Newport City Council Meeting - June 24, 2026

The Newport City Council met on June 24, 2026, to address a busy agenda including public comments on parking and tourism, presentations on the sister city trip to Shimoda, Japan, and a series of votes on special events, contracts, bonds, and resolutions. Key outcomes included the establishment of a Tourism Commission, rejection of a professionalism resolution, and approval of a dog park study after amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Approved routine items including appointments to boards and commissions (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission, Public Sculpture Commission, Tree and Open Space Commission), a communication from the city manager regarding the water division consumer confidence report, and several action items pulled for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Keene Peterson (22 Sergeant Wiedemann Street) detailed ongoing parking violations on her street despite five "no parking" signs, stating she has had to call police repeatedly and missed appointments. She submitted a letter from the Newport Housing Authority reminding residents of lease rules.
• Joan McCarthy (42 Sergeant Wiedemann Street) echoed Peterson's concerns, noting the street is owned by the Housing Authority, not the city, complicating enforcement. She said police dispatchers told her "we don't take care of that" and hung up, and requested a community officer work with the Housing Authority.
• Bonnie Watson (Catherine Street) criticized the use of "political" as an accusation at a prior meeting, arguing that all votes are political. She expressed full support for the hotel development resolution, stating that Newport's infrastructure is strained and that adding commercial development without constraints degrades quality of life and emergency response times.
• Rocco Grasso (218 Hoxsie Avenue) argued that the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program has failed to deliver savings, is now charging a 22% premium over Rhode Island Energy Last Resort Service, and is "not safe, not simple, and not effective." He offered MyBusinessKilwatt.com as an alternative solution.
• Pete Rice (Harrison Lane) expressed concern about school lights being left on at night, suggesting the city should take over facilities management from the school committee to save money.
• Elizabeth Canfil (U.S. Small Business Administration) provided information on low-interest disaster loans for businesses and nonprofits affected by the February snowstorm, with interest rates of 4% for businesses and 3.6% for nonprofits, up to $2 million, no collateral required for losses under $50,000, and no payments for the first year.

Discussion Items

• Presentation: Sister City Trip to Shimoda, Japan – Councilor Segley presented a detailed report on the May 17–21, 2026 delegation to the Black Ships Festival. Highlights included visits to Shimoda City Hall, Shimoda High School, Shirahama Elementary School, a wreath laying at Perry Landing, the official parade, and a farewell barbecue. He noted the sister city relationship was established in 1958 through Commodore Matthew C. Perry's legacy, and the delegation included two Rogers High School students, chaperones, and interpreters.
• Special Events – Several events were debated:
  • Audrain Motorsport "Young Timers" event (July 11) – Councilor Carlin opposed due to recent noise complaints from cars and coffee events; police reported three citations at the last event. The event passed 4-2.
  • Audrain 250 Years of Independence Parade & Road Closure (July 19) – The special event license passed, but the parade and road closure request was opposed by several councilors citing traffic concerns, especially on Bellevue Avenue. Councilor Smythe noted the last meeting they opposed a horse and carriage ride in the same area. The road closure was defeated (nay vote).
  • Sport Fishing Championship Fanfest (July 24-26) – Approved after city manager clarified it is not a major fishing tournament, just a fanfest with minimal impact.
• Action Items – Included approval of a $20 million wastewater system revenue bond (with discussion about ratepayer impact), a $1.224 million Bellevue Avenue concrete joint repair contract (councilor Rice questioned past repairs), and a $1.929 million annual water tank maintenance contract (first two years).
• Resolutions –
  • Tourism Commission (passed 4-3) – Councilor Smythe argued it will create a tourism impact master plan and give residents a voice; opponents cited redundancy with existing organizations.
  • Professionalism & Parliamentary Procedure Instruction (failed 3-4) – Councilor Smythe proposed it after contentious meetings; opponents said existing rules are sufficient and it risks overregulation.
  • Dog Recreation Facilities (amended and passed) – Councilor Smythe accepted amendments to remove specific locations (Old Fort Road, Wellington Avenue) and change the resolve to evaluate at least a second dog park within six months. Councilor Carlin opposed the original wording but supported after amendment.
  • Quarterly Joint Meetings with School Finance (passed 7-0) – No discussion.
  • Fundraising for Boards & Commissions (failed 3-4) – Councilor Smythe argued it provides an option, but opponents worried about conflicts of interest and burdening volunteers.

Key Outcomes

• Special Events: Approved Corin Crowley Cliffwalk rook (June 27), Audrain Young Timers (July 11), Newport Films Summer Benefit (July 18), Preservation Society dinner dance (August 8, amended from August 6), sound variance for Iris School gala (July 11), fireworks at New York Yacht Club (Sept 5), and Sport Fishing Championship fanfest (July 24-26). Failed: Audrain parade and road closure (July 19).
• Appointments: Approved Charles Thompson (Bicycle/Pedestrian), Nina Barbaresi (Historic Cemetery), John Grossmanor (Public Sculpture), Susan Dixon (Tree/Open Space).
• Contracts & Bonds: Approved ClearGov budget platform (5-year), $20 million wastewater revenue bonds (with discussion on ratepayer impact), Tyler Technologies debt management system (3-year, $75k/year), exercise options on plumbing/mechanical/electric contracts, Otis elevator maintenance ($24,616), sidewalk improvement program ($577,640), Bellevue Avenue concrete joint repair ($1,224,875), FEMA BRIC grant applications for Elizabeth Brook ($1.425M) and Easton Pond Dam ($20M), police vehicle ($82,641.50), energy manager services ($29,630), water tank maintenance program (combined $1.929M years 1-2, then variable), tax rate adjustment for non-owner occupied residential (reduced to $9.494 per $1,000).
• Parking Prohibition: Approved on Russell Avenue (south side, 50 feet east of Malbone Road).
• Resolutions Adopted: Tourism Commission (4-3), Dog Recreation Facilities (amended), Quarterly Joint Meetings with School Finance (7-0).
• Resolutions Failed: Professionalism/Parliamentary Procedure (3-4), Fundraising for Boards/Commissions (3-4).