CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
MARCH 26, 2025
(Approved 4/23/25)
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 March 26, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
Citizens’ Forum:
1. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Ebb & Flow Oyster Event, Newport Art Museum; May 4, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2. Class F Daily Liquor License, Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Sean
Landers Opening Reception, Newport Art Museum; May 9, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
3. Class F Daily Liquor License, Jesus Saviour Church:
a. d/b/a Holy Ghost Feast, 1 Vernon Ave.; June 8, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
b. d/b/a Summer Bazaar, 1 Vernon Ave.; July 24, 25 & 26, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
4. Communication from Christian Infantolino, Esq., re: Requesting permission for Conanicut Marine Services, Inc., to serve alcoholic beverages aboard The Jamestown, The MV Katherine and The Coastal Queen while at dockside at several stops in Newport Harbor for the 2025 season (Approve)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANMOUSLY.
5. Sunday Selling License Renewals, Class A Liquor Stores (list attached)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the licenses. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. 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 February 26, 2025)
Jonathan Hurt and Barbara Jenkins, members from the Pyramid Club, addressed the Council to request a 30 day extension. COMMISSIONER CARLIN moved to continue the hearing to April 23, 2025. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Application of Cinnamon, LLC, 140 Broadway, holder of a Class C alcoholic beverage license to transfer ownership to Pivotal Brewing Company Newport, LLC (Todd A. Nicholson-100%) , d/b/a Pivotal Brewing Company at the same premises (Hearing)
Michael Mineau, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant. Discussion occurred among the Board regarding the brew pub license and Class C license. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Board regarding the transfer. COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
CHAIR HOLDER recused.
Discussion occurred among the Council, Kathryn Farrington and Alyson Adkins from Discover Newport. Joanna Salvo and Brian Young, Castle Hill, addressed the Council.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion failed 3-3. In favor- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Opposed- COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK and COUNCILOR CARLIN.
(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 Council Meeting held on February 26, 2025 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
1. Newport Historical Society, d/b/a Two Lights for Liberty, Colony House; April 18, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Audrain Automobile Museum, Inc., d/b/a Driving Miss Daffy Parade; April 27, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
3. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Ebb & Flow Oyster Event, Newport Art Museum; May 4, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
4. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Sean Landers Opening, Newport Art Museum; May 9, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
5. Newport Historical Society, d/b/a Newport 1775 Exhibition Opening, 82 Touro St.; May 15, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
6. Newport Elks, d/b/a Flea Markets, 141 Pelham St.; 5/24/25, 6/21/25, 8/23/25, 9/20/25, 10/18/25 & 11/29/25 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7. Bike Newport, d/b/a Elliot’s Ride for Everyone, Hazard Rd. and Ocean Avenue, June 7, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
~ Request closure of Hazard Rd. and Ocean Ave. from Carroll Avenue to Harrison Avenue
8. Martin Luther King Jr. Center, d/b/a MLK/Butler Basketball, courts behind MLK Center; June 19, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
9. Daniel Cano Restrepo, d/b/a Newport Pride Festival & Parade, Great Friends Meeting House; June 28, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
10. Jacki Lane, d/b/a Breast Cancer Fundraising Fitness Class, Toppa Field; June 29, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
11. Jesus Savior Church, d/b/a Summer Bazaar, 1 Vernon Ave.; July 24, 25 & 26, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
12. Bike Newport, d/b/a 10-Spot Ride, various locations; August 23, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
c. 2025 Holiday Selling License Renewals (List attached)
d. Communication from Suzanna Laramee, re: Resignation from the Sister City Commission (Receive with regret)
e. Communication from Joan Johnson-Freese, re: Resignation from the Affirmative Action Commission (Receive with regret)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mobile Food Truck License, Renewal, Newport Creamery, LLC, d/b/a Newport Creamery, 781 Tiogue Ave., Coventry, RI
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Victualing License, New, Pivotal Brewing Company Newport, LLC, d/b/a Pivotal Brewing Company, 140 Broadway
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Entertainment License, New, Pivotal Brewing Company Newport, LLC, d/b/a Pivotal Brewing Company, 140 Broadway (First Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the hearing. No members from the public addressed the Council. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Entertainment License, New, HTLVI Newport TRS, LLC, d/b/a Hotel Viking, One Bellevue Ave. for an annual Class A and Class B entertainment license from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., outdoors Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays and before a Monday Holiday until 9:40 p.m. (Second Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointments:
Historic District Commission: Brooke Richter – Alternate, three-year term, expires 3/12/2028- continued from March 12, 2025
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Brooke Richter to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. The motion to appoint was vote 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
Affirmative Action Commission: Sherri Hollins – three-year term, expires 3/26/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Sherri Hollins to the Affirmative Action Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Sister City Commission: Erin Donovan-Boyle– three-year term, expires 4/24/2027
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Erin Donovan-Boyle to the Sister City Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Communication from Paige Myatt, Director of Climate Resilience, re: Update on Regional Resilience Work
Paige Myatt, addressed the Council and gave a presentation regarding the Regional Resilience Work.
