CITY OF NEWPORT

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL

MEETING

*MARCH 4, 2026

*(Rescheduled from 2/25/2026 due to the Blizzard of 2026)

The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council came before the Council at a meeting held at 6:30 p.m. at Rogers High School, 15 Wickham Rd., Student Commons (adjacent to the auditorium and gymnasium), Newport, RI 02840.

Citizens’ Forum:

~Proclamation Recognizing Black History Month~

Citations Recognizing Community Members for Black History Month

Gionna Michel, Latisha Michel, Angela Lima, Barbara Jenkins, Pauline Perkins-Moye, Marlin DaCruz, Sierra Jones, Veronica Bourget-Callandret, Barbara Winters, Cheryl Robinson, Fern Lima, Akeia de Barros Gomes, Merrie Scott

CHAIR HOLDER and COUNCILOR PINNOCK presented citations to the honorees.

~Key to the City –presented to Pauline Perkins-Moye~

CHAIR HOLDER presented a Key to the City to Pauline Perkins-Moye.

1. PUBLIC HEARING- Zoning Ordinance Amendments

The public hearing was declared open. Nicholas Armour, Zoning Officer, addressed the Council to provide information regarding the proposed amendments. The following members from the public addressed the Council:

Mitchell Edwards, Esq., on behalf of clients in the short term rental community

Nick Desrosiers, Thames St., Newport, RI

Marielle Claire, 12 George St., Newport, RI

Alexandra Teran, 515 Thames St., Newport, RI

Shane Cooper, Woodhaven Rd., Barrington, RI

Brianna McBride, Air BnB Public Policy Manager, New England

Tina Brownell, 15 Florence Ave., Newport, RI

Discussion occurred among the Council members and City Solicitor Behan regarding the amendments.

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

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to request the City Solicitor to bring back language regarding grandfathered properties for the second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

a. Recommendation from the Planning Board;

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the recommendation from the Planning Board. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

b. Parking Changes:

· Chapter 17.04, entitled, “General Provisions” (First Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 4-3. In favor- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.

· Chapter 17.104, entitled, “Parking and Loading” (First Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to approve was voted 4-3. In favor- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR CARLIN, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR PINNOCK. Opposed- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE.

c. Definitional Change:

· Chapter 17.08, entitled, “Definitions” (First Reading)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. CHAIR HOLDER moved to amend the ordinance by withdrawing the language under guest facilities, “within a long term residential dwelling unit”. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR PINNOCK opposed.

CHAIR HOLDER moved to amend the ordinance by removing the language regarding the “conversion of rental unit” under guest facilities and moved it be a separate item. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. The motion failed 3-4. In favor- CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Opposed- COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG, COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR CARLIN.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

d. Special Use Permit Proposal:

· Chapter 17.14, entitled, “Permitted Uses”, 17.56, entitled, “Waterfront Business” and Chapter 17.60, entitled, “General Business” (First Reading)

2. 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 January 28, 2026

b. Special Events:

1. R.I. Slave History Medallions, d/b/a Oyster Fest Black History Month, Newport Art Museum; February 28, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

2. Puddingstone Events, d/b/a From Salon to Tango, Belmont Chapel, 30 Warner St.; March 8, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

3. The Sallie A. Hunt Foundation, d/b/a Edgar Allan Poe/Theater Performance, Newport Art Museum; March 19-22, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

4. Robert Drake, d/b/a Diane Drake Memorial, Easton’s Beach; March 21, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

5. Newport String Project, d/b/a Community Concert at Ochre Court, Salve Regina University; March 22, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

6. Communication from the Preservation Society of Newport County, re: Changing the date from the previously approved Winter Panel from 3/15/2026 to 3/6/2026

7. Communication from Duneley A. Rochino, CAPT MSC, USN, re: Request to hold the previously approved and postponed 2025 Cardines Classic Army Navy Baseball Game on May 8, 2026

c. 2025 Annual Report- Affirmative Action Commission

d. Public Notice, Division of Statewide Planning, State Planning Council Quadrennial Federal Certification Review (Receive)

e. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, year ended June 30, 2025

f. Actuarial Valuation Reports - Postemployment Benefits Plan, Police Pension System & Fire Pension System as of July 1, 2025 (Receive)

COUNICLOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMIOUSLY.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

3. Farmer’s Market License, Aquidneck Community Table, Memorial Blvd. between Edgard Court and Chapel St., Wednesdays beginning May 6, 2026 through October 28, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CEGLIE opposed.

