Newport public meetings in 2025
62 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Session
The council voted 4‑3 to reject Castle Hill, Inc.'s commercial aquaculture application and send an unfavorable recommendation to the CRMC. The 2026 regular council meeting schedule and a resolution supporting the Martin Luther King Jr. Center food pantry were approved unanimously. Several licenses and permits were approved unanimously, and appointments to the Beach and Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory commissions were confirmed. Reappointments of Mark Marosits as Waterfront Commission chair and Henry DiPietro to the same commission were approved 6‑1.
- Rejected Castle Hill, Inc. aquaculture application (4‑3)
- Approved 2026 regular council meeting schedule (unanimous)
- Approved MLK Center food pantry support resolution (unanimous)
- Approved multiple licensure applications (unanimous)
- Appointed Susan Marks to Newport Beach Commission (unanimous)
- Appointed Casey Lindie to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (unanimous)
- Reappointed Mark Marosits as Waterfront Commission chair (6‑1)
- Reappointed Henry DiPietro to Waterfront Commission (6‑1)
Joint Workshop
The Newport City Council and Middletown Town Council will meet to examine the possibility of regionalizing their school districts. Attendees will review Newport City Council Resolution No. 2025-146 on administrative regionalization and Resolution No. 2025-43 establishing an Academic Integration Advisory Committee. The session includes explanations, Q&A, and discussion of how an endowment would function. Participants will also set a tentative date to reconvene on January 12, 2026.
- Review Newport City Council Resolution No. 2025-146 – Administrative Regionalization
- Discussion of how a school regionalization endowment would work
- Review Newport City Council Resolution No. 2025-43 – Academic Integration Advisory Committee
- Q&A and open discussion on regionalization feasibility
- Agree on reconvening date (proposed Jan 12, 2026)
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will hold an executive session at 5:30 p.m. on Dec 3, 2025. In that closed meeting, council members will discuss the recent incidents at Rogers High School and the investigations related to them. No decisions are indicated in the agenda.
- Discussion of recent incidents at Rogers High School and related investigations
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in executive session to discuss a buyer's request for a credit regarding asbestos remediation costs for the Coggeshall School property. The Council may vote on the issue after returning to open session.
- Discussion of asbestos remediation cost credit for the sale of Coggeshall School property
Regular Session
The council approved the Revolutionary Hydrant Project by unanimous vote. It also approved the Consent Calendar (except one item) and a new extended‑hours victualing license for Broadway Mini Mart, both unanimously. A hearing on the Newport Protective Club entertainment license was continued with a 4‑3 vote. Several infrastructure and parking ordinances were adopted, while a bond‑fund reallocation was tabled.
- Approved Consent Calendar (except item j) – unanimous vote
- Approved extended‑hours victualing license for Broadway Mini Mart – unanimous vote
- Continued hearing on Newport Protective Club entertainment license – vote 4‑3
- Approved victualing licenses for liquor establishments – unanimous vote
- Tabled reallocation of General Obligation Bond Funding for Primary Clarifier Rehabilitation – vote 5‑2
- Approved Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank borrowing for Primary Clarifier Replacement – vote 5‑1
- Adopted ordinance revising parking prohibited on Broadway – vote 5‑2
- Approved Revolutionary Hydrant Project – unanimous vote
Workshop
On November 10, 2025 the Newport City Council met with the School Committee at Rogers High School Auditorium to discuss regionalizing schools with Middletown. Council members and School Committee members participated, and members of the public addressed the council with questions. The meeting concluded without any formal approvals, denials, or votes on the topic.
Workshop
The Newport City Council will hold a workshop on October 29, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway. The meeting is intended to discuss the proposed Aquidneck Island natural gas moratorium. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.
- Discussion of the Aquidneck Island natural gas moratorium
Regular Session
The council voted unanimously to establish an Accessibility Advisory Commission. It also approved a $125,000 small grant and a $500,000 large grant to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The traffic‑study contract item was sent to the next meeting for more information, while the motion to allow open containers at the Broadway Street Fair failed. Police retroactive‑pay resolution was tabled.
