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
Citizens’ Forum: (Speakers must sign in with the City Clerk) The Citizens’ Forum period shall be no longer than fifteen minutes, and citizens may address the Council on one subject only and for no longer than three minutes. Issues to be discussed shall not include matters to be considered or discussed as part of the regular Council agenda and must be related to substantive city business. No comments regarding personnel or job performance are allowed.
~Proclamation recognizing Greek Independence Day~
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.
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
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)
2. Mobile Food Cart License, Renewal, Longade, LLC, d/b/a Del’s Lemonade, 337 Thames St. Unit 16
3. Victualing License, New Owner, Gardiner House, LP, d/b/a Gardiner House, 24 Lee’s Wharf (In conjunction with liquor license transfer)
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
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
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.
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
Appointments:
Historic District Commission
Benjamin Willett - Alternate – three-year term expiring 3/25/2029
Jan D’Entremont – Alternate- three-year term expiring 3/25/2029
Trust and Investment Commission
William Hogan -– five-year term expiring 3/25/2031
Reappointments:
Historic District Commission
Raymond Goddard - three-year term expiring 2/3/2029
Kelly Moran - three-year term expiring 2/3/2029
Energy and Environment Commission
Christina Guarin - three-year term expiring 4/9/2029
9. Action Item #6572/26 – RE: Emmanuel Church Parking Lot - Agreement (w/accompanying resolution)
10. Action Item #6573/26 – RE: Aloha Towers, LLC – Amendment/Lease agreement – Cell Tower – West Main Road, Portsmouth (w/accompanying resolution)
11. Action Item #6574/26 – RE: Utility Pole Petition – Rhode Island Energy – New Pole & Anchor – Carroll Avenue
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.
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.
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.
15. Amending Section 10.20.170, entitled, “Towing by Police Division” – Narragansett Avenue at 40 Steps (Second Reading)
16. Amending Section 10.24.050, entitled, “Two, three and four-hour parking limits” – Library and Recreation Parking Lot in Aquidneck Park (Second Reading)
17. Amending Section 10.44.010, entitled, “Multi-way stop signs”-Designated” (Second Reading)
RESOLUTIONS
18. Speed Camera Revenue/School Restricted Fund- L. Ceglie- continued from March 4, 2026
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
20. Supporting a Statewide Discussion of Affordability Evaluation Methods in Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Fund- J. Napolitano
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
22. Supporting the Support and Access to Bilingual Education Act (SABE)- E. Pinnock, S. Smyth, C. Holder
23. Addressing sidewalks on Malbone Road - S. Smyth, E. Pinnock
ADJOURN AS COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
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)
7. Sunday Selling License, Renewals:
a. Fifth Ward Liquor Inc., d/b/a Fifth Ward Liquor, 695 Thames St.
b. Newport Prescription Center, d/b/a Island Wine & Spirits, 287 & 291 Broadway & portion of 289 Broadway
c. New Newport Liquor LLC, d/b/a Point Wine & Spirits, 3 Thames St.
d. Hoan Inc., d/b/a Rex Liquors, 146 Broadway
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)
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
Adjourn- March 18, 2026