort Adams State Park; June 22 & 23, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
e. 2024 Holiday Selling License Renewal (list attached)
REMOVED f. Communication from Samuel Goldblatt, re: Resignation from the Zoning Board of Review (Receive with regret)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication with regret. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO who went on to thank Samuel Goldblatt for his service to the city. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
g. Communication from the William Farrell, Colonel Commanding, Artillery Company of Newport, re: Liberty Square and the proposed Newport Middle Passage Marker (Receive)
h. Communication from Maureen Cronin, Chair, Tree and Open Space Committee, re: Supporting the plan for the Newport Skate Park (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of items b(2) and f. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mobile Food Cart License, Renewal, Longade, LLC, d/b/a Del’s Lemonade, 1 Winfield Court, Middletown, RI
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLTIANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Council Liaison Updates
Appointments
5. Recognizing the Edward King House Senior Center on becoming a Nationally Accredited Senior Center in Rhode Island by NISC in March 2024– M. Aramli, X. Khamsyvoravong, D. Carlin, C. Holder, L. Ceglie
COUNCILOR ARAMLI introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Discussion occurred among the Council. Carmela Geer, Director, addressed the Council to present a token of appreciation to the Council. MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved receive the vests presented by Ms. Geer. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCCALLA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
The motion to adopt the resolution was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Requesting the City Council support the request of $2.5M to support development of Newport Contemporary Ballet’s Center for Arts, Dance & Education, whether through an amended appropriation to the 2025 State Budget by the Governor, or through legislative appropriation, or bond, on behalf of all residents of the City of Newport and State Of Rhode Island- J. Napolitano, X. Khamsyvoravong, L. Ceglie
COUNCILOR MCCALLA recused.
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Council Priorities Dashboard
8. Action Item #6245/24 – RE: Resolution on Real Estate Tax for General Assembly (w/accompanying resolution)- continued from February 28, 2024
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR ARAMLI. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding the proposal. COUNCILOR ARAMLI moved to amend the request by raising the amount to 2.5 million. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Harp Donnelly, Fire Chief, addressed the Council. COUNCILOR ARAMLI moved to amend the request by changing the structure so that it only applies to sales over $2.5 million. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion continued among the Council.
City Solicitor Behan addressed the Council to provide details on the exemption. MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to table the item. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Memorandum from the City Manager RE: Information on Easton’s Beach
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication from the City Manager. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council.
Interim City Manager Sitrin addressed the Council to provide additional information. Erik Reis, Recreation Administrator, addressed the Council to answer questions. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Stephen Diomandes, 10 Burdick Ave.
Rick Klaffky, Beach Commission Chair
Bruce Bartlett, 9 Bayside Ave.
Barry Botelho
The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Action Item #6256/24 – RE: Contract - Strategic Plan Implementation Assistance (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Action Item #6257/24 – RE: Award of Bid 24-073 - Easton’s Beach Demolition (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.
12. Action Item #6258/24 – RE: Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Action Item #6259/24 – RE: Award of Contract - Short-Term Rental Compliance Solutions (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Patricia Reynolds, Director of Planning and Economic Development and Drew Estabrook, Short Term Rental Supervisor, addressed the Council regarding the program. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANINMOUSLY.
ADJOURN AS COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
1. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Newport Rugby Football Club, d/b/a:
a. NERFU Championship Rugby Tournament, Fort Adams State Park; May 18 & 19, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
b. Newport Summer 7’s Rugby Tournament, Fort Adams State Park; June 22, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Communication from Christian Infantolino, Esq., re: Requesting permission for the Jamestown, the MV Katherine and The Coastal Queen to serve alcoholic beverages while at dockside at several stops in Newport Harbor for the 2024 season (Approve)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. 2024 Sunday Selling License Renewals - Class A Liquor Stores (list attached)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the license renewals. Seconded by COMMISSIONER HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Action Item #6243/24 – RE: Show Cause Hearing: Bull Shot, LLC, d/b/a Cabana - Operating Without a Valid Class BV Alcoholic Beverage License- continued from February 14, 2024
Sean Bouchard, Esq., addressed the Board on behalf of the applicant to provide an update. COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to dismiss the hearing. Seconded by COMMISSIONER MCCALLA and VOTED UNANMOUSLY.
