Newport City Council Regular Meeting – June 11, 2025

The Newport City Council met on June 11, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers (43 Broadway). The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence for victims of a tragic accident in Portsmouth, and a proclamation recognizing the Rogers High School Unified Basketball Team for their third consecutive state championship. The main focus was the first reading of the FY2026-2027 biennial budget, which prompted extensive debate and multiple amendments. The council also handled a public hearing on a CDBG supplemental application, approved numerous licenses and permits, and took action on several resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the May 14, 2025 regular council meeting.
• Approved 13 special events (ranging from summer solstice yoga to a charity bike ride) and one amendment to an existing event license.
• Approved new and renewing holiday selling licenses for Malibu Friday LLC, Southern Tide LLC, and a list of other businesses.
• Received with regret the resignation of Meg Dodge from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barry Freeman praised a city-staff-led bike tour on resiliency and, on behalf of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, posed four questions about adherence to the Green and Complete Streets ordinance (12.04.05.05) and the prioritization of bike lanes in the budget.
• Eric Kamirma (59 Bedloe Ave.) requested additional stop signs and speed enforcement on Bedloe Avenue, citing dangerous speeding by visitors and contractors.
• Bob Plain (Church Community Housing) presented the case for a second public hearing on the CDBG supplemental application to allow the MLK Center to apply after the original deadline; the council approved the accompanying resolution.
• Catherine Holstrout, Executive Director of the MLK Center, noted that less than 3% of the Center's $4.6 million budget comes from government funding, and that 97% is from community support; she stressed that 100% of food pantry clients are low-income and endorsed the application.
• Pete Rice (1 Harrison Lane) questioned the use of $10 million from the school bond for the 50,000 cubic yards of dirt at Rogers High School; Councilor Carlin assured removal would occur.
• Stephanie Winslow (5 Roland Rd.) and other school supporters (Penelope Hunt, Becky Bolan, Amy Yozura, Beth Cullen, Mary) urged the council to approve the full 4% increase in the school appropriation, emphasizing that the district faces a 10% salary cut (25 positions) and is using reserves. Superintendent noted that a further cut would require fiscal exigency.

Licenses and Permits

• Sound Variance – Coastal Extreme Brewing Company: Approved (95 decibels for live music on four summer dates). Applicant Brian Combs stated he contacted neighbors within a 200-foot radius and personally visited 45 abutters.
• Special Event Licenses: Approved for Redwood Library Summer Gala (July 18), Chomp Kitchen and Drinks sidewalk café (6'x42', 30 seats), Market on Broadway renewal, Sweet B's Donut Pop-Up, and 2025 Annual Entertainment License Renewals.
• Valet Parking License: Approved for Perfection Valet Parking at Redwood Library.
• Board of License Commissioners: Approved consent calendar (except item #2) and a Class F1 Daily Liquor License for Bike to the Beach New England (beverage service at King Park, Sept. 13). Councilor Seglie raised concerns about alcohol on a family beach but ultimately supported. A show cause hearing for Pyramid Club (operating without a valid alcohol license) was continued to July’s second meeting. The application of Chomp Kitchen for a sidewalk café expansion was approved.

Appointments

• Council Liaison: Charles M. Holder, Jr. to Public Sculpture Commission (approved).
• Discover Newport Board of Directors: Rebecca Bertrand (3-year term, expires 6/11/2028).
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission: Jacob Wojciechowski (5-year term, expires 6/11/2030) and Elizabeth Petersen (filling unexpired term, expires 8/11/2026).
• Planning Board: Kevin Michaud (3-year term, expires 6/11/2028).
• Zoning Board of Review: Richard Berlinsky (2nd Alternate, 5-year term, expires 6/11/2030) and Jonathan Bell (3rd Alternate, 5-year term, expires 6/11/2030). All approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Resolution to Resume Budget Consideration: Passed unanimously, allowing the FY2026-2027 biennial budget public hearing to proceed.
• Easton’s Beach Revenues Resolution (Councilor Napolitano): Withdrawn; a revised resolution will be presented at the next meeting.
• Hammond Street Traffic Study (Councilor Carlin): Approved after amendment to include a broader area from Bellevue Avenue to Thames Street and Memorial Boulevard to Morton Avenue. City administration will incorporate it into larger transportation master plan studies.
• State Historic Preservation Office Funding (Councilor Seglie): Approved, urging the RI congressional delegation to release appropriated funds and support future historic preservation funding.
• City Manager Communications:
  • Change Order – Elm Street Pier Repair: Approved not-to-exceed $81,294.16; Harbormaster explained a track system needed to stabilize docks against north winds.
  • Ordinance Revision – Kilburn Court Parking: Approved designating Kilburn Court as 24-hour residential parking.
  • Grant Agreement – Marsh Habitat at South Easton Pond: Approved accepting $150,000.
  • Grant Management Software Contract: Approved 3-year subscription with Amplifund/EUNA Solutions at $12,000 total; Councilor Smythe voted no.
  • Polymorphic AI Contract Renewal: Approved one-year renewal at $33,600. City Manager reported 33 chat and 7 after-hours voice engagements daily; 80% of questions answered successfully.
• Ordinance – Parking Prohibited at All Times (Mill Street): Second hearing; approved.
• Budget Discussion (FY2026-FY2027 Biennial Budget First Reading):
  • Councilor Smythe’s amendments: Reduced council expenses from $35,000 to $10,000 (passed) and sister city budget from $40,000 to $5,000 (passed).
  • Councilor Seglie’s amendments: Proposed transferring $250,000 from regionalization study to schools (failed) and $250,000 from Moving Newport Forward to schools (failed).
  • Councilor Carlin’s amendments: Eliminated all nine proposed new positions totaling $1,084,467 (passed 4-3). Reduced school appropriation from 4% ($29,905,810) to 2% ($29,330,698.50) (passed 5-2), with condition that school committee adjust administrative positions to restore cuts. Later, on a procedural motion, the budget was revisited to separate civic support items; after recusals, four organizations (Bridge Newport, Fab Newport, Conecta Latino, Newport Public Ed Foundation) were voted separately and approved. The budget as amended (including all reductions) was approved on first reading (6-1).
  • Personnel Ordinance: Amended to remove the nine new positions and approved on first reading (6-1).
  • Sewer Service Charges: Approved on first reading (6-1), with a rate study update expected by October.
  • Meeting Cancellation: The special meeting scheduled for June 16 was canceled; the second reading (and final adoption) will take place on June 25, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Votes with tallies:
  • Council expenses reduction (35k to 10k): Passed (hand count not specified, but no opposition recorded).
  • Sister city budget reduction (40k to 5k): Passed (4-3 per discussion).
  • Elimination of new positions: Passed 4-3.
  • School appropriation reduction (4% to 2%): Passed 5-2.
  • Budget first reading (amended): Passed 6-1.
  • Personnel ordinance first reading (amended): Passed 6-1.
  • Sewer service charges first reading: Passed 6-1.
• Directives:
  • City administration to work with residents on a broader traffic study for the area between Bellevue, Thames, Memorial, and Morton.
  • School department urged to redirect administrative savings to restore guidance counselor and other direct service positions; council committed to reconsider full 4% at second reading if changes are made.
  • City administration to return with further details on funding for any restored positions if state budget provides additional revenue.
• Next steps: Second and final readings of the budget, personnel ordinance, and sewer rates will occur on June 25, 2025. The June 16 special meeting has been canceled.