CITY OF NEWPORT
MEETING
MAY 22, 2024
(Approved 6/26/24)
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
Citizens’ Forum:
Amy Machado, Burdick Ave.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to hear item 19. following the Consent Calendar. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the May 22, 2024 budget change sheet 2. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOTLIANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing.
The following members of the public addressed the Council:
Louisa Boatwright, 46 Second St.
Rebecca Bolan, Channing St.
Colleen Burns Jermain, Brenton Rd.
Amy Machado, 12 Burdick Ave.
Donna McCarthy, 45 William St.
Aida Neary, Bayview Ave.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to vote on the budget change sheet No. 2. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN had questions for the administration regarding several positions. Discussion occurred among the Council.
Thomas Shevlin, Communications Officer, addressed the Council regarding the Communications Department.
Interim City Manager Laura Sitrin, addressed the Council regarding the budget changes. Discussion occurred among the Council.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the change sheet. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the budget with changes. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
COUNCILOR ARAMLI moved to reconsider the change sheet. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Colleen Burns Jermain, the Superintendent, addressed the Council regarding school funding.
James Nolan, Interim Finance Director, addressed the Council to answer questions.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the proposed budget as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to remove the Deputy City Manager position and use the funds for the school. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to remove the Deputy City Manager failed 5-2 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO opposed.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to remove the communication assistant, resilient assistant, grant writer and assistant planner positions and restore the Deputy Police Chief and provide the school department with 4%. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER. The motion failed 1-6 with COUNCILOR CARLIN in favor and MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO, COUNCILOR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE, COUNCILOR ARAMLI and COUNCILOR LIMA opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the budget with changes. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
b. Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
c. Personnel Ordinance (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
d. Amending Chapter 13.12, entitled, “Sewer Service Charge” to amend Section 13.12.010, entitled, “Basic Charge” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
e. Resolution, re: Omnibus Property Tax Relief and Replacement Act
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the resolution to change the rate to 10.463 due to a typographical error. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
f. Resolution, re: Authorizing the Tax Levy
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
a. Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held April 24, 2024 and minutes of budget workshops held April 29 and April 30, 2024 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
1. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 406, d/b/a Strewing of Flowers Memorial Day Service, Storer Park; May 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
2. Coastal Extreme Brewing Company, LLC, d/b/a Newport Craft Brewery- Brew and Bites Summer Nights, 293 JT Connell Highway; May 30, June 27, July 25 and August 29, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
3. Artscape/Brick Market Merchant Association, d/b/a Umbrella Sky Newport Music Series/Live Music, Goddard Row/Brick Market; 2024- 6/1, 6/2, 6/8, 6/9, 6/15, 6/16, 6/22, 6/23, 6/29, 6/30, 7/6, 7/7, 7/13 & 7/14 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4. Resolution Estate Sales, d/b/a Estate Sale, 104 2nd Street; June 1 & 2 and June 8 & 9, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
5. Aquidneck Community Table, d/b/a Summer Bounty Party, Stoneacre Garden; June 18, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
6. Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a The Newport Flower Show, Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave.; June 21-23, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
7. Friends of the Waterfront, d/b/a Friends of the Waterfront Concert Series, King Park; 2024- 6/28, 7/12, 7/19, 8/9 and 8/31 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
8. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Opening Reception, Nick Mele, Newport Art Museum; June 29, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
9. Analog Studios, LLC, d/b/a Bliss RI, IYRS Restoration Hall, 449 Thames St.; July 27, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
10. Bike Newport, d/b/a 10-Spot Ride, 10 locations throughout the city which will be revealed on the day of the ride; August 24, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
c. Bingo License, Annual, Louise Smith, Donovan Manor, 19 Chapel St., Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
d. Holiday Selling License, Renewal, Faherty Brand, LLC, d/b/a Faherty Brand, LLC, 130 Thames St.
e. Holiday Selling License, New, Thryn, Inc., d/b/a Thryn Boutique, 433 Thames St. Unit 4
f. Holiday Selling License, Renewal, Francesca’s Collections, Inc., d/b/a Francesca’s, 15 Long Wharf Mall
g. Holiday Selling License, Renewal, Vineyard Vines Retail, LLC, d/b/a Vineyard Vines, 139 Swinburne Row
h. Waste Hauler License Renewals, re:
1. Island Rubbish Service, 8 Swinburne St., Jamestown, RI
2. Lawrence Waste Services, 49 Alder St., Medway, MA
3. RPKK, Inc., P.O. Box 126 Wood River Junction, RI
i. Communication from Evan Smith, CEO, Discover Newport, re: Request to establish a Newport Tourism Marketing District (Receive and refer to the city administration for a recommendation)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Communication from Rebecca Bolan and Louisa Boatwright, Co-Chairs, School Building Committee, re: Requesting the City Council commit to $2.2 million by July 1, 2024 for the Rogers High School Building Project
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Rebecca Bolan and Louisa Boatwright addressed the Council to answer questions. Joseph DeSanti, Downes Construction and Aleta Hall, Downes Construction, addressed the Council to answer questions. The following members from the public addressed the Council.
