CITY OF NEWPORT

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL

MEETING

APRIL 23, 2025

 

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 at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840

 

 

Citizens’ Forum:

 

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

CONSENT CALENDAR

 

1. Class F Daily Liquor License, Marcin G. Rembisz, d/b/a An Evening for Education, Innovate Newport; October 23, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

           

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety.  Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

LICENSES AND PERMITS

 

2. Action Item #6374/25 – RE:  Show Cause Hearing:  Pyramid Club, d/b/a Pyramid Club - Operating Without a Valid Class D Alcoholic Beverage License (Continued from March 26, 2025)

Jonathan Hurt, member, addressed the Board regarding the insurance.  Discussion occurred among the Board members.  COMMISSIONER CARLIN moved to continue the hearing to May 28, 2025.  Discussion continued among the Board members.  Seconded by COMMISSIONER CEGLIE.  COMMISSIONER CARLIN withdrew his motion to continue to May 28, 2025 and moved to continue the hearing to May 14, 2025.  Seconded by COMMISSIONER PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Board of License Commissioners and convene as Council.  Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADJOURN AS BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS AND CONVENE AS COUNCIL

 

1. CONSENT CALENDAR (THE CONSENT CALENDAR IS APPROVED IN ITS ENTIRETY UNLESS THE COUNCIL REMOVES AN ITEM FOR DISCUSSION.  ALL LICENSES ARE GRANTED SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH ORDINANCES (#31-80 AND #98-40).

   a.     Minutes of the Regular Council Meetings held on March 26, 2025

 

b.     Special Events:

1.      Shauna Maguire, d/b/a Newport String Project presents Concert at Rough Point; May 3, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

2.      Mark Stickney, d/b/a Touro Park Summer Concert Series- The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble; Touro Park; June 8, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

3.      Lucy’s Hearth, d/b/a Lucy’s Hearth Pickleball Fundraiser, Tennis Courts @ Rogers High School; June 14, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to noon

 

4.      Trinity Episcopal Church, d/b/a Strawberry Festival, lawn in front of the church; June 21, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

5.      REMOVED -  Marcin G. Rembisz, d/b/a An Evening for Education, Innovate Newport; October 23, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

COUNCILOR KHAMSYOVAVONG recused.

 

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

          

c.      Holiday Selling License, New,  BWG, LLC, d/b/a Big Weather Gear, 154 Thames St.

 

d.       Holiday Selling License, New, Helly Hansen (US) Inc., d/b/a Helly Hansen- Newport #787, 124 Thames St.

 

e.        Holiday Selling License, Renewals (list attached)

 

f.        Food Concession Licenses, Jesus Saviour Church, d/b/a

 

1.         Holy Ghost Feast; June 8, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

2.         Summer Bazaar; July 24-26, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (rain date- July 27, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.-food only)

 

g.      Bingo License, Jesus Saviour Church, 1 Vernon Ave., July 24-26, 2025

 

h.      Tattoo License, Renewal, Owner/Operator, Bret Lohnes, d/b/a Captain Bret’s Tattoo Shop Inc., 4 Collins St. Unit 4A

 

i.       Communication from CRMC, re:  Application of the City of Newport for a State of Rhode Assent, Plat 24 Lot 348- Newport Harbor (Receive)

 

j.         Learn 365RI in Newport Case Study (Receive)

 

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of item b (5).  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

                                                                                                                  

       LICENSES AND PERMITS

 

2. Special Event License, David Bettencourt, d/b/a/ Tunes & Tours, Belcourt Castle; May 1, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

 

  COUNCILOR CARLIN recused.

 

 Jeremiah Lynch, Esq. addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant.   COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

3. Special Event License, Andrew Snook- Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, d/b/a Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2025-Newport, streets of Newport; May 18, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

     COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Andrew Snook, addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant.  Jason Head, Traffic Sergeant, addressed the Council.  The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

4. Special Event License, R.I. Slave History Medallions, d/b/a Juneteenth 2025, Eisenhower Park; June 21, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with accompanying communication from Lauren Fogarty, Program Coordinator R.I. Semi quincentennial (RI250) Commission

 

                     Road Closure Requests:

                     Washington Square

                     Duke Street

                     Charles Street

                     Park Place

  

    COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.   Charles Roberts addressed the Council regarding the application.   Discussion occurred among the Council.  Jason Head, Traffic Sergeant, addressed the Council regarding the road closure requests.    COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license only with the exception of the road closures.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. 