5. Action Item #6244/24 – RE: Show Cause Hearing: Newport North Hotel Property, LLC, d/b/ Wayfinder - Operating Without a Valid Class BT Alcoholic Beverage License- continued from February 14, 2024
Dan Balceniuk, General Manager, addressed the Council to provide an update. COMMISSIONER CARLIN moved to continue the hearing for one month. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Adjourn- 8:55 p.m.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
D/B/A Organization Name Address
A Market Newport Nutrition House Inc. 181 Bellevue Ave. (corner unit)
Aardvark Antiques Arthur A. Grover 9 Connell Highway
Amazing Capital Ventures Corporation 228 JT Connell Highway
Anchor Toffee Anchor Toffee LLC 8 Bowens Wharf
Anchored in Pink Anchored in Pink, LLC 471 Thames Street
Arnold Art Store & Arnold Art, Inc. 210 Thames St.
Gallery
Artistry Beauty Artistry Beauty Collective LLC 32 Franklin St.
Ash Mart Ash Mart, Inc. 2 Carroll Avenue
Athalia Originals of Emily Hirsch 26 Franklin St.
Newport
Athleta #3514 Athleta LLC 36 America's Cup Ave.
Banana Republic #8129 Banana Republic LLC 124 Thames St.
Beau Tyler & the Sly Philip G. Ayoub 400 Thames St. # 6
Dog Co.
Beaucoup Café Beaucoup Café LLC 580 Thames St.
Bellevue Kids Bellevue Kids LLC 206 Bellevue Ave.
Ben's Furniture Co. Ben's Furniture Co. 166 Thames St.
Bermuda Bay Clothing Evansco, Inc. 119 Swinburne Row
Bite Me Live Bait Arkwear, Inc. 337 Thames St.-Perry Mill Unit
Company
Blink Gallery Alexander Nesbitt 89 Thames St.
Bowen's Wharf Bowen's Wharf Co., Inc. 45 Americas Cup Ave.
Information Booth
Breakers Museum Store Preservation Society of Newport County 44 Ochre Point Ave.
Broadway Mini Mart Broadway Mini Mart Corp. 316 Broadway
CH Charles 5&10 Store IHABCH654, INC 232 Broadway
Charlotte Kellogg Palm Beach Apparel Group, Inc. 184 Bellevue Ave.
Charter Books LLC Charter Books LLC 8-10 Broadway
Chateau-Sur-Mer Preservation Society of Newport County 474 Bellevue Ave.
Museum Store
CK Bradley Maramill, LLC 182 Bellevue Ave.
Closet Revival Amanda J. Gallagher 26 & 30 Broadway
Club Calais The Isherwood Company 198 Bellevue Ave.
Cottage & Garden, Inc. Cottage & Garden, Inc. 9 Bridge St. Units B & C
Cumberland Farms Cumberland Farms Inc. 125 Broadway
# 1150
Cutie Curls Boutique Cutie Curls, LLC 49 Long Wharf Mall, Unit 5
CVS Pharmacy #355 Rhode Island CVS Pharmacy LLC 181 Bellevue Ave.
Drawing Room of Federico Santi & John Gacher 152 Spring St.
Newport
Duris Studios Duris Studios, LLC 480 Thames St.
Eileen Graphics Newport Gifts and Graphics Inc. 65 Touro Street
Elms Museum Store Preservation Society of Newport County 367 Bellevue Avenue
Empire Tea & Coffee Newport Bubble Tea, LLC 22 Broadway including adjacent
Empire Tea and Coffee ETC Group, LLC. 112 William St.
Famous Footwear #2559 BG Retail, LLC 199 Connell Highway Unit 2
Folk Vintage Folk Vintage LLC 446 Thames Street
Frazzleberries Country Frazzleberries LLC 475 Thames St.