9. Communication from CRMC, re: Application for SW 45, LLC for a State of Rhode Island Assent, 20 Commercial Wharf, Plat 27 Lot 46, Newport Harbor, to expand the marina perimeter limit of the Newport Yachting Center from 3.44 acres to 3.89 acres and replace & reconfigure floating docks (Receive and refer to the Waterfront Commission)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive and refer to the Waterfront Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. Stephan Land, Harbormaster, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Action Item #6393/25 – RE: CRMC File No. 2024-12-052 - Application of Harbor Realty, LLC, c/o Thomas Abruzese - Waites Wharf: Construct/Reconfigure Existing Pier Configuration, Installation of New Floating Docks, Establish a New Marine Perimeter Limit
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to recommend approval of the application and include the recommendations from the Waterfront Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Tanner Jackson, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Action Item #6394/25 – RE: Memorandum of Agreement – City of Newport, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority and Discover Newport – Gateway Center Restroom Access and Cleaning Services - Period of November 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Action Item #6395/25 – RE: Contract Amendment #2-VHB-Site Investigation-Harrison Avenue Dump Site (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Pete Rice, 1 Harrison Lane, addressed the Council. Fred Bevans, VHB and Aleta Hall, Gilbane Construction addressed the Council regarding the project. Rebecca Bolan addressed the Council. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
13. Action Item #6396/25 – RE: Cooperation Agreement – Housing Authority – Park Holm Phase V (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Rhonda Mitchell, Newport Housing Authority addressed the Council to answer questions and provide information on the project. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Action Item #6397/25 – RE: Ordinance Amendment – Title 10.32.070 “Residential Parking Permits” (w/accompanying ordinance)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Nicholas Armour, Zoning Officer, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Action Item #6398/25 – RE: Adopting the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program in concept (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
16. Amending Section 2.120.010, entitled, “Fees for permits and licenses” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Amending Section 12.28.100(D), entitled, “City piers and docks” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Amending Section 17.04.050, entitled, “General Provisions” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt items 18-35 with the exception of item 31. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Amending Section 17.16.020, entitled, R-3 Residential District, “Use regulations” & Section 17.16.040, entitled “Setback requirements” (Second Reading)
20. Amending Section 17.20.020, entitled, R-10 Residential District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
21. Amending Section 17.24.020, entitled R-10A Residential District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
22. Amending Section 17.28.020, entitled, R-20 Residential District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
23. Amending Section 17.32.020, entitled R-40 Residential District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
24. Amending Section 17.36.020, entitled, R-40A Residential District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
25. Amending Section 17.40.020, entitled, R-60 Residential District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
26. Amending Section 17.44.020, entitled, R-120 Residential District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
27. Amending Section 17.48.020, entitled, R-160 Residential District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
28. Amending Section 17.52.020, entitled, Limited Business District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
29. Amending Section 17.56.020, entitled, Waterfront Business District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
30. Amending Section 17.60.020, entitled, General Business District, “Use regulations” (Second Reading)
31. Amending Section 17.72.010, entitled, “Substandard lots of record- Effective January 1, 2024” & Section 17.72.030, entitled, “Alteration to nonconforming development” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. The motion was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
32. Amending Section 17.78.020, entitled, “Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures- Dimensional Standards” (Second Reading)
33. Amending Section 17.112.030, entitled, “Zoning board of review-Composition” (Second Reading)
34. Add New Chapter 17.17, entitled, “R-4 Residential District” (Second Reading)
35. Add New Chapter, 17.18, entitled, “R-6 Residential District” (Second Reading)
36. Add New Chapter, 17.107, entitled, “Temporary Use Permits” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council to provide a recommendation to amend section 5.70 regarding special events. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
37. Standing Charter Review Commission- S. Smyth, E. Pinnock
COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. Discussion occurred among the Council. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council to answer questions.
