*https://www.clerkshq.com/newport-ri- link to supporting documents on the agenda.
CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
MAY 27, 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 City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840.
The CITY CLERK called the roll and the following members were present:
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE
DAVID R. CARLIN, III
STEPHANIE SMYTH
CHARLIE HOLDER
JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG
ELLEN PINNOCK
Citizens’ Forum:
Lola Herrera, 59 Bedlow Ave.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved the budget hearing, item No. 1, after the Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOULSY.
*a. Budget Change Sheet;
b. Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (Second Reading);
c. Personnel Ordinance (Second Reading);
d. Resolution, re: Omnibus Property Tax Relief and Replacement Act;
e. Resolution, re: Authorizing the Tax Levy
*Moved following the Board of License Commissioners.
a. Minutes of the Council meetings held April 22, 2026 and May 6, 2026 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
1. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Art Cup Opening, 76 Bellevue Ave.; June 4, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
REMOVED 2. Studio Boum, d/b/a Rhode Summer Kiosk, Bowen’s Wharf; June 11-14, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
Adrienne Moratta, Bowen’s Wharf Co., addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Veronica Brown, d/b/a Newport to Bermuda Race Crew Party, Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington St.; June 17, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
4. Brown University Health Bradley Hospital, d/b/a Bravo Bradley, Ochre Court; June 18, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
REMOVED 5. Charles Roberts, R.I. Slave History Medallions, d/b/a 250th Juneteenth Celebration at Fort Adams, Fort Adams State Park; June 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
Charles Roberts, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Summer Art Party, 76 Bellevue Ave.; July 10, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
REMOVED 7. David Bettencourt, d/b/a The Fever Candelight Concert, Belcourt, 657 Bellevue Ave.; July 17, 2026 and September 18, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
David Bettencourt, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was 5-2 with COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR SMYTH opposed.
8. The Sallie A Hunt Foundation, d/b/a Serial Killers Speakeasy, Newport Art Museum; July 17 & 18, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
9. Newport Festivals Foundation, d/b/a Newport Festivals Foundation Summer Gala, Ochre Court; August 1, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
REMOVED 10. Neville Watson, d/b/a Newport Jamaica Jerk Fest, King Park; August 22, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO.
Neville Watson, applicant, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Gray Matter Marketing, d/b/a Newport Winter 10k, Brenton Point and surrounding area (map attached); December 6, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., race start 10:00 a.m.
12. newportFILM, d/b/a Outdoors 2026 Film Screenings - 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.:
a. Great Friends Meeting House Lawn; 6/25/26
b. Rosecliff; 07/02/26 – 8/20/26
c. Marble House; 07/09/26
d. Aquidneck Park; 07/16/26
e. O’Hare Academic Center, Salve Regina University; 07/23/26
f. Rough Point; 07/30/26
g. Chateau Sur Mer; 08/06/26
h. Miantonomi Park; 08/13/26
i. Rosecliff; 08/20/26
j. Fort Adams; 08/27/26
REMOVED c. Communication from Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent, Newport Public Schools, re: Notice of projected School Budget deficit pursuant to R.I.G.L. §16-2-9(f) (Receive)- continued from April 22, 2026
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN had questions regarding when the Communication was received. CITY MANAGER KENNEDY addressed the Council. Colleen Burns Jermain addressed the Council. Jim Nolan, Finance Director, The motion to receive was and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
d. Communication from the Newport Beach Commission, re: Recommendations regarding the future viability and resilience of Easton’s Beach (Receive and refer to City Administration for a recommendation)
e. Communication from Bill Willis, re: Resignation from the Tree and Open Space Commission (Receive with regret)
REMOVED f. Communication from Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent of Newport Public Schools in collaboration with Executive Finance Director Ronald Gonsalves and consultation with City officials and Gemini AI software, re: Strategic Fiscal Recovery and Structural Realignment Plan (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN addressed the Council regarding concerns over the school finances. The motion to receive was voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR PINNOCK opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of items b (2,5,7,10), c and f. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Entertainment License, New, SWM Hospitality NPT, LLC, d/b/a Chomp Kitchen & Drinks, 111 Broadway (Second Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Special Event License, Bike Newport, d/b/a Elliot’s Ride for Everyone, Rogers High School, Hazard Road and Ocean Ave.; June 6, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to vote on the license and road closure separately.
Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Bari Freeman addressed the Council. The motion to approve the event license was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the road closure request. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
Road Closure Request- Hazard Road from Wickham Road to Ocean Avenue and Ocean Avenue from Harrison Ave. to Carroll Ave.
