OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Newport City Council Meeting: Capital Improvement Plan and Budget Priorities - February 11, 2026

Meeting Portal — Wednesday, February 11, 2026
BodyNewport, Rhode Island
SessionMeeting Portal
DateWednesday, February 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:46:13

Transcript — Verbatim
0:27

Thank you.

0:29

All right.

0:30

Madam Clerk, you take the roll call, please.

0:34

David Carlin.

0:35

Here.

0:36

Underwood Segley.

0:37

Charlie Holder.

0:38

Here.

0:38

Cycim Savoravan.

0:39

Here.

0:40

Gene Marina Politano.

0:41

Here.

0:42

Alan Pinock.

0:43

Here.

0:43

Stephanie Smythe.

0:44

Here.

0:44

There is a quorum present, Mr.

0:46

Chair.

0:46

Please stand for budget allegiance.

1:10

All right.

1:11

Madam Clerk, anyone signed up for this point?

1:13

No, they have not.

1:15

Let's get into it.

1:18

Okay.

1:19

Motion to open the public hearing for the 27 to 2027 to 2031 capital improvement program.

1:26

Second.

1:27

We have motion and second and discussion.

1:29

Motion to accept a memorandum from Jim Nolan, Director of Finance, follow-up to January 7th CIP workshop and revised CIP schedule.

1:37

Second.

1:40

Mr.

1:40

Chair.

1:40

Council Sai.

1:42

Question on an item within the CIP.

1:43

Last year, a major advancement force in the CIP was starting to fund improvements under the transportation master plan.

1:50

One of those improvements was sidewalks.

1:57

When we can see them right through the snow, we know we need to make improvements.

2:10

The administration, can you give an update on why those proceeds are unspent and what the spend down plan is?

2:34

So we are making sure that we take advantage of the grant funding that's available and not burden that on the city.

2:45

Actually, that one wasn't in last year's CIP.

2:47

There was general improvements that was going to be on this year's CIP.

2:51

We can we'll then be in a position to reallocate those once we clarify the grant agreement once it's signed.

3:08

Usually the reimbursement grants.

3:17

Yeah, I can't guarantee it'll be done this year.

3:19

It has to go out to bid first, but it is on the it is it is on the docket to be bid out.

3:23

We discussed this last year.

3:25

And it was, I think, a major concession point that residents are very frustrated about the conditions of our sidewalks.

3:32

And it was celebrated as the point by which and the reason why I gave my vote to that budget last year that we were getting that project built, that we're going to start showing substantive improvement in these projects.

3:44

We're going to get past this process of endless planning and plan after plan after plan and actually put some pavement and concrete under the ground.

3:51

Why the delay?

3:53

Part of it was because of the fact that we then found out we were going to have the street repaved, uh, a portion of it repaid because of the utilities, the completion of the utilities work.

4:01

So that kind of caused us to go back to the drawing board.

4:03

We didn't need to spend all that money on paving and smoothing.

4:06

So we went back and relooked at the project around the same time, about a month later, the Safe Streets for All Grant Award information was coming out.

4:13

And so this confluence of events is causing us to consider how we can optimize the funds that we have available with the least impact on the taxpayer.

4:22

Well, so if that's the case, and you're banking on this being grant funding, and we have the most updated capital improvement plan.

4:27

Why am I looking at general funds as the source of funding in the CIP as opposed to grant funds?

4:33

We'll take a closer look at that.

4:37

I'll have to speak to you afterwards to get the to connect the dots because there are some there's more than one sidewalk project uh in the CIP, but I'll I'll make sure that that's covered.

4:47

Is there any sidewalk project that's getting done out of the CIP?

4:50

There is we have a sidewalk.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management███████████████████19%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Fiscal Sustainability████████████12%
Public Safety███████████11%
Parks and Recreation████████8%
Racial Equity███████7%
Parking and Traffic██████6%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Community Engagement█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Newport City Council Meeting: Capital Improvement Plan and Budget Priorities - February 11, 2026

The Newport City Council met on February 11, 2026, to discuss and vote on several key items, including the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a reallocation of bond funding for a wastewater treatment project, and resolutions on snow removal, Black History Month, and support for the Newport Hospital birthing center. The meeting highlighted tensions between council members and the administration over project execution and funding priorities.

Consent Calendar

  • The council approved the consent calendar with the exception of items B7 and D.
  • Approved a fireworks permit for Preston Young d/b/a Young Myack Wedding, for a five-minute display off Bel Mayer on June 5, 2026, at 9 p.m., the second of eight permitted per calendar year.

