CITY OF NEWPORT
MEETING
MARCH 25, 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
Citizens’ Forum:
Nora Eschenheimer, 18 Malbone Rd.
Rob Vitello, 15 Bayside Ave.
Tyler Grimes, 43 Warner St.
William Nolan, 40 Grafton St.
Pete Rice, 1 Harrison Lane
~Proclamation recognizing Greek Independence Day~
CHAIR HOLDER read the proclamation into the record.
a. Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held March 4, 2026
b. Special Events:
1. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Building a Career in the Arts, 76 Bellevue Ave.; April 2, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
REMOVED 2. Cheyne Cousens, d/b/a Easter Extravaganza, Newport Skatepark; April 4, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.- continued from March 11, 2026
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to withdraw the application at the applicant’s request. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Voices from Springboard, 76 Bellevue Ave.; April 16, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
4. Joe Rocco, d/b/a Eight Comedy Shows-2026, Newport Elks, 141 Pelham St.; 4/18, 5/16, 6/27, 7/25, 8/22, 9/26, 10/24, 11/21 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
5. Karen Flanagan, d/b/a Star Kids Annual Fundraiser, Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Ave.; May 2, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
6. Rogers High School P.T.O., d/b/a Ameture Cornhole Competition Fundraiser, Elks Lodge; May 2, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
7. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Play/Pretend Opening, 76 Bellevue Ave.; May 7, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
8. Conor Cashel, d/b/a U.S. SailGP Team Rhode Island Fan Zone, Bowen’s Wharf; May 8-10, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
9. Newport Rugby Football Club, Fort Adams State Park, d/b/a:
· NERFU Championship Rugby Tournament, Fort Adams State Park; May 9-10, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
· Newport Summer 7’s Rugby Tournament; June 27-28, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
10. Bowen’s Wharf Co., d/b/a Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival, Bowen’s Wharf and Market Square; May 16 & 17, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
11. Veronica Brown, d/b/a Newport Charter Yacht Show 2026, Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington St.; June 22-25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily
12. Kern Maass/IYRS, d/b/a 29th Annual IYRS Summer Gala, 449 Thames St.; July 11, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to midnight
13. Newport Contemporary Ballet, d/b/a Newport Dance Festival, Great Friends Meeting House; July 15-19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
14. Fr. Hiep Nguyen, d/b/a Summer Bazaar, Jesus Saviour Church, 1 Vernon Ave.; July 23-25, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
15. Newport Contemporary Ballet, d/b/a Newport Contemporary Ballet’s Summer Soiree, Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Ave.; July 25, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
16. Veronica Brown, d/b/a Safe Harbor Race Weekend 2026, Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington St.; August 7-9, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily
17. Terri L. Lawrence, d/b/a Newport Rec Reunion 2026, Quaker Meeting Grounds, Miantonomi Park and Edward St. Basketball Courts; 8/15/26 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., 8/16/26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 8/17/26 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
18. Newport Elks, 141 Pelham St., d/b/a:
a. Flea Markets, 5/23, 6/20, 7/11, 8/22, 9/19 and 10/17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
b. Family Day, June 7, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
c. Flag Day Ceremony & Cookout, June 14, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
d. Holiday Craft Show, December 5, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
c. Food Concession License, Newport Rugby Football Club, Inc., Fort Adams State Park, d/b/a:
· NERFU Championship Rugby Tournament, Fort Adams State Park; May 9-10, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
· Newport Summer 7’s Rugby Tournament; June 27-28, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
d. Bicycle Rental Agency, Renewal, Scooter World, LLC, d/b/a Scooter World, 436 Thames St.
e. Bicycle Rental Agency, Renewal, Scooter World, LLC, d/b/a Scooter World, 10-12 Christies Landing
f. Tattoo License, New, Individual Artist, Andrew Monroe, Fortune Tattoos, 435 Thames St.
