CITY OF NEWPORT

DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL

MEETING

JANUARY 14, 2026

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

~Proclamation in memory of Senator David R. Carlin Jr.~

CHAIR HOLDER read the proclamation into the record and presented a copy to COUNCILOR CARLIN.

Citizens’ Forum:

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Class F Daily Liquor Licenses, Gray Matter Marketing, d/b/a:

a. Newport 10 Miler, Fort Adams State Park; May 31, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

b. Newport Beer Run, Fort Adams State Park; July 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

c. Amica Newport Marathon and Half-Marathon, Easton’s Beach; October 11, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Rhode Island Brewers Guild, d/b/a Newport Beer Festival, Fort Adams State Park – Parade Field; May 2, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 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 Boru Noodles, LLC, d/b/a Boru Noodle Bar, 36 Broadway, holder of a Class BL alcoholic beverage license, to transfer ownership and location to 181 Bellevue Beverage Manager, LLC (Elizabeth Procaccianti- 100%), d/b/a tbd at 181 Bellevue Ave. (Hearing)

~ Communication from Peter Regan, Esq., requesting to convert the Class BL license to a Class BT license and accept the surrender of the Class BL license from Boru Noodles, LLC.

The public hearing was declared open.

Peter Regan, Esq. addressed the Council on behalf of the transferee. Tanner Jackson, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the transferor.

CHAIR HOLDER moved to close the public hearing and approve the transfer subject to the ordinance converting the Class BL license to a Class BT license after two readings of the ordinance. Seconded by COMMISSIONER CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Application of The Quencher Newport, LLC, d/b/a The Quencher Newport, 95 Long Wharf, holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license, to transfer ownership to Quench Opco, LLC (Heritage Restaurant Holdings, LLC, wholly owned by Bellevue Capital Partners, LLC – Nicholas Schorsch – 90% & Edward Weil – 10%), d/b/a The Quencher Newport, at the same premises (Hearing)

The public hearing was declared open.

Matthew Lyons, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant.

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. 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

1. CONSENT CALENDAR (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 Regular Council Meeting held December 10, 2025 and workshop held November 10, 2025.

b. Special Events:

REMOVED

1. NAACP Newport County, d/b/a MLK Day Program, Thompson Middle School; January 19, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. James Winters addressed the Council on behalf of the NAACP. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Puddingstone Music, d/b/a Romanticism and Musical Poetry, Rough Point; January 27, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

3. Aquidneck Community Table, d/b/a Share the Love Market, 151 Swinburne Row; February 21, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

4. Michelle Leys, d/b/a My Best Friends Closet Consignment Sale, The Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham St.:

a. 4/23/26 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 4/24/26 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 4/25/26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 4/26/26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

b. 11/5/26 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 11/6/26 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 11/7/26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 11/8/26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

5. Rhode Island Brewers Guild, d/b/a Newport Beer Festival, Fort Adams State Park; May 2, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

6. Gray Matter Marketing, d/b/a:

a. Newport Night Run, Rogers High School (route attached); April 4, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. race start to 9:00 p.m.

b. Newport 10 Miler, Fort Adams State Park and surrounding area; May 31, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. race start to 11:00 a.m.

c. Newport Beer Run, Fort Adams State Park; July 18, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

d. Amica Newport Marathon and Half-Marathon, Easton’s Beach and surrounding area; October 11, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. race start to 3:00 p.m.

c. Arcade License, Renewal, Ryan Family Amusements, LLC, d/b/a Ryan Family Amusements, 268 Thames St., 46 machines

d. Mechanical Amusement License, Renewal, Newport Music Co., Inc., 849 Union St., Portsmouth, RI (12 locations/25 machines)

e. Tattoo License, Renewal, Owner/Operator, Jennifer Guertin, Anchor Steam Inc., d/b/a Anchor Steam Tattoo Gallery, 44 Broadway

f. Private Detective License, Renewal, Ryan P. McCormack, d/b/a Coastal Investigation Group, LLC, 9 Waites Wharf, Unit 2

g. Communication from R.I. Department of Environmental Management, re: 2026 Tree Warden Appointment (Approve)

h. 2025 Annual Reports, Boards and Commissions (Receive):