- Established Accessibility Advisory Commission – approved unanimously
- Approved recreation grants: $125K small and $500K large to RIDEM – approved unanimously
- Continued traffic‑study contract item (RFP 2026‑PS‑001) for more information – approved unanimously
- Approved liquor license expansions for Cru Café and The Elms Carriage House – approved unanimously
- Continued Castle Hill communication item (refer to Waterfront Commission) – vote 5‑1
- Continued Broadway Mini Mart victualing‑license application to next meeting – approved unanimously
- Motion to allow open containers at Broadway Street Fair failed (no second)
- Police Details – Retroactive Pay resolution tabled – approved unanimously
Workshop
The City Council is holding a workshop to discuss a report from the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission regarding the North End. No other items are listed on the agenda.
- North End/Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission report
Workshop
The Newport City Council will hold a workshop on October 16, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway. The agenda item is the Newport Yacht Club lease.
- Newport Yacht Club lease discussion
Workshop
The Newport City Council will hold a workshop on October 15, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 43 Broadway. Council members will discuss proposed changes to the city’s mooring ordinances, including insurance requirements and permit classifications. No formal vote is indicated; the meeting appears to be for discussion and information.
- Discussion of mooring ordinance insurance requirements and permit classification changes
Regular Session
The council approved the Consent Calendar unanimously and moved items 14‑17 to the December 10 meeting, adding a requirement for a public workshop (5‑1). Several licenses were approved, including a fireworks event with a waived filing deadline and an expansion of Vanderbilt’s entertainment space. The city adopted the funding source for the Rogers High School construction project (5‑1) and extended the electricity supplier contract (5‑1). A resolution on signage failed to pass (2‑4).
- Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
- Continued items 14‑17 to Dec 10 meeting (unanimous)
- Added public workshop requirement before voting on items 14‑17 (5‑1)
- Approved fireworks special event license for Anne Donohue, waiving 90‑day filing (unanimous)
- Approved Victualing License for Market Newport, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved Entertainment License expansion for Vanderbilt Opco, LLC (unanimous)
- Adopted funding source for Rogers High School construction project (5‑1)
- Resolution 18 on signage failed (2‑4)
Regular Session
The council unanimously approved the consent calendar and several new licenses. A 4‑1 vote approved the City’s request to dredge at 128 Long Wharf Marina. The Harbor Ordinance Revision was adopted by a 3‑2 vote. Additional items, including an ordinance amendment and multiple contract award resolutions, passed unanimously.
- Consent calendar approved (unanimous)
- Victualing license for Sip to Shine approved (unanimous)
- Entertainment license expansion for The Vanderbilt approved (unanimous)
- Dredging application for 128 Long Wharf approved (4-1)
- Harbor Ordinance Revision adopted (3-2)
- Ordinance amendment to Chapter 3.12.020 adopted (4-1)
- Grant to RI Dept of Health & Human Services approved (4-1)
- Multiple contract award resolutions adopted (unanimous)
CANCELLED - Sep. 24, 2025 - Regular Session
The regular City Council meeting scheduled for September 24, 2025 was cancelled. Consequently, none of the listed agenda items—including the consent calendar, license applications, contract awards, and ordinance amendments—will be discussed or decided. The council will reconvene at a later date to consider these matters.
- Consent Calendar items for special events such as the Richard Morris Hunt Lecture at Rosecliff and Sail for Hope Regatta at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard
- Victualing License for Principal Nutrition, LLC d/b/a Sip to Shine, 260 Bellevue Ave.
- Entertainment License expansion for Vanderbilt Opco, LLC d/b/a The Vanderbilt, 41 Mary St.
- Action Item #6508/25 – award of contract for HVAC system at the Martin Recreation Center
- Ordinance amendment (second reading) to City Manager specifications, Chapter 3.12.020
Regular Session
The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, several entertainment and victualing licenses, and appointed three members to the Sister City Commission. It also approved utility pole petitions for four streets and adopted the police vehicles/equipment replacement contract. The council voted 6-1 to approve a construction‑manager‑at‑risk contract for the Florence Gray Center and a amendment to the utilities classification plan, and unanimously amended the parking prohibition ordinance.
- Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
- Approved Annual Entertainment License for Wharf Southern Kitchen (unanimous)
- Appointed Michael Murray, Michele Gallagher, Joseph Logue to Sister City Commission (unanimous)
- Approved utility pole petitions for Ruggles Ave., Old Beach Rd., Hillside Ave., Lawrence Ave. (unanimous)
- Adopted police vehicles/equipment replacement contract (unanimous)
- Approved CMaR services contract for Florence Gray Center (6-1)
- Approved amendment to Chapter 3.12 Classification Plan (6-1)
- Amended parking prohibition ordinance (unanimous)
Executive Session
The City Council will meet in Executive Session to discuss pending opioid litigation settlements and the option to opt-in to additional settlements. A vote to opt-in may occur in open session following the closed meeting.
- Discussion of pending opioid litigation settlements
- Potential vote to opt-in to additional settlements
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will hold an executive session to discuss the job performance of City Manager Colin K. Kennedy. The closed meeting follows an open session vote at 6:00 p.m. on September 4, 2025, at Newport City Hall.
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved the award of a contract for a Harbormaster patrol vessel with a 6‑1 vote. It also approved a supplemental agreement for professional services on the Perrotti Park project (6‑1). In addition, the council adopted several ordinance amendments—including parking restrictions and a general fee schedule—unanimously, and approved multiple licenses and event permits.
- Approved Harbormaster patrol vessel contract (6-1)
- Approved Perrotti Park supplemental agreement (6-1)
- Adopted General Fee Schedule amendment (unanimous)
- Adopted multiple parking ordinance amendments (unanimous)
- Approved Pedicab Business License renewal (unanimous)
- Approved block party permission on Blackwell Place (unanimous)
- Approved Service Agreement for Black Earth Compost (unanimous)
- Approved various event licenses on the Consent Calendar (unanimous)
Boards and Commissions Interviews
The Newport City Council will interview six applicants for the Sister City Commission. After the interviews, the Council may discuss how they will vote on appointments at a future meeting.
- Interviews scheduled for Joseph Logue, Karen Capraro, Michele Gallagher, Amy Ironmonger, and Eileen Spillane Rice
- Council may discuss voting process for appointments after interviews
Regular Meeting
The council removed Michael Falcone from the Sister City Commission and approved a series of licenses, resolutions, and ordinances, including municipal bond funding, a police contract, and numerous parking regulations. All actions were approved unanimously except two amendment motions that failed.
- Removed Michael Falcone from Sister City Commission (unanimous)
- Approved municipal bond project funding (unanimous)
- Approved Fraternal Order of Police contract; amendment for 4% increase failed 1‑6
- Approved road crack sealing contract (unanimous)
- Approved Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival license (unanimous)
- Approved Rose Island Lighthouse resolution (unanimous)
- Adopted several parking restriction ordinances (unanimous)
- Approved Newport Hospital Council Liaisons resolution (unanimous)
Workshop
The City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the Boards and Commission Oversight Committee. No other specific agenda items are listed.
- Discussion regarding the Boards and Commission Oversight Committee
Workshop
The City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the rules of the Council. No other items are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion regarding Rules of the Council
Special Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to address a communication from the City Manager. The council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution regarding the Gallagher Wing and the Florence Gray Center-Pandemic Recovery Office.
- Action Item No. 6469/25: City Right of First Refusal for ownership transfer of Gallagher Wing to Newport Housing Authority
- Renovations to the Florence Gray Center-Pandemic Recovery Office CPF-CLC
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved the consent calendar and continued a show‑cause hearing for the Pyramid Club. It reappointed members of the Sister City Commission and adopted several contract and resolution communications, including a new utility billing system. All actions were approved unanimously.
- Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
- Continued Pyramid Club hearing to Sep 24, 2025 (unanimous)
- Reappointed Brenda Bachman as Sister City Commission Chair (unanimous)
- Approved John Chafee Recreation Area fencing contract (unanimous)
- Approved Public Information Request software solution contract (unanimous)
- Approved Comprehensive Plan Update consulting contract (unanimous)
- Approved implementation of new utility billing system (unanimous)
- Approved Elephant Display placement in Aquidneck Park (unanimous)
Special Session
The council unanimously adopted a resolution advocating for the continued operation of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital. They also unanimously approved sending copies of the meeting recording to Dr. Thomas, Sarah Frost, and John Fernandez of Brown Health.
- Adopted resolution supporting birthing center (unanimous)
- Approved sending meeting recording to Dr. Thomas, Sarah Frost, John Fernandez (unanimous)
Regular Session
The council approved several licenses, adopted the consent calendar (excluding two items), and passed multiple ordinances. Notably, the Harbor Ordinance fee increase was approved 6‑1. Parking prohibition ordinances for Poplar and Spring Streets were adopted, and the MFEs resolution was passed unanimously.
- Approved Ron Kitt Kite Festival license (5-2 vote)
- Approved Conexion Latina "¡Que Diablos!" license (unanimous)
- Adopted consent calendar, excluding items b(1) and b(7) (unanimous)
- Approved MBK entertainment license expansion (unanimous)
- Approved Harbor Ordinance fee increase (6-1 vote)
- Adopted parking prohibition ordinance for Poplar Street (unanimous)
- Adopted parking prohibition ordinance for Spring Street (unanimous)
- Approved MFEs resolution (unanimous)
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in a closed executive session. The body will discuss compliance with the Council Rules of decorum.
- Discussion of compliance with Council Rules of decorum
Regular Session
The City Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar and adopted revisions to two parking ordinances. It voted 6-1 to raise school funding to 4% and 4-3 to add $35,000 to the Sister City budget. Several personnel appointments were approved, including the Deputy Police Chief (unanimous) and the Utilities Capital Projects Manager (4-3). The Easton's Beach Revenue resolution was also adopted unanimously.
- Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
- Approved Sound Variance for Jon Koucky (6-1)
- Adopted parking ordinance revisions for Spring Street and Poplar Street (unanimous)
- Increased school funding from 2% to 4% (6-1)
- Added $35,000 to Sister City budget (4-3)
- Approved Deputy Police Chief appointment (unanimous)
- Approved Utilities Capital Projects Manager (4-3)
- Adopted Easton's Beach Revenue resolution (unanimous)
Special Session
The City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding the biennial budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The body will consider ordinances related to revenues, personnel, and sewer service charges.
- Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (Second Reading)
- Personnel Ordinance (Second Reading)
- Amendments to Chapter 13.12 regarding sewer service basic and CSO fixed charges
- Resolution Affirming Compliance with the Omnibus Property Tax Relief and Replacement Act
- Resolution Authorizing the Tax Levy
Regular Session
The council moved to hear FY2026‑FY2027 budget items (6‑1 vote) and approved the consent calendar unanimously. It adopted the Elm Street Pier repair contract, a residential‑parking ordinance for Kilburn Court, a marsh‑habitat grant agreement, and a grant‑management software contract, all by unanimous vote. Several special‑event and sidewalk‑café licenses were also approved unanimously, and multiple board appointments were confirmed.
- Motion to hear FY2026‑FY2027 budget items passed 6‑1
- Consent calendar approved unanimously
- Elm Street Pier repair/replacement contract adopted unanimously
- Ordinance revision for Kilburn Court residential parking adopted unanimously
- Grant agreement for South Easton Pond marsh habitat adopted unanimously
- Award of grant‑management software contract adopted unanimously
- Special‑event and sidewalk‑café licenses approved unanimously
- Appointments to public sculpture, discover Newport, bicycle, planning, and zoning boards approved unanimously
Boards and Commissions Interviews
The Newport City Council is conducting interviews for applicants seeking positions on the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Review.
