Newport public meetings in 2023

Workshop

This is the approved minutes of a joint City Council and School Committee workshop on the Capital Improvement Program, held December 13, 2023. Council members discussed their legislative priorities for 2024, and the Harbormaster addressed cruise ship landing fees. The meeting was procedural and informational, with no votes or decisions recorded.

• Joint workshop on Capital Improvement Program
• Discussion of 2024 legislative priorities
• Harbormaster Stephen Land discussed cruise ship landing fees
• Meeting held at City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI

Workshop

This is a joint workshop of the City Council and School Committee focused on the state of homelessness. Jennifer Barrera of the R.I. Coalition for the Homeless gave a presentation, followed by discussion. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational only.

• Presentation by Jennifer Barrera, R.I. Coalition for the Homeless
• Discussion on homelessness in Newport and across Rhode Island

Workshop

The Newport City Council is holding a workshop to interview two applicants, Roy Lauth and Bart Dunbar, for the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission. After the interviews, the Council may discuss how they will vote on the appointments at a future regular meeting.

• Interview of Roy Lauth at 11:15am
• Interview of Bart Dunbar at 11:45am
• Possible discussion of appointment vote at a future Council meeting

Boards and Commissions Interviews

The Newport City Council will interview three applicants for the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission on October 16, 2023. After the interviews, the Council may discuss how they might vote on appointments at a future regular Council meeting.

• Interviews at 10:30am Michael Cullen, 10:45am Makalah Chapman, 11:00am Ellen Pinnock
• Applicants for the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission
• Council may discuss future vote on appointments

Boards and Commissions Interviews

The Newport City Council will interview four applicants for the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission. After the interviews, the Council may discuss how they might vote on appointments at a future regular Council meeting.

• Interviews for Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission
• 5:30 p.m. Tom Kane
• 5:45 p.m. Ashley Stanley
• 6:00 p.m. Gerard Decotis
• 6:15 p.m. Jan Brodie

Boards and Commissions Interviews

The Newport City Council will interview two applicants for the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission. After the interviews, the Council may discuss how they will vote on appointments at a future regular meeting.

• Interview of Tom Gibson at 5:45 p.m.
• Interview of Sandi Warner at 6:00 p.m.
• Possible discussion of appointment vote at a regular Council meeting

Boards and Commissions Interviews

The Newport City Council will interview three applicants for the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission. The Council may also discuss how it might vote on the applicants at a future regular meeting where an appointment vote is considered.

• Interviews at 4:00 p.m. Colin Kane
• Interviews at 4:15 p.m. Jeffrey Diehl
• Interviews at 4:45 p.m. Brendan Ryan
• Possible discussion of vote on appointments at a later Council meeting

Executive Session

The Newport City Council will hold an open session to vote on entering a closed executive session to discuss the search for a City Manager. The executive session is authorized under Rhode Island law for personnel issues. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Executive session to discuss City Manager search
• Open session vote to convene closed session
• Meeting at Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway

Executive Session

The Newport City Council will meet in open session to vote on entering a closed executive session at 5:00 p.m. on August 24, 2023. The closed session will discuss the lease, acquisition, or disposition of the Boys and Girls Club property and the Brick Market building, as well as litigation involving offshore wind farms and PFAS. No decisions are expected in open session.

• Executive session on Boys and Girls Club property
• Executive session on Brick Market building
• Discussion of offshore wind farm litigation
• Discussion of PFAS litigation
• Vote to convene closed session

Regular Session

The City Council appointed an interim city manager and approved several resolutions regarding road dividers, mobile food establishments, and bicycle ordinances. The council also granted multiple special event permits and an entertainment license for the Gardiner House.

• Appointed Laura L. Sitrin as Interim City Manager (Unanimous)
• Approved entertainment license for Bloody Bull, LLC d/b/a Gardiner House (Unanimous)
• Approved amended ordinance regarding Bicycles, requiring rental agencies to use affidavits (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution for road dividers and requested RIDOT review of crosswalk at Bannisters Wharf (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution for mobile food establishments on Wellington Ave (Unanimous)
• Approved 10 special event permits via Consent Calendar (Unanimous)
• Appointed Barbara Shea, Theresa Stokes, and Bert Lippincott to Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission (Unanimous)
• Approved contract for Roadway Crack Sealing Project (Unanimous)

Workshop

The City Council held a workshop featuring a presentation by Julia Novak of Raftelis regarding the process for the strategic plan. No substantive decisions were recorded during this session.

Regular Session

The City Council approved amendments to parking, bicycle, and alcoholic beverage ordinances, as well as personnel and pay plans. The council also authorized contracts for the King Park Dinghy Dock expansion and Martin Recreation Center wall pad replacement.

• Approved Public Sculpture Commission resolution (6-1)
• Approved parking meter area ordinance amendment (Unanimous)
• Approved bicycle ordinance amendment on first reading (Unanimous)
• Approved increase in Class BH alcoholic beverage licenses (Unanimous)
• Approved personnel classification and pay plan amendments (Unanimous)
• Approved Martin Recreation Center gymnasium wall pad replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved Save the Bay dockage contract at Perrotti Park as amended (Unanimous)
• Approved King Park Dinghy Dock Expansion Project contract (Unanimous)

Joint Workshop

The City Council and School Committee held a workshop to receive project updates and timeline information from Downes Construction. No substantive decisions were recorded.

Regular Session

The City Council amended a resolution regarding the Rogers High School Building Project to require a non-governmental soil consultant for additional testing and a halt on further dumping. The Council also approved several liquor license increases and a pay increase for election poll workers.

• Approved resolution requiring non-governmental soil consultant and halt to dumping at Rogers High School project (6-1)
• Approved increase in number of Class BT alcoholic beverage licenses (Unanimous)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to amend parking meter areas (Unanimous)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to increase Class BH alcoholic beverage licenses (Unanimous)
• Approved pay increase for election poll workers (Unanimous)
• Approved agreement with Robert Potter League for Animals, Inc. for shelter services (Unanimous)
• Approved Change Order #3 for Water Distribution System Improvements Project (Unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission (4-3)

CANCELLED Jul. 19, 2023 - Special Session

This special City Council meeting was cancelled. The only agenda item, an update on the Rogers High School building project's excavated soil from the R.I. Department of Environmental Management, was continued from June 28, 2023, and will not be discussed at this time. No decisions or discussions will occur at this cancelled session.

• Meeting cancelled
• Rogers High School Building Project (excavated soil) — continued from June 28, 2023
• Update from R.I. Department of Environmental Management

Regular Session

The City Council approved a proposal for the Coggeshall School redevelopment and established five resident-only parking spaces in the Touro Lot. Several contracts for city hall office design, yard waste composting, and road chip sealing were also awarded. The Council approved a Community Development Block Grant for Church Community Housing.

• Approved Coggeshall School Redevelopment proposal (4-1)
• Approved five resident-only parking spaces in Touro Lot (Unanimous)
• Approved Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) PY 22 (Unanimous)
• Awarded contract for City Hall Interior Office Space Analysis, Design and Construction (Unanimous)
• Awarded contract for Yard Waste Composting Services (5-0)
• Awarded contract for Rubberized Asphalt Chip Seal (5-0)
• Approved extended hours victualing license for Seasons Corner Market (Unanimous)
• Appointed Frank Balla as alternate member to the Historic District Commission (Unanimous)

Executive Session

The Newport City Council will meet in open session to vote on entering a closed executive session to discuss the lease, acquisition, or disposition of publicly held property involving the Coggeshall School. The closed session is authorized under Rhode Island law for real property discussions where public information could be detrimental to the public interest. No decisions are scheduled for open session.

• Executive session discussion on Coggeshall School property lease, acquisition, or disposition
• Open session vote to convene closed session at 5:30 p.m. on July 12, 2023

CANCELLED Jul. 5, 2023 - Regular Session

The Newport City Council special meeting scheduled for July 5, 2023, was cancelled. The only listed item, a continued discussion of the Rogers High School Building Project regarding excavated soil, did not occur.

• Meeting cancelled
• Rogers High School Building Project (excavated soil) item continued from June 28, 2023, did not proceed

Executive Session

The Newport City Council will hold an executive session to interview candidates for Interim City Manager, citing Rhode Island law for closed meetings on personnel issues. The council will first convene in open session to vote on entering the closed session, then reconvene in open session to possibly discuss and vote on the appointment.

• Executive session interviews for Interim City Manager candidates
• Open session vote to enter closed session
• Possible open session discussion and vote on appointment

Workshop

The Newport City Council will meet in open session to vote on convening a closed executive session at 5:45 p.m. on June 28, 2023, at City Hall. The closed session is authorized under Rhode Island law for personnel issues and will involve discussions about the City Manager position. No other business is listed on this agenda.

• Executive session to discuss personnel issues involving the City Manager position
• Open session vote to convene closed session
• Meeting at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI

Regular Session

The Newport City Council will hold a regular session to vote on consent calendar items, including special event permits and various licenses, as well as several contracts and resolutions. They will also conduct public hearings on new licenses and an entertainment expansion, and consider an ordinance amendment on mobile food establishments. The meeting includes appointments to boards and commissions.

• Award of Bid #23-067 for New EZ-Screen 1000XL Soil Screener
• Award of Bid #23-066 for Historic Gravestone Restoration and Re-Setting
• Award of Contract for Braga, Cardines, Hunter and King Park Playgrounds Improvements
• Ordinance amendment to Chapter 5.57 on Mobile Food Establishments (First Reading)
• Entertainment License Expansion for Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling at 293 JT Connell Highway

Workshop

The Newport City Council is holding a workshop to interview three applicants for appointments to city boards and commissions: Wick Rudd for the Zoning Board of Review, Harry Elkin for the Trust and Investment Commission, and David Kane for the Waterfront Commission. After the interviews, the Council may discuss how they will vote on the appointments at a future regular Council meeting. No votes or decisions are scheduled at this workshop.

• Interview of Wick Rudd for Zoning Board of Review at 5:00 p.m.
• Interview of Harry Elkin for Trust and Investment Commission at 5:25 p.m.
• Interview of David Kane for Waterfront Commission at 5:50 p.m.
• Discussion of potential votes on appointments at a later regular Council meeting

Regular Session

The Council approved several municipal contracts for sidewalk improvements, street light maintenance, and water system upgrades. Multiple special event, street cafe, and entertainment licenses were granted. The Council also adopted the Ordinance Appropriating Revenues on second reading.

• Approved Sidewalk Improvement Program 2023 bid (Unanimous)
• Approved Decorative Street Lights Maintenance and Repair bid (Unanimous)
• Approved Water Distribution System Improvements Change Order 2 (Unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance Appropriating Revenues on second reading (Unanimous)
• Approved entertainment license expansion for Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling (Unanimous)
• Approved new street cafe licenses for Malt and Humming Bird Café (Unanimous)
• Denied budget amendment for 2% increase conditional on school test scores (2-5)
• Denied budget amendment for 4% increase conditional on school test scores (1-6)

Applicant Interviews

The City Council conducted interviews with two applicants for the Historic District Commission. No appointments or votes were recorded during the meeting.

Workshop

The Newport City Council held a workshop on May 31, 2023, for a budget overview presented by Finance Director Laura Sitrin. Discussion occurred among the Council, Director Sitrin, City Manager Joseph J. Nicholson, and City Solicitor Christopher J. Behan. The minutes were approved on June 14, 2023. No specific budget figures or decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• Budget overview presented by Finance Director Laura Sitrin
• Discussion among Council, City Manager, and City Solicitor

Joint Workshop

The Newport City Council and School Committee are holding a joint workshop to discuss the new Rogers High School building. Presentations will cover the educational impact, budget and value management, architecture and renderings, and the construction timeline. The meeting is informational, with no votes scheduled.

• Impact of new building on attendance, graduation, learning, and educational plan
• Budget and value management by Downes Construction Company
• Architecture and renderings by SLAM Collaborative
• Timeline for next 6 months and 2 years by Gilbane Construction Co.
• Weekly construction site tours every Thursday at 8:30 AM

Workshop

The Newport City Council held a workshop to review the budget, with Finance Director Laura Sitrin providing an overview of school funding, civic support, and the City Solicitor's Office. Discussion occurred among the council and director, but no formal decisions were made. The meeting was procedural and informational in nature.

• Budget overview presented by Finance Director Laura Sitrin
• Discussion on school funding
• Discussion on civic support
• Discussion on City Solicitor's Office

Workshop

The Newport City Council is holding a workshop to hear a presentation from the Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission on historic preservation. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists solely of this informational presentation.

• Presentation by R.I. Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission on historic preservation

Regular Session

The City Council adopted amendments to city harbor mooring regulations and held a first reading for a hotel registration fee ordinance. The council also approved several municipal contracts for infrastructure and public facilities, including fiber communications and seawall engineering.

• Adopted amendments to City Harbor mooring regulations (Unanimous)
• Approved first reading of hotel registration fee ordinance (Unanimous)
• Adopted Tree Preservation resolution (Unanimous)
• Approved contracts for West Side Fiber Ring Closure, Gymnasium Floor Replacement, and Perrotti Park Bulkhead Seawall Engineering (Unanimous)
• Approved contracts for John Chafee Blvd. Basketball Court and Lead Service Line Program services (Unanimous)
• Appointed Richard Cromwell and Adam Moore to the Planning Board (Unanimous)
• Appointed Bud Cicilline to the Canvassing Authority (Unanimous)
• Approved special event license for Newport Folk Festival Aftershow with end time amended to 11:00 p.m. (Unanimous)

Workshop

The Newport City Council and School Committee are holding a joint workshop to review the School Department budget. The meeting is scheduled for May 22, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at Innovate Newport, Conference Hall, 513 Broadway. The agenda contains only this single item, a budget overview.

• Joint workshop with School Committee
• Budget overview for the School Department

Workshop

The Newport City Council held a workshop to review proposed budgets for several city departments, including Parking, Finance, City Manager, City Council, Canvassing, and City Solicitor. Finance Director Laura Sitrin and City Clerk Laura Swistak presented overviews, and the council discussed the budgets with City Solicitor Behan. No votes were taken; the meeting was for discussion only.

• Budget overview for Parking Fund
• Budget overview for Finance & Unallocated
• Budget overview for City Manager and City Council
• Budget overview for Canvassing and City Solicitor
• City Clerk's Department budget overview

Regular Session

The Council approved the first reading of the Personnel Ordinance and the Ordinance Appropriating Revenue for the biennial budget. Several resolutions regarding flag displays and the Ocean Race were passed. The Council also granted multiple business and event licenses while denying three pedicab license applications.

• Approved first reading of FY 2024 & FY 2025 Personnel Ordinance (Unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance Appropriating Revenue as amended (Unanimous)
• Voted 6-1 to fund the OPEB Trust at 100%
• Approved resolutions for the Ocean Race, Municipal Flag Display Policy, and Pride Flag (Unanimous)
• Approved pedicab licenses for New England Pedicab and Pioneer Pedicab (Unanimous)
• Denied pedicab licenses for R.I. Pedicab, Ocean State Pedal Tour Company, and Newport Pedicab (0-7)
• Continued Smokehouse victualing license expansion application to May 24, 2023 (6-1)
• Approved various victualing, sidewalk cafe, and entertainment license renewals (Unanimous)

Workshop

The Newport City Council held a workshop to receive a budget overview for the Utilities department from Director Robert Schultz. Discussion occurred among the council and the director. The meeting was procedural and informational, with no votes or decisions taken.

• Budget overview for Utilities presented by Director Robert Schultz
• Workshop held May 8, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 43 Broadway

Special Session

The City Council unanimously approved two resolutions requesting the Rhode Island General Assembly to amend state laws regarding property tax classifications in Newport.

• Approved request to General Assembly to amend Section 44-5-76.2 regarding tax rates for Class 2 owner and non-owner occupied properties (Unanimous)
• Approved request to General Assembly to amend Section 44-5-76.1 regarding the list of ratable property (Unanimous)

Boards and Commissions Interviews

The Newport City Council is holding interviews for three applicants seeking appointment to the Planning Board. The council may also discuss how they might vote on the applicants at a future regular meeting where the appointment is considered.

• Interview of Bart Lloyd at 5:00 p.m.
• Interview of Adam Moore at 5:25 p.m.
• Interview of Richard Cromwell at 5:50 p.m.
• Possible discussion of vote on applicants at a later Council meeting

Regular Session

The City Council approved two noise abatement ordinances and a harbor ordinance regarding fee increases and renewal schedules. The Council also approved various special event licenses, sidewalk café renewals, and the reappointment of two Planning Board members.

• Adopted two Noise Abatement ordinances (Chapter 8.12) on second reading (Unanimous)
• Approved Harbor Ordinance Revision for renewal schedule, fee increase, and date to vacate (Unanimous)
• Approved 16 sidewalk café license renewals (6-0)
• Reappointed Theresa Stokes and Margaret Polski to the Planning Board (Unanimous)
• Approved license for Elliot’s Ride for Everyone and associated street closures (Unanimous)
• Approved expansion of second-hand license for Anne Hall Antique Prints (Unanimous)
• Continued pedicab license applications for New England Pedicab and Pioneer Pedicab to May 10, 2023 (5-0)
• Adopted resolutions for Strategic Planning, Newport Spring Project, and Conanicut Marine Services (Unanimous)

Workshop

This is a City Council workshop meeting to discuss the Rhode Island Ethics Commission and the Rhode Island Code of Ethics. The agenda contains no specific action items, only the stated topic for discussion.

• Discussion of Rhode Island Ethics Commission
• Discussion of Rhode Island Code of Ethics

Regular Session

The City Council approved a Transportation Master Plan with an amendment to keep America’s Cup Avenue open. The council also accepted a $100,000 donation from the New York Yacht Club for a pier ramp and updated parking ordinances. Several special event licenses and board appointments were approved.

• Approved Transportation Master Plan as amended (6-1)
• Approved $100,000 New York Yacht Club donation for King Park Stone Pier ramp (6-0)
• Adopted amended parking meter charges ordinance (5-2)
• Adopted Easton’s Beach Parking Lot ordinance (5-2)
• Approved first reading of Noise Abatement ordinance (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution to review parking on Yznaga Ave (Unanimous)
• Appointed Stephanie Smyth to Affirmative Action Commission (Unanimous)
• Approved Tall Ship Mooring Repair bid and cargo trailer bid (Unanimous)

Workshop

The Newport City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the budget overview and general fund revenues. The agenda contains no specific action items, only the workshop topic and meeting logistics.

• Workshop on budget overview and general fund revenues

Workshop

The City Council conducted a workshop to review a presentation on the Transportation Master Plan. No substantive decisions, votes, or approvals were recorded during this session.

Special Session

The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to award Bid # 23-032 for the Road Improvement Program 2023. The decision followed a discussion with the Director of Public Services and the City Manager regarding funding and road selection.

• Approved Award of Bid # 23-032 for Road Improvement Program 2023 (Unanimous)

Workshop

The City Council conducted a workshop featuring a presentation by Jamie Rhodes of Good Energy, LP regarding the Energy Aggregation program. No formal decisions were made during this session.

Regular Session

The City Council established a new policy for flags hanging at City Hall and approved an ordinance for street cafes. The Council also amended parking meter and Easton's Beach parking rules to provide additional free hours for residents.

• Adopted resolution establishing a policy on flags hanging at City Hall (Unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance adding 'Street Cafes' to Chapter 5.98 (Unanimous)
• Approved $42,000 for Broadband Network Consulting Services (6-1)
• Approved Newport Police Department fence replacement contract (Unanimous)
• Amended parking meter ordinance to add two free hours for residents (Unanimous)
• Amended Easton's Beach parking lot ordinance to change date from March 1 to April 1 (4-3)
• Approved Aquidneck Growers Market license (6-1)
• Reappointed Sean O’Connor to the Energy and Environment Commission (Unanimous)

Regular Session

The City Council approved a bid for sidewalk and traffic calming improvements on Hillside Avenue and adopted a Capital Improvement Program resolution. Several zoning and planning board ordinances were passed on second reading, and a $1,000 fine was issued to Harvest, Inc. for license violations.

• Approved bid #23-013 for Hillside Avenue Sidewalk & Traffic Calming Improvements (Unanimous)
• Adopted Capital Improvement Program resolution (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 fine for Harvest, Inc. regarding victualing license conditions (Unanimous)
• Adopted ordinances amending Zoning Board of Review composition and powers (Unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance adding 'Street Cafés' to Chapter 5.98 (Unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance amending Planning Board composition and meetings (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Holiday Selling and Second-hand License renewals (6-0)
• Approved liquor license transfer for La Costa Lobster & Tacos at 515 Thames St. (5-2)

Boards and Commissions Interviews

The Newport City Council held interviews for three applicants to the Planning Board on March 8, 2023. The meeting was procedural, consisting solely of the interviews and adjournment, with no decisions or discussions on other matters.

• Interviewed Margaret Polski for Planning Board
• Interviewed Theresa Stokes for Planning Board
• Interviewed Kate Jessup for Planning Board

Regular Session

The City Council approved an ordinance regarding two-tier tax classification on second reading. The Council also passed first readings for zoning and planning board amendments and approved several business licenses and board appointments.

• Adopted Two Tier Tax Classification ordinance (6-1)
• Approved first reading of Zoning Ordinance Amendments Sections 17.112.030 and 17.112.040 (Unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Planning Board composition amendment (Unanimous)
• Approved several special event permits including Amica Newport Marathon and Newport 10 Miler (Unanimous)
• Delayed YPO Family Weekend Fireworks Display application indefinitely (Unanimous)
• Approved mobile food cart and truck renewals for Newport Lobster Shack, La Costa Lobster and Tacos, Wiener Wagon, A Mano Pizza & Gelato, and Wally’s Hot Dog Cart (Unanimous)
• Appointed Adam Moore and Marissa Caito to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Unanimous)
• Passed resolutions supporting House Bill H5300, street safety, and Earth Day celebration (Unanimous)

Boards and Commissions Interviews

The Newport City Council held interviews on February 22, 2023, for applicants to the Historic District Commission and the Waterfront Commission. Three applicants were interviewed: Deanna Amorello and Frank Balla for the Historic District Commission, and Henry DiPietro for the Waterfront Commission. The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. No votes or decisions are recorded in these minutes.

• Interview of Deanna Amorello for Historic District Commission at 5:00 p.m.
• Interview of Frank Balla for Historic District Commission at 5:20 p.m.
• Interview of Henry DiPietro for Waterfront Commission at 5:40 p.m.
• Meeting held at City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI

Workshop

The City Council met with state representatives and a senator to discuss legislative priorities for 2023. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during the workshop.

Boards and Commissions Interviews

The City Council interviewed four applicants for the Zoning Board of Review, Historic District Commission, and Board of Tax Appeals. The minutes do not record any decisions or appointments resulting from these interviews.