4. Victualing License, New, Ocean and Fifth, LLC, d/b/a Ocean and Fifth Café, 7 Carroll Ave.

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

5. Victualing License, New, Mortadella Head of Newport, LLC, d/b/a Mortadella Head, 476 Thames St.

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

6. Victualing License Expansion, Newport Waterfront Landing, Inc., d/b/a The Landing, 30 Bowens Wharf to recognize the addition of 1320 square feet of outdoor service area and 310 sq. ft. accessory bar structure (In conjunction with liquor license expansion)

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

7. Mobile Food Cart License, Renewals:

a. Royal Sweets and Treats, LLC, d/b/a Royal Sweets and Treats, 1 Dudley Ave., Middletown, RI 02840

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

b. WW Newport, LLC, d/b/a Wally’s Hot Dog Cart, 252 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI

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

8. Mobile Food Truck License, Renewals:

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

a. Amano, LLC, d/b/a Mano Pizza & Gelato, 181 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI

b. Wiener Wagon, LLC, d/b/a, Wiener Wagon, 250 West Main Rd., Middletown, RI

c. 1899, LLC, d/b/a La Costa Lobster & Tacos, 186 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI

d. Cluck Truck, LLC, d/b/a Cluck Truck, 256 Maple Ave., Newport, RI

9. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Appointments

Discover Newport- Nicole Canning –three-year term expiring 2-25-2029

CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Nicole Canning to the Discover Newport Board. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER

10. Action Item #6561/26 – RE: Extension of Agreement - Strategic Plan Assistance (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. DEPUTY CITY MANAGER CARUOLO addressed the Council regarding the agreement. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

11. Action Item #6562/26 – RE: Amending Title Five of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Business Licenses and Regulations”, Section 5.04.070, entitled, “Holiday selling.” (w/accompanying ordinance)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. Action Item #6563/26 – RE: Adoption of FY-27 Civic Support/Civic Services Grant Award Recommendations (w/accompanying resolution)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution with the exception of Fab Newport, Newport Bridge, Newport Classical and Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCILOR KHAMSYOVRAVONG recused.

COUNCILOR PINNOCK recused.

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve Newport Bridge, Fab Newport, Newport Classical and . Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0).

13. Action Item #6564/26 – RE: Award of RFQ – Architecture & Engineering Services - Perrotti Park Harbormaster Building (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 #6565/26 – RE: Capital Improvement Program FY2027-2031 – Adoption in Concept (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 #6566/26 – RE: Ordinance Amendment – Title 10, Vehicles and Traffic. Section 1, Chapter 10.32.20, “Residential Parking Program”, 10.32.070 – Residential Parking Permits, Visitor Passes, Temporary Permits and 10.32.140 - Revocation (w/accompanying ordinances)

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the item to March 11, 2026. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

ORDINANCES

16. Amending Section 12.28.071 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Mooring permit classification and quotas.” (Second Reading)

COUNCLOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

RESOLUTIONS

17. Speed Camera Revenue/School Restricted Fund- L. Ceglie- continued from February 11, 2026

COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

18. Authorizing a partnership between the Newport Beach Commission and Salve Regina University to conduct an Easton’s Beach Economic Impact Study- S. Smyth, C. Holder, E. Pinnock, J. Napolitano

COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

19. Opposing Governor McKees proposal to increase cruise ship passenger Fees- S. Smyth, C. Holder, L. Ceglie, E. Pinnock

COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.

COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0).

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

CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Daily Liquor License, Class F-1, Ryan Wieczorek, d/b/a Edgar Allan Poe/Theater, Newport Art Museum; March 19-22, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

2. Application of Newport Waterfront Landing, Inc., d/b/a The Landing, 30 Bowens Wharf, holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license, to expand the licensed premises by recognizing the addition of 1320 sq. ft. outdoor service area and 310 sq. ft. accessory bar structure (Hearing)

The public hearing was declared open. No members from the public addressed the Board.

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

Laura C. Swistak, CMC

City Clerk

Adjourn- 10:46 p.m.