- Interview of Kevin Michaud for Planning Board
- Interview of Michael Andrew Wilson for Planning Board
- Interview of Richard Belinsky for Zoning Board
- Interview of Jonathan Bell for Zoning Board
Regular Session
The council approved the full Consent Calendar and a series of special event, entertainment, and sidewalk café licenses. It appointed Frederick Huntsberry to the Planning Board and reappointed several commission members. The Vision Zero: Safe Streets for All plan was adopted, and three ordinances on smoking and pedicab operations were passed on second reading.
- Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
- Approved Special Event License for Newport Art Museum Summer Art Party Gala (unanimous)
- Approved Sidewalk Café License for Get the Scoop, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved Entertainment Licenses for Newport Playhouse and Brenton Hotel (unanimous)
- Appointed Frederick Huntsberry to Planning Board (unanimous)
- Reappointed Andy Bjork to Energy and Environment Commission (unanimous)
- Adopted Vision Zero: Safe Streets for All plan (unanimous)
- Adopted amendment prohibiting smoking on buses (unanimous)
Workshop
The City Council will hold a workshop with a representative from the R.I. Attorney General’s Office. The session focuses on the Open Meetings Act.
- Workshop with R.I. Attorney General’s Office representative regarding Open Meetings Act
Regular Session
The council rejected Chomp Kitchen & Drinks' request to add an 8' × 48' sidewalk café, losing by a 3‑4 vote. The board also voted to continue the Pyramid Club hearing to June 11, 2025 and to table the Community Development Block Grant budget application by a 4‑3 vote. Several special‑event and permit licenses were approved unanimously, and the farmer’s market renewal passed 6‑1.
- Denied Chomp Kitchen sidewalk café expansion (3‑4 vote)
- Continued Pyramid Club hearing to June 11, 2025 (unanimous)
- Tabled Community Development Block Grant budget application (4‑3 vote)
- Adopted Consent Calendar (unanimous)
- Approved Hall of Fame Open special event license (unanimous)
- Approved Induction Weekend special event license (unanimous)
- Approved Sound Variance license for August 23 concert (unanimous)
- Approved Farmer’s Market license renewal (6‑1 vote)
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a workshop session for ethics training, led by a representative from the Rhode Island Ethics Commission. No other business items are on the agenda.
- Ethics training presentation from RI Ethics Commission representative
Boards and Commissions Interviews
The City Council is conducting interviews for individuals applying to the Planning Board of Review. The Council may discuss the process for voting on these appointments at a future regularly scheduled meeting.
- Interview of Kevin Michaud at 5:30 p.m.
- Interview of Frederick Huntsberry at 6:00 p.m.
- Interview of Pamela Akgun at 6:30 p.m.
- Interview of Edward Williams at 7:00 p.m.
Budget Workshop
The council met on April 30, 2025 for a budget overview workshop on utilities and water‑pollution control. Council members Lynn Underwood Ceglie, Jeanne Marie Napolitano, Charlie Holder, David R. Carlin, III, and Stephanie Smyth were present; Xay Khamsyvoravong and Ellen Pinnoch were absent. The workshop featured a presentation by Director of Utilities Robert Schultz and discussion with staff. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.
Budget Workshop
The City Council held a budget overview workshop on April 29, 2025. Directors of Resiliency and Sustainability, Public Services, Planning, and a grant writer presented departmental budget information. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. with no votes, approvals, or other formal actions recorded.
Budget Workshop
The Newport City Council and School Committee will hold a joint workshop to discuss the school budget overview. No specific proposals or dollar figures are listed on the agenda; the meeting is a discussion-only session.
- Joint workshop with School Committee on school budget overview
Regular Session
The council voted 4-3 to adopt an amendment to Ordinance 10.32.110 designating residential parking on Marsh Street and Bridge Street. All listed special‑event, street‑café, sidewalk‑café, entertainment and victualing licenses were approved unanimously. Appointments to the Tree and Open Space Commission and reappointments to the Housing Authority were also confirmed unanimously. Two resolutions supporting a resiliency fund and the Newport For All Ages program passed unanimously.
