CITY OF NEWPORT
DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2025
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council will come before the Council at a meeting to be held at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840.
The CITY CLERK called the roll and the following members were present:
ELLEN PINNOCK
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE
DAVID R. CARLIN, III
STEPHANIE SMYTH
CHARLIE HOLDER
JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved the Resolutions and item No. 32 be heard following the Consent Calendar. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Citizens’ Forum:
a. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held November 12, 2025
b. Special Events:
1. Cheyne Cousens, d/b/a Holiday Toy/Food Drive, Newport Skatepark; December 14, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2. Robert Vitello, d/b/a Belmont Chapel Music- JD Hunter Concert, Belmont Chapel; January 11, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3. Newport Festivals Foundation, d/b/a:
a. Newport All Star Softball Game, Cardines Field; July 23, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
REMOVED b. Newport Folk Festival, Fort Adams State Park; July 24, 25 & 26, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the application until more information is provided regarding the traffic flow. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
REMOVED c. Newport Jazz Festival, Fort Adams State Park; July 31, August 1 & August 2, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the application until more information is provided regarding the traffic flow. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.
c. Tattoo License Renewal, Owner/Operator, David Bennett, Sitting Bull Tattoo LLC, 136 Thames St.
d. Pool Table License, Renewal, Atlas Vending Inc., 1106 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 - 1 table
e. Pool Table License, Renewal, Fastnet Pub, Inc., d/b/a Fastnet Pub, 1-3 Broadway - 1 table
f. Communication from the Newport Housing Authority, re: 2026 Draft Annual Plan & 5-Year Capital Fund Action Plan (Receive)
g. Communication from Charles Roberts, re: Requesting the City sponsor the 250th Juneteenth Celebration Event at Fort Adams in 2026 (Receive)
h. Communication from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, re: Accessible Sidewalks & Street Crossings (Receive)
i. Communication from C.R.M.C., re: Application of Castle Hill, Inc. 590 Ocean Ave., Newport, R.I. for Commercial Viability Aquaculture (Receive and refer to the Waterfront Commission)- Continued from October 22, 2025
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive and refer the application to the Waterfront Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN had questions for Castle Hill Inc., but there was no representative present. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to reject the application and send an unfavorable recommendation to CRMC. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. Discussion occurred among the Council and City Solicitor Behan regarding the application.
The motion was voted 4-3. In favor: CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR PINNOCK. COUNCILOR Opposed: KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of items 3 (a) (b) and i. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
30. 2026 Regular City Council Meeting schedule
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. CHAIR HOLDER mentioned the November 2026 will be held one week later than due to the Veteran’s Day holiday. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
31. Requesting the City’s support of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center’s North End food pantry- S. Smyth, C. Holder, E. Pinnock, X. Khamsyvoravong, L. Ceglie
COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to amend the language in the first resolve. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR
ADDED ITEM:
32. Newport Prevention Coalition, re: Harm Reduction Vending Machine Project
Melanie Saunders and Raymond Joseph provided a presentation to the Council. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. St. Joseph’s Church & Jesus Savior Church, d/b/a Guadalupe Celebration, Broadway; December 14, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Street closure request- 3:00 p.m., Broadway, from Jesus Savior Church to St. Joseph’s Church for the procession
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license and street closure request. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Victualing License Expansion, 2 Church St., LLC, d/b/a Queen Anne’s Loft, 212 Thames St., second and third floors, to expand the service area by adding a 134 square foot outdoor deck over the existing roof (In conjunction with liquor license expansion)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Tanner Jackson, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Victualing License, New, 527 Thames Opco, LLC, d/b/a Scales & Shells, 527-537 Thames Street (In conjunction with liquor license transfer)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Sidewalk Café License, New, 527 Thames Opco, LLC, d/b/a Scales and Shells, 527-537 Thames St., consisting of eight tables and 32 seats (In conjunction with liquor license transfer)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Victualing License, New, 24 Memorial Opco, LLC, d/b/a Jo’s American Bistro, 24 Memorial Blvd. West (In conjunction with liquor license transfer)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Annual Entertainment License, New, Class A (Indoor), Newport Protective Club, d/b/a The Protective Club, 596 Thames St., to have entertainment Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Hearing)- continued from November 12, 2025
The public hearing was declared open.
Scott Kelleher, Owner, addressed the Council to answer questions regarding the proposed entertainment. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Chuck Bolduc, Dixon St.
Linda Stevenson, Dixon St.
Discussion occurred among the Council and City Solicitor Christopher J. Behan, Esq.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Annual Entertainment License, New, Class A (Indoor), 527 Thames Opco, LLC, d/b/a Scales & Shells Restaurant, 527-537 Thames St. to have entertainment daily from noon to 11:00 p.m. (Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Annual Entertainment License, New, Class A (Indoor), 24 Memorial Opco, LLC, d/b/a Jo’s American Bistro, 24 Memorial Blvd. West, to have entertainment daily from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. 2025-2026 Victualing License Renewals (lists attached)*
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the victualing license renewals. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointments:
Newport Beach Commission
Susan Marks –– three-year term, expires 12/10/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Susan Marks to the Beach Commission. Seconded by COUNCIILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission - Casey Lindie –– filling vacant five-year term, expires 5/10/2027
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Casey Lindie to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCIILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Reappointments:
Newport Waterfront Commission
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the appointments. There was no second to the motion.
