Newport public meetings in 2024
36 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Workshop
The City Council held a workshop to review individual council member goals, with discussion among council members and City Manager Kennedy. Four members of the public spoke. No formal decisions or votes were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Council Session
The Newport City Council voted down the Coggeshall School Purchase and Sale Agreement with BCM Realty Partners, with four councilors opposed and three in favor. The council also approved numerous licenses, appointments, and contract awards, including a resolution reaffirming the City Charter's non-interference provision.
- Rejected Coggeshall School Purchase and Sale Agreement (4-3)
- Approved 2024-2025 liquor license renewals for Norey's and Thai Cuisine (unanimous)
- Approved consent calendar including special events, tattoo/pool/amusement licenses, and resignations (unanimous)
- Approved pedicab business license renewals for New England Pedicab and Pioneer Pedicab (unanimous)
- Approved new victualing license for Monarca Authentic Mexican Cuisine (unanimous)
- Approved entertainment license for The Red Parrot (unanimous)
- Appointed Nicole Shevory and Melissa Pattavina to Zoning Board (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution reaffirming Charter Section 4-11 (6-1)
Executive Session
The Newport City Council-Elect will meet in executive session on November 25, 2024 to review applications, conduct interviews, and discuss selecting candidates for two open legal positions: Assistant City Solicitor for Law Enforcement and Assistant City Solicitor for Civil Litigation. The meeting will begin in open session, then close by majority vote as permitted under state personnel law. No votes or decisions are reported on the agenda; it is a discussion-only session.
- Review of applications and interviews for Assistant City Solicitor for Law Enforcement
- Review of applications and interviews for Assistant City Solicitor for Civil Litigation
- Council-Elect will vote to close the meeting for personnel discussions
Executive Session
The Newport City Council-Elect will meet in open session to vote to convene an executive session. Behind closed doors, they will discuss the positions of City Solicitor, Municipal Court Judge, and Probate Court Judge, including applicants for those roles. No other business is listed.
- Discussion of City Solicitor position and applicants
- Discussion of Municipal Court Judge position and applicants
- Discussion of Probate Court Judge position and applicants
Council Elect Caucus
The Newport Council-Elect will meet to informally elect a chair and vice chair for the 2024-2026 term. No other business is on the agenda.
- Informal election of Chair for 2024-2026 term
- Informal election of Vice Chair for 2024-2026 term
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will hold an executive session to discuss litigation (Salve dorm case and Barbera v. City), the potential sale or lease of Coggeshall School property, and the Deputy City Manager position. The meeting begins with an open session vote to close the doors; no public deliberation or decisions will occur in the open portion.
- Discussion of Salve dorm litigation status
- Barbera et al v. City of Newport, et al (NC2024-0056)
- Disposition of the Coggeshall School Property
- Deputy City Manager Position discussion
- Management actions involving Question 6
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in executive session before the regular meeting to discuss issues related to Ann Street pier litigation, including potential settlement. The council will first convene in open session and vote to close the meeting as permitted by state law.
- Executive session discussion of Ann Street pier litigation and settlement
- Open session vote to close meeting for collective bargaining or litigation purposes
Workshop
The City Council held a workshop to discuss the resident sticker parking program and the ITC (Innovate Newport) petition process. Staff and department heads presented recommendations and updates, but no formal votes were taken.
- Discussion of resident sticker parking program and staff working group recommendations
- Presentation by Finance Director Jim Nolan on program recommendations
- Input from Police Chief Ryan Duffy and IT Director Nick Craig
- City Engineer Bill Boardman addressed the sticker parking petition process
- City Solicitor Behan and City Manager Kennedy participated in discussion
Workshop
The Newport City Council held a workshop on October 2, 2024, to discuss traffic calming measures on Admiral Kalbfus Road. Discussion occurred among the council, City Manager Kennedy, and 12 members of the public who addressed the council. No formal action was taken as this was a workshop.
- Workshop on Admiral Kalbfus traffic calming
- Public comments from 12 residents
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will hold an executive session on September 25, 2024, to discuss potential litigation regarding the ban on short-term rentals in commercial zoning districts. The council will first convene in open session to vote on closing the meeting. This is a closed session allowed under state law for collective bargaining or litigation matters.
- Executive session discussion of potential litigation concerning the ban on short-term rentals in commercial zoning districts
Regular Session
The City Council will review several second readings of ordinances related to business districts, development standards, and sewer service charges. The body will also vote on contracts for the King Park Seawall and Murphy Field restoration.
- Award of contract for RIMPA-King Park Seawall professional design and construction services
- Award of bid for Murphy Field tennis and basketball court restoration
- Purchase of two 2024 Harley Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide law enforcement motorcycles
- Ordinance revision for one-way street designation on Dixon Street from Thames Street to Spring Street
- New entertainment license hearing for Thames Street Kitchen and Chanterelle Restaurant at 505 & 509 Thames St.
