Newport City Council Regular Meeting - May 28, 2025

The Newport City Council met on May 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI. The meeting covered a wide range of items including license approvals, public communications on unregulated THC-infused beverages, a resolution for a Middle Passage Port Marker, a flagpole at Murphy Field, a robust discussion on short-term rental regulations, adoption of the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, and several ordinance amendments. All items were approved with the exception of one communication that was received and filed, and a resolution on resident parking stickers was amended and passed.

Board of License Commissioners

• The Council, acting as the Board of License Commissioners, approved the consent calendar in its entirety, which included four Class F daily liquor licenses (Newport String Project, Sail Newport Summer Social Series, Sail Newport Fundraising Regatta Social, and St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church Hellenic Fest 2025).

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent calendar for the City Council with the exception of item G (Communication from the Newport Prevention Coalition regarding unregulated THC-infused beverages), which was removed for discussion. Items included:
  • Approval of minutes from meetings on April 21–30, 2025.
  • 14 special event licenses (including Ryze Sampling, Newport String Project, Sail Newport, Artisans by the Bay, Aquidneck Land Trust, Newport Contemporary Ballet, Potter League for Animals, Newport Festivals Foundation, St. Spyridon, Preservation Society of Newport County, RITB Foundation Pell Bridge Run, Gray Matter Marketing Winter 10k).
  • Approval of a food truck addition to the previously approved Newport Folk Festival Baseball Game (July 24, 2025).
  • Food concession license for St. Spyridon Hellenic Fest 2025.
  • Waste hauler license renewal for Republic Services.
  • 2025 Holiday Selling License renewals.
  • Communication from the Newport Prevention Coalition (item G, see below).
  • Communication from Newport Gulls requesting sign placement during game days (approved subject to details with city administration).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Grace Ragazzino (Newport Prevention Coalition, 103 Robinson St., Narragansett) expressed concern about unregulated hemp-derived THC-infused beverages being sold in liquor stores. She stated that these products are not FDA approved, lack proper labeling, and pose risks to underage individuals due to less stringent ID checks compared to dispensaries. She noted that the coalition is conducting environmental scans to assess the scope.
• Tyler Bernadine (6 Curry Ave., Newport) argued against banning non-owner occupied short-term rentals (STRs), stating that such a ban would not create year-round housing. He cited Barnstable County’s approach of implementing a renter-paid tax (23.5% of rental dollar back to town) to fund workforce housing and infrastructure. He provided data: average two-bedroom rent in downtown Newport is $2,750/month; average single-family home sale price is $1.296 million. He urged the council to wait for pending court cases and state legislation before acting.
• Emily Conklin (7 Gwynn Court, Newport) shared her personal experience of being displaced from her rental at 3 Bull Street (commercially zoned) when the property was converted to short-term rentals. She testified that she lived there for five years and was told her lease would not be renewed; the other three units are now STRs, forcing residents to leave during summer.
• Anselm Richardson (Commander, VFW Post 406) presented the history of Private Michael G. Murphy, a World War I casualty, and the effort to properly rename Murphy Field and install a flagpole. He noted that the post is undertaking a financial campaign and working with state representatives for signage on Memorial Boulevard.

