OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Newport City Council Meeting – April 22, 2026

Meeting Portal — Wednesday, April 22, 2026
BodyNewport, Rhode Island
SessionMeeting Portal
DateWednesday, April 22, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:30:53

Transcript — Verbatim
0:18

Madam Clerk, we take a roll call, please.

0:21

David Carlin.

0:22

Here.

0:22

Lynn Underwood Segley.

0:23

Here.

0:24

Charlie Holder.

0:25

Here.

0:25

Side camps Borova.

0:27

G Maria Politano.

0:29

Here.

0:29

Alan Pinnock.

0:31

Stephanie Smith.

0:32

There's a quorum present, Mr.

0:34

Chair.

0:35

Please rise for Pledge of Allegiance.

0:38

Pledge Allegiance.

0:41

The United States of America.

0:48

Individual with liberty justice for all.

0:57

All right.

0:58

As you notice, we're a little short on council members tonight.

1:03

Unfortunately, Councillor Pennick and Council Smythe have come down with the flu, so they can't make it tonight.

1:09

Councillor Comps of Ourovong says he should be here, but he'll be running late.

1:15

So we have us four.

1:19

And then so before we get going, uh Madam Clark, do we have anyone for the citizens forum?

1:25

We do.

1:26

Emily Conklin.

1:31

Hello, Emily Conklin, Seven Gwynn Court, Newport, Rhode Island.

1:36

Happy Earth Day.

1:38

As today is Earth Day, I want to just take my a couple minutes to speak with you all and with everyone watching and everyone in the gallery about the composting pilot that is going on in the city.

1:51

So as I'm sure you all are aware, um the city got a grant through 11th hour to fund free weekly curbside composting pickup for 1,500 households in Newport.

2:04

We are doing super well as of today.

2:07

I just got an update.

2:08

We have 959 participants.

2:10

And since the pilot started in October, um we have diverted approximately 64 tons of compostable material, and that equates to approximately $4,000 in municipal savings in our um tipping fees.

2:27

So we are really um as the Energy and Environment Commission and just personally, we are really per pushing this to get to the 1500 families.

2:36

Um this is a huge boon environmentally and also could save the city a lot of money.

2:40

Um and I've been pulling every lever that I can think of to get to um to 1500 families.

2:47

So we're hopeful that we'll get there soon.

2:49

And uh we hope all counselors are going to compost if you're not already, and that everyone in the city who can participate will.

2:56

Um it's very easy.

2:57

You get a bin in liners from Black Earth when you sign up, and they pick it up every week, so it's not smelly.

3:04

It's you know, we have I've never personally had any issues with rats or raccoons, which are the two things I've been asked about.

3:11

Um so hopeful that we'll continue to push this out that we'll get to 1500.

3:16

And um, please, if there are any questions, you can always direct them to me in the energy environment commission.

3:21

Thank you.

3:23

Thank you so much.

3:24

Emily, can how many families or how many residents do you have in the program now?

3:30

959 um households enrolled.

3:34

Okay, so you need another 500.

3:36

Yes, about okay.

3:38

Yep, thank you.

3:41

Anyone else?

3:42

And Maureen Crona.

3:53

Hello, good evening, Warren Cronin, 10 Harvard Street, and I'm here tonight with a reminder and a thank you.

3:59

Uh, first of all, on behalf of the tree and open space commission, we want to make sure that everybody remembers that it's our day and the start of the 250th anniversary on Friday, and um, we'd love to see you there at the planting of the new Liberty Tree.

4:15

Look at it this way.

4:16

It's your last chance in 250 years to put some uh more dirt in the new tree.

4:21

So we hope you're there.

4:22

It starts at 1.30, and we're looking forward to seeing everyone.

4:26

The thank you is a few months ago, you all get a resolution that propelled um the administration and ourselves to get right out and work with Ride Ot in order to get them to start making that Pell realignment project be much more than it should be and what they promised.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning and Land Use███████████████████████████27%
Cannabis Regulation███████████████15%
Procedural██████████████14%
Transportation Safety███████████11%
Community Engagement█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Economic Development█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Newport City Council Meeting – April 22, 2026

The Newport City Council convened on April 22, 2026, with four members present (Councillors Carlin, Segley, Holder, and Politano; Councillors Pinnock and Smythe absent due to illness; Councillor Composto Borova expected late). The meeting included a citizen forum, proclamation, consent calendar, public hearings on licenses (including a continued debate on the Hotel Viking liquor license expansion), police quarterly report, numerous action items, and two ordinance readings. Votes were taken on most items, with several unanimous approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Emily Conklin (7 Gwynn Court) reported on the city’s composting pilot program, noting 959 enrolled households, 64 tons of material diverted since October, and $4,000 in municipal tipping fee savings. She urged the council to reach the 1,500-household goal and encouraged participation.
  • Maureen Cronin (10 Harvard Street) reminded the council of the Liberty Tree planting ceremony on Friday, April 24, at 1:30 p.m., marking the 250th anniversary. She also thanked the council for a resolution that advanced the Pell realignment project, stating RIDOT has hired a landscape architect, expects first plans in two weeks, and aims to have trees in the ground this fall.