5. 2026 Annual Entertainment License, Renewals (list attached)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the entertainment license renewals. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointments
Waterfront Commission
Zane Randall -– expires 1/22/2028
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Zane Randall to the Waterfront Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Alexander Donlan – expires 10/28/2026
CHAIR HOLDER moved to appoint Alexander Donlan to the Waterfront Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Action Item #6616/26 – RE: Polymorphic AI – Contract Renewal (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Action Item #6617/26 – RE: Amendment to Lease Agreement-T-Mobile Cellular Site, Lawton Valley Facility (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 #6618/26 – RE: Award of Contract-Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract-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 and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Amending Ordinance No. 2025-77 to authorize conduit loan financing through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for the Primary Clarifier Project (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0).
11. Amending Section 10.24.010, of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Parking prohibited at all times in designated places.” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Supporting the C.R.M.C. application of Castle Hill Inn requesting an Aquaculture Farm - D. Carlin, C. Holder- continued from May 13, 2026
COUNCILOR CARLIN introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by CHAIR HOLDER. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Harry Gould, Franciso Drive, Middletown, RI
Tom Doyle, 26 Stockton Drive, Middletown, RI
Linda Stevenson, Dixon St., Newport, RI
Eliopoulos Spiridon, 38 Everett St.
COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to continue the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 5-2 with CHAIR HOLDER and COUNCILOR PINNOCK opposed.
13. Amending the Rules of the Council- S. Smyth, E. Pinnock
COUNCILOR SMYTH introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding the amendments. The motion to approve was voted 4-3 with CHAIR HOLDER, COUNCILOR CEGLIE and COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO opposed.
14. Requesting RIDOT to expedite Bannister’s Wharf improvements- L. Ceglie, J. Napolitano
COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Establishing membership terms for the Standing Charter Review Commission- C. Holder, J. Napolitano
COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. 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.
1. Class F Daily Liquor License, Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Art Cup Opening, 76 Bellevue Ave.; June 4, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, The Sallie A Hunt Foundation, d/b/a Serial Killers Speakeasy, Newport Art Museum; July 17 & 18, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
3. Communication from Turner C. Scott, Esq., re: BV 2026-528 Ownership Name Change from Rhumbline, LLC to Midtown Race Club, LLC (Receive and make part of licensee’s file)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Application of HTLVI Newport TRS, LLC, d/b/a Hotel Viking, One Bellevue Ave., holder of a Class BT alcoholic beverage license to expand the licensed premises by adding a portable bar measuring 15’6” x 6’9” x 9’2” to the patio area and the addition of expanded service into Spa Fjor (Hearing) - continued from April 8, 2026
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 4-3 with COUNCILOR PINNOCK, COUNCILOR SMYTH and COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
*a. Budget Change Sheet;
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the Budget Change Sheet. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Jim Nolan, Finance Director, addressed the Council to answer questions regarding the tax rate. COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG clarified his request regarding the exemption and mil rate. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
The public hearing was declared open. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Colleen Burns Jermain, 70 Brenton Rd., Superintendent of Schools
Kendra Muentner, 22 Homer St.
Becky Bolan, 2 Channing St.
Penelope Hunt, 15 Dartmouth St.
Amy Yozura, 142 Warner St.
Beth Cullen, 19 Bayside Ave.
Stephanie Winslow, 15 Rowland Rd.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Jim Nolan, Finance Director, addressed the Council with the new proposed tax rates based on a 25% exemption and no change in the mil rate. Discussion occurred among the Council, Director Nolan and City Manager Kennedy.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to amend the change sheet by fully funding the schools at 4% and add funds back into roads and sidewalks. Seconded by COUNCILOR CARLIN and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to approve the change sheet no.2. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. COUNCILOR CARLIN moved to remove the additional funding for sidewalk and road repair and move the additional funds back to the school department as a loan with conditions. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. Discussion occurred among the Council and Finance Director Jim Nolan, regarding additional school funding. COUNCILOR CARLIN removed his amendment.
b. Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (Second Reading);
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the budget change sheet. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the FY 2027 budget with changes. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CARLIN had questions regarding the CIP. Discussion occurred among the Council and City Manager Kennedy. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance appropriating revenues per agreed upon changes. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to vote on the ordinance appropriating revenues with the exception of the new positions being proposed. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYORVORAVONG withdrew his motion.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to adopt the Parking Supervisor position. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Discussion occurred among the Council and City Manager Kennedy regarding the new positions and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR CARLIN and COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG opposed.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to approve the additional Utilities positions. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to approve the ordinance appropriating revenues as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1.
