CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
NOVEMBER 13, 2024
(Approved 12/11/24)
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, came before the Council at a meeting to be held on November 13, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., at Pell Elementary School, Cafeteria, 35 Dexter St., Newport, RI 02840
The following Council members were present:
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE
JEANNE MARIE NAPOLITANO
CHARLIE HOLDER
ANGELA LIMA
DAVID R. CARLIN, III
MARK ARAMLI- arrived at 6:38 p.m.
Citizens’ Forum
Linda Stevenson, 9 Dixon St.
1. Class F Daily Liquor License, Beacoup Café, LLC, d/b/a Beaucoup Café Dinner, 580 Thames St.; December 6, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to amend the license by changing the date to January 25, 2025. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the license as amended. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Communication from Carter, LLC, re: Notice of change in membership for Carter, LLC, d/b/a Speakeasy Bar & Grill (Receive and make part of licensee’s file)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Application of The Red Parrot, Inc., d/b/a The Red Parrot Restaurant, 344-348 Thames St., holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license to transfer ownership to 348 Thames Opco, LLC (1899, LLC-100%), d/b/a The Red Parrot, for the same premises (Hearing)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve subject to the payment of all bills of indebtedness. Seconded by COMMISSIONE NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. 2024-2025 LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS (by class):
(List attached)*
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the license renewals. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Board of License Commissioners and convene as Council. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
a. Minutes of the Council meetings held October 9, 2024 and October 23, 2024, Council Workshops held October 2, 2024 and October 7, 2024 and Minutes of the Executive Session held on October 29, 2024 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
1. Shops @ Long Wharf, d/b/a Santa’s Magic, Shops @ Long Wharf; November 30, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (rain date December 1, 2024)
REMOVED 2. Beaucoup Café, LLC, d/b/a Beaucoup Café Dinner, 580 Thames St.; December 6, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
3. The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Holiday Dinner Dance, The Breakers; December 14, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
4. Puddingstone Events/Clemens Teuful, d/b/a Yuletide Melodies, Provence Sur Mer; December 18, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
c. Holiday Selling License, New, Bastiat Rhode Island, Inc., d/b/a Brandy Melville, 134 Thames St.
d. Communication from Richard Klaffky, Chair, Newport Beach Commission, re: Recommendations for Phase II study of the beach plan (Receive)
e. Communication from Evan Smith, President & CEO, Discover Newport, re: Board of Director Terms (Receive)
f. Communication from Maureen Cronin, Chair, Tree and Open Space Commission, re: Finding and recommendations Dogs in Parks/Dog Parks (Receive)
g. Communication from Dennis Bristow, re: Resignation from the Tree and Open Space Commission (Receive with regret)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of item b(2). Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Pedicab Business License, Renewal, 1 pedicab, John Litherland, d/b/a Cap’n John Pedicabs, LLC, 158 Narragansett Ave, Unit O, Newport, RI
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Victualing License, New, 348 Thames Opco, LLC, d/b/a The Red Parrot Restaurant, 344-348 Thames St.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Entertainment License, New, Class A (indoors), 348 Thames Opco, LLC, d/b/a The Red Parrot, 344-348 Thames St. to have entertainment daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN asked the City Clerk if the entertainment was the same as the prior owner. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. 2024-2025 Annual Victualing License Renewals (lists attached)*
a. Victualing Licenses (Liquor)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the licenses. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Victualing Licenses (Non-liquor)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the licenses. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Vacancies currently exist on the following Boards & Commissions
Affirmative Action - Multiple openings
Historic District Commission – 1 Alternate vacancy
Newport Beach Commission – 2 vacancies
Newport Juvenile Hearing Board – 2 vacancies
Newport Tree and Open Space Commission – 1 vacancy
Zoning Board Review – 1 vacancy
7. Action Item #6333/24 – re: Boys and Girls Club – Sale of Thayer Building (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE move to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Action Item #6334/24 – re: Additional Funding for Rogers High School Construction (w/accompanying ordinance)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Joseph DeSanti, Downes Construction, addressed the Council to answer questions. CITY MANAGER KENNEDY addressed the Council regarding the project at Rogers. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to commit the funds to finish the project without a named funding source at this time. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Action Item #6335/24 – re: Award of Contract-RFP# 2025-PS-005 - Masonry Repair Innovate Newport (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Action Item #6336/24 – re: Award of Contract-RFP# 2025-PS-003 - Roof Replacement Martin Recreation Center (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE move to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Action Item #6337/24 – re: Award of Bid # 2025-PS-001 - Tracked Atrium Lift (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE move to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Action Item #6338/24 – re: Award of Contract-RIMPA-Civil Engineering Services - Federal Infrastructure Grant Support (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 #6339/24 – re: Amendment No. 1 – Contract 22-008 - Phragmites Control Mowing and Herbicide Application (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE move to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Action Item #6340/24 – re: Proposed EDA Fiscal Year 2023 Disaster Supplemental Grant to Fund Climate Resilient Stormwater Infrastructure in the North End (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE move to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Action Item #6341/24 – re: Amendment No. 6 – Contract # 16-030 - Design of Water Distribution System Improvements and Construction Administration Services (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE move to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Action Item #6342/24- re: Settlement of Litigation Involving Salve Dorm Zoning Appeals (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE move to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Action Item #6343/24- re: RE Lease of Office Space - 449 Thames Street (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. Olivia Nagle, addressed the Council regarding space at the Newport Public Library.