Discussion Items

• Unregulated THC-Infused Beverages (Communication from Newport Prevention Coalition): Council members expressed support for stronger regulation. Councilor Carlin noted that the city cannot regulate sales directly—that is up to the General Assembly and Department of Business Regulation—and offered to sponsor a resolution next year. Councilor Pinnock emphasized the ease with which children can access such products. The communication was received and filed.
• Middle Passage Port Marker (Resolution 26): Councilor Holder introduced the resolution supporting design and construction planning for a memorial on state-owned land between Fame Street and America’s Cup Avenue. Victoria Johnson (community advocate) thanked the council for their support, noting the long effort since 2014. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Flagpole at Murphy Field (Resolution 29): Councilor Carlin presented the resolution to honor PVT Michael G. Murphy. Anselm Richardson detailed the history: Murphy Field was originally named in 1932 but lacks proper signage and a flagpole. The VFW is raising funds, and the city will provide electrical infrastructure. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Appointments to Boards and Commissions: Approved Frederick Huntsberry to Planning Board (3-year term), Andy Bjork to Energy and Environment Commission (reappointment, 3-year term), John “Jack” Grant to Henderson Home Commission (reappointment, 1-year term), and Nick Zambrotta to Newport Beach Commission (reappointment, 3-year term).
• Short-Term Rental Prohibition Plan (Memorandum from City Manager): The council received a memorandum outlining a proposed plan to prohibit new non-owner occupied short-term rentals. A lengthy debate ensued. Councilor Carlin supported the plan, arguing that the General Assembly forces state laws that undermine local control and that STRs should be taxed as commercial properties. Councilor Napolitano noted that STRs are leading to loss of families and school enrollment. Vice Chair Ceglie expressed concern about unintended consequences, such as creating a market for grandfathered properties and lack of definition in the code. Councilor Smyth supported the restriction, citing data from state-funded studies showing that 20–30 units of housing are lost annually to STR conversion, while the city needs 25–40 units per year. Councilor Pinnock emphasized that STRs are one of many factors contributing to the housing crisis and that action is needed. The memorandum was received.
• Vision Zero Safety Action Plan (Action Item 6436): Shauna Kitzman (Toole Design) presented the plan, funded by US DOT, which includes 43 actions to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2034. Priority corridors identified: Broadway, Memorial Boulevard, America’s Cup Avenue, Bellevue Avenue, Ames Street, and Toro Street. The plan is data-driven with 5 years of crash data. A regional grant application for implementation is being developed with Middletown and Portsmouth. The plan was adopted unanimously.
• Cliff Walk Restoration Project (Action Item 6437): Approved a subrecipient agreement with RIDOT for the Cliff Walk Restoration Project.
• Pavement Management System (Action Item 6438): Approved a $25,000 contract with Beta Group Inc. for pavement management services.
• Pavement Marking Program (Action Item 6439): Approved a supplemental agreement not to exceed $194,893 for continued striping.
• Umbrella and Chair Concessions at Easton’s Beach (Action Item 6440): Approved a one-year agreement with Roadie Surf Inc.
• Water Treatment Chemicals (Action Item 6441): Approved annual bid awards for chemicals.
• Utilities Supplies (Action Item 6442): Approved awards to multiple vendors for water, sewer, and storm drain supplies.
• Ordinances (Second Readings): Approved amendments to: Section 5.64.080 (Smoking on Buses Prohibited), Section 5.97.120 (Regulations for Pedicab Operations), Section 8.28.010 (Smoking in and around municipal and school buildings), Section 12.32.060 (Easton’s Beach Regulations), Section 12.32.090 (Athletic and recreational facilities – smoking prohibition), Section 12.32.125 (Smoking on public beaches, parks, and cliff walk – findings), and Section 12.32.130 (Smoking prohibited on public beaches, parks, and cliff walk). All were approved.
• Resident Parking Stickers (Resolution 28): Councilor Carlin offered an oral amendment to clarify that the resolution targets commercial/industrial properties, not renters or those living in commercial buildings used as residences. The amendment was approved (voice vote), and the resolution as amended was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved (except item G received).
• THC Beverages Communication: Received and filed.
• Middle Passage Port Marker Resolution: Approved unanimously.
• Flagpole at Murphy Field: Approved unanimously.
• Appointments: All four appointments/reappointments approved.
• Short-Term Rental Memorandum: Received; no vote on ordinance changes.
• Vision Zero Safety Action Plan: Adopted unanimously.
• Cliff Walk Restoration Agreement: Approved.
• Pavement Management Contract: Approved.
• Pavement Marking Supplemental: Approved.
• Beach Concessions Agreement: Approved.
• Water Treatment Chemicals Bid: Approved.
• Utilities Supplies Bid: Approved.
• All Ordinance Amendments (Second Reading): Approved.
• Resolution to Resume Budget Consideration: Continued.
• Resident Parking Stickers Resolution: Amended and approved.
• Meeting Adjourned.