Proclamation

  • Mayor Charles Holder proclaimed May 17–23, 2026, as Public Works Week in Newport, recognizing the contributions of public works personnel. Directors Riccio and Schultz were thanked publicly.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved with the exception of items E and H, and with the addition of item B4 (Audrain Veteran Car Tour) for discussion.
    • Audrain Veteran Car Tour (May 17, 2026, 6 a.m.–3 p.m.): Approved unanimously after a brief explanation from the Audrain representative about staging on Bellevue Avenue and a drive to Bristol. The representative noted that signage will be posted to direct the route and will be removed after the event.
    • Newport Gulls temporary signs: Approved. Councillor Carlin recognized the organization’s community contributions, including thousands of dollars in scholarships and charitable donations.
    • School budget deficit notice: Received and continued without discussion.

Licenses & Permits

  • Audrain Cars & Coffee (12 dates): Approved after debate. Councillor Carlin detailed concerns from residents in the southern end (Harrison, Hallidon, Beacon Hill, etc.) about past speeding and noise. The Audrain representative agreed to pay for police details, place 20 yard signs and 10 A-frame signs with rules (no revving, obey speed limits), and support enforcement. The council approved on condition that future issues could be revisited. Audrain also submitted 25 letters of support from businesses and citizens.
  • International Tennis Hall of Fame (July 5–12, 2026): Approval split into two votes. Part 1 (bicycle parking on Memorial Boulevard north side) approved unanimously. Part 2 (restricted parking on Freebody Street, 18 spaces) failed on a 4–3 vote; Councillor Carlin opposed, citing the loss of summer parking for residents. The Hall of Fame noted it is two-hour parking, not resident permit parking.
  • Bermuda Race Foundation (June 19, 2026): Approved.
  • Mother Pizzeria daily entertainment license (May 10, 2026): Approved.
  • Hotel Viking vitling license expansion (patio service): Approved. Clarified that this is only for food, not the liquor license expansion.
  • Kodo, Amy’s, and other vitling/sidewalk/mobile food cart licenses: Approved. The mobile food cart license (Mooseman Kettle Corn) was the fifth of six allowed; the clerk confirmed one other is currently active.
  • Hotel Viking liquor license expansion (hearing): Continued to May 27, 2026, to allow full council participation. Public testimony from neighbors (Julie Priestley, Mike Nahill, Michelle Drum, Neif Bauhan) raised concerns about excessive LED lighting from new fixtures, noise from the rooftop bar, and impact on property values. The Hotel Viking’s attorney (Rob Stolzman) and new general manager (Jay Sheldon) reported that 12 of 18 lights had been removed, and they are working with Deputy Manager Carulo to shield remaining lights and comply with city ordinance. Councillor Carlin praised the cooperation and moved to continue the hearing to the next meeting after the May 13 meeting. The council voted unanimously to continue.

Appointments to Boards & Commissions

  • Zoning Board of Review: Bark Grimes (five-year term) – approved.
  • Sister City Commission: Joseph Loges (three-year term) – approved.
  • Henderson Home Commission: Jack Grant (one-year term) – approved.
  • Energy and Environment Commission: Didi Lorelard Cowley (three-year term) – approved.

City Manager Communications

  • Police Quarterly Report (January–March 2026): Chief Duffy presented speed data from 10 feedback sign locations and the automated enforcement system on Admiral Kalbfus Road. He noted a drop in high-end speeds and volume during winter, with positive trends attributed to the signs. Requests for next quarter: data on speeding tickets issued. The department is studying the Bellevue–Memorial intersection for a red light camera. The northbound speed enforcement on Admiral Kalbfus is being discontinued due to low violation rates; red light enforcement will continue.

