Newport City Council Regular Meeting – August 27, 2025

The City Council met on August 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting began with a moment of silence for Arthur Paiva and Judge Frank Caprio. The council approved the consent calendar (with items B1 and E pulled for separate discussion), considered multiple ordinances on second reading, heard public testimony on a special event impact fee, approved a new harbormaster patrol vessel and a composting contract, continued two utility pole petitions, withdrew a purchasing policy amendment, and passed a resolution requesting a meeting with RIDOT regarding the Pell Bridge realignment.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (with Councilor Pinnock recusing): Minutes of July 23 and July 30, 2025; Special events (items B2–B8); Beach Commission “State of the Beach” assessment (received); Request to partner with Salve Regina University for an Easton’s Beach economic impact study (received and referred to administration); Block party on Blackwell Place (item E) was pulled for discussion and approved subject to details with administration.
• Item B1 (Fab Newport Fall Secret Garden Tour): Approved after brief presentation by Steve Heath. Dates: September 5–7, 2025, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Item E (Blackwell Place Block Party): Applicant Bradley Hawksworth answered questions. Councilor Smythe confirmed neighbors were notified and traffic impact minimal. Approved subject to details with administration. Party date: August 31, 2025, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Ordinance 14 (Special Event Impact Fee – Second Reading): Several nonprofit representatives spoke in opposition:
  • Deb Lengel (Trinity Church pumpkin patch) stated her 16-year-old fundraiser would face a $2,000 fee, which would be “detrimental.”
  • Whitney Clark (Newport Classical) said the fee would increase costs for her organization by approximately $4,000 in July alone, at a time when federal and state arts funding is being cut.
  • The COO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame argued the fee is “short-sighted,” noting the organization pays over $350,000 in property taxes and brings tens of millions in economic impact. Councilor Carlin questioned whether the Hall of Fame should be grouped with smaller nonprofits and raised issues about prior parking restrictions imposed during events without council approval; the city manager did not have details.

Discussion Items

• Ordinances (Items 14–21): Council agreed to move the ordinances to after the consent calendar. Item 14 (General Fee Schedule amendment) was debated. Councilor Segley recused from making the motion; Councilor Carlin made a motion to bring it forward to allow public comment. After testimony, a motion to approve failed for lack of a second. Item 15 (FOP contract) approved unanimously. Items 16–21 (parking and stop sign amendments) were approved on second readings, with Councilor Carlin noting concerns over lack of community input on the Spring/Bowery/Young stop signs but voting yes after hearing from Sergeant Head that installation would begin next week.
• Licenses and Permits: Pedicab business renewal for Andrew Croan (Pedi-Power Pedicabs, LLC, 6 pedicabs valid May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2028) approved unanimously.
• Board of License Commissioners: Council adjourned as Council and convened as Board; consent calendar approved unanimously (Class F-1 license for Landing Seafood Fest and d/b/a change for The Wharf Southern Kitchen).
• Communications from the City Manager:
  • Item 6486 (Black Earth Compost Contract): Approved 6–1. Two-year residential curbside composting program for up to 1,500 households; $499,220 funded by a $475,000 grant from 11th Hour Racing and a $30,000 city match. Director Kreen confirmed current subscribers (~350) will be included as early adopters.
  • Item 6487 (Harbormaster Patrol Vessel): Approved 6–1. Contract with North River Boats of Oregon for $453,646.11 for a new patrol vessel (18-month lead time). Harbormaster Land described advantages: diesel engine, jet propulsion, 25+ year life, ability to tow up to 120-foot boats. Councilor Carlin voted no, calling it “irresponsible spending” given tax increases and other needs; others supported, noting the vessel is funded by the Maritime Fund (enterprise fund) fees, not general taxes. The existing 2006 boat will be donated to the police department for a marine program.
  • Item 6488 (Perrotti Park Project Supplemental): Approved 6–1. $644,215 supplemental agreement with GZA for construction management services for the bulkhead/seawall project; contract extended to June 30, 2028. Councilor Carlin voted no, questioning why funds were being spent before bond issuance in January 2026.
  • Item 6489 (Utility Pole – Ruggles Avenue): Continued to next meeting by a 6–1 vote after Councilor Carlin raised concerns about lack of abutter notification, referencing a prior issue on Cornet Street. Councilor Khamsyvoravong made the motion to continue.
  • Item 6490 (Utility Poles – Old Beach Road, Hillside Avenue, Lawrence Avenue): Approved only for Old Beach and Hillside (unanimous); Lawrence Avenue portion continued at Councilor Carlin’s request because he represents that area.
  • Item 6491 (Purchasing Policy Amendment): Withdrawn by the City Manager due to minor language inconsistencies; to be reposted.
  • Item 6492 (Magnet Forensic Extraction Software): Approved unanimously. $18,104 renewal.
  • Item 6493 (Scheduling Software License): Approved unanimously. One-year extension with System Works LLC.
  • Item 6494 (Marsh Habitat Grant): Approved 6–1. Authorizes acceptance of grant from Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and contract with Fuss & O’Neill for the South Easton Pond restoration project.
  • Item 6495 (Sewer Project Amendment): Approved unanimously. Increase of $100,000 for KleinF elder contract; revised total $2,462,107.67.
  • Item 6496 (CSO Long-Term Control Plan Phase 9): Approved unanimously. $1,200,000 amendment with Jacobs Engineering Group.
• Resolutions:
  • Item 22 (RIDOT Meeting Request): Approved unanimously. Resolution directing the city manager to formally request a meeting with RIDOT to discuss the status of Phase 1 and 2 of the Pell Bridge realignment and the requested MOU. Councilor Smythe noted state Representative Lauren Carson would advocate for the resolution. Maureen Cronin of the Tree and Open Space Commission thanked the sponsors and emphasized the need for answers.

Key Outcomes

• Failed: Ordinance 14 (General Fee Schedule – special event impact fee) died for lack of a second after public comment.
• Approved: All ordinances on second reading (Items 15–21, with votes generally 6–1 or unanimous).
• Approved: Pedicab license; all Board of License Commissioners items.
• Approved 6–1: Composting contract (Item 6486), harbormaster vessel (Item 6487), Perrotti Park supplemental (Item 6488), marsh habitat grant (Item 6494).
• Continued: Utility pole petitions for Ruggles Avenue (Item 6489) and Lawrence Avenue portion of Item 6490.
• Withdrawn: Purchasing policy amendment (Item 6491; to be revised).
• Approved Unanimously: Software renewals (Items 6492, 6493), sewer and CSO amendments (Items 6495, 6496), and RIDOT resolution (Item 22).
• Next Steps: City administration to work out details for the block party; Harbormaster to begin boat construction (18-month lead); City to schedule meeting with RIDOT; revised purchasing policy to be brought back.