- Approved Ordinance Amendment for designated residential parking (4-3)
- Approved special‑event licenses for Newport String Project, Touro Park Summer Concert, Lucy’s Hearth Pickleball Fundraiser, Trinity Episcopal Church Strawberry Festival (unanimously)
- Approved Washington Square road closure 11:00 am‑12:30 pm (unanimously)
- Approved Street Café license renewal for Malt, 150‑154 Broadway (unanimously)
- Approved sidewalk‑café renewals for nine vendors (unanimously)
- Approved entertainment licenses for Chomp Kitchen and Mother Pizzeria (unanimously)
- Appointed Maria “Lola” Herrera to Tree and Open Space Commission (unanimously)
- Reappointed Vanessa Soares and Tom Sheehan as Resident Commissioners of Newport Housing Authority (unanimously)
Budget Workshop
On April 22, 2025, the Newport City Council met for a budget overview workshop covering public safety, police, fire, parking, and maritime topics. Council members Xay Khamsyvoravong, Lynn Underwood Ceglie, and Charlie Holder were present, with four members absent. Department heads presented budget information and the council discussed the material. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. with no recorded approvals, denials, or votes.
Budget Workshop
On April 21, 2025, the Newport City Council met for a budget overview workshop at City Hall. Finance Director Jim Nolan presented the total budget and council members discussed the information. Civic support representatives also addressed the council. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. with no formal decisions recorded.
Regular Session
The council adopted the consent calendar, except two items, with a unanimous vote. It approved multiple liquor, sound, street‑café, sidewalk‑café and entertainment licenses unanimously. The Coggeshall School Purchase and Sale Agreement was amended and approved by a 4‑2 vote. The 2025 Strategic Plan progress update was also approved unanimously.
- Adopt consent calendar except items 18 and e (unanimous)
- Approve Class F Daily Liquor Licenses for three events (unanimous)
- Approve Sunday Selling Class A Liquor renewals (unanimous)
- Approve Sound Variance License for IYRS Summer Gala (unanimous)
- Approve street café license renewals for Corner Café and Pour Judgement (unanimous)
- Approve sidewalk café license renewals for five establishments (unanimous)
- Approve amended Coggeshall School Purchase and Sale Agreement (4-2)
- Approve 2025 Strategic Plan progress update (unanimous)
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will hold an executive session to discuss provisions in the City Manager's Employment Agreement, citing collective bargaining or litigation as the reason for closing the meeting. The council will first meet in open session to vote on convening the closed session.
- Executive session to discuss City Manager's Employment Agreement provisions
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in Executive Session to discuss the purchase and use of property for a new public safety complex. The session is closed to the public under Rhode Island General Laws regarding the acquisition of real property for public purposes.
- Discussion of property purchase for a new public safety complex
Regular Session
The council approved the 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Program concept with a 6‑1 vote, Councilor Carlin opposed. It also approved the full Consent Calendar and transferred a Class C liquor license to Pivotal Brewing Company, both unanimously. Additional actions included several ordinance amendments and appointments to city commissions.
- Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
- Approved transfer of Class C liquor license to Pivotal Brewing Company (unanimous)
- Approved new Victualing License for Pivotal Brewing Company (unanimous)
- Appointed Brooke Richter to Historic District Commission (6‑1)
- Adopted 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Program concept (6‑1)
- Adopted ordinance amending Section 2.120.010 (fees) (unanimous)
- Adopted ordinance amending Section 12.28.100(D) (city piers) (unanimous)
- Adopted residential district ordinance amendments (items 19‑24) (unanimous)
Regular Session
The Newport City Council held public hearings and unanimously approved a series of first-reading zoning code amendments, including changes to use regulations, setback requirements, and the addition of new residential districts (R-4 and R-6) and a chapter on temporary use permits. The council also approved several licenses, including the transfer of Hotel Viking's liquor licenses to new ownership, and voted to revoke the victualing license of Harvest Inc. for failing to meet conditions. Resolutions were passed to make the upper portion of Bridge Street one-way westbound, implement 24-hour resident sticker parking on Bridge and Marsh Streets, and study Cliff Walk restrooms, among other actions.
