CITY OF NEWPORT
DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
MAY 28, 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 pm in the City Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
The CITY CLERK called the roll and the following members were present:
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE
CHARLIE HOLDER
DAVID R. CARLIN, III
STEPHANIE SMYTH
JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO
ELLEN PINNOCK
Citizens’ Forum
1. Class F Daily Liquor License, Newport String Project, d/b/a Newport String Project presents Resounding 2025, IYRS, 449 Thames St.; June 1, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Sail Newport, d/b/a Summer Social Series, 72 Fort Adams Drive; June 26, 2025, July 17, 2025 and September 11, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
3. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Sail Newport, d/b/a Fundraising Regatta Social, 72 Fort Adams Drive; July 12, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
4. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, d/b/a Hellenic Fest 2025, 390 Thames St.; 8/15/25 from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., 8/16/25 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and 8/17/25 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. 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.
ADJOURN AS BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
AND CONVENE AS COUNCIL
a. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on April 23, 2025 and workshops held April 21, 2025, April 22, 2025, April 24, 2025, April 29, 2025 and April 30, 2025
b. Special Events:
1. Lindsey Kurowski, d/b/a Ryze Sampling, 364 Thames St.; May 30, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2. Newport String Project, d/b/a Newport String Project presents Resounding 2025, IYRS, 449 Thames St.; June 1, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
3. Sail Newport, d/b/a Summer Social Series, 72 Fort Adams Drive.; June 26, 2025, July 17, 2025 and September 11, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
4. Jeanne M. Drapeau, d/b/a Artisans by the Bay, Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham St.; June 28, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
5. Sail Newport, d/b/a Fundraising Regatta Social, 72 Fort Adams Drive; July 12 & 13, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
6. Aquidneck Land Trust, d/b/a Evening at Home, various locations; July 15 & 16, 2025; from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.:
July 15, 2025- 275 Harrison Ave., 42 Ledge Road, 100 Washington St. and 5 Touro St.
July 16, 2025- 540 Bellevue Ave., 26 Parker St.,
310 Ocean Ave. and 125 Brenton Rd.
7. Newport Contemporary Ballet, d/b/a Newport Dance Festival, Great Friends Meeting House; July 16-20 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
8. Potter League for Animals, d/b/a Yappy Hour, 614 Bellevue Ave.; July 20, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
9. Newport Contemporary Ballet, d/b/a Summer Soiree, Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Ave.; July 26, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
10. Newport Festivals Foundation, d/b/a Newport Festivals Foundation Summer Gala, IYRS, 449 Thames St.; August 2, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
11. St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, d/b/a Hellenic Fest 2025, 390 Thames St.; 8/15/25 from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., 8/16/25 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and 8/17/25 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
12. The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Newport Wine & Food Festival, Rosecliff & Marble House; September 18-21, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
13. RITB Foundation, d/b/a Pell Bridge Run, Pell Bridge, Newport Transportation Center; October 19, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
14. Gray Matter Marketing, d/b/a Winter 10k, Brenton Point; December 7, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
c. Communication from Jennifer Rieber, Newport Festivals Foundation, re: Request to add a food truck to the previously approved special event, Newport Folk Festival Baseball Game on July 24, 2025 at Cardines Field (Approve subject to the food truck obtaining proper licensing from the State of R.I.)