Mark Marosits – Chair – three-year term, expires 1/11/2029
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Mark Marosits to the Commission and appoint him as Chair. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
Henry N. DiPietro –– three-year term, expires 1/11/2029
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Henry DiPietro. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
Planning Board
CHAIR HOLDER moved to continue the reappointments to the Planning Board until interviews have taken place. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Margaret Polski –– Chair- three-year term, expires 10/31/2028
Theresa (Soni) Stokes – three-year term, expires 10/31/2028
12. Memorandum from the City Manager RE: Police Department Presentation on Traffic Safety Initiatives
Ryan Duffy, Police Chief, provided an updated presentation to the Council.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the updated presentation. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. Ryan Duffy, Police Chief, addressed the Council to provide a presentation. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Jason McGuire, Providence, RI
Pete Rice, 1 Harrison Lane
Jay Martin, McCormick Rd.
Discussion occurred among the Council.
13. Action Item #6532/25 – RE: Utility Pole Petition – Rhode Island Energy – Install Conduit-Old Beach Road
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Bill Riccio, Director of Public Services, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Action Item #6533/25 – RE: Award of Bid/Proposal - RFP #2025-REC-004 - Lifeguard Chairs at Easton’s Beach (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Action Item #6534/25 – RE: Revised Advisory Committee Proposal - 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Patricia Reynolds, Director of Planning, addressed the Council to provide information regarding the Advisory Committee. Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to continue the appointments until interviews have been conducted. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Action Item #6535/25 – RE: Contract Extension # 23-053 – Decorative Street Light Maintenance Services (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 #6536/25 – RE: Award of Contract – RIMPA – Purchase of Fire Department Vehicle (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Action Item #6537/25 – RE: Appropriation of Committed Fund Balance for Area Traffic Study (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Action Item #6538/25 – RE: Two-Tiered Resident Tax Program Revisions (w/accompanying resolution and ordinance)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution and ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to withdraw item No. 2 Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Discussion occurred among the Council, City Manager Kennedy and City Solicitor Behan regarding the voter registration requirement. COUNCILOR KHAMSYORVORAVONG moved to continue the voter registration requirement. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and voted 4-3. In favor- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR SMYTH. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve item no. 3 changing the application deadline. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG and COUNCILOR PINNOCK opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to withdraw Section 4.08.120 A (c) (9). Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY
20. Action Item #6539/25 – RE: Bank of America/514 Thames Street – Amendment to License Agreement (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 #6540/25 – RE: T-Mobile, USA – Amendment/Extension of Lease Agreement - Toppa Field (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 #6541/25 – RE: Authorization of Funds for FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program, Brick Market HVAC Project (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
23. Amending Section 10.24.010, of the Codified Ordinances, 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.
24. Amending Section 10.52.010, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “No through-streets listed-signs required” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
25. Amending Section 12.28.020, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Definitions” (Second Reading) continued from October 8, 2025
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to withdraw the ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
26. Amending Section 12.28.071, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Mooring permit classification and quotas” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Jack Grant, 26 Vaughn Ave., addressed the Council. The motion to approve was voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR PINNOCK opposed.
27. Amending Section 12.28.071, entitled, “Mooring permit classification and quotas” and 12.28.072, entitled, “Requests for mooring permit and permit changes” (Second Reading) continued from October 8, 2025
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to withdraw Section 12.28.071 at the recommendation of the City Solicitor. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve Section 12.28.072 on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
28. Amending Section 12.28.200, entitled, “Fees and fines” (Second Reading) continued from October 8, 2025
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Stephen Land, Harbormaster, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
29. Authorizing the issuance of additional Wastewater System Revenue Bonds (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Robert Schultz, Director of Utilities, and Jim Nolan, Finance Director, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was voted 4-2 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR PINNOCK opposed.
30. 2026 Regular City Council Meeting schedule
31. Requesting the City’s support of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center’s North End food pantry- S. Smyth, C. Holder, E. Pinnock, X. Khamsyvoravong, L. Ceglie
ADDED ITEM moved to after the Consent Calendar:
32. Newport Prevention Coalition, re: Harm Reduction Vending Machine Project
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Class F Daily Liquor License, Robert Vitello, d/b/a Belmont Chapel Music- JD Hunter Concert, Belmont Chapel; January 11, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Newport Festivals Foundations:
a. Newport Folk Festival, Fort Adams State Park; July 23, 24, 25 & 26, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
b. Newport Jazz Festival, Fort Adams State Park; July 30, 31, August 1 & August 2, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
3. Application of 2 Church Street, LLC, d/b/a Queen Anne’s Loft, 212 Thames St., second and third floors, holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license, to expand the service area by adding a 134 sq. ft. outdoor deck over the existing roof (Hearing)
COMMISSIONER CARLIN left the dais.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Application of Nautilus Restaurant, LLC, d/b/a Scales & Shells Restaurant, 527-537 Thames St., holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license, to transfer ownership to 527 Thames Opco, LLC 1899, LLC- 100% (Thames Capital Ventures, LLC 51% (Nicholas Schorsch 100%) and Aquidneck Holdings, LLC 49% (Nicholas Schorsch 100%), at the same premises (Hearing)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Application of American Bistro, LLC, d/b/a Jo’s American Bistro, 24 Memorial Blvd. West, holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license, to transfer ownership to 24 Memorial Opco, LLC (1899, LLC- 100% (Thames Capital Ventures, LLC 51% (Nicholas Schorsch 100%) and Aquidneck Holdings, LLC 49% (Nicholas Schorsch 100%), at the same premises (Hearing)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. PUBLIC HEARING - 2025-2026 Liquor License Renewal
LIQUOR CLASS D
-------------------------------------------------
Friendly Sons of Newport Social Club
d/b/a Friendly Sons
5 Farewell
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
Adjourn- 10:29 p.m.
*VICTUALING LICENSE RENEWALS
DBA Ownership Address
Kaffeology Kaffeology Inc. 359 Thames St.
Peaceable Market Peaceable Market, LLC 520 Thames St.
Tropical Smoothie Café G&P Enterprises, Inc. 199 JT Connell Highway Unit