Special Session
The Newport City Council is holding a special session to discuss and act on an ordinance revision to Section 13.12.010, which sets basic sewer service charges. The item is the only matter on the agenda for this meeting, and a vote will decide whether to adopt the revised fee structure.
- Ordinance revision to Sewer Service Charges (13.12.010) — basic charges
Workshop
The City Council held a workshop to discuss utility billing, focusing on a proposal to rescind the current sewer tax rate and reinstate the rate in effect before July 1. No formal vote was taken; the council discussed scheduling a special meeting within the next week to consider the proposal.
- Discussed scheduling a special council meeting to propose rescinding the sewer tax rate and reinstating the pre-July 1 rate
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved multiple zoning ordinance amendments on first reading, covering general requirements, permitted uses, business districts, accessory uses, development standards, parking, and definitions. The council also approved resolutions to reverse Dixon Street direction, add traffic calming on Admiral Kalbfus Road, and address seasonal rentals. A resolution on offshore wind development failed 4-3.
- Approved consent calendar unanimously
- Approved entertainment license for Thames Street Kitchen (6-1)
- Postponed Newport Yacht Club lease amendment indefinitely
- Adopted weight-restricted streets ordinance revision unanimously
- Adopted zoning ordinance amendments on first reading (6-1 for most, unanimous for two)
- Approved Dixon Street direction reversal unanimously
- Approved traffic calming on Admiral Kalbfus Road unanimously
- Approved seasonal rentals resolution unanimously
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in an executive session to discuss an amendment to the lease between the City of Newport and the Newport Yacht Club. This closed session is held under Rhode Island General Laws regarding the lease of real property for public purposes.
- Discussion of lease amendment between City of Newport and Newport Yacht Club
Regular Session
The City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Housing Chapter of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, with a first reading of an ordinance. They will also consider a consent calendar for special events, new entertainment and victualing licenses, and several action items including a $98.5 million bond resolution. Second readings of ordinances include adding a new chapter on Accessory Dwelling Units. The Council will then convene as the Board of License Commissioners for liquor license matters.
- Public hearing on amendments to Comprehensive Land Use Plan Housing Chapter
- Continued discussion of $98.5 million bond resolution
- New entertainment licenses for Saltwater (49 America's Cup Ave.) and The Reef (10 West Howard Wharf)
- Second readings of ordinances, including new Accessory Dwelling Unit chapter
- Resolution to name Stone Pier Dinghy Dock
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in executive session on July 10, 2024. The council intends to discuss issues regarding the use of Liberty Square.
- Discussion regarding the use of Liberty Square
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in executive session on June 26, 2024. The council intends to discuss issues regarding the use of Liberty Square. This closed meeting follows an open session vote to convene.
- Discussion of issues relating to the use of Liberty Square
Workshop with Planning Board
The Newport City Council and Planning Board will hold a joint workshop regarding housing. The provided agenda contains only the meeting notice and does not list specific items or projects for discussion.
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 May 8, 2024, before its regular meeting. The closed session will cover three items: the lease, acquisition, or disposition of the Coggeshall School property; the lawsuit Barbera et al v. City of Newport, et al (NC2024-0056); and collective bargaining agreements with Local 1080, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Lodge No. 8, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). All discussions are authorized under Rhode Island law for real property negotiations and collective bargaining or litigation. No decisions will be made in public on these items.
- Closed session on Coggeshall School property lease, acquisition, or disposition
- Discussion of lawsuit Barbera et al v. City of Newport, et al (NC2024-0056)
- Collective bargaining with Local 1080, IAFF (fire fighters)
- Collective bargaining with Lodge No. 8, FOP (police)
- Open session vote to convene closed session at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, 43 Broadway
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in open session to vote on entering a closed executive session to discuss the qualifications of the two final candidates for the City Manager position and select one. The meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2024, at 6:30 pm or after the regular council meeting at City Hall.
- Closed session under R.I. General Laws for personnel issues
- Discussion of two remaining city manager candidates
- Selection of one candidate for City Manager position
- Open session vote to convene closed session
- Meeting at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway
Workshop
The Newport City Council held a workshop to discuss Easton's Beach matters, focusing on the 2024 season operation plans and concession plans. Beach and Recreation Administrator Erik Reis provided information, and public comments were heard from three individuals. No formal decisions were made; the workshop was informational.
- Discussion of 2024 season operation plans for Easton's Beach
- Concession plans for Easton's Beach presented
- Public comments from Katie Potter (Newport Chowder Company), Mike Wile (1899, LLC), and John Boxer (35 Prairie Ave.)