1. Beach Commission

2. Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission

3. Canvassing Authority

4. Cliff Walk Commission

5. Energy & Environment Commission

6. Henderson Home Commission

7. Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission

8. Historic District Commission

9. Newport Housing Authority

10. Planning Board

11. Public Sculpture Commission

12. Sister City Commission

13. Tax Board of Appeals

14. Tree and Open Space Commission

15. Waterfront Commission

16. Zoning Board of Review

REMOVED

i. 2025 Annual Report- Green & Complete Streets Policy (Receive)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the policy. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. Patricia Reynolds, Director of Planning, addressed the Council regarding the policy. COUNCILOR SMYTH thanked Director Reynolds and staff for their work on the policy. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

j. Communication from Dennis P. Sullivan, re: Request to be the sole vendor for the 70th annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14, 2026 (Approve subject to details being worked out with city administration)

k. Communication from Meg E. Dodge, re: Resignation from the Trust and Investment Commission (Receive with regret)

l. Communication from Kenny Benell, re: Resignation from the Newport Historic District Commission (Receive with regret)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of items (b)(1) and i. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

2. Blue Horizon Racing LLC, d/b/a Newport Sprint Triathlon, Fort Adams State Park & city streets; June 14, 2026 from 7:00 am to 11:00 am
- Partial road closure requested for bike course

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license and partial road closure request. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Walter Mey, applicant, addressed the Council to answer questions regarding the event. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Bailey’s Beach Club, d/b/a Bailey’s Beach Club Fireworks, barge off of Bailey’s Beach; July 3, 2026, 10 minute display beginning at 9:00 p.m. (Eight fireworks displays permitted per calendar year – 1 of 8)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc., d/b/a Newport Folk Festival, Fort Adams State Park; July 24, 25 & 26, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.- continued from December 10, 2025

*COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved hear items 4 & 5 together and to approve the applications. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Jennifer Rieber, addressed the Council to answer questions and review the traffic and safety plan on behalf of the applicant. Jason Head, Traffic Sergeant, addressed the Council to provide information regarding the plan. COUNCILOR CARLIN had questions for the applicant. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

5. Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc., d/b/a Newport Jazz Festival, Fort Adams State Park; July 31, August 1 & August 2, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.- continued from December 10, 2025

See No. 4

6. Victualing License, New, Quench Opco, LLC, d/b/a The Quencher Newport, 95 Long Wharf (In conjunction with liquor license transfer)

The public hearing was declared open. There was no public comment.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Victualing License, New Owner, Extended Hours, Lola Donuts, LLC, d/b/a Dunkin Donuts, 194 Connell Highway, to have extended hours between 4:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. (Hearing)

The public hearing was declared open. There was no public comment.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Victualing License, New Owner, Extended Hours, Bowtie Donuts, LLC, d/b/a Dunkin Donuts, 7 Memorial Blvd., to have extended hours between 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. (Hearing)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the application. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. 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. (Second Hearing)

The public hearing was declared open. Linda Stevenson, Dixon St. addressed the Council and requested the live entertainment end at 10:00 p.m. The applicant was not present.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. CHAIR HOLDER moved to continue the license and advise the applicant to be present at the next meeting. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

10. 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. (Second Hearing)

The public hearing was declared open. There was no public comment.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

11. 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. (Second Hearing)

The public hearing was declared open. There was no public comment.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. Annual Entertainment License, Expansion, Class B (outdoor), Fastnet Inc., d/b/a Fastnet Pub, 1-3 Broadway to have outdoor entertainment daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the rear patio (Hearing)

13. Annual Entertainment License, New, Class A (indoor) & Class B (outdoor) Quench Opco, LLC, d/b/a The Quencher Newport, 95 Long Wharf, to have entertainment indoors daily from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and outdoors Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Hearing)

The public hearing was declared open. There was no public comment.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

14. 2025-2026 Victualing License Renewals (lists attached)*

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the licenses. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

15. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER

16. Action Item #6542/26 – RE: Utility Pole Petition – Rhode Island Energy/Verizon – 2 New Poles – Lawrence Avenue

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and approve the request. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. DEPUTY CITY MANAGER CARUOLO addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

17. Action Item #6543/26 – RE: Award of Contract – 2026 Statistical Revaluation Update (w/accompanying resolution)