- Approved first reading of zoning code amendments, including new R-4 and R-6 districts and temporary use permits (unanimous)
- Approved transfer of Hotel Viking liquor licenses (Class BT and BH) to HTLVI Newport TRS, LLC (unanimous)
- Revoked Harvest Inc. victualing license for failure to meet conditions (unanimous)
- Approved Bridge Street one-way westbound resolution (6-1, Napolitano opposed)
- Approved 24-hour resident sticker parking on Bridge and Marsh Streets (4-3)
- Approved resolution for Cliff Walk restrooms (unanimous)
- Approved Academic Integration Committee resolution (4-3)
- Approved two-hour parking on Broadway and Spring Street, amended to remove Spring Street (5-2)
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in executive session to discuss the lease, acquisition, or disposition of the Coggeshall School property. The session is closed to the public under state law for real estate negotiations. Prior to the closed session, the Council will vote in open session to convene.
- Discussion of lease, acquisition, or disposition of Coggeshall School property
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will hold an executive session to discuss the job performance of the City Manager. The meeting begins in open session at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at City Hall, where the Council will vote to close the meeting. This is a personnel matter under state law.
- Executive session to discuss job performance of the City Manager
Regular Session
The Council approved a resolution to relocate the speed camera from Ruggles Avenue to Admiral Kalbfus Road, after an amendment passed 4-3. The final vote was 5-2. The Council also approved the consent calendar, including several special event licenses, and adopted the FY2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program for a public hearing on March 12, 2025.
- Approved resolution to move speed camera to Admiral Kalbfus Rd (5-2)
- Approved consent calendar with special event licenses (unanimous)
- Approved FY2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program for hearing (unanimous)
- Approved new victualing license for Get the Scoop (unanimous)
- Approved renewals for mobile food licenses (unanimous)
- Appointed Ellen Pinnock as Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission liaison (unanimous)
- Appointed Tanya Kelly to Tree and Open Space Commission (unanimous)
- Adopted collective bargaining agreement with Firefighters Local 1080 (unanimous)
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in Executive Session to discuss the acquisition of the former Navy Hospital property. The body will also discuss school funding and future administration and operations.
- Acquisition of the former Navy Hospital property
- School funding and future administration/operations
Workshop
The City Council is holding a workshop to discuss lead remediation. This is a discussion-only session with no scheduled votes or decisions.
- Workshop on lead remediation
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved the Newport Tourism Market District resolution 4-1, with Councilor Carlin opposed. The council also approved numerous licenses, including the transfer of The Vanderbilt's liquor license to Vanderbilt Opco, LLC, and new entertainment licenses for The Vanderbilt and Caleb & Broad. Several contracts and resolutions were adopted, including the Brick Market Building HVAC contract (5-1) and the Vision Zero plan.
- Approved Newport Tourism Market District resolution (4-1)
- Approved transfer of The Vanderbilt liquor license to Vanderbilt Opco, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved new entertainment license for The Vanderbilt (unanimous)
- Approved new entertainment license for Caleb & Broad (unanimous)
- Approved Brick Market Building HVAC contract (5-1)
- Adopted Vision Zero: Safe Streets for All Plan (unanimous)
- Tabled Newport Design Week Gala special event license (unanimous)
- Approved Spring Street residential parking designation (unanimous)
Workshop
The Newport City Council will hold a workshop to discuss Easton's Pond. The agenda does not list any specific votes or decisions; it is a discussion-only session.
- Workshop dedicated to Easton's Pond discussion
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a joint workshop with the Planning Board to discuss two zoning-related topics: a second round of 'quick fixes' and updates tied to the Housing Chapter. No votes or decisions are expected; this is a discussion session.
