CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
JANUARY 22, 2025
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, came before the Council at a meeting held on January 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
The following Council members were present:
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE
JEANNE MARIE NAPOLITANO
CHARLIE HOLDER
DAVID R. CARLIN, III
ELLEN PINNOCK
STEPHANIE SMYTH
Citizens’ Forum:
1. Class F Daily Liquor Licenses, Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave., d/b/a:
a. Donna Bassin Opening, January 29, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
b. Mike Franco House Talk, February 27, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
c. Keith Stokes/Note Speaker, March 13, 2025 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 Stone Soup, LLC, d/b/a Caleb & Broad, 162 Broadway, holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license to transfer ownership to Caleb Opco, LLC (Thames Capital Ventures-51%(Nicholas Schorsch)/Aquidneck Holdings, LLC-49% (Nicholas Schorsch), d/b/a Caleb & Broad, at the same premises (Hearing)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE opened the public hearing. COMMISSIONER CARLIN had questions regarding the applicant and the structure of the LLC. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Board. COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the transfer. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Action Item #6372/25 – RE: Show Cause Hearing: Radish Patch, LLC, d/b/a Vieste Vino Hooked - Operating Without a Valid Class BV Alcoholic Beverage License
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to dismiss the hearing. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Action Item #6373/25 – RE: Show Cause Hearing: Bloody Bull, LLC, d/b/a Gardiner House - Operating Without a Valid Class BT Alcoholic Beverage License
CHAIR HOLDER recused.
CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council and recommended the Council continue the matter as the Attorney for the owner has indicated the approval is imminent. COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to continue the matter to February 12, 2025. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Action Item #6374/25 – RE: Show Cause Hearing: Pyramid Club, d/b/a Pyramid Club - Operating Without a Valid Class D Alcoholic Beverage License
CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Board and recommended a 30 day continuance. COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to continue the hearing to February 26, 2025. 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. Special Events:
1. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Donna Bassin Opening, Newport Art Museum; January 29, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Puddingstone Events, d/b/a Piano a Deux, Newport Art Museum; February 2, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
3. Clann Lir Academy, d/b/a Irish Step Competition, Newport Harbor Island Resort; February 22 & 23, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4. Katelyn McSherry, d/b/a 2025 Newport Wedding Show, Rosecliff Mansion and Hotel Viking; February 23, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
5. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Mike Franco House Talk, February 27, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
6. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Keith Stokes/Note Speaker, Newport Art Museum; March 13, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
7. Bowen’s Wharf Company, d/b/a Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival, Bowen’s Wharf; May 17 & 18, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
8. Gray Matter Marketing, d/b/a BankNewport 10 Miler, Fort Adams State Park; June 1, 2025 from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
9. Yachting Promotions, Inc./Lisa Knowles, d/b/a Newport International Boat Show, locations attached; September 11-14, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday
b. 2024 Annual Reports (Receive)
c. Communication from Robert Anton, re: Resignation from the Waterfront Commission (Receive with regret)
d. Communication from John Laramee, re: Resignation from the Historic District Commission (Receive with regret)
e. Communication from Adam Moore, re: Resignation from the Planning Board and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Receive with regret)
f. Communication from James Dring, Chair, Newport School Committee, re: Requesting the City Council support keeping the Newport Area Career and Technical Center (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Special Event License, Newport Festivals Foundation, d/b/a Newport Festival Softball, Cardines Field, July 24, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Sound Variance, Newport Festivals Foundation, Cardines Field, July 24, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing. Discussion occurred among the Council and Jennifer Rieber on behalf of the applicant. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to withdraw the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Pedicab Business License, Renewal, Justin Richardson, d/b/a Lone Star Bikecab (change in d/b/a), 46 Barber Ave., Warwick, RI- (2 pedicabs valid May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2027)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Victualing License, New, Caleb Opco, LLC, d/b/a Caleb & Broad, 162 Broadway
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Sidewalk Café License, New, Caleb Opco, LLC, d/b/a Caleb & Broad, 162 Broadway
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Entertainment License, New, Class A Indoors, Caleb Opco, LLC, d/b/a Caleb & Broad, 162 Broadway, daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Kevin Callahan, 2 Ayrault St., addressed the Council to request an earlier time be set for the entertainment to end. Matthew Lyons, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant. COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO moved to amend the application by requiring the entertainment to end at midnight. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE and CHAIR HOLDER opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the hearing and approve as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE and CHAIR HOLDER opposed.