d. Food Concession License, St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, d/b/a Hellenic Fest 2025, 390 Thames St.; 8/15/25 from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., 8/16/25 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and 8/17/25 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
e. Waste Hauler License, Renewals, Republic Services, 1080 Airport Rd., Fall River, MA
f. 2025 Holiday Selling License, Renewals (list attached)
REMOVED g. Communication from the Newport Prevention Coalition, re: Unregulated THC-infused beverages on Rhode Island shelves and bars (Receive)
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Grace Ragozzino, Newport Prevention Coalition, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
h. Communication from Charles Paiva-General Manager, Newport Gulls, re: Request to place signs in various locations during game days for the 2025 season (Approve subject to details being worked out with city administration)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of item g. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Special Event License, Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Summer Art Party Gala, 76 Bellevue Ave.; July 11, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Valet Parking License, Perfection Valet Parking, @ Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave.; July 11, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.- plan attached
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Sidewalk Café License, New, Get the Scoop, LLC, d/b/a Get the Scoop, 4 Broadway
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Entertainment License, New, BHLL, LLC, d/b/a Brenton Hotel, 31 America’s Cup Ave., to have entertainment daily, indoors and outdoors on the roof deck from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Second Hearing)
The public hearing was declared open.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Entertainment License, New, Newport Playhouse, LLC, d/b/a Playhouse Kitchen, 102 Connell Highway, to have entertainment indoors daily from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and outdoors Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays preceding a Monday holiday (Second Hearing)
The public hearing was declared open.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. 2025 Annual Entertainment License Renewals (list attached)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license renewals. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPOINTMENTS
Planning Board - Frederick Huntsberry – three-year term, expires 5/28/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Frederick Huntsberry to the Planning Board. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
REAPPOINTMENTS
Energy and Environment Commission - Andy Bjork –– three-year term, expires 4/9/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Andy Bjork to the Energy and Environment Commission. Seconded by COUNICILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Henderson Home Commission - John “Jack” Grant –– one-year term, expires 3/10/2026
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint John “Jack” Grant to the Henderson Home Commission. Seconded by COUNICILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Newport Beach Commission - Nick Zambrotta –- three-year term, expires 4/11/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Nick Zambrotta to the Newport Beach Commission. Seconded by COUNICILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Memorandum from the Deputy City Manager, RE: R.I. Slave History Medallion Juneteenth special event road closure request (special event license approved on April 23, 2025)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the memorandum. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Memorandum from the City Manager RE: Easton Pond – Interim Dam Stabilization Work – North and South Easton Pond - CRMC Assent and RIDEM Approval Documents
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the memorandum. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Memorandum from the City Manager RE: Proposed Plan and Information Regarding Prohibition of New Non-Owner Occupied Short-Term Rentals
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the memorandum. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and 5-2 with CHAIR HOLDER and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO opposed.
12. Action Item #6436/25 – RE: Adoption of the Vision Zero: Safe Streets for All – Newport 2025 Safety Action Plan (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Shawna Kitzman, Toole Co., addressed the Council and provided a power point presentation regarding the Vision Zero plan. The motion to approve waw VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Action Item #6437/25 – RE: Subrecipient Agreement–RIDOT-Congressionally Directed Spending – Newport Cliff Walk Restoration Project (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Action Item #6438/25 – RE: Award of Contract-RIMPA - Pavement Management System Professional Services (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 #6439/25 – RE: Supplemental Agreement #1 - Bid # 24-946 – Pavement Marking Program (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Action Item #6440/25 – RE: Award of Contract-RFP #25-REC-003 - Umbrella and Chair Concessions 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.
17. Action Item #6441/25 – RE: Award of Bid # 2024-UTL-003 - Water Treatment Chemicals (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 #6442/25 – RE: Award of Bid # 2025-UTL-004 - Utilities Supplies (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Amending Section,5.64.080, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Smoking on Buses Prohibited” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
20. Amending Section 5.97.120, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Regulations for Pedicab Operations” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Amending Section 8.28.010, entitled, “Smoking prohibited in and around municipal and school buildings” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Amending Section 12.32.060, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Easton’s Beach Regulations” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
23. Amending Section 12.32.090, entitled, “Athletic and recreational facilities- Prohibition of smoking” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
24. Amending Section 12.32.125, entitled, “Prohibition of smoking on public beaches, in public parks and cliff walk- finding and intent” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
25. Amending Section 12.32.130, entitled, “Smoking prohibited on public beaches, in public parks and cliff walk” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
26. Supporting the design and construction planning for the Middle Passage Port Marker – C. Holder, X. Khamsyvoravong, J. Napolitano, S. Smyth, E. Pinnock
CHAIR HOLDER introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
27. Requesting the Council resume consideration of FY2026-FY2027 Biennial Budget- C. Holder, J. Napolitano, L. Ceglie
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the resolution to June 11, 2025. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
28. Requesting Resident Parking stickers qualify only for residential properties- D. Carlin
CHAIR HOLDER moved to table the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and voted 5-2 with CHAIR HOLDER and COUNCLOR CEGLIE opposed. CHAIR HOLDER introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to amend the resolution by amending the second “whereas” fourth line, and the third “resolve”. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMIOULSY.
Discussion occurred among the Council members and City Solicitor Behan. CHAIR HOLDER moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
29. Requesting a flag pole be installed at Murphy Field in honor of PVT Michael Murphy- D. Carlin
COUNCILOR CARLIN introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Anselm Richards addressed the Council on behalf of V.F.W. Post 406. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Adjourn- 7:57 p.m.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
HOLIDAY SELLING LICENSE RENEWALS
D/B/A OWNER ADDRESS
Hey Sailor Wicker Designs LTD 129 Swinburne Row
Lost at Sea Wicker Designs, LTD. 393 Thames Street
P.S. Gear 2 Wicker Designs LTD 359 Thames St.
