CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
(Rescheduled from 9/10/2025)
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 Pell Elementary School Cafeteria, 35 Dexter St., 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
ELLEN PINNOCK
JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO
Citizens’ Forum:
Paul Donovan, 530 Broadway
a. Minutes of the Workshop held on August 6, 2025 and Regular Council Meeting held August 13, 2025.
b. Special Events:
1. Newport String Project, d/b/a Pocket Concerts, Newport Art Museum, Belmont Chapel and 16 1/2 Warner St.; September 21, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2. Peter Dugan, d/b/a Wiffleball Tournament, Morton Park; September 27, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a The Court: Art in Play VIP Opening, 76 Bellevue Ave.; September 24, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
4. Newport Contemporary Ballet, d/b/a Newport Contemporary Ballet’s Fall Performances, 141 Pelham St.; October 17, 18 & 19, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday
5. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Author Event/Donovan & Cushing, 76 Bellevue Ave.; October 23, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
6. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Free for all Saturday, 76 Bellevue Ave.; November 1, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Lauren Drapala Talk, 76 Bellevue Ave.; November 12, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
8. Ferass Sammoura, d/b/a Newport Volleyball Club Grass Tournament, Cardines Field; October 12, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
9. Newport Pride, d/b/a Newport Pride Velvet Ball, Ochre Court; October 25, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
c. Communication from C.R.M.C., re: Application of 128 Long Wharf, LLC, 55 Ruggles Ave. for a State of Rhode Island Assent and a State of Rhode Island Dredge Permit, Plat 16, Lot 139 (Receive and refer to the Waterfront Commission)
d. Communication from Roan Iribarren, re: Resignation from the Newport Beach Commission (Receive with regret)
e. Communication from Eric Werblow, re: Resignation from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Receive with regret)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Annual Entertainment License, Renewal, Class A (indoor) The Wharf Pub Newport, LLC, d/b/a Wharf Southern Kitchen, 37 Bowen’s Wharf
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Victualing License, New Owner, Toon Army RI, LLC, d/b/a Kellie’s Café & Pantry, 27 Connell Highway
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
1. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Rosecliff; September 18-21, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
2. Class F Daily Liquor License, Newport Art Museum, d/b/a:
a. The Court: Art in Play VIP Opening, 76 Bellevue Ave.; September 24, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
b. Author Event/Donovan & Cushing, 76 Bellevue Ave.; October 23, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
c. Lauren Drapala Talk, 76 Bellevue Ave.; November 12, 2025 from 5:00 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.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Board of License Commissioners and reconvene as Council. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointments
Sister City Commission
Michael Murray - three-year term, expires 4/24/2026
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Michael Murray to the Sister City Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Michele Gallagher - three-year term, expires 4/24/2026
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Michele Gallagher to the Sister City Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Joseph Logue - three-year term, expires 4/24/2026
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Joseph Logue to the Sister City Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Reappointments
Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission
Lew Keen – request for term extension as Chair (attached)– three-year term, expires 10/26/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Lew Keen to the Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
James Lappin –- three-year term, expires 10/26/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint James Lappin to the Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Public Sculpture Commission
Paul Miller - three-year term, expires 10/11/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Paul Miller to the Public Sculpture Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Harle H. Tinney - three-year term, expires 10/11/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Harle H. Tinney to the Public Sculpture Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Nancy Grinnell - three-year term, expires 10/11/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Nancy Grinnell to the Public Sculpture Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Paul Szapary - three-year term, expires 10/11/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Paul Szapary to the Public Sculpture Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Trust and Investment Commission
Meg Dodge –– five-year term, expires 10/13/2030
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Meg Dodge to the Trust and Investment Commission and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Memorandum from the City Manager RE: Request for Council Nominations for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update Advisory Committee
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the memorandum. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Teresa Crean, Director of Resiliency and Sustainability, addressed the Council to answer questions. Discussion occurred among the Council, City Solicitor Behan and Ms. Crean.
CHAIR HOLDER moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. The motion was voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK opposed.
6. Action Item #6489/25 – RE: Utility Pole Petition – Rhode Island Energy – New Pole & Anchor – Ruggles Avenue- continued from August 27, 2025
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the petition. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN thanked R.I. Energy for meeting with him and clarifying his concerns and moved to report to R.I. Energy there is no objection. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Action Item #6490/25 – RE: Utility Pole Petitions – Rhode Island Energy-Verizon: Old Beach Road-New Mid-Span Pole; Hillside Avenue-New Pole & Anchor; Lawrence Avenue-New Pole- continued from August 27, 2025
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the petition for Old Beach Rd. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the petition for Hillside Ave. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the petition for Lawrence Ave. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Action Item #6498/25 – RE: Award of Contract - Police Vehicles/Equipment Replacement Schedule (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Action Item #6499/25 – RE: Award of Contract – Lease of Copiers, Printers & Supplies (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. S Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Action Item #6500/25 – RE: Award of Contract - Configuring & Licensing - Office G365 Tenant (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. S Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Nick Craig, Director of IT, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Action Item #6501/25 – RE: Award of Contract - VDI Environment Upgrade (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. S Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Nick Craig, Director of IT, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Action Item #6502/25 – RE: Award of Contract – IT Managed Services (w/accompanying resolution and ordinance)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. S Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Nick Craig, Director of IT, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Action Item #6503/25 – RE: Guaranteed Maximum Price for Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) Services, Renovations to the Florence Gray Center - Pandemic Recovery Office CPF-CLC (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Manny Ferreira, Owners Project Manager, KCM Group, addressed the Council to answer questions. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
14. Action Item #6504/25 – RE: Amendment to Chapter 3.12 – Classification Plan to Add Utilities GIS & Field Specialist (w/accompanying ordinance)
COUNCILOLR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Robert Schultz, Director of Utilities, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR
15. Amending Section 10.24.010 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Parking prohibited at all times in designated places” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Naming of Public Places- C. Holder, J. Napolitano, L. Ceglie
CHAIR HOLDER introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
Adjourn- September 11, 2025