8. Entertainment License, New, Vanderbilt Opco, LLC, d/b/a The Vanderbilt, 41 Mary St., indoors daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and outdoors limited to the terrace Thursday through Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing. Matthew Lyons, attorney for the applicant addressed the Council to answer questions. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Victualing License, Expansion, 95 Broadway, LLC, d/b/a Market on Broadway, 95 Broadway to add 4 tables with 4 chairs each
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointments:
Aquidneck Island Planning Commission
Hugo DeAscentis, 3- year term expiring 1/22/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Hugo DeAscentis to the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Waterfront Commission
Timothy Parker Ives, 3-year term expiring 1/22/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Timothy Parker Ives to the Waterfront Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Whitney “Ned” Jones, 3-year term expiring 1/22/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Whitney “Ned” Jones to the Waterfront Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Patrick O’Connor, 3-year term expiring 1/22/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Patrick O’Connor to the Waterfront Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Historic District Commission
William Finlay –– move from Alternate to Full member, 3 -year term expiring 10/09/2027
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint William Finlay to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Reappointments:
Tree and Open Space Commission
Maureen Cronin Marosits –– Request for term extension as Chair
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Maureen Cronin Marosits to the Tree and Open Space Commission with a term expiring 3/27/2028. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Memorandum from the City Solicitor RE: Newport Tourism Market District (with accompanying resolution)
CHAIR HOLDER recused.
CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council to provide information regarding the Marketing District. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding recusals and receiving opinions from the Ethics Commission.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE recused.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to appoint COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG as temporary Chair in the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 4-1 with COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO opposed.
Alison Atkins, Discover Newport, addressed the Council regarding the resolution.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the matter until the next Council meeting. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and vote 3-2 with COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and CHAIR KHAMSYVORAVONG opposed.
12. Memorandum re: Transportation for large events
The City Clerk provided an update the Council regarding recommendations to reduce traffic during large special events. Discussion occurred among the Council and the City Clerk regarding the recommendations. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the recommendations. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Action Item #6356/25 – RE: Harbor Management Plan Amendment (w/accompanying resolution)- continued from January 8, 2025
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Stephan Land, Harbormaster, addressed the Council regarding the plan. In addition, David Kane, Waterfront Commission member and Kevin Cute from CRMC were present to answer questions regarding the plan. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Action Item #6375/25 – RE: Extension of Agreement – State Government Relations and Advocacy Services (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding the agreement. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to amend the agreement to reduce it to one year instead of two. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED 6-1 with CHAIR HOLDER opposed. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the agreement as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Action Item #6376/25 – RE: Contract Award, SAGE Environmental, Environmental Consulting 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.
16. Amending Section 2.120.010, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Fees for permits and licenses” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. 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.
18. Amending Section 10.24.050, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Two, three and four-hour parking limits” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Amending Section 10.28.080, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Easton’s Beach parking lot” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
20. Amending Section 10.44.010, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Multi-way stop signs- Designated” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Martin Luther King Jr. Center Liaison- C. Holder, S. Smyth, J. Napolitano, E. Pinnock
CHAIR HOLDER introduced the resolution and moved to amend by appointing COUNCILOR SMYTH as liaison to the Center. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Requesting the city support moving the Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Memorial Statue from Broadway to Bellevue Avenue- D. Carlin, III
COUNCILOR CARLIN introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG. Discussion occurred among the Council. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Leppy McCarthy
Jack McVicker
Federico Santi
Victoria Johnson
Discussion continued among the Council regarding the need for members of different community groups to meet and work together regarding the statue. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
ADJOURN – 8:53 p.m.