Newport City Council Regular Meeting - July 23, 2025

The Newport City Council met on July 23, 2025 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting began with a moment of silence for three community members lost to mental health crises, followed by the pledge of allegiance. The council approved consent calendar items, including minutes and special events, then adjourned as Council and convened as the Board of License Commissioners to approve a liquor license and continue a show cause hearing for the Pyramid Club to the second meeting in September. The Council then addressed appointments, communications from the City Manager, ordinances, resolutions, and reappointments.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the June 25, 2025 meeting.
• Approved special events: Newport Polo Charity Ball (Aug 1), Phoenix Rising concert (Aug 9), Redwood Library concert series (Aug 19 & 26), and Newport Community School Back to School Bash (Sep 2).
• Approved a holiday selling license for Blu Cove Newport.
• As Board of License Commissioners: Approved a Class F daily liquor license for Newport Rhode Races (Apr 18, 2026) and continued the show cause hearing for Pyramid Club (operating without a valid Class D license) to the second meeting in September 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Veronica Bourget (Middletown, member of Eastern Star) asked for information on the Pyramid Club status; the City Clerk noted the club lacks insurance and a late fee, and the club is not currently operating.
• Lois Von Eberhard (Fowler Avenue, Newport) opposed the use of laser technology for bird deterrent at the reservoirs, citing potential harm to wildlife and ecosystem, and questioned the necessity given other pollution sources. She noted consultation with an ornithologist.
• Pete Rice (Harrison Lane) questioned the need for a new comprehensive plan when the 2017 plan could be revised, and expressed concerns about the efficacy of the plan in avoiding past surprises like the school project.

Discussion Items

• Comprehensive Plan Update (Action Item #6461/25): Approved a $300,000 contract with Interface Studio LLC for the 2027 comprehensive plan update. Discussion included the need for the update due to state mandate, the importance of public outreach (including translators, bus rides, and high school photographers), and the cost being budgeted in the capital improvement program. Councilor Carlin noted over $1.4 million spent on consultancy services in the past 27 months but voted in favor due to necessity.
• Water Quality Protection Charge Fund Application (Action Item #6463/25): Failed 3-3. The application sought funds for laser-based bird deterrents at the North and Southeast ponds to reduce bird droppings contaminating the drinking water reservoir. Councilor Carlin clarified that the vote was for the application, not the lasers themselves. Concerns were raised about environmental impact, effectiveness, and potential harm to wildlife.
• Lead Service Line Program Engineering Contract Modification (Action Item #6465/25): Approved a $488,000 modification (total contract $2.468 million) with Jacobs Engineering for lead service line compliance, asset management, and public education. Discussion highlighted the unfunded mandate, the need for a holistic approach to lead replacement, and the cost being borne by ratepayers.
• Noise Trailer Completion (Action Item #6468/25): Approved $15,234.39 for hardware and licensing to complete ownership of two noise trailers. The city manager reported 11 citations in a two-week period after a software upgrade, and the police chief noted that previously only one trailer was deployable due to battery issues. Councilor Carlin expressed dissatisfaction with enforcement levels and requested a total citation count by the next meeting.
• Mooring Fee Amendment (Ordinance 15 – Amending Section 12.28.200): Councilor Carlin offered an oral amendment to set resident mooring fees at $0.63 per pound (minimum $157.50) and non-resident fees at $1.46 per pound (minimum $400), shifting the cost burden to non-residents. The amendment passed, and the amended ordinance was approved.
• Tax Rate Adjustment (Resolution 20): Approved a resolution adjusting FY2026 tax rates following a correction to tangible property valuations. The new rates: owner-occupied $7.18 per $1,000 (down from $7.25), non-owner-occupied $8.69 (down from $8.82), commercial $10.77 (down from $10.88). The average owner-occupied tax bill will decrease by about $66.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Comprehensive Plan Update: Approved (vote count not recorded, but passed).
  • Water Quality Protection Charge Fund Application: Failed 3-3.
  • Lead Service Line Program Modification: Approved (vote count not recorded).
  • Noise Trailer Completion: Approved (vote count not recorded).
  • Mooring Fee Amendment: Passed (2-? vote, then amended ordinance approved).
  • Tax Rate Adjustment: Approved (unanimous on voice vote, with Carlin voting yes but reiterating objection to overall rate).
• Directives: City Manager to provide total noise citation count since program inception at the next council meeting.
• Appointments: Brenda Bachman and Brooke Eaton reappointed to the Sister City Commission for three-year terms expiring July 24, 2028.
• Withdrawn: Resolution requesting new signage at Ledge Road was withdrawn after the City Manager assured the issue would be addressed.
• Next Steps: The comprehensive plan update will begin immediately; the noise trailer ownership will be finalized; the new utility billing system (Unilink) will be implemented with a blackout period; the lead service line program continues pending funding.