 

     COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the road closure for Washington Sq. between 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. only.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

     Discussion continued among the Council.  COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the additional road closure requests until after the details are worked out with the Police Department.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

5. Street Café License, Renewal, Leinster, Inc., d/b/a Malt, 150-154 Broadway (reduction in size from 2024)

 

    COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

                    

6. Sidewalk Café License, Renewals:

a.      Pickled and Cured, Inc., d/b/a Audette & Thames Street Kitchen, 505- 509 Thames St.

b.      22 Washington Sq., Inc., d/b/a Bar Cino, 22 Washington Sq.

c.      Newport Bubble Tea, LLC, d/b/a Empire Tea & Coffee, 22 Broadway

d.      ETC Group, LLC, d/b/a Empire Tea & Coffee, 112 William St.

e.      Fastnet Inc., d/b/a Fastnet, The, 1-3 Broadway

f.       Mel’s Lunch, Inc., d/b/a Mel’s Lunch, 25 Broadway

g.      Parlor, LLC, d/b/a Parlor, 200 Broadway

h.      Picnic, Ltd., d/b/a Picnic, 28-32 Bellevue Ave.

i.       P2 Investments, LLC, d/b/a Root, 6 Broadway

 

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve items 6 (a) through (i).  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

7. Entertainment License, New, Chomp Newport, LLC, d/b/a Chomp Kitchen and Drinks, 107-111 Broadway, to have indoor entertainment  Sunday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to midnight (Second Hearing)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Daily Entertainment License, Indoors, Uptown Hospitality, d/b/a Mother Pizzeria, 49 Long Wharf Mall, May 11, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. Victualing License, New, Raed Yazbeck, d/b/a Playa Bowls Newport, 201 Goddard Row (subject to Zoning Board approval)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license subject to Zoning Board approval.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

10. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

                 

Appointments:

 

Tree and Open Space Commission

Maria “Lola” Herrera–– three-year term – expires 4/23/2028

 

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Maria Lola Herrera to the Tree and Open Space Commission.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Reappointments:

 

Newport Housing Authority

Vanessa Soares, Resident Commissioner – Four-year term, expires 4/23/2029

 

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Vanessa Soares as Resident Commissioner.  Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Tom Sheehan, Resident Commissioner – Four-year term, expires 4/23/2029

 

CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Tom Sheehan as Resident Commissioner.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

*RESOLUTIONS

 

*COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to hear the resolutions before the Communications.  Seconded by  COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

31. Resolution supporting a Resiliency and Recovery Project Fund – X. Khamsyvoravong, J. Napolitano, S. Smyth, E. Pinnock, L. Ceglie

 

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG introduced the resolution and moved for its passage.  Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

32. Resolution supporting Newport For All Ages- L. Ceglie, C. Holder, X. Khamsyvoravong, S. Smyth, E. Pinnock, J. Napolitano

 

COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the resolution and moved for its passage.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

11. Communication from Andy Bjork, re:  Energy and Environment Commission 10-year plan framework

Andy Bjork, addressed the Council and provided a presentation regarding the framework plan. 

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER

 

12. Memorandum from the Deputy City Manager RE: Ordinance Amendment  as per Resolution #2025-41 - Ordinance 10.32.110 – Designated Residential Parking Streets – Marsh Street and Bridge Street, from Washington Street to America’s Cup Avenue Residential Parking Twenty-Four (24) Hours Per Day  (w/accompanying ordinance)- continued from April 9, 2025

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the memorandum and approve the accompanying ordinance.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN.  The motion was voted 4-3 with CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE

13. Action Item #6410/25 – RE: Ordinance Revision – 10.24.010 – Parking Prohibited at all Times in Designated  Places – Dixon Street, South Side, Beginning 405 Feet West of Spring Street and Continuing a Distance of 16 Feet (w/accompanying ordinance)
continued from April 9, 2025

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and approve the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

14. Action Item #6412/25 – RE:   CRMC File No. 2025-02-022 - Application of SW 45 LLC, Newport Yachting Center, 20 Commercial Wharf - Expand Perimeter Limit and Replace and Reconfigure Floating Docks

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the communication.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

15. Action Item #6413/25 – RE:   CRMC File No. 2024-62-087 - Application of William J Ruh Trust, 88 Washington Street – Construct and Maintain a new Single-Family Home, Driveway, Stormwater, Connection to City Utilities, Conversion of Existing House into a Guest House

COUNCILOR CARLIN recused.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the request.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  The following members from the public addressed the Council:

Peter Denton, 94 Washington St.