Peter Rice, Harrison Lane
Donna McCarthy
The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Special Event License, Bike Newport, d/b/a Elliot’s Ride for Everyone, Rogers High School (route attached); June 8, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Street Closure Request- Hazard Road and Ocean Ave. from Carroll Ave. to Harrison Ave.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the event and refer the road closure to the administration. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Special Event License, Church Community Housing Corporation, d/b/a Spring Park Opening Celebration, Spring Park; June 1, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Street Closure Request- Courthouse Street
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR HOLDER had a question regarding the road closure. Lilly Dick addressed the Council to answer questions on behalf of the Newport Spring Committee.
The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Special Event License, Victoria Johnson, d/b/a Juneteenth, Liberty Square; June 15, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Street Closure Request- Meeting Street
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG. Victoria Johnson addressed the Council regarding the event. Stephanie Winslow, 5 Rowland Rd. addressed the Council regarding the event. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Victualing License, New, 1899, LLC, d/b/a The Heritage Restaurant Group, 140-142 Thames St.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Victualing License, New, Smokehouse Restaurant, Inc., d/b/a Smokehouse, 31 Scotts Wharf
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Victualing License, New, Caliente JA, LLC, d/b/a Caliente Mexican Grill, 462 Thames St.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Victualing License, Renewal, Lindsey Kusic, d/b/a Gooseberry Concession and Grill, Ocean Ave.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0). MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG left the dais and was not present for the vote.
10. Victualing License, New, Boba on Bowens, LLC, d/b/a Boba on Bowens, 30 Bowens Wharf
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0). MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG left the dais and was not present for the vote.
11. Entertainment License, New, Class A (indoor), 1899, LLC, d/b/a The Heritage Restaurant Group, d/b/a TBD, 140-142 Thames St. to have entertainment Sunday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Entertainment License, New Class A (indoor) and Class B (outdoor), Smokehouse Restaurant, Inc., d/b/a Smokehouse, 31 Scotts Wharf, to have entertainment on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Council Liaison Updates
14. Energy and Environment Commission- X. Khamsyvoravong, L. Ceglie, C. Holder, J. Napolitano
MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Requesting the Public Utilities Commission to oppose a jitney license for Comedy Bus, LLC- J. Napolitano, D. Carlin, C. Holder
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER. Lilly Dick, 5 Touro Park West and Linda Stevenson, Dixon St. addressed the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Street Noise- M. Aramli
COUNCILOR ARAMLI introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Amending Section 8.12.130 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Motorized vehicles” (First Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Council Priorities Dashboard
19. Communication from Rebecca Bolan and Louisa Boatwright, Co-Chairs, School Building Committee, re: Requesting the City Council commit to $2.2 million by July 1, 2024 for the Rogers High School Building Project
Moved following the Consent Calendar.
20. Action Item #6277/24 – RE: Award of Contract for Life Insurance (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Action Item #6278/24 – RE: Award of Contract – RIMPA - Professional Engineering Services for Ann Street Pier Extension (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Linda Stevenson, Friends of the Waterfront, addressed the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Action Item #6279/24 - RE: Award of Contract – Demolition of Elm Street Pier (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners.
1. Class F Daily Liquor License, Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Opening Reception/Nick Mele, Newport Art Museum; June 29, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Application of Plumb Inc., d/b/a Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, 140-142 Thames St., holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license to transfer ownership to 1899, LLC (Thames Capital Ventures 51 % (Nicholas Schorsch-100%) and Aquidneck Holdings, LLC 49% (Nicholas Schorsch-100%)), d/b/a The Heritage Restaurant Group, at the same premises (Hearing)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Application of The Mooring, LTD, d/b/a Smokehouse, 31 Scotts Wharf, holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license, to transfer ownership to Smokehouse Restaurant, Inc. (Newport Harbor Corporation-CWP-100) d/b/a Smokehouse, at the same premises (Hearing)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Adjourn- 9:52 p.m.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk