David Carlin.

Lynn Underwood Segley.

Here.

Charlie Holder.

Here.

Side Cam Savorab.

Here.

Jean Marie Napolitano.

Here.

Ellen Pinock.

Yeah.

Stephanie Smythe.

Here.

There's a quorum present, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you.

Please stand for Pledge of Allegiance.

Pledge of the allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

And to the Republicans.

One nation under the floor.

Madam Clerk, anyone signed up for the citizens forum?

Yes.

Pete Rice.

Evening.

Mr.

Rice.

I'm here to report an embarrassment.

Open up my C click fixed and saw a gross uh restroom in King Park.

And it was very bad.

I complained.

I wrote took other pictures and sent a complaint in and got a uh embarrassing response.

Uh the response was we're gonna replace it in two years.

Uh I found that uh uh insulting at best.

Find it hard to believe that uh with uh two big weekends and the whole summer here that we have those restrooms and they haven't been touched other than uh new equipment put in them.

They haven't been painted floors or have holes in them.

Uh it's bad and uh it needs some attention.

Thank you, Mr.

Rice.

Anybody else?

That's it.

Motion to approve the consent calendar in its entirety with the exception of five and one D.

My motion and second, any discussion.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Motion to approve midtown race club LLC doing business as surf club summer party one Perry Mill Wharf, August 15th, 2026 from 4 p.m.

to 8 p.m.

Second.

All right, we have a motion and second, any discussion.

Chairman.

Council Carlin.

I call upon the city clerk or IT pull up on the big screen, please.

A document which members of the city council received and which is public.

Can I ask our friend to scroll down just a wee bit?

Stop right there for the time being.

Not sure everyone can see this, but I'm sure my colleagues have seen this via a letter from Friends of the Waterfront.

Uh this is the site.

It's okay.

This is the site plan originally approved uh by CRMC, but prior uh with the de facto approval of the city via the technical review committee.

Uh and uh via an agreement with the friends of the waterfront.

Scroll to the next plate uh page, please, my friend.

Here is another document uh which is similar to the first.

I apologize, not everybody can see this the way that I saw it earlier.

Uh, but it is a public document and we can get it to you.

Can you scroll to the pictures, my friend?

Thank you.

Now my com uh sorry about that.

Now my comments.

I am not prepared to vote for this permit or vote for this request until these impediments and the overall issue of access to the waterfront is addressed.

There was or there were still are agreements in place via the parties that I mentioned.

And uh if I do anything right here on this dais, I support the residents of the city of Newport and their needs.

So I am sure there will be others from Friends of the Waterfront and perhaps uh beyond friends of the waterfront who would like to comment tonight, but I would suggest to my colleagues that you should deny this request until the friends and CRMC and the city of Newport are satisfied that these impediments are no longer in place.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Thank you.

Any other discussion?

Is there any uh oh yeah, Linda want to come up?

Linda Stevenson Dixon Street, president of friends of the water friend.

Um I do have um a question that I need PK or someone a representative to clarify.

The application asks for the street to be closed.

Is that accurate your application?

Second page.

Is a street closure being requested?

Yes.

Um probably the mistake now because we don't have a thing.

I just wanted to clarify.

Thank you.

Excuse me, Linda.

I apologize, Mr.

Chairman.

May I think that's an appropriate question for the administration.

Can the administration address, please, for uh for the president of the friends of the waterfront?

And for anybody here and anybody watching what the actual application or what the actual permit request is asking for.

Thank you.

I believe the applicant is here.

The applicant is the one who submitted this application and should be heard from that that issue.

I appreciate that very much.

But with respect, Mr.

Chairman and members of the council, we have an administration uh who advises the council and who answers questions to the council about what is on the agenda.

Uh, I'm sure that the applicant has their version of what they're asking for, and I'm sure it's not too different from what the city might explain.

But uh, I think it's appropriate for the public to understand via an explanation from the administration.

What is it that is being asked for?

I'll start just by saying it's it's for a party before to 8 p.m.

What additional information would be like to know.

As far as as far as the street closure is concerned, that that was just brought up at the podium.

Um the application does indicate that there they are requesting a street closure.

However, um no street name is listed, and I do not believe that there is a street uh within the um within the venue uh that would require a closure.

So that might need clarification from the applicant.

If I could just jump in here real quick.

Um I I suspect that the prior question that says live music DJ that is left blank, that should be yes, and then is a street closure being requested, it would be no.

I believe that's what happened.

In in my okay, well, how about we do this?

Um, Miss Stevens, can we just call up Mr.

Kilroy so we can explain that part and then we'll let you come up with the vote instead of us up here guessing on what's going on?

Let's just go right to the source.

Hello?

State your name and address, please.

Uh Patrick Kilroy, 62 Bridge Street in Port.

Uh, can you just explain what the application uh is for, what the event is?

So we're uh just doing an event down there on the wharf.

We're under construction right now.

Um we're all well aware of it.

Over budget, it's taking a lot longer than it should be.

I just saw the pictures of the stuff that was in the right of way.

I can assure you, and I've sent the video in.

I don't know if it's made it to you guys yet, but a video at six o'clock this morning at the right of way, it's completely clear.

Uh there's no obstructions down there.

We're doing our best.

We're under construction.

We are moving as fast as we can.

Uh no one in Newport's trying to pull a fast one on anyone, just having a little party down there.

The street closure is news to me, right?

It's probably the DJ thing.

Um it's a simple party.

We're trying to get the public down there, which is what everyone wants.

The public down there on the water.

Uh we're just trying to, we're behind schedule.

We just want this uh party to kind of showcase our face.

I didn't think it was gonna be this big deal.

Apologize.

Uh if you were down there today, I tried to contact the friends of the waterfront room, couldn't get in touch with anyone, no one's met me down there.

There's pictures, but no one will meet me down there to walk through with.

So I try it.

There are any questions, Mr.

Kroy.

Is it also segly?

Uh uh is just the friends of the waterfront have your phone number and being able to contact you.

And did they try to did they try to contact you?

No one's contacted me.

I heard about this through my office today around noon time that there's going to be an objections.

Again, we probably we thought we would be open by now.

Again, with the delays and everything, sitting longer.

Normally we wouldn't even ask for this, but just the way it worked out.

But again, I've an open book.

I'm probably in board.

No one wants waterfront access more than me, especially for the public.

We need the public down there to stay in business.

We're not trying to pull a bathroom on anyone.

If we were to approve this with the um the contingency that uh you would take someone from the friends of the waterfront through just to show them what you've done, is that possible?

I'm an open book.

They're down from come down any time.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chairman, Council Crawl, thank you.

Can we now hear from the Friends of the Waterfront who brought this to the council's attention with uh an objection specifically stating that Friends of the Waterfront requests that this special use permit or that this permit not be approved by the council until the Friends of the Waterfront have a meeting uh with the owners of the property, if not with CRMC and the city administration.

That is what I understand through the letter that was transmitted to public letter to all members of the council.

Can the Friends of the Waterfront representatives, representative, please explain?

If I have some council Carlin, that's not your jurisdiction to be calling up people right now.

That's my call.

So I just want to make sure that anyone else on the council has any questions for Mr.

Colroy.

Everyone's all set.

Okay.

Now we can continue on where we are.

Thank you, Ms.

Corey, Miss Stevenson.

Will you please come up?

Okay.

So I did not have any contact from anyone from Perry Mills since I sent Perry Mill an email on Monday, the same time I sent you the letter to the council.

Um, due to ongoing issues with public access at Perry Mill, which we have monitors that have been monitoring the property just like the monitor, the waterfront every day, every week.

People send in pictures, and I think we've been very tolerant and very patient, understanding they're under construction.

However, since last September, they have been holding events there.

They had the boat show there, they've had many private events, even 4th of July, uh, the boat parade in Christmas, um, all paying events.

So to say that you know the public's sewing down there, okay.

The public's going down there, but they're paying.

Okay, that's that's a little different.

The public has not had access to the dock out front.

And most times the parking lot has been obstructed or the pathway along the waterfront has been obstructed.

Yes, I was there today.

It was definitely improved.

Obviously, they made an effort.

I can see that, but there was still courts in in the right of way.

I have pictures of that from this afternoon at four o'clock.

So it's not completely clear.

We are asking city council to deny the special event license unless the applicant agrees to meet with friends of the waterfront, city staff, and a member or members of the waterfront commission to address these issues in the next 30 days.

I think that's a fair amount of time for everyone to coordinate their calendars and go through.

We have had multiple conversations in the past.

We were told back in September and uh before the summer of 23 that the path would be open.

I'm sure they didn't anticipate the delays that they had, but here we are in 2026.

So at some point, if they're making the effort to have the private events, they should be held accountable to also make the public access a priority.

If developers are not held accountable to these agreements, it will set a very bad precedent for all of us.

There are two projects along the waterfront currently that have approvals for development, Newport Harbor Hotel and Waitswart.

Another one is in the works, Rambanks Palm Beach, and very recently another property was just sold along the waterfront.

So we have four properties in play undergoing development, which could be fantastic for public access and for the city and and tourists alike, but the city needs to ensure that the harbor walk that is stated in every city plan, the comprehensive land use plan, the harbor management plan, the tree and open space plan, all state the harbor walk is being a goal.

And if it's not realized, if you don't start enforcing this, then those plans are not worth the paper they're written on.

So we're requesting your support in this matter to just agree that there should be a meeting before the parties involved before any special events are granted.

Do you have any questions?

Any questions?

Council Smith.

Um, I'm just wondering what the impact would be.

Uh the date for this is August 15th, correct?

Um, what the impact would be if this was pushed to the August 12th council meeting to be able to sort this out.

Is that something that is impact?

It's gonna be on them, not on me.

That's why I uh we can go there at the back.

But it no, we can't because it's a matter of the city solicitor's office and the waterfront commission and planning and zoning, all the poor and you know, all the parties involved in these agreements that were all on the same page.

Because there is no path.

Sorry, that's that's what we're asking.

I just want to have a conversation to yeah, no, that's that's fine.

That's okay.

Um other discussion on the council, or yes, Chairman.

Council Carlin.

Thank you.

Uh Mr.

Chairman, I think what the friends of the waterfront are asking for is quite reasonable.

Uh and I think this will be a fine event uh held by the applicants.

Uh, there is a process within the city of Newport for an administrative approval absent a council meeting before the event is to be held.

Am I correct?

Deputy Manager Carula.

That's correct.

I would suggest that the parties meet as both parties are apparently willing to do, and we will then get an administrative approval should your meeting be granted, which again I believe the applicant is willing to do.

Um other questions?

Uh one question, Ms.

Stevenson.

So uh in your letter to to the council, did you state that we could allow you are willing to uh us to allow the application contingent on a meeting?

But you just mentioned that you asked us to deny the application if they don't agree to the meeting.

So if we approve the meeting, if we approve the application tonight on contingency that we meet, however, many councillors administration we're good with that.

Yeah, with with the parties that were listed on the yeah, yep.

I think that's more than fair.

Mr.

Chair, Council Smythe.

Um, I just have a question on sort of logistics.

Do we have to have a motion to include something in this that this is contingent upon a meeting happening to approve it?

We do.

Okay.

I make a motion.

Well, we haven't we just discussed it, so we haven't made the motion yet.

So I guess you have to well he just he said yes already.

Um I make a motion that uh we approve the midtown race club surf club summer party, um, with the understanding that there will be a meeting um with city staff and uh council members um prior to the event, no what not council members, but certainly with city staff, okay.

Okay, thank you.

Almost not finished.

That's it.

Did you say friends?

Chairman, and friends of the waterfront, right?

All right, motion and a second discussion, Ms.

Carlin.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Uh Linda.

Well, the chairman already reprimanded me for addressing you without his permission.

So may I ask the uh friends of the waterfront president a question?

We're in discussion, yes, sir.

Linda.

Is that condition acceptable to the friends of the waterfront?

Yes.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Thank you, Linda.

Thanks.

All right.

Any other discussion?

All right, so we have a motion on the table.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Ayes have it.

Mr.

Chairman.

Council Carlin.

Uh, might I impose upon my colleagues uh, and I'll make it in the form of a motion if need be.

Can I move, please?

Uh, one item from communications from the city manager uh to the next item on the agenda.

Uh, that is to say item number 17 uh from or under communications from the city manager.

Uh, do I have consensus from the council or should I make that in the form of a motion?

Well, let's uh let's finish.

We have one more uh consent calendar, which is the communication from Maureen Cronin.

Uh, certainly do that, and then certainly if the council we can we can vote on it after most appreciated, thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Motion to receive a communication from Laureen Cronin, Chair Tree and Open Space Commission expressing support of the Newport Middle Passage port marker project.

Do we have a second?

Motion a second, any discussion?

Mr.

Chair.

Council Smite.

Uh yes, I I Maureen Cronin was not able.

We didn't vote.

We didn't vote.

Sorry.

Hold on.

I'm sorry, one second.

We didn't vote on the amendment.

But we didn't vote on the as amended.

So motion to approve motion to approve as amended.

Second.

Motion second, any discussion.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilman.

Mr.

Chairman.

Hold on.

Council Smythes.

I'm sorry.

That's okay.

The chair of the train open space commission, Maureen Cronin, was not able to be here tonight.

But she, as the uh council liaison to the commission.

She asked me to say a few words on this project since this project was ongoing when I was a commission member.

And she just wanted to say that the train open space is uh fully in support of this project.

It has been a long time coming.

A lot of work has gone into it, and they are looking forward to the creation of this middle passage project.

So thank you for the middle passage for everything that you've done and for the work of the train open space commission.

Mr.

Chair.

Would um does the um Newport middle passage port marker group have to come to the council to approve a design?

I don't I mean, I know that the the tree and open space group did, but they need to come before the city council.

Will there be a presentation for the council as to all of the um the dimensions and you know like a more detailed we have a communication coming up from them in a little bit?

Okay, thank you.

Any uh further discussion?

All right, all those in favor say aye.

Mr.

Chairman, Council Carlin.

Uh, with the indulgence of the council, may I please uh move to the next item on the agenda under communications from the city manager number 17, please.

Not sure if you need a motion or by consensus, we can do this.

May make the motion to move it up.

Sure.

Uh I make said motion.

For a second.

We've got motion and a second, any discussion.

All those in favor say aye.

Uh uh council action item 6659.

The director of public safety recommends that the city council authorize the execution of a three-year contract with Flock Group Incorporated in an amount not to exceed 375,000 to implement this multi-departmental program.

Um do I have a second?

Second.

I motion a second, any discussion.

Mr.

Chairman, Council Carlin.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chairman, uh, I have a constituent whose family has very generously offered uh to make a contribution toward the purchase of this well-needed item.

Uh, this family has also this family has a history, colleagues and members of the public, of supporting items and all sorts of social, economic, and other issues, etc.

that affect the city.

Not the least of which is help in purchasing uh the fire boat that uh Chief Donley is here.

The fire boat that is used uh probably overused, Chief, uh, by the city of Newport and our department.

This generous this generous contribution, uh is something first of all, we should be very accepting of proud of, thankful for.

What I'd like to do uh is first of all get a small explanation from the administration and anybody from the public who would like to speak uh about this action item.

But also when the appropriate time comes, Mr.

Chairman.

Uh I I would like to make an amendment, not to the substance of this communication, uh, but to what we as a city do going forward.

With that, can I ask for uh someone from the administration, uh perhaps the chief, the director of public safety, to explain what it is the council is dealing with here that will benefit the public, not just our residents, mind you, force, but anybody that visits four million a year, as I understand from your comments yesterday, Chief.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh Ryan Duffy, uh Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police.

Uh the establishment of a strategically waste unmanned aerial system uh program transitions our current unmanned aerial systems from reactive tools to a central multi-agency infrastructure asset capable of semi auto semi autonomous dispatch and remote teleoperation.

Uh list five key ways this program will benefit our citizens, our businesses, and our visitors.

Uh one public safety and situational awareness.

Uh the DFR, the um the drone first responder program and and municipal support program provides uh first on-scene aerial awareness, frequently arriving before ground units in under 90 seconds from the moment that the PD receives the call.

Providing continuous overhead perspective, significantly enhancing real-time situational awareness for responding personnel, allowing for better tactical decisions, de-escalation, and resource allocation.

Uh I should mention uh as a as a recent event looking back at the shooting this weekend without going into any details on invest on an active investigation.

We do know from the timelines of the incident that had we been on scene within the time it takes this drone to get there, we would have arrived before the suspects had left the scene and likely have had information in seconds from direct observation that took us hours to develop through interviews and investigation.

Number two, fire ground support and personal safety.

On active fire scenes, the drone feed provides real-time thermal and visual intelligence directly to incident command.

This allows commanders to track thermal hot spots, monitor smoke plumes, at assess structural roof integrity and identify hazards to safeguard the frontline firefighters.

Number three, harbor and maritime search and rescue.

Uh, Newport's coastal geography presents unique emergency response challenges.

The program directly supports the harbor master's office to provide immediate aerial search and rescue support, thermal scanning for persons in the water, and overwatch during maritime distress calls.

Municipal or number four, municipal infrastructure inspections.

Beyond emergency response, the program serves routine municipal needs.

Automated flights will handle routine inspections of city-owned facilities, roofs, bridges, and historical sub uh structures, subsequently reducing staff labor hours while eliminating elevated fall hazards hazards for city workers.

And five, coastline uh baseline mapping and FEMA disaster recovery.

Pre-programmed flight paths will regularly generate high resolution photographic documentation of Newport shoreline and critical infrastructure.

Establishing these pre-disaster baseline images is crucial for storm readiness as it provides exact comparative evidence required for expeditious processing and approval of FEMA disaster funds following any severe weather events.

And uh lastly, and if you'll permit uh me to mention our public-private funding partnership to offset the fiscal impact of municipal tax paper taxpayers, the city has secured a committed financial contribution from a private donor specifically dedicated to assisting with the funding of this program.

This partnership leverages private support to deliver state-of-the-art public safety technology while minimizing the net cost to city to the city's finances.

And if it's okay with you here to say a few words of support is our very generous donor uh and one of the city of Newport's finest citizens, Mr.

Peter Kilmart.

Mr.

Peter Kiernan, excuse me.

Thank you, Chief.

Thanks, sweet coffee.

Mr.

Chairman, Donald Scroll.

Welcome, Mr.

Cairn.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

And I will be, it's a privilege to be back.

The last time I was here was over a fire boat.

Uh I know what you're thinking whenever Duffy and Tiernan and Donley get together.

Uh but we've been working on this for six or eight months.

And this is the right thing for Newport to do.

It's good for the people of Newport.

Selfishly, it's good for my kids and grandkids.

Uh anticipating questions about strings attached, there are none.

If you acknowledge the receipt of the designated gift, that's it.

The same thing with the fireboat and the firebook before and the mobile command unit.

We've had this kind of partnership for decades.

Do that because we love the city.

Why?

I'm a part-time resident, but I'm a full-time citizen.

My wife and I believe in what the police and firefighters are doing.

I think this is good for you.

You know, G Marie and some others have been around long enough to recall this.

I hope you'll uh accept the donation, the spirit which is intended, which is out of respect for all that you do.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chair.

And if the sorry if the council will allow me, um I'd I'd also like to invite up uh Mr.

Paul Bach, uh, who's from our vendor Flock Safety, our proposed vendor, uh, to kind of give uh an overview of an answer and probably answer some questions before they're before they're asked if that's if that's all right with you.

Only mine.

Yeah.

It's okay.

I'm satisfied okay.

Oh, yeah, sure.

Yeah, great.

Thank you.

Hello.

Um we have a slide deck for the DFR.

Um members of council, my name's Carl Bach.

I'm a public affairs manager with Flock Safety.

Um thank you for the opportunity.

Um advance a slide to that DFR uh to talk about um some cutting-edge technology for uh public safety and just keep keep going.

It's about um and one doing going.

Okay, great.

And this is perfect, yeah.

Um DFR, uh drone as a first responder.

Uh as the chief mentioned, this is a multi-agency platform to respond in um times of crisis uh when minutes and seconds really make a difference.

Um this is a technology used across the country uh where the uh time to uh get a drone on site um is faster than a patrol officer can turn on their control vehicle.

Um average time of two minutes, um, and as the police mention when investigations uh involve um life or death, this can make a difference in aiding an investigation and minimize MAR.

Um the system also helps a clear calls for service um without using a patrol vehicle to go in person.

If the drone can observe a situation and determine that it was a false call, uh, or um determine what resources are not required, uh it's also a time saver.

Um like I said, the um it reduces the response times.

Um and also the drone as a first responder um can locate uh subjects of interest and de-escalate.

Uh doesn't require a high speed chase in order to identify where a suspect vehicle has led and they can be um de-escalated and apprehended in a more secure way.

Um go ahead and advance next slide.

Um so some common questions about drones for first responders um is when are they activated?

Um they are not operating at all times, they are only deployed for a specific call for service.

Uh that could be a uh a 911 call, uh that could be um an emergency incident as it has a chief mentioned, um, but they cannot be deployed until there's a specific call call call for service reason.

Um the camera that's located um on the drone um does not record um until it reaches the scene.

It's it's it's flying blind to the ground, but once it reaches the scene, it does uh begin the recording.

Um and um all um instances of this uh device being deployed um are tracked, uh including the uh the calls for incident, um, the flight pattern, uh the duration.

And this is uh fully displayed on a public transparency portal so the public can be aware of the policy, the incidence of where the drone was activated, uh the calls for service, um, and the results.

Um Vince, next slide.

Um this um this also is on the transparency portal, so the public can see exactly the flight pattern in which the drone traveled.

So they know if they um they're curious about if a drone was deployed, they may put they'd be able to see uh exactly the path.

Um these are two examples out of California.

It's kind of hard to see for the folks in um in the back.

Um this was uh yesterday.

Uh the call for service was a missing person welfare check.

Um duration was a 15 minute flight.

Uh the second one here uh was uh fire medical aid um uh uh flights uh for 11 minutes.

Again, these are these are built into the public transparency portal so the public is well aware of every instance of the deployment of this.

I go ahead and advance next slide.

Um there's no audio to this, but we can go ahead and click the play.

Um this is the same place in California.

Um this is actually uh real real incident.

Actually, it's two put together of the drone being deployed uh for uh for a fire at a vehicle buyer.

So you can see the the drone is on scene and it's able to respond uh minutes before uh other first responders to relay information that be might be helpful um responding to the incident um and observe the scene in case you know there was like a red truck that was uh leaving.

If there's an investigation for the cause of the fire, that could be useful information for um for an arsenal investigation.

Um the second piece there quite um was a vehicle fire.

Uh so when 911 gets a dispatch for a fire, they might not know the exact um uh incident uh or situational awareness.

This adds to dispatch's ability to deploy resources that can help um help with community safety.

Um there's another slide.

Yeah.

Um this one's a little hard to see, but um, this is uh an incident where um there was a dispatch because a man threatened his uh his girlfriend.

Um the suspect uh fled on foot.

The drone was able to uh respond um and locate him uh for uh the police.

Um it also was able to uh show that the suspect was armed.

Um and that the suspect is actually attempting to bury the weapon in someone's yard.

Uh there's a dog here, the dog is fine, the dog does not seem bothered by this, but um it is um but this is yeah, um this is a great example of how this technology could aid in the safety of the bottoming officers that they know this person um was armed, uh and they have hidden uh weapon and the weapon can be retrieved.

Um that this person can be located quickly and safely.

Um I think that's it for I'll hand it back to the chief.

Thanks, but open it up on any question.

Thank you.

Um Chief Duffy, who controls the data?

I know the gentleman said that it doesn't start recording until certainly the the city owns the data.

Okay.

Uh we own it, we control it.

It goes into a cloud server that we that we access alone.

Uh and the company has never been hacked.

Uh, and it's so it's safe and secure under our control.

And is this shared this device shared with any other communities or municipalities?

No.

Uh shared in what way, like if if uh well, I know like similar to um some cameras that we have.

We have certain like MOUs.

No, no, this is under this is under our control.

Similar to uh like our body worn cameras, yeah.

Uh the when the officers in the street and they activate their cameras, all that all that video was under our control.

Okay, thank you.

Mr.

Chairman, down scrolling.

Chief, as I understand it, uh Newport will be on the forefront in the United States with regard to this type of technology, which is probably the technology of the future.

And I know nothing like you do, or like the gentleman does, like the Kiernan's do, or like perhaps my council colleagues do about what the impact could be, certainly.

But I'm not dumb.

I know that this type of technology uh can prevent a lot of harm.

Would you agree?

I do.

I do.

This is um it brings the biggest thing that this brings to police fire and uh and harbors situational awareness.

Um, you know, uh time often in critical incidents is our enemy.

Uh and uh being able to go to uh move at 60 miles an hour as the pro flies to a scene uh gets you there much faster than our uh human assets can get can get there, especially during times of congestion, uh you know, um where uh you know moving uh going south from the police station in the city on a busy Saturday can be uh can be tough, which is why often our our bicycle officers make it to CNS people or the police cars do, and by using this asset and be able to get there even faster for situational awareness.

Um things like we have incidents in the uh in the harbor, which take even longer for assets to get to.

Uh this is uh uh similarly uh being able to get out to those areas and be able to locate people who who are on um you know or are working on last breaths is important.

So we know exactly where they are.

Last question, Chief.

Uh, thank you for that answer.

Uh those who want to do harm to the United States of America or to the city of Newport or both.

They might target or they might look to soft targets going forward, as opposed to what we have seen, as I am told and I agree with uh in the very obvious terrorist attacks that the United States has suffered.

Would you agree with that?

I do.

And this purchase will in fact help us a great deal with uh not eliminating but dissuading those who want to do harm to the city of Newport once they understand that we have this technology from doing so.

You agree, Chief?

Certainly.

To go back and say uh just I can harp on this one particular point, which is situational awareness.

Situational awareness and communication are the key to emergency response.

And if we have an incident that unfolds or in preventing an infinite incident that unfolds due to reports of suspicious activity, being able to be bring that situational awareness to our first responders uh and being able to communicate to the field units, those who are responding and not there yet, uh is is a game changer.

And so that's why we're um as a as the under the uh umbrella of public safety are very much in favor of um getting a hold of this technology for the on behalf of the citizens and the visitors.

Thank you, Chief.

Mr.

Chairman, uh let me repeat that I think this is a wonderful, wonderful purchase that the city can make.

Uh I do not think an amendment is needed uh based on the language of based on testimony we've heard.

Uh Mr.

Mrs.

Kiernan, your city is in debt and owes you once again uh a great thank you.

Chief Sagan.

Mr.

Chair.

Um I think that um some of the attention that this has gotten is just by way of the the company's name.

Certainly.

And so I would like you to differentiate between what people fear about Flock cameras and what this is.

This is this is they're not the same.

It's just that the company is called Flock.

It's a different, it's a different mission.

Um we uh um that we the reason why we uh chose uh to go with Block is one the technology in our assessment is uh is unparalleled.

Um and two uh that we do have um LPR cameras from Flock, and that uh there is some synergy of work in terms of the the software that uh that helps us work with a little bit more efficiency.

Um and so uh those were the the particular reasons, and and you're right, it's you know the um, you know, on I I understand, and often it's uh it's from information that is that is misleading, um, uh and from people that don't know the intricacies of how the LPR system works versus uh and which uh brings some some uneasiness in this particular situation it's a different mission, and this is not a flying license plate reader.

Uh it is uh it is to bring the um it is to bring the uh situational awareness, uh the extra safety, uh the ability to communicate with our ground troops with uh with the right information.

Um that's what's bringing this, uh that's what's driving this.

And and this would um help in the harbor as well.

Oh yes, absolutely.

Absolutely.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Smite.

Um, thank you, Chief.

I I think this is a great idea and and thank you for for all your help getting this to the city.

Um will there be information on the city's transparency portal that in case any residents have concerns about um what this does and and their privacy that they'll be able to absolutely, which is another reason why uh we were going with this vendor is because they um have already uh with the other part of their business in terms of the LPR, they have um uh they have come up with ways of being transparent.

And so we are uh going to launch the transparency portal in terms of the UAS, which will show as we had mentioned, flight paths, show the types of calls that it goes on when it went out on a call.

So if you had a question about you saw something buzz overhead at a certain time, you can take a look and say, oh, that was the police department on a way to a fire, on a way to a harbor call as opposed to uh and now you know what it was that we are doing.

You know, there are also a number of um uh um restrictions in terms of fourth amendment, uh, and that we are aware of them and what uh and what is legal and what is not legal.

Uh and um that is that is something that we are gonna take into consideration in in every mission.

Great, thank you.

Council Paul Tunnel?

Yeah, uh Chief, is there a potential for the use of this um drone or or the responder in other communities?

Uh you talk about 50 miles or like a mile from Middletown and four miles from Portsmouth.

If there's a real emergency, and I'm thinking fires, because there have been times when they've actually called in other communities.

Sure.

Unfortunately, no, there is there is a limit to the area of operations for this uh for this technology, single technology that centers around the docking station.

Okay.

Uh and so it's limited in the in it covers Newport, right?

We're we're we're gonna get Newport covered, but beyond that, uh, in very limited amount put it uh move over into Middletown.

Okay, but that but it's not even enough to work uh thank you.

Questions?

Um just a couple questions for me, Chief.

Um who is responsible for uh making the call when this drone goes out and what kind of to what particular types of calls.

Certainly right now we are we're not we're trying not to recreate the wheel, right?

We are looking at other uh at other agencies and what they use for thresholds and where they see the uh the benefits, and so that is that is one uh that is one way we're determining our list.

Uh and uh second, we're looking at what what are the needs of Newport, right?

Uh and um I think what we're doing is a little different than what a lot of places do, and we're also uh uh incorporating the the um sustainability portion of it, the the coastal monitoring part of it, the infrastructure um checks uh and the um and that portion of it.

So it's it's uh that we're we don't see a lot in other places.

I think we're at the forefront there in terms of protecting our infrastructure.

Um and so that list of where of when it goes out is gonna be pretty much based on need, but it is I want to make sure I mention this, it is based on need and not it's not gonna go out on patrol.

We're not gonna see the the uh uh the drone going up without a cause.

Uh if we decide that we're doing uh coastline photo documentation, then that's the cause.

If it's uh if it's a uh if it's a fire suspicious person, um, then that's the cause it will go out to, but it just won't go up just to fly around, other than in the initial uh days that we're getting our feet under us about this, and just uh in terms of testing and ensuring that the uh ensuring that the uh that the technology is working.

And then uh my other question is um 375,000 price tag for one drone.

Sure.

Well, it's not it's uh well the whole pro the whole project.

The whole thing includes all the infrastructure, it includes the training, all the training of of all the staff.

Um it group includes all the upgrades, the use of the software, the transport the um transparency portal, all those things are are part of it.

So for that price tag, and thank you again to the Kieran family for uh a spectacular donation.

Um there insurance on this thing.

Yeah, well, the insurance is yes, the insurance is the is the trust.

I could see, yeah, just in case just in case some sort of warranty.

Uh I would hope.

And then what's the you know, this thing works out great?

What's the what would stop us?

Or uh and I don't know if Carl be still here, but can we get multiple?

Well, I I we could if we find the need.

Uh we suspect uh at looking at this that um that we have the we'll have the city covered.

We're gonna look at we're gonna look at call volume.

We're gonna look at hey, how many times we had one mission going and a second mission comes in?

Uh and so we'll we'll take a look at that over the uh over the months and time as we move forward.

Um and if it determines that that's that that's uh something that's uh prudent, then we'll come back to you and and discuss that.

Uh but uh as we as I stand here today, I think um I I think we're going to be uh covered with this single drone.

Fantastic.

Mr.

Chairman, thank you, Conscarlin.

Uh quick reminder, as you know, my colleagues know, but for the public's uh information, uh this was included in the fiscal 2027 city budget.

We in fact budgeted the entire amount uh for the purchase of this drone.

Uh so this is not something which is a new expenditure.

It has been accounted for.

And I would also like to remind my uh my friend the mayor, uh that sure, many of these uh if the chief decides that they are needed, um so be it.

But there's only one Kiernan family.

Right.

All right.

Uh cautious.

But he has he has children though.

Well, I and I asked that question, and not to sound funny, but I don't want to see both the fire chief and bleach getting in a fight over who gets the drone first.

But but seriously, to that to that point, if there's two things going on at once, is uh do we have every point?

Well, yeah, that's true.

Without the drone, we are a good public safety service, right?

This is going to enhance things, right?

Make us that much better.

Um and I say good.

I should have said excellent.

Probably should have said the best.

That's what I that's what it actually is.

If there's two things going on at once is uh do we have uh every point well yeah without the drone we are a good public safety service right this is going to enhance things right make us that much better um and i say good i should have said excellent probably should have said the best that's what i that's what it actually is but we are um but we will triage if there are two missions that that are uh that are needed we will we only with the only one drone we'll triage and decide what is more life safety um uh oriented and uh that's the that's the mission we're gonna take and we just hope we don't get in that situation it'll be even even better certainly yeah all right any other further uh comments questions all right all right so uh all those in favor say aye any opposed i have it thank you thank you very much okay next moving on to licenses and permits motion to approve a sidewalk cafe license renewal the nitro bar incorporated doing business as the nitro bar to pond avenue so we have a second second uh we have a motion and a second um and just before we get into discussion i just want to just remind council that we are discussing a sidewalk cafe license renewal permit all right do we have the uh owners of chairman nitro with us tonight mr chairman uh can the council have an opportunity to opine first please sure thank you uh might i once again call upon our friends in it uh to pull up a communication which is a public communication uh received uh from the council the these are pictures uh that that i in fact uh well they were given to me uh so motion to accept these pictures into the public record please i'll look for a second second all right uh motion and second for discussion um i'll make a motion can we only take pictures that have to do with a sidewalk cafe license for two pond avenue i i i'm afraid mr chairman uh with respect to that well uh first of all if you're making a motion i will yield uh until you get a second and then i will discuss your motion that's why i make a motion yeah second yeah motion and second any discussion mr chairman council carlin uh the owner of the establishment seeking a sidewalk permit from us this evening uh is the owner of other establishments as well one within the city of newport i think it entirely appropriate to bring into the context of this discussion uh what the applicant has done elsewhere uh regarding its operation correct but i i i like i said we are only discussion a sidewalk cafe license which the city council gives zoning handles lines and things like that there is no there's no permit no application for a line license so i just don't want uh any confusion as to what we are discussing here tonight well it can then and then second and then it's my second point is again like this picture for instance is nothing to do with sidewalk cafe license renewal at two pond avenue so I don't want to have anything that's going to be put into dissuade or persuade anyone's Mr.

Chairman as I said I uh you are my friend as I said earlier you're my friend uh but I must respectfully disagree uh the context of the discussion this evening regarding what they are asking uh at the location the corner of Marcus Wheatland and Pond uh should certainly if members of the council would like to discuss it include questions about what happens outside their other location if you disagree that that's fine yeah well I made the motion to make sure we're only showing you know we're uh accepting uh these photo uh photographs of the sidewalk cafe license permit so we the there is a motion and a second uh any other discussion yes mr chairman uh the motion in the second originally was a motion that I made to have the council accept the pictures and there was a second as I said so uh I believe we should vote on that motion prior to any amended motion that you might offer well the amended motion is to your motion so I would ask the legal counsel for advice on uh what should be voted on first the first uh motion uh made and second it should be addressed first thank you all right so if there's a motion to accept the pictures in for discussion all those in favor say aye aye any opposed sorry mr chair can I get a show of hands please yep show of hands for the pictures being put in three all those opposed three three might I ask our friends from IT uh to forward to the last two pictures please that so we don't surely Mr.

Surely, Mr.

Chairman cannot uh not accepting.

Surely, Mr.

Chairman, you cannot oppose the picture, which is a visual of Pond Street, West Broadway.

Counter Carlination.

Council Carl, we we just decided not we're not accepting the photographs.

Mr.

Chairman, point of order.

I asked for the colleagues for my colleagues to accept into the record the first four pictures that I provided.

You voted that down by a three to three vote.

There are two additional pictures which address very specifically the nitro bar location on the corner of Pond and West Broadway, or Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, if you will.

If you don't wish to have those pictures entered into the record, fine.

It's a disgrace, but so be it.

Okay.

Well, well, again, these has nothing to do with the sidewalk cafe permit that we are discussing.

Mr.

Chairman, how can that not have to do with the walk cafe?

When that is the location where the site we're still on the discussion, are we not?

Where that is the location that the applicants are asking for the sidewalk cafe to be located.

Uh no, it's not actually.

Your argument is absurd.

It's not.

So uh council Carlin, that's enough.

Okay, hold on.

Point of order, please.

So you're making a motion to add these uh more pictures in.

The last two pictures, yes.

All right.

Do we have a second?

Second.

Motion and second, any discussion.

Mr.

Chair.

Council Pinnock.

Thank you.

Um, is it possible to have the nitro bar representatives up?

Because they're saying that this is not the side where the I would agree.

It's an application for the renewal.

So the applicant should be going on this before the council starts its debate.

That's what certainly we have the ownership.

I think we're gonna have to disagree on the case.

Council Carlin, Council Carlin.

Please come up.

I will.

And I did.

Hello.

State your name and address.

Audrey Finocaro, 54 Gibbs Avenue, Newport.

Sam Lincaster, 54 Gibbs Avenue, Newport.

Thank you.

Yeah.

So could just explain for your sidewalk application renewal permit where the applic the uh sidewalk tables are going.

Yeah, so this does not show where our sidewalk cafe is.

This is the opposite side or sidewalk cafe is on the right side of this.

So this doesn't show at all where our outdoor seating is or has been, Mr.

Chair.

Council Segley.

Has um have you or the city measured the sidewalk that is available for um the residents to walk?

Yes, yeah, there's more than a six-foot parameter around where the side where our tables end and to the sidewalk.

Okay.

In addition to this, we have had this permit for over six years.

Um, this is just uh you know, normally we renew it every single year, but it was a misstep on our end.

So we're just looking to I was just gonna ask you, I was gonna say that you've had this before.

Have there been issues with it in the past?

No, no.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Council Carlin.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Uh, madam clerk, can you please read for the public and for the council who has already received it, uh, the letter from Ms.

Boubanair regarding uh disability access surrounding uh the area in question.

Thank you.

Okay, Mr.

Chairman.

I have a question up for the clerk.

I asked if she could read it.

I believe I have the floor.

Uh so I would like that letter right first.

Yeah, well.

You can wait until he's he's finished because he's I appeal the ruling of the chair.

Oh, that's fine.

Mr.

Chairman, I appeal the ruling of the chair.

All right.

All those in favor of allowing this gentleman to come up and speak, say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Opposed.

I just have it.

Good evening.

My name is AJ Pizzano, and I live on Warner Street, two blocks from Nitro Bar.

When I bought my own nitro bar was the reason because I didn't join this neighborhood.

Sam and Audrey didn't just open a coffee shop.

They created a gathering place, they invested in the community, made Broadway more vibrant, and built an atmosphere that makes people want to spend time here.

I want to be clear about one thing first, because I think at the heart of this issue is the outdoor seating permit has nothing to do with the line that sometimes forms outside of Nitro Bar.

The line forms on the Broadway side of the building.

The outdoor seating is on the Pond Avenue side.

These are two separate issues, and revoking the permit would not move that line by a single foot.

Sam and Audrey have taken measurable steps to improve customer flow, reduce improper parking, and minimize inconveniences for the neighbors.

They have been responsive and proactive every step on the Pond Avenue side.

The physical constraints are simply what they are.

The sidewalk width and proximity of the neighboring house, leave very few options.

Or anyone suggesting the line be moved to the Pond Avenue side instead.

I would ask them to stand there and walk us through how that would actually work.

I don't believe there's a practical alternative.

Frankly, I find it disappointing.

We're having this conversation at all.

Nitro Bar has brought life, energy, and customers to Broadway.

It has helped neighboring businesses, made the area more desirable.

And I have no doubt it has put a positive effect on property values.

Instead of revoking a permit for a small business that has invested this much in Newport, the city should be thanking them.

They've helped drive our local economy, created jobs, attracted visitors, and paved the way for more independent businesses to invest and thrive on Broadway.

I hope the council can find a reasonable solution that balances accessibility with common sense.

Businesses like Nitro Bar are exactly what we should be supporting, not making it harder for them to succeed.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chairman.

I apologize.

I apparently got it wrong.

Thank you, uh, owners of the Nitro Bar for uh making it difficult for our physically disabled residents of Pond Avenue and elsewhere to access uh the surrounding area.

Uh I apparently, as I said, got that wrong.

I go back to the uh request for the clerk to read, please, the letter from uh our disability advocate, Miss Bouberner regarding this request.

Dear council members, I am writing to oppose this application.

There is public housing on Pond Avenue, specifically for seniors and persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users.

Nitro bar is situated between this housing on Pond Avenue and the Martin Luther King Center, where residents of this housing go for food services and other activities.

When the sidewalk is blocked, residents who are wheelchair users need to cross the street to get by Nitro Bar and then cross again to get to the Martin Luther King Center.

Over the past few weeks, we have complained to the City Manager's office and his office has sent representatives from the city engineer's office, if I remember correctly, to address it.

At first, Nitro Bar said they had no idea that people in wheelchairs could not pass.

The second time enforcement action was begun.

The third time had similar results.

Now we find that they are applying for a permit to have this sidewalk cafe.

If they have not been able to comply with giving appropriate space to people with disabilities up until now, what difference would such a permit make?

Blocking the sidewalk impedes access for wheelchair users, city residents who may be blind or visually impaired, and residents with other mobility disabilities.

Respectfully, Annette Boubanier.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Mr.

Chairman, uh question for the administration, please.

Uh Deputy Manager Carulo.

Uh, does the Nitro Bar have permission from the city of Newport to erect stanchions uh at the location that we are currently debating?

When the issue of the lines first came up, that was a recommendation from um from our deputy zoning officer to create a line or separate separate the line from the public sidewalk.

Was a permit issued to them.

No.

The answer is no, correct?

Correct.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chairman, thank you.

Um, to the to the owners, uh, have you spoken with Ms.

Boubener?

No, we have not.

Have you spoken to anyone that has come to you about any access issues?

No, and we've been granted access to the sidewalk permit with the six-foot clearance around the end of the table for the past five years.

Mr.

Chair?

Uh Council Smith.

Um I also connected with a few neighbors who live on Pond Avenue just to see if there's any impact.

And I know that your establishment is fantastic and people absolutely love it.

And I think that's wonderful for our small businesses.

But I also do think that that we need to be cognizant of the individuals that need to get around Newport.

Um, so hopefully this provides you some additional information that you can use to help accommodate.

Um of the things that that was said in in the communication to me was that the tables and chairs on the pond side of the sidewalk are borderline blocking the sidewalk, and I wouldn't want to be a wheelchair or stroller.

For the most part, you can get through, but when folks sit with dogs or strollers in the sidewalk, it's a challenge and can you tend to lead people to have to cross the street to go around it.

Um I'm also wondering it it was said that at times you have a cart that is on the same section of the sidewalk.

Um how is how is that going to a tribute to to the concerns of council?

Yeah, we had the cart running for two weeks, and that was genuinely to help locals get access to getting coffee from us.

And then we got an email from the city saying to take it away.

So we took away the cart.

Um and we're sort of didn't fully understand putting out the cart that that wasn't allowed.

And then once we found out we're like, pull the cart, don't have the cart out.

So that is no longer out.

Okay.

And now is is there there's a driveway on the other side?

Is that an area that that maybe the tables can go, or it was that ever an option that you considered?

Yeah, we would love to.

The building is privately owned, not by us, and the landlord does not want us to have tables out there because we want his he wants his tenants to be able to park there.

Okay, thank you.

Mr.

Chair.

Um I drive by this every day.

And there's there is room on that that where that sidewalk cafe would be.

And it has been.

I mean, it's it's it's it's proven.

Um, the other issues, which I'm not, I don't want to get into, but we're having the city work on it, and I think we can come out with a solution.

And um, and I think we just need to move forward with this vote.

So thank you.

Mr.

Chairman, you uh, you know, we want to work in the city, we want to be in compliance.

So yeah, anything that we can do to sort of help be more wheelchair accessible, we would love to, and that is a big part of our community, and we do not want to deter anyone from feeling like they can come into the Nitro Bar.

If that means removing those stanchions and putting down tape.

We'll go and do that tonight.

And Mr.

Chair, I just want to make one comment.

Um these lines are not filled with tourists, these lines are filled with residents.

Yeah, and these tables are used by residents.

So I I just want to make that clear that it's it's these are people who live here.

Yeah, no, uh absolutely.

Um, Newport is a tourist city, but we you know we have so many locals that that join us at our shops um that we're super grateful for local support community.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chairman Politano.

Uh yes.

Um, you know, I applaud you on your success.

However, yeah.

Uh how would this particular setup help to ease the flow of traffic there?

Uh I can tell you every single Sunday as I go by.

Yeah, sometimes I can't even get through because people are walking across the street.

They don't it's a really small section.

Yeah.

Then you have cars parked on both sides.