Workshop

The Newport City Council is holding a work session to discuss potential agenda items for an upcoming legislative workshop on February 18, 2023. This is a planning discussion, not a final decision-making meeting.

• Discussion of potential agenda items for the February 18 legislative workshop

Regular Session

The City Council unanimously passed several resolutions requesting administrative reviews of the city's zoning code, historical zoning ordinances, and short-term rentals. The council also approved various business licenses and appointments to city boards and commissions.

• Approved resolution to review short-term rentals (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution for comprehensive review of Zoning Code (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution for review of Zoning and Historical Zoning ordinances (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution to create policies for accessory dwelling units (Unanimous)
• Approved second reading of ordinance amending Fraternal Order of Police section (Unanimous)
• Approved first reading of ordinance regarding Two Tier Tax Classification (Unanimous)
• Approved Floating Solar Option Agreement (Unanimous)
• Appointed William Willis to Tree and Open Space Commission and Meg Dodge to Trust and Investment Commission (Unanimous)

CANCELLED Feb. 4, 2023 - Workshop

This meeting, a City Council workshop with the State Legislative Delegation scheduled for February 4, 2023, has been cancelled. The sole agenda item was to discuss the city's legislative priorities for 2023.

• Meeting cancelled
• Workshop with State Legislative Delegation
• Agenda item: City's legislative priorities for 2023

Boards and Commissions Interviews

The City Council interviewed seven applicants for positions on the Planning Board, Historic District Commission, and Trust and Investment Commission. No substantive decisions or appointments were recorded in the minutes.

Regular Session

The Council approved a consent calendar including multiple special event permits and fireworks displays. Members were appointed to various city boards and commissions, and an ordinance regarding prohibited parking was approved on second reading.

• Approved fireworks displays for Bailey’s Beach Club and Barbara Moran (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Calendar including special event permits for Newport Winter Festival, Newport Wedding Show, Newport Night Run, and others (Unanimous)
• Appointed David Carlin and Lynn Ceglie to the School Liaison (Unanimous)
• Approved various board and commission liaison appointments (Unanimous)
• Resolution to re-establish Ad-Hoc Tax Committee failed (no second)
• Approved revisions to Resolution No. 2023-01 'Rules of the Council' (Unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Section 10.24.010 regarding prohibited parking on second reading (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution for Electrical Engineering Services at Edward King House (Unanimous)

Executive Session

The Newport City Council will meet in open session to vote on convening a closed executive session at 5:30 p.m. on January 23, 2023, at City Hall. The closed session is authorized under Rhode Island law for collective bargaining or litigation, and will address the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Lodge No. 8, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). No other business is listed on this agenda.

• Closed executive session to discuss collective bargaining agreement with Lodge No. 8, Fraternal Order of Police
• Open session vote required to convene closed session
• Meeting at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI

Regular Session

The City Council approved several administrative updates, including the adoption of the Rules of the Council and a resolution requesting a policy to prevent loud vehicle noise. The Council also approved a tax treaty agreement with the Town of Middletown and various professional service contracts.

• Adopted Rules of the Council as amended (Unanimous)
• Adopted resolution requesting policy to prevent loud motorcycle and motor vehicle noise (Unanimous)
• Approved City of Newport/Town of Middletown Tax Treaty Agreement (Unanimous)
• Approved first reading of ordinance amending Section 10.24.010 regarding prohibited parking (Unanimous)
• Approved modification to Prescott Hall Watershed drainage and flooding analysis contract (Unanimous)
• Approved supplemental agreement for Cliff Walk Repair professional services (Unanimous)
• Appointed Robert Conway to the Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission (Unanimous)
• Denied motion to withdraw sticker parking designation for George Street (0-6)

Workshop

This is a City Council workshop meeting dedicated to goal setting. The agenda contains no specific action items, only the stated purpose of discussing goals for the city.

• Goal setting discussion