Discussion Items

  • 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Follow-up: The council discussed a memorandum from Finance Director Jim Nolan. Councilor Carlin expressed frustration that sidewalk improvements funded in the FY26 budget have not yet begun, warning he would not support the FY27 budget if construction is not underway by summer. Councilor Smythe echoed concerns about approving projects that do not come to fruition. Councilor Comravong stated he would vote against any budget without sidewalk work starting well before the next budget cycle.
  • Public Safety Complex Study: Councilor Pinock questioned a $7.25 million line item labeled a "feasibility study." Director Nolan clarified that the figure includes land acquisition (approximately $5.5 million), architectural work, and site work. Councilor Pinock expressed opposition to a $7.2 million study, insisting the money should be used for construction.
  • Impound Lot: Police Chief Duffy explained that a proposed impound lot in the CIP is for seized evidence vehicles, not storm-towed cars. The secure facility is needed to maintain chain of custody and protect operations at the police station.
  • Cliff Walk Repairs: Councilor Carlin asked about the timeline for Cliff Walk repairs. Director Nolan stated that permits were filed with CRMC, Army Corps, and DEM on December 23, 2025, and if approved by June/July 2026, bidding could occur, with construction possible by next year, depending on material and contractor availability.
  • Playground Improvements: Councilor Pinock raised accessibility concerns for children with mobility devices. Director Nolan noted that parks officials prioritize both accessibility and inclusivity (e.g., sensory elements). Councilor Pinock pointed out that 74% of school-age children live in Ward 1, suggesting Miantonomi Playground may be more equitable than the currently planned Quidnik Park.
  • Tree and Open Space Master Plan Update: Councilor Smith thanked the Tree and Open Space Commission for their work on the 2026 update. Commission Chair Maureen Cronin highlighted extensive community engagement, with workshops, emails, and coffee meetings. She thanked the VMBR and Charitable Foundation for funding two master plans.
  • Reallocation of Bond Funding for Primary Clarifier Project: The administration requested approval to reallocate $12.5 million from general obligation bond funds, originally designated for stormwater and beach erosion projects (Easton Pond, Elizabeth Brook), to advance the primary clarifier rehabilitation at the Water Pollution Control Facility. Director of Utilities Rob Schultz explained that the clarifier is at risk of imminent failure, with potential fines and emergency costs four to six times higher. Councilor Carlin and Councilor Smythe opposed reallocation, arguing it betrays voter trust, as voters approved the bond for specific projects. Councilor Carlin suggested using the $34 million fund balance instead. Director Nolan warned that using fund balance could impact bond ratings. The motion failed 6-1, with only one councilor voting in favor.
  • Mooring Permit Ordinance Amendment: The council approved first reading of an amendment to Section 12.28.071, removing liability insurance requirements for commercial mooring permit holders. City Solicitor Bean explained that the change allows a comprehensive review of commercial mooring ordinances, including future insurance requirements.
  • Speed Camera Revenue: The council voted to continue a resolution on speed camera revenue to a future meeting.
  • Snow Removal Resolution: Councilor Holder introduced a resolution directing the administration to revisit ordinances for snow removal, including operational priorities, sidewalk responsibilities, and parking bans. Councilors thanked city workers, noting the January 25 storm was the largest in a decade. Councilor Carlin noted that the council previously voted against hiring more personnel for enforcement. Councilor Bennett suggested less punitive consequences for elderly residents. City Manager reported over 200 fines for sidewalk violations. The resolution passed unanimously.
  • Black History Month Recognition: Councilor Pinock introduced a resolution formally recognizing February as Black History Month and establishing an annual flag-raising ceremony. An amendment to hold ceremonies at City Hall "and" other locations was adopted. Councilor Pinock shared personal reflections on being the third woman of color on the council. The amended resolution passed unanimously.
  • Birthing Center Support Resolution: Councilor Comravong introduced a resolution supporting legislation to maintain operations at the Birthing Center at Newport Hospital. Councilor Comravong stated the resolution is stronger than the first, drawing a line on essential healthcare, noting the potential impact on public safety and the local economy. Councilor Carlin emphasized his commitment to advocating for increased state funding for uncompensated hospital care. The council passed the resolution unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • The council declined to approve the reallocation of $12.5 million in GO bond funds for the clarifier project, with a 6-1 vote against.
  • The council passed resolutions on snow removal, Black History Month recognition, and support for the birthing center.
  • The council continued consideration of the speed camera revenue resolution.
  • The council received and filed the Tree and Open Space Master Plan update.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you. All right. Madam Clerk, you take the roll call, please. David Carlin. Here. Underwood Segley. Charlie Holder. Here. Cycim Savoravan. Here. Gene Marina Politano. Here. Alan Pinock. Here. Stephanie Smythe. Here. There is a quorum present, Mr. Chair. Please stand for budget allegiance. All right. Madam Clerk, anyone signed up for this point? No, they have not. Let's get into it. Okay. Motion to open the public hearing for the 27 to 2027 to 2031 capital improvement program. Second. We have motion and second and discussion. Motion to accept a memorandum from Jim Nolan, Director of Finance, follow-up to January 7th CIP workshop and revised CIP schedule. Second. Mr. Chair. Council Sai. Question on an item within the CIP. Last year, a major advancement force in the CIP was starting to fund improvements under the transportation master plan. One of those improvements was sidewalks. When we can see them right through the snow, we know we need to make improvements. The administration, can you give an update on why those proceeds are unspent and what the spend down plan is? So we are making sure that we take advantage of the grant funding that's available and not burden that on the city. Actually, that one wasn't in last year's CIP. There was general improvements that was going to be on this year's CIP. We can we'll then be in a position to reallocate those once we clarify the grant agreement once it's signed. Usually the reimbursement grants. Yeah, I can't guarantee it'll be done this year. It has to go out to bid first, but it is on the it is it is on the docket to be bid out. We discussed this last year. And it was, I think, a major concession point that residents are very frustrated about the conditions of our sidewalks. And it was celebrated as the point by which and the reason why I gave my vote to that budget last year that we were getting that project built, that we're going to start showing substantive improvement in these projects. We're going to get past this process of endless planning and plan after plan after plan and actually put some pavement and concrete under the ground. Why the delay? Part of it was because of the fact that we then found out we were going to have the street repaved, uh, a portion of it repaid because of the utilities, the completion of the utilities work.

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