c. Personnel Ordinance (Second Reading);
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the personnel ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR SMYTH moved to make the ordinance contingent upon a personnel audit. Seconded by COUNCILOR PINNOCK. COUNCILOR SMYTH withdrew the motion. The motion to approve the ordinance was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
d. Resolution, re: Omnibus Property Tax Relief and Replacement Act;
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO. Discussion occurred among the Council. COUNCILOR KHAMSYRVORAVONG moved to amend the resolution by adopting the rates for the tax levy as described by City Manager Kennedy and as discussed in the revised change sheet. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and voted 6-1.
e. Resolution, re: Authorizing the Tax Levy
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the resolution authorizing the tax levy. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR KHAMSYVORAVONG moved to reconsider item f. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to reopen the discussion on item f. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR CARLIN opposed.
f. Communication from Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent of Newport Public Schools in collaboration with Executive Finance Director Ronald Gonsalves and consultation with City officials and Gemini AI software, re: Strategic Fiscal Recovery and Structural Realignment Plan (Receive)
Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent, addressed the Council regarding the next steps for approval from RIDE for additional funding and proposed layoffs. Discussion occurred among the Council and Superintendent Jermain.
COUNCILOR CARLIN left the dais.
CHAIR HOLDER moved to host a Special Meeting on June 3, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss additional school funding for FY 2027. Seconded by COUNCILOR SMYTH and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0).
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and adjourn. Seconded by COUNCILOR NAPOLITANO and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0).
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk
Adjourn- 10:45 p.m.
Entertainment Licenses by Class (restrictions noted)
Caleb & Broad Caleb Opco, LLC located at 162 Broadway and 2 NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
Caleb Earl AMPLIFICATION
Claw and Hammer 527 Thames Opco, located at 527-537 Thames Street NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
LLC AMPLIFICATION.
Gas Lamp Grille, BMT, LLC located at 206-208 Thames Street FIRST FLOOR NO RESTRICTIONS. SECOND
The First and Second Floor FLOOR. ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS TO
REMAIN CLOSED DURING
ENTERTAINMENT. NO OUTSIDE
ENTERTAINMENT OR AMPLIFICATION.
Heritage 1899, LLC located at 140-142 Thames Street NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
Restaurant Group, Second Floor AMPLIFICATION.
The
Irish American Irish American west corner of bar on Thames ENTERTAINMENT MUST END AT 9:00 P.M.;
Athletic Club Athletic Club NO MORE THAN 3 PERFORMERS AT ANY
TIME
Jane Pickens Fine Arts Newport, located at 49 Touro Street Capacity of 499 people including (4) staff-Per
Theater & Event Inc. order of the NFD
Center
Jo's American 24 Memorial Opco, located at 24 Memorial Boulevard
Bistro LLC W
La Forge Casino 1899 LLC located at 186 Bellevue Ave. NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
Restaurant piano & band area located in AMPLIFICATION.
front pub, dance floor in back left
Newport Blues Kinsley's LTD located at 286 Thames Street BANDS LIMITED TO FOUR (4) MEMBERS.
Cafe First and Second Floors DOORS AND WINDOWS TO REMAIN
CLOSED, PER RESTRICTIONS ON FILE IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. NO OUTSIDE
ENTERTAINMENT OR AMPLIFICATION.
Pour Judgement MBK LLC located at 32 Broadway
Red Parrot 348 Thames Opco, located at 344-348 Thames Street NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
Restaurant, The LLC First & Second Floors AMPLIFICATION.
Thames Street Thames Street located at 536 Thames Street NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
International International Yacht & AMPLIFICATION.
Yacht & Athletic Athletic Club
Club
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Page 1 of 2
Wally's Wieners 1899 LLC located on the second floor of NO OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT OR
464 Thames Street AMPLIFICATION.
Class A and B
DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions
Belle Mer Belle Mer, Inc. located at 2 Goat Island Outdoor entertainment allowed with amplification
until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and to
midnight Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays preceding
a Monday holiday.
Newport Craft Coastal Extreme located at 293 JT Connell Hwy,
Brewing & Brewing Company expanded area includes 2nd floor
Distilling LLC event space and 2nd floor outdoor
deck
Quencher Newport, Quench Opco, LLC located at 95 Long Wharf
The
Reef, The 1899, LLC located at 10 West Howard Wharf NO AMPLIFICATION AFTER 10 PM SUNDAY-
- indoor per floor plans, north THURSDAY; MAX DB LEVEL 65; NO
patio, west patio AMPLIFICATION AFTER 11 PM FRIDAY,
SATURDAY, AND SUNDAYS PRECEDING A
MONDAY HOLIDAY; NO SPEAKERS ON
NORTH PATIO.
Class THTR
DBA Owner Licensed Premises Restrictions
Firehouse Theater Firehouse Theater, Inc. located at 4 Equality Park Place Capacity for theater to be maximum of 80
persons