Store
Gap #9246 Gap Inc. 41 Long Wharf
General Store, The Long Wharf General Store, LLC 19 Long Wharf Mall
Go Wireless Go Wireless, Inc. 199 Connell Hwy, Space C
Hammetts Hotel Hammetts Wharf Hotel LLC 4 Commercial Wharf
Helly Hansen Newport Music Box, Inc. 154 Thames St.
Highhopes Gregory R. Verdon 38 Broadway
Hill Mart Hill Mart Inc 295 Connell Highway
Homeport LLC Leslie Normann 138 Spring Street Unit 1
Hotel Viking Viking Tenant, LLC 1 Bellevue Avenue
Inpopnito Brute and Hector LLC 387 Thames St.
International Yacht International Yacht Restoration School, Inc. 449 Thames St., Suite 111
Restoration School
Island Outfitters Island Resort Retail Group, Inc. 471 Thames St.
Isle Newport Isle Group, LLC 144 Bellevue Ave. Unit 4
J. H. Breakell & Co. Wonderwall Design Group, LLC 215 Goddard Row
JD Convenience Shivam Inc. 202 Thames St.
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers LLC 21 Long Wharf
LLC
Kiel James Patrick Kiel James Patrick 3 Bowen's Wharf
Kristina Richards Kristina Richards Inc. 108 William St.
Lemon & Line Lemon & Line, LLC 421 Thames Street
Leo's Market Leo's Market LLC 162 Broadway
Life is Good Newport Music Box Inc. 160 Thames St.
Little Chateau Little Chateau LLC 13 Touro St.
Lola & Company Lola & Company Inc. 400 Thames St.
Malibu Friday Malibu Friday LLC 182 Thames St., Units C&D
Marble House Museum Preservation Society of Newport County 596 Bellevue Ave.
Store
Matriarch Overseasoned LLC 468 Thames St.
Meeka LLC 33 Franklin St.
Michael Hayes Michael Hayes Co. 204 Bellevue Avenue
Monelle Nell Soper 17 & 19 Bowen's Wharf
Museum of Newport Newport Historical Society 127 Thames St.
History
Museum Store, The Preservation Society of Newport County 1 Bannisters Wharf
Natural Creations Natural Creations, LLC 540 Thames Street
Natural Elements: A Natural Elements: A Nature & Science Store LLC 435 Thames St.
Nature & Science Store
LLC
Newport Breeze Newport Breeze, Inc. 1 Bannisters Wharf
Newport Fudgery , Inc., The 168 Thames St.
Newport Fudgery Fudgery, Inc., The 359 Thames St.
Newport Harbor Clothing Bristol Harbour Clothing, LLC 198 Thames St.
Newport Harbor Island Goat Lessee LLC 1 Goat Island
Resort
Newport Hardware Nagle Group, Inc. 1 Casino Terrace
Newport Jerky Newport Jerky Company LLC 123 Swinburne Row
Company
Newport Lamp and Newport Lampshade Company Inc., The 11 Memorial Blvd.
Shade Company Inc.
Newport Lemonade Newport Lemonade LLC 36 Bowen's Wharf
Newport Original Christopher Papp 424 Thames St.
Products
Newport Scrimshanders Brian J. Kiracofe 14 Bowens Wharf
Newport Silver Satori LLC 337 Thames St. Unit 0
Company
Newport Silver Satori LLC 105 Swinburne Row
Company
Newport Sunglass Shop C.O.T., Inc. 109 Swinburne Row
Newport Yachting Scotts Wharf LLC 20 Commercial Wharf
Old Navy #3808 Old Navy LLC 199 Connell Highway
Patagonia on Thames Team One Newport, Inc. 450 Thames St.
Platinum House, The Platinum House, Inc. 137 Swinburne Row
Port of Paws Port of Paws LLC 433 Thames St.
Portobello Jewelers Portobello LLC 211 Goddard Row
Primavera Primavera, Inc. 4 Bowens Wharf
Releaf Center JT Releaf LLC 111 Swinburne Row
Re-Sails Hooley World Wide Inc. 364 Thames St.