The motion to approve was voted 4-3 with COUNCILOR SMYTH, COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG in favor. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
38. Bridge Realignment Parking- X. Khamsyvoravong, D. Carlin, S. Smyth, C. Holder, E. Pinnock
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by CHAIR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
39. Youth Commission- S. Smyth, X. Khamsyvoravong, D. Carlin, J. Napolitano, C. Holder, E. Pinnock
COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
40. Supporting Senate Bill S0678 which would implement a parking tax- C. Holder
CHAIR HOLDER introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Curt Moss, IYRS, addressed the Council regarding the resolution and proposed parking tax. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
41. Supporting the Preservation of Fort Adams- C. Holder
CHAIR HOLDER introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Paul Marshall, Fort Adams Trust, addressed the Council regarding the resolution and presented the Council with information packets. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication from Mr. Marshall. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
The motion to adopt the resolution was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
ADJOURN – 9:56 p.m.
Sunday Selling Class A Liquor Store License Renewals
| | DBA | Owner | Address |
| | Bellevue Wine & Spirits | Bellevue Wine & Spirits LLC | 181 Bellevue Ave. |
| | Point Wine & Spirits | New Newport Liquor LLC | 3 Thames St. |
| | Thames Wine & Spirits | Shiv Wine Corp | 433 Thames St. Unit 2 |
Holiday Selling License Renewals
| | D/B/A | Owner | Address | |
| | Anchor Toffee | Anchor Toffee LLC | 8 | Bowens Wharf |
| | Beaucoup Café | Beaucoup Café LLC | 580 | Thames St. |
| | Bermuda Bay Clothing | Evansco, Inc. | 119 | Swinburne Row |
| | Blink Gallery | Alexander Nesbitt | 89 | Thames St. |
| | Broadway Mini Mart | Broadway Mini Mart Corp. | 316 | Broadway |
| | Diva Boutique | Chatree Sachayansrisakul | 491 | Thames St. |
| | Folk Vintage | Folk Vintage LLC | 446 | Thames Street |
| | Frazzleberries Country | Frazzleberries LLC | 475 | Thames St. |
| | Store | | | |
| | Homeport LLC | Leslie Normann | 138 | Spring Street Unit 1 |
| | Kristina Richards | Kristina Richards Inc. | 108 | William St. |
| | Little Chateau | Little Chateau LLC | 13 | Touro St. |
| | Natural Creations | Natural Creations, LLC | 540 | Thames Street |
| | Natural Elements: A Nature & Science Store LLC | Natural Elements: A Nature & Science Store LLC | 435 | Thames St. |
| | Primavera | Primavera, Inc. | 4 | Bowens Wharf |
| | Sail Loft | Evansco, Inc. | 18 | Bowens Wharf |
| | Stop & Shop #701 | Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, The | 250 | Bellevue Ave. |
| | Style Newport | Style Newport, LLC | 491 | Thames St. |
| | Sunflower Boutique | Judith Goodwin | 400 | Thames St. #4 |
| | Super Stop and Shop | Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, The | 199 | Connell Highway |
| | Viktoria Sue VS Vintage | Maria Spicola Brown | 174 | Broadway |
| | Vineyard Vines | Vineyard Vines Retail LLC | 139 | Swinburne Row |
| | White House/Black | White House/Black Market, Inc | 49 | Long Wharf Mall Market #3521 |