- Zoning Quick Fixes – Part 2: second set of proposed zoning amendments
- Zoning updates related to the Housing Chapter of the comprehensive plan
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the Capital Improvement Program. No decisions or votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only session. The agenda contains no specific proposals or dollar amounts beyond the topic itself.
- Workshop dedicated to the Capital Improvement Program
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved the transfer of the Class BV liquor license for Caleb & Broad to Caleb Opco, LLC, and granted new victualing, sidewalk café, and entertainment licenses for the same premises, with the entertainment license amended to end at midnight. The council also approved several other licenses, appointments, ordinances, and resolutions, and continued discussions on the Newport Tourism Market District and the Vanderbilt Memorial Statue relocation.
- Approved transfer of Caleb & Broad liquor license to Caleb Opco, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved new victualing, sidewalk café, and entertainment licenses for Caleb & Broad, with entertainment ending at midnight (5-2)
- Approved entertainment license for The Vanderbilt (unanimous)
- Approved special event license for Newport Festival Softball at Cardines Field (unanimous)
- Approved pedicab business license renewal for Lone Star Bikecab (unanimous)
- Approved appointments to Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, Waterfront Commission, Historic District Commission, and Tree and Open Space Commission (unanimous)
- Adopted ordinances amending fees, parking restrictions, and stop sign designations (unanimous)
- Continued Newport Tourism Market District resolution to next meeting (3-2)
Executive Session
The City Council will meet in executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the fire fighters and police unions, litigation in Barbera et al v. City of Newport, Rogers High School dirt pile claims, real property acquisition, harbor mooring ordinances, employee estate claims, and sale of Coggeshall School property. The council will first convene in open session to vote on closing the meeting.
- Collective bargaining with IAFF Local 1080 and FOP Lodge No. 8
- Litigation: Barbera et al v. City of Newport (NC2024-0056)
- Rogers High School dirt pile claims
- Acquisition of real property by the city
- Sale of Coggeshall School property
Workshop
This is a workshop meeting of the Newport City Council with the state legislative delegation to discuss and set the city's legislative priorities for 2025. The agenda contains only this single discussion item, making it a focused policy-setting session.
- Discussion of the City's legislative priorities for 2025
Boards and Commissions Interviews
The City Council will conduct interviews for three applicants seeking appointment to the Waterfront Commission. The Council may discuss the voting process for these appointments following the interviews.
- Interview of Scott Mason at 5:30 p.m.
- Interview of Whitney E. Jones at 6:00 p.m.
- Interview of Patrick O’Connor at 6:30 p.m.
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved the consent calendar, including liquor licenses for the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, and unanimously adopted resolutions dedicating a skatepark and endorsing a 10-year energy plan. It also approved several contracts and ordinance amendments, but rejected a proposed multi-way stop sign ordinance for Morton Avenue, Spring Street, and Coggeshall Avenue (0-7).
- Approved Class F daily liquor licenses for Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals (6-1, Carlin opposed)
- Approved special event licenses for Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution dedicating skatepark (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution supporting Energy and Environment Commission 10-year plan (unanimous)
- Approved contract addenda for Elm Street Pier repair and Ann Street Pier extension (unanimous)
- Approved agreements for Easton's Beach parking lot use for Newport International Boat Show and Audrain's Concours (unanimous)
- Approved bids for construction equipment, portable toilets, Pine Street Driftway shoreline adaptation, fleet management, and HVAC upgrade (unanimous)
- Rejected ordinance for multi-way stop signs at Morton Avenue, Spring Street, Coggeshall Avenue (0-7)
Boards and Commissions Interviews
The Newport City Council will conduct interviews with three applicants for the Waterfront Commission on January 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall. After the interviews, the Council may discuss how they will vote on the appointments at a future regular meeting.
- 5:30 p.m. interview of Dennis Rotunno
- 6:00 p.m. interview of Captain Zane Randall
- 6:30 p.m. interview of Timothy Parker Ives
- Council may discuss future vote on appointments