Action Items (all approved unanimously unless noted)

  • Collective bargaining agreement with NEARI Supervisors (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026): Approved.
  • License agreement with Yachting Promotions for Newport International Boat Show (15-year term starting September 2026): Approved.
  • Five-year license agreement with Newport Gulls for Cardines Field (2026–2030, with option for five more years): Approved.
  • Parking agreement with Brenton Hotel LLC (30 spaces at Gateway lot, $30,000/year for five years): Approved.
  • Purchase of cargo trailer (The Trailer Depot, $51,995): Approved.
  • MOU with RI State Police for CAD/RMS software (not to exceed $83,645.65): Approved.
  • Lease option year 1 with Yachting Promotions for Easton’s Beach parking during Boat Show (Sept 17–20, $13,470): Approved.
  • Lease option year 1 with Audrain for Easton’s Beach parking during Concours week (Oct 1–4): Approved.
  • Supplemental agreement with GZA Geoenvironmental for Cliff Walk repairs ($84,350, total authorized now $543,755): Approved. Total Cliff Walk project cost estimated at $21 million.
  • Janitorial cleaning contract (JN Strategics, Cranston, $160,000 base year): Approved. Councillor Carlin expressed concern that no Newport County firms bid; the administration will work to inform local businesses. Seven bids were received.
  • Play equipment for Miantonomi Park (not to exceed $40,606.99): Approved.
  • Purchase of dump truck (Tasca Ford, $85,745.40): Approved.
  • Leak detection program (Right Pierce, $169,900): Approved.
  • Security improvements at Bliss Mine Water Treatment Facility (Custom Computer Specialists, $119,989.72): Approved.
  • Security improvements at Lawton Valley Water Treatment Facility (Custom Computer Specialists, $132,580.46): Approved.

Ordinances (Second Readings)

  • Amendment to Section 5.04.030 (business license fees): Changed application fee to $20 and annual registration fee to $100. Approved.
  • Amendment to Section 10.24.010 (parking prohibition): No parking on William Street north side, 156 feet west of Thomas Street, for 23 feet. Approved.

Key Outcomes

  • Composting pilot: 959 households enrolled; 64 tons diverted; $4,000 saved. The council acknowledged the progress.
  • Audrain Cars & Coffee: Approved with conditions (police details, signage, enforcement). Council may revisit if issues arise.
  • International Tennis Hall of Fame bike parking: Approved; restricted parking on Freebody Street: defeated (4–3).
  • Hotel Viking liquor license expansion: Continued to May 27, 2026, to allow full council attendance. Neighbors and hotel representatives will continue to work on lighting and noise mitigation.
  • Police report: Speed data shows positive trends; automated enforcement on Admiral Kalbfus northbound to be discontinued for speed, maintained for red lights. Bellevue–Memorial intersection under study for red light camera.
  • All action items approved; contracts awarded for various services and equipment.
  • Business license fees increased; parking restriction on William Street enacted.

Meeting adjourned unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Madam Clerk, we take a roll call, please. David Carlin. Here. Lynn Underwood Segley. Here. Charlie Holder. Here. Side camps Borova. G Maria Politano. Here. Alan Pinnock. Stephanie Smith. There's a quorum present, Mr. Chair. Please rise for Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge Allegiance. The United States of America. Individual with liberty justice for all. All right. As you notice, we're a little short on council members tonight. Unfortunately, Councillor Pennick and Council Smythe have come down with the flu, so they can't make it tonight. Councillor Comps of Ourovong says he should be here, but he'll be running late. So we have us four. And then so before we get going, uh Madam Clark, do we have anyone for the citizens forum? We do. Emily Conklin. Hello, Emily Conklin, Seven Gwynn Court, Newport, Rhode Island. Happy Earth Day. As today is Earth Day, I want to just take my a couple minutes to speak with you all and with everyone watching and everyone in the gallery about the composting pilot that is going on in the city. So as I'm sure you all are aware, um the city got a grant through 11th hour to fund free weekly curbside composting pickup for 1,500 households in Newport. We are doing super well as of today. I just got an update. We have 959 participants. And since the pilot started in October, um we have diverted approximately 64 tons of compostable material, and that equates to approximately $4,000 in municipal savings in our um tipping fees. So we are really um as the Energy and Environment Commission and just personally, we are really per pushing this to get to the 1500 families. Um this is a huge boon environmentally and also could save the city a lot of money. Um and I've been pulling every lever that I can think of to get to um to 1500 families. So we're hopeful that we'll get there soon. And uh we hope all counselors are going to compost if you're not already, and that everyone in the city who can participate will. Um it's very easy. You get a bin in liners from Black Earth when you sign up, and they pick it up every week, so it's not smelly. It's you know, we have I've never personally had any issues with rats or raccoons, which are the two things I've been asked about. Um so hopeful that we'll continue to push this out that we'll get to 1500. And um, please, if there are any questions, you can always direct them to me in the energy environment commission. Thank you. Thank you so much. Emily, can how many families or how many residents do you have in the program now? 959 um households enrolled. Okay, so you need another 500. Yes, about okay.

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