COUNCIOR ARAMLI moved to continue the item to receive more information. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. Patricia Reynolds, Director of Planning, addressed the Council regarding the office space. The motion failed 0-7 with all members opposed and no one in favor. COUNCILOR ARAMLI moved to approve subject to the lease to reduce it from five years to three. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. The motion was voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR LIMA opposed.
18. Amending Chapter 3.28.210, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Holidays” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Amending Section 12.28.071, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Mooring permit classification and quotes” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
20. Amending Section 12.28.077, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Mooring tackle requirements” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Approving the 2025 City Council meeting dates
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
The CITY CLERK read the resolution into the record. MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILOR LIMA made brief comments about her tenure on the Council.
23. Honoring Councilor Mark Aramli for his service on the City Council
The CITY CLERK read the resolution into the record. MAYOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILOR ARAMLI made brief comments about his tenure on the Council.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
ADJOURN – 8:02 p.m.
* LIQUOR CLASS A
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Newport Prescription Center, Inc.
d/b/a Island Wine & Spirits
289 & 291 Broadway
LIQUOR CLASS BV
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99 West, LLC
d/b/a 99 Restaurant and Pub
199 Connell Highway
Pasta Beach, LLC
Pasta Beach
136-138 Bellevue
Smokehouse Restaurant, Inc.
d/b/a Smokehouse
31 Scotts Wharf
LIQUOR CLASS D
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Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #1 Newport
d/b/a Ancient Order of Hibernians
2 Wellington Ave.
Pyramid Club
d/b/a Pyramid Club
32 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd.
*Victualing Renewals for Non-Liquor Establishments
7-Eleven #23880D Jakhar Enterprise, Inc. 29 Memorial Blvd.
Beaucoup Café Beaucoup Café LLC 580 Thames St.
Brack's Café Brack's on Bellevue, Inc. 111 Bellevue Ave.
Caliente Caliente Ja, LLC 462 Thames St.
Community Cookery Newport Community School 18 Market Square
Corner Cafe, The FitzSimoes LLC 110 Broadway #3A
Cumberland Farms #1150 Cumberland Farms, Inc. 125 Broadway
Dunkin Donuts Aquidneck Donuts, Inc. 7 Memorial Blvd.
Dunkin Donuts Aquidneck Donuts, Inc. 194 Connell Hgwy.
Hungry Monkey, The Monkey Business, LLC 124 Broadway
K & K Food Mart K & K Food Mart Inc. 10 Connell Hgwy
New Good Friend Chinese Restaurant Che Wen Zhang 137 Connell Hgwy
Peaceable Market Peaceable Market, LLC 520 Thames St.
Seasons Corner Market Colbea Enterprises LLC 138 JT Connell Highway
*Victualing Renewals for Liquor Establishments
99 Restaurant and Pub 99 West, LLC 199 Connell Hgwy.
Ancient Order of Hibernians Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #1 2 Wellington Ave.
Pasta Beach Pasta Beach LLC 136- Bellevue Ave.
Smokehouse Smokehouse Restaurant, Inc. 31 Scott's WF
*Victualing Renewals- Extended Hours (between 2:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.)
7-Eleven #23880D Jakhar Enterprise, Inc. 29 Memorial Blvd.
Cumberland Farms #1150 Cumberland Farms, Inc. 125 Broadway
Dunkin Donuts Aquidneck Donuts, Inc. 7 Memorial Blvd.
Dunkin Donuts Aquidneck Donuts, Inc. 194 Connell Hgwy.
Seasons Corner Market Colbea Enterprises LLC 138 JT Connell Highway