Rosecliff Museum Store Preservation Society of Newport County 548 Bellevue Ave.
Roughan McCarthy Roughan McCarthy, LLC 135 Spring St.
Royal Male Royal Male, LTD 18 Bannisters Wharf
Royal Male Royal Male, LTD 104 Spring St.
S.O.L. Optics C.O.T., Inc. 375 Thames St.
Sail Loft Evansco, Inc. 18 Bowens Wharf
Saltwater Living Seashells In Bloom LLC 33 Bannisters Wharf
Saltzman's Watches Saltzman's Watches & More, Inc. 4 Commercial Wharf,
Sea Bags, LLC Sea Bags, LLC 25 Bowen's Wharf
Seashells In Bloom Seashells In Bloom LLC 33A Bannisters Wharf
Seasons Corner Market Colbea Enterprises, LLC 560 Thames St.
Seasons Corner Market Colbea Enterprises, LLC 138 JT Connell Hwy 184-186
Sheldon Art Gallery Kennedy Studios of Newport, Inc. 59 Americas Cup Ave.
Shore Soap Company Shore Soap Company, LLC 302 Thames St.
Sodexo @ Newport Sodexo Operations, LLC 11 Friendship Street
Soft as a Grape Soft as a Grape, Inc 170 Thames St.
Spice & Tea Exchange Spice of Life-Management LLC 192 Thames St. #B
of Newport, The
Spring Bull Gallery & Cooperative of Artists 55 Bellevue Ave.
& Studio
Stardust Fashion Jewelry Jane Kropp 359 Thames St.
Stop & Shop #701 Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, The 250 Bellevue Ave.
Sunflower Boutique Judith Goodwin 400 Thames St. #4
Sunglass Hut Luxotica of America Inc. 204 Thames St.
Super Stop and Shop Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, The 199 Connell Highway
T J Maxx #617 T J X Companies, Inc., The 199 Connell Highway
Team One Newport Team One Newport, Inc. 561 Thames St.
Thames Glass, Inc. Thames Glass, Inc. 688 Thames St.
Thames Street Shirt Co. Thames Street Shirt Co. 410 Thames St.
The Leeside Antiques Cynthia Lee 106 Broadway 2A
The Narragansett Ltd. Seawater Enterprises, Inc. 15 Bowen's Wharf
The Salty Babe JB Hopkins LLC 391 Thames St.
Touro Synagogue Touro Synagogue Foundation 54 Spring St.
Foundation
U-Haul Co. of Rhode U-Haul Co. of Rhode Island 111 Connell Highway
Island
UPS Store, The MTG Ventures LLC 270 Bellevue Ave.
Van Der Wal Gallery Tenley & Onne Van Der Wal 1 Bannister's Wharf
Viktoria Sue VS Vintage Marie Spicola Brown 174 Broadway
Virgin And Aged Olive Newport Mercantile & Trading LLC 395 Thames St.
Wal-Mart Store #2885 Wal-Mart Stores East, LP 199 Connell Highway
White House/Black White House/Black Market, Inc 49 Long Wharf Mall
Market #3521
William Vareika Fine William Vareika Fine Arts, LTD 212 Bellevue Ave.
Arts
DBA Owner Name Business Address
Bellevue Wine & Spirits Bellevue Wine & Spirits LLC 181 Bellevue Ave.
Bridge Liquors KRG Enterprises, Inc. 23 Connell Highway
Downtown Liquors Shiva Corporation 202 Thames St.
Fifth Ward Liquor Fifth Ward Liquor, Inc. 695 Thames St.
Harry's Liquor Store Harry S. Karanikolas, Inc. 199 Connell Highway
Island Wine & Spirits Newport Prescription Center, 287 & 291 Broadway & Portion of 289 Broadway
Inc.
Rex Liquor Ratana Hoan 146 Broadway
Thames Wine & Spirits Shiv Wine Corp 433 Thames St. Unit 2
Vicker's Liquors Vickers' Liquors LLC 274 Belleve Ave.