g. Communication from Detective John Sullivan, re: Requesting permission to hold the Aquidneck Island National Police Parade and to serve as the sole vendor (Approve subject to details being worked out with city administration)
h. Communication from Maureen Cronin, Chair, Tree and Open Space Commission, re: Removal of Dennis Demers as member pursuant to Section 2.56.010 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled “General Provisions” (Receive with regret)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of item b(2). Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mobile Food Cart License, Renewal, Longade, LLC, d/b/a Del’s Lemonade, 337 Thames St. Unit 16
COUNCILOR CEGLIE move to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Victualing License, New Owner, Gardiner House, LP, d/b/a Gardiner House, 24 Lee’s Wharf (In conjunction with liquor license transfer)
CHAIR HOLDER recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Special Event License, Fireworks Display, America’s Jubilee c/o IYRS, d/b/a America’s Jubilee, June 5, 2026 for a 12 minute display at sunset from three barges in Newport Harbor (#3 of 8 permitted displays) – Second request for display on June 5, 2026- first request approved on February 11, 2026
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Harry Graves, addressed the Council to answer questions regarding the celebration. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Special Event License, Audrain Automobile Museum, Inc., d/b/a Audrain Automobile Museum Cars & Coffee (12 dates at various locations- list attached) 5/31/26, 6/14/26, 6/21/26, 6/28/26, 7/11/26, 7/19/26, 8/2/26, 8/16/26, 8/23/26, 9/13/26, 9/27/26 & 11/1/26
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Ben Chester, addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant. Discussion occurred among the Council.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the approval of all dates except 5/31/26 and 9/27/26 so the applicant can work with the neighbors and the Police Department for noise and traffic mitigation. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. Discussion continued among the Council.
CHAIR HOLDER moved to continue the entire application to a future meeting so the applicant can provide details regarding a plan for noise reduction. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Special Event License, RITB Authority/Gray Matter Marketing, Pell Bridge Run, plan attached; August 30, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Matthew Gray, addressed the Council to answer questions regarding the event changing from October to August. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Special Event License, Yachting Promotions, Inc., d/b/a Newport International Boat Show, layout attached; September 17-20, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council and added the license should be subject to the agreement with the city for use of rights of way. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointments:
Historic District Commission
Benjamin Willett - Alternate – three-year term expiring 3/25/2029
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Benjamin Willett to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Jan D’Entremont – Alternate- three-year term expiring 3/25/2029
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Jan D’Entremont to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Trust and Investment Commission
William Hogan -– five-year term expiring 3/25/2031
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint William Hogan to the Trust and Investment Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Reappointments:
Historic District Commission
Raymond Goddard - three-year term expiring 2/3/2029
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Raymond Goddard to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Kelly Moran - three-year term expiring 2/3/2029
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Kelly Moran to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Energy and Environment Commission
Christina Guarin - three-year term expiring 4/9/2029
CHAIR HOLDER moved to reappoint Christina Guarin to the Energy and Environment Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Action Item #6572/26 – RE: Emmanuel Church Parking Lot - Agreement (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Action Item #6573/26 – RE: Aloha Towers, LLC – Amendment/Lease agreement – Cell Tower – West Main Road, Portsmouth (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Action Item #6574/26 – RE: Utility Pole Petition – Rhode Island Energy – New Pole & Anchor – Carroll Avenue
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and approve the pole petition. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Amending Section 10.32.020, entitled, “Definitions” (Second Reading) Residential Parking Program: Definitions in support of changes to 10.32.070 and 10.32.140.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
13. Amending Section 10.32.070, entitled, “Residential Parking Permits-Visitor Passes-Temporary Permits” (Second Reading)
Residential Parking Program: Eligibility and proof of eligibility; application requirements; caps and limitations; duration, renewal, and verification; fees; digital permit system; and enforcement and revocation.
CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN advised the Council to receive the revised amendments. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the revised amendments. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. Timothy Carroll, 675 Thames St. and Maria & Michael Kannelias, 47 Dixon St., addressed the Council. COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to amend the ordinance under paragraph C by changing the number of eligible passes to three across the board. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
CHAIR HOLDER moved to adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
14. Amending Section 10.32.140, entitled, “Revocation of Permits” (Second Reading)
Residential Parking Program: For the use of false, fraudulent, or misleading information to apply for or obtain a residential parking permit, enables criminal prosecution and establishes a fine of up to $1000.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR SMYTH requested a clear message be communicated to the public regarding the changes. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
15. Amending Section 10.20.170, entitled, “Towing by Police Division” – Narragansett Avenue at 40 Steps (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Amending Section 10.24.050, entitled, “Two, three and four-hour parking limits” – Library and Recreation Parking Lot in Aquidneck Park (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Amending Section 10.44.010, entitled, “Multi-way stop signs”-Designated” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
RESOLUTIONS
18. Speed Camera Revenue/School Restricted Fund- L. Ceglie- continued from March 4, 2026
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to table the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Advocating for an increase to the FY2027 Green Economy and Clean Energy Bond Facility Improvements to support Fort Adams State Park- S. Smyth, C. Holder
COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. Paul Marshall, 26 Parker Ave., addressed the Council in support of the resolution. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
20. Supporting a Statewide Discussion of Affordability Evaluation Methods in Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Fund- J. Napolitano
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Supporting the placement of a plaque in Liberty Square honoring the Newport Artillery Company and the Daughters of the American Revolutionary War- J. Napolitano
COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Supporting the Support and Access to Bilingual Education Act (SABE)- E. Pinnock, S. Smyth, C. Holder
COUNCILOR PINNOCK introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Rebekah Gomez, Conexion Latina, addressed the Council in support of the resolution. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
23. Addressing sidewalks on Malbone Road - S. Smyth, E. Pinnock
COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. Pete Rice, 1 Harrison Lane, addressed the Council regarding sidewalks. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Class F Daily Liquor License, Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Play/Pretend Opening, 76 Bellevue Ave.; May 7, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Bowen’s Wharf Co., d/b/a Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival, Bowen’s Wharf and Market Square; May 16 & 17, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
3. Class F Daily Liquor License, Fr. Hiep Nguyen, Jesus Saviour Church, d/b/a Holy Ghost Feast, 1 Vernon Ave.; May 24, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
4. Class F Daily Liquor License, Fr. Hiep Nguyen, d/b/a Summer Bazaar, Jesus Saviour Church, 1 Vernon Ave.; July 23-25, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
5. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Newport Rugby Football Club, Inc., Fort Adams State Park, d/b/a:
· NERFU Championship Rugby Tournament, Fort Adams State Park; May 9-10, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
· Newport Summer 7’s Rugby Tournament; June 27, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
6. Communication from Christian Infantolino, Esq., re: Requesting permission for Conanicut Marine Services, Inc., to serve alcoholic beverages aboard The Jamestown, The MV Katherine, The Coastal Queen and MV Coastal Princess while at dockside at several stops in Newport Harbor for the 2026 season (Approve)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Sunday Selling License, Renewals:
a. Fifth Ward Liquor Inc., d/b/a Fifth Ward Liquor, 695 Thames St.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve Fifth Ward Liquor. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Newport Prescription Center, d/b/a Island Wine & Spirits, 287 & 291 Broadway & portion of 289 Broadway
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve Island Wine & Spirits. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
c. New Newport Liquor LLC, d/b/a Point Wine & Spirits, 3 Thames St.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve Point Wine & Spirits. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
d. Hoan Inc., d/b/a Rex Liquors, 146 Broadway
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve Rex Liquors. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Application of Bloody Bull, LLC, d/b/a Gardiner House, 24 Lee’s Wharf, holder of a Class BT alcoholic beverage license, to transfer ownership to Gardiner House, LP (Howard Cushing-33.33%, Wirt Blaffer-33.33%, Olivier Desmarais-33.33%), d/b/a Gardiner House, at the same premises (Hearing)
CHAIR HOLDER recused.
The public hearing was declared open. There was no public comment.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0).
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
Adjourn- 9:08 p.m.