Robert Harris, 19 Chestnut St.

 

Discussion occurred among the Council.  Jeremiah C. Lynch, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant.  CHAIR HOLDER moved to make no recommendation to C.R.M.C.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE.  The motion failed 1-5 with Chair Holder in favor.

 

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to give a positive recommendation to CRMC.  Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK.  The motion failed 0-6 with no Council members in favor.  

 

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to send a recommendation opposing the project.  Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE.  The motion was voted 4-1 with CHAIR HOLDER opposed.  COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO did not vote. 

 

16. Action Item #6414/25 – RE:   Award of Bid # 2025-PS-019 – Road Improvement Program 2025 (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

17. Action Item #6415/25 – RE:   Amendment to Lease Agreement – 1899, LLC - Easton’s Beach Mobile Food and Beverage Concessions – Request for Utilities Changeover (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

18. Action Item #6416/25 – RE:    Ordinance Revision- 10.24.010. – Parking Prohibited at all times in Designated Places – Mill Street, North Side, 264 Feet East of Thames Street for a Distance of 33 Feet (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  Discussion occurred among the Council.  COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the communication and allow the administration to report back if the resident is living full time in Newport.  Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK.  The motion was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.

19. Action Item #6417/25 – RE:    Ordinance Amendment – Title 10, Vehicles and Traffic. Section 1, Chapter 10.20, “Parking Generally”, 10.20.210 – Meter Charges (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

20. Action Item #6418/25 – RE:    Award of Contract - Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) Services for Renovations to the Florence Gray Center-Pandemic Recovery Office CPF-C  (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 #6419/25 – RE:    Award of Contract - RFP# 2025 - Small Boat Mooring Field Installation (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

22. Action Item #6420/25 – RE:   Harbor Ordinance Amendments – Commercial Dock Permit and Fee (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

23. Action Item #6421/25 – RE:    Harbor Ordinance Revision-Mooring Surrender for Season-Date Change   (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

ORDINANCES

 

24. Memorandum from City Solicitor Christopher J. Behan, Esq., amending Section 2.48.140, entitled, “Fines or costs constituting a lien” (First Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

25. Memorandum from City Solicitor Christopher J. Behan, Esq., amending Section 2.56.010, entitled, “General Provisions” (First Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

26. Amending Section 1.14.170, entitled, “Violation of Chapter 10.12 Vehicles and Traffic Administration and Enforcement”, 1.14.180, entitled,  “Violation of Chapter 10.20 Parking Generally” and 1.14.190, entitled, “Violation of Chapter 10.32 Residential Parking Program” (Second Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.  COUNCILOR PINNOCK moved to amend the ordinance to change the fine for handicap parking violation to $150.00.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve as amended.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

27. Amending Section 10.32.070, entitled, “Residential parking permits-Visitor passes-Temporary permits” (Second Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

28. Amending Section 10.32.020, entitled, “Definitions”, 10.32.040, entitled, “Designation of residential parking streets” and 10.32.100, entitled, “Designated Residential parking district” (Second Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

29. Amending Section 10.24.030, entitled, “Special parking limits during certain hours on certain streets” (Second Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

30. Amending Section 5.70.020, entitled, “License Required” (Second Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

*RESOLUTIONS

 

*COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to hear the resolutions before the Communications.  Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

31. Resolution supporting a Resiliency and Recovery Project Fund – X. Khamsyvoravong, J. Napolitano, S. Smyth, E. Pinnock, L. Ceglie

32. Resolution supporting Newport For All Ages- L. Ceglie, C. Holder, X. Khamsyvoravong, S. Smyth, E. Pinnock, J. Napolitano

 

Adjourn- 8:50 p.m.

                                                                                               

                                                                                                Laura C. Swistak, CMC

                                                                                                City Clerk      

 

 

  Holiday Selling License Renewals

  D/B/A                              Owner                                               Street Address

  Lotus                      Sonam LLC                                         411                   Thames St. Unit # 4

  Narragansett Ltd., The                                                        Seawater Enterprises, Inc.        15        Bowen's Wharf

  THRYN Boutique  Kathryn Linekin*                                 433                   Thames St. Unit 4
                                 *change of ownership

  Tibet in-port           Sonam LLC                                         411                   Thames St. Unit #1