P.S. Gear Division Wicker Designs LTD 113 Swinburne Row
Paw Addict Paw Addict RI LLC 397 Thames St. Unit 6
Pleasant Surprise Wicker Designs LTD 121 Swinburne Row
Touro Synagogue Foundation Touro Synagogue Foundation 54 Spring St.
Wagon Wheel Wagon Wheel Inc. 246 Thames St.
ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE RENEWALS
Licenses by Class
Class A Indoors
DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions
Bar & Board Liquor Thames, LLC located at 282 Thames St. 1st
Floor, Front right corner, 2nd
Floor, Front right corner
Caleb & Broad Caleb Opco, LLC located at 162 Broadway and 2 NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
Caleb Earl AMPLIFICATION
Casino Theatre Salve Regina University located at 9 Freebody St.
Diego's Diego's of Newport located at 11 Bowen's Wharf, Detail Police Office may be required
LLC Indoors as well as 17 & 21B
Bowens Wharf
Heritage 1899, LLC located at 140-142 Thames Street NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
Restaurant Group, Second Floor AMPLIFICATION.
The
Jane Pickens Fine Arts Newport, located at 49 Touro Street Capacity of 499 people including (4) staff-Per
Theater & Event Inc. order of the NFD
Center
La Forge Casino 1899 LLC located at 186 Bellevue Ave. NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
Restaurant piano & band area located in AMPLIFICATION.
front pub, dance floor in back left
Newport NSC, Inc. located at 110 JT Connell Hwy
Sportsman Club
Parlor Parlor, LLC located at 200 Broadway
Pivotal Brewing Pivotal Brewing located at 140 Broadway
Company Company Newport LLC
Pour Judgement MBK LLC located at 32 Broadway
Provence Sur Mer Karen Pinelli located on 39 Touro St. 1st floor Indoor entertainment only
Red Parrot 348 Thames Opco, located at 344-348 Thames Street NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
Restaurant, The LLC First & Second Floors AMPLIFICATION.
Thames Street Thames Street located at 536 Thames Street NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
International International Yacht & AMPLIFICATION.
Yacht & Athletic Athletic Club
Club
Wally's Wieners 1899 LLC located on the second floor of NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
464 Thames Street AMPLIFICATION.
Wayfinder Hotel, Newport North Hotel located at 151 Admiral Kalbfus NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
The Property LLC Road AMPLIFICATION.
Class A and B Indoors and Outdoors
DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions
Newport Craft Coastal Extreme located at 293 JT Connell Hwy,
Brewing & Brewing Company expanded area includes 2nd floor
Distilling LLC event space and 2nd floor outdoor
deck
Newport Marriott Marriott Hotel located at Americas Cup Avenue OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED TO
Hotel Services, LLC and Long Wharf 11 P.M. ON SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY,
AND TO MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAYS AND
SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS OF HOLIDAY
WEEKENDS. LOUNGE FRIDAY AND
SATURDAY 9:00 P.M. - MIDNIGHT. POOL
AREA FRIDAY 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM,
Perro Salado Kelkery Food & located at 19 Charles St. on the
Spirits, Inc. first and second floors and the
outside patio
Quencher Newport, The Quencher located at 95 Long Wharf
The Newport LLC
Reef, The 1899, LLC located at 10 West Howard Wharf NO AMPLIFICATION AFTER 10 PM SUNDAY-
- indoor per floor plans, north THURSDAY; MAX DB LEVEL 65; NO
patio, west patio AMPLIFICATION AFTER 11 PM FRIDAY,
SATURDAY, AND SUNDAYS PRECEDING A
MONDAY HOLIDAY; NO SPEAKERS ON
NORTH PATIO.
Saltwater 49 Newport Beverage located at Corner of Market
LLC Square, Thames Street, and
Americas Cup Avenue
Speakeasy Bar Carter LLC located at 250 Thames Street DOORS AND WINDOWS PERMITTED TO BE
and Grill, The First Floor OPEN DURING ACOUSTIC ENTERTAINMENT
Vanderbilt, The Vanderbilt Opco, LLC located at 41 Mary Street Outdoor entertainment limited to outdoor garden
terrace Thursday through Saturday 6:00p.m. to
9:30 p.m.
Class Theater
DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions
Firehouse Theater Firehouse Theater, Inc. located at 4 Equality Park Place Capacity for theater to be maximum of 80
persons