- Council member David Carlin was absent
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in open session, then vote to enter executive session to interview candidates for the City Manager position and discuss them. The meeting is scheduled for 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway.
- Executive session for city manager candidate interviews
- Open session vote to convene closed session
- Meeting at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway
Regular Session
The Newport City Council will hold its regular session on April 10, 2024, covering a consent calendar with special event permits and license renewals, plus several action items. Key decisions include allocating $75,000 for a van for the Edward King House Senior Center, awarding contracts for architecture services for Perrotti Park public facilities and travel management, and a show cause hearing for Bossy Monkey Corporation. The council will also hear a first reading of an ordinance amendment regarding boards and commissions, and receive the police department's 2023 annual report.
- Allocation of $75,000 for purchase of a van for Edward King House Senior Center
- Award of contract for professional architecture services for Perrotti Park Public Facilities reconstruction
- Award of contract for travel management services
- Show cause hearing for Bossy Monkey Corporation, 472 Thames Street, for failure to meet conditions of victualing license
- First reading of ordinance amending Chapter 2.56 Boards and Commissions
Executive Session
The Newport City Council is meeting on April 8, 2024, to conduct interviews for the position of City Manager. The council will first convene in open session to vote on entering a closed executive session, citing Rhode Island law allowing closed meetings for personnel issues. The agenda contains no other business items.
- Executive session interviews for City Manager position
- Open session vote to enter closed session
- Meeting at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in open session before entering an executive session. The closed portion of the meeting is designated for conducting interviews regarding the position of City Manager.
- Interviews for the Position of City Manager
Executive Session
The Newport City Council is holding an executive session to conduct interviews for the position of City Manager. The council will first meet in open session to vote on convening the closed session, as required by Rhode Island law for personnel discussions.
- Executive session for City Manager interviews
- Open session vote to close meeting
- Meeting at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a workshop to discuss zoning ordinances. The agenda provides no specific details on which zoning topics will be addressed, as it is a general notice for the meeting.
- Workshop on zoning ordinances
Workshop
The Newport City Council is meeting to discuss the performance of the Government Relations Consultant and the city's legislative strategy. The council will first convene in open session, then vote to move into a closed executive session under Rhode Island law for personnel issues. This is a procedural meeting focused on a specific personnel and strategy discussion.
- Discussion of Government Relations Consultant performance
- Review of city's legislative strategy
- Vote to enter executive session under R.I. Gen. Laws 42-46-5(a)(1)
- Meeting at City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport
Workshop
The Newport City Council will meet to discuss the search for a new City Manager. The Council will also discuss replacing the Chair of the Newport Zoning Board of Review in executive session.
- City Manager search discussion
- Replacement of the Chair of the Newport Zoning Board of Review
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the selection of a strategic planning consultant. The agenda contains no other business items.
- Workshop on strategic planning consultant
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the Capital Improvement Program and a potential staffing reorganization. This is a discussion session, not a final decision-making meeting.
- Capital Improvement Program discussion
- Potential staffing reorganization discussion
Workshop
This is the approved minutes of a January 24, 2024 City Council workshop where members interviewed three firms for a Government Relations Consultant contract to advocate for Newport at the State House. Four council members were present; three were absent. The interviews covered each firm's team, Newport's advocacy challenges, conflicts of interest, legislative relationships, and other municipal clients.
- Interviewed Advocacy Solutions, LLC (Frank McMahon, Grant Pilkington; Christopher Hunter unable to attend)
- Interviewed Capitol Communications Group (Peter Baptista, Nicholas Hemond)
- Interviewed Nicole O'Loughlin
- Council members present: Xay Khamsyvoravong, Angela McCalla, Jeanne Marie Napolitano, Lynn Underwood Ceglie
- Absent: David Carlin, Charlie Holder, Mark Aramli
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 this agenda.
- Executive session to discuss City Manager search
- Open session vote to convene closed session
- Meeting at City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport
Boards and Commissions Interviews
The Newport City Council is holding interviews on January 6, 2024, for five applicants seeking appointment to the Planning Board and Historic District Commission. The council may also discuss how they will vote on the appointments at a future regular council meeting.
- Interviews scheduled for Michael Mullaney, Jarrod Pimentel, Paul McGreevy, Raymond Goddard, and Patricia Antonelli
- Meeting at City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI
- Council may discuss potential votes on appointments
Workshop
The Newport City Council held a workshop with state legislators to discuss and set the city's legislative priorities for 2024. The meeting was attended by council members, Senators Louis DiPalma and Dawn Euer, and Representatives Marvin Abney and Lauren Carson. No formal votes or decisions were made; the session was a discussion only.
- Discussion of 2024 legislative priorities with state delegation
- Attendance by Senators DiPalma and Euer, Representatives Abney and Carson
- Council member Charlie Holder absent