It is ridiculous.

I I you know, how would this facilitate or help the situation?

How would this having the outdoor?

I honestly think without it, we're gonna get, which I've already seen, more people accumulating in that area without seating, you could have 30 people easily have 30 people.

Right.

So the seating sort of makes it so it's limited.

You can't have 30 people like sat in that little corner.

Um I think the seating will help limit actually the flow of humans and how far out we are into the sidewalk.

We've also implemented a new host that works every single day from seven to four, that their sole job is basically helping the line and the flow and making sure that there is accessibility and space and the sidewalks are clear and the tables are clear.

Um that's something we've just implemented in the last two weeks.

So we've seen a great response from that.

But yeah, we're also open to any feedback that anyone has on other solutions, more than happy to try those.

Mr.

Chairman, I'll spin it.

Thank you.

Um first, I just want to say thank you very much for um the life that you bring to our community.

I live in first board, but I I often see um the business that your coffee shop brings in.

Um also thank you for your activism for marginalized lives in this community.

I think that's an important part of your story as well, and it is appreciated.

So I do believe wholeheartedly that you will do everything and anything you can um to help those who are feeling hindered by the lines um not feel that way.

I follow your TikTok, so I know that people come from all over.

Absolutely.

That's right.

So you know, that being said, I think that you have an amazing business.

I think that you've been really good residents, citizens, and business owners in this community.

Um, it's not going to be without some complaint and concern.

That's just a fact.

Um when you own and operate a business in a small community like ours.

So I do hope that this can be resolved.

And I do believe that you will try to resolve it between yourselves and and the residents that are feeling impacted.

So I do appreciate what you've done for our community.

And I hope you walk away feeling that you've contributed greatly, and that you know it's you're doing the best that you can.

But that is so kind.

I'm not saying thank you so much.

That is very sweet.

Yeah, thank you.

Mr.

Chairman, Council Carlin.

I thank Councillor Pinnock for those uh remarks and and councillor Smythe for her remarks, and I thank the owners of the Nitro Bar uh for your willingness, um just paraphrasing to do anything uh that you need to uh in order to satisfy folks.

Uh I would uh certainly not be in opposition to granting this permit, provided that you meet with our disability advocate, uh the residents of the Newport Housing Authority Pond Avenue location.

Uh and uh frankly, folks that uh including those uh who who use the area to access uh ultimately the Martin Luther King Center uh for daily needs, including nutrition.

Uh so uh I I don't think we're in too much of a rush to provide a yes on that.

Having said what I said, provided you take those ropes down in my ward, uh or in the third ward, uh which are also impeding.

Uh I would have no problem uh once you all meet with who I said approving this, but until then I would suggest we continue this item, and I will make a formal motion to continue this item, and I asked for a second for the reasons that I mentioned.

Second motion and second, any discussion.

I I don't see a reason to continue this.

They they've for six plus years have had the these sidewalk tables, which we are talking about again on Pond Avenue, four tables, I believe, from the the diagram.

So I I don't see the reason to continue this.

I think I think in my opinion that the owners have shown they've been very hospitable neighbors, they've done a lot for the community, and I'm I would agree.

I mean, I would imagine you can tell me right now that you you're willing to work with anyone that we ask you to work for.

So there's no need to continue this any further.

So chairman, uh, I think you're doing a bit of a disservice to the owners.

Perhaps the vote uh I call the vote to continue this motion.

So uh all those in favor of the case.

Mr.

Chairman, you it's not calling a vote.

You need a second and you need a council vote to bring the vote forward.

I call the vote.

Second, motion and second.

I have uh on the on the motion, please, Mr.

Chairman.

I have more to say.

I won't be long, but I have more to say.

I would urge my colleagues to vote against the motion to vote immediately.

Allow one more minute of debate, please.

This is on the continuation.

Allow one, no, it is not.

Allow one more minute on the continuation.

Voting on the continuation.

You called the vote to continue for the continuation.

Correct.

And so I am saying allow one more moment or one more minute to debate it, please.

I we have a motion to call the vote on the continuation.

Aye.

Right.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

And I have a show of hands, please as the ayes and the nays.

This is this is this is a call to for to continue to whether or not to continue.

Motion to continue.

Yes.

So okay, voted on the motion.

The chairman, if I understand this correctly, Mr.

Chairman, uh, based on my motion to continue this, the reasons I described.

You said no, we should not continue this.

And you asked for essentially an immediate vote on the continuance request.

I argued that I needed one more minute to continue the argument.

So uh your question of whether we should immediately vote on the continuance is what is on the table now.

I I would suggest that we allow one more minute.

Uh and um the vote is as you said uh properly before us with the second, but I would urge a no vote on calling the question immediately.

It just gives us another minute or so to discuss.

The motion to end debate.

Right.

That that is I completely and totally disagree with the solicitor.

But that's my opinion.

Thank you for dismissing me, Mr.

B.

Given the advice and it's not debatable.

I I believe it is debate about the code.

I don't know.

What are we voting on?

Ms.

We are voting on to continue this motion.

Okay.

All those in favor of continuing this.

Please raise your right hand.

Ms.

Mr.

Chairman, with with due respect, point of order.

The motion is not before us is not a motion to continue the item.

The motion is whether we should stop debate on the question of the continuance.

That is correct.

Okay.

So once you end debate, you still have the motion.

Right.

After that, you have the end of debate on the motion to continue, and then you have the vote on the question before the council.

So all those in favor of ending the debate on the continuation, raise your right hand.

No.

So now we have the continuation.

Mr.

Chairman, on the uh no, you just ended the debate.

This is ridiculous.

I'm sorry.

So you take a vote on the continuation now.

Okay.

Mr.

Chairman, I'll be able to do that.

All those in favor motion.

All those in favor of continuing this motion, raise your right hand.

All those opposed, raise your right hand.

Mr.

Chairman, on the motion.

Or on, I should say.

Now on the item.

On the item.

Uh I would suggest that my colleagues vote against this for the reasons that I've spelled out.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chair.

Okay.

Council Pinnock.

Sorry.

Solicitor being.

I just want to make sure we are now actually voting on whether or not to proceed with giving them the license.

Yes.

Okay.

Thank you.

All right.

All in favor of granting the sidewalk license.

Please raise your right hand.

All those opposed.

It's just Mr.

Chairman.

Can I just suggest that you do speak with uh the person from the disability?

Yeah.

We'd be happy to give you her phone number.

We would love nothing more to be connected and make sure that we are as accessible as possible.

And that is something that's incredibly important to both of us.

So we would love to thank you so much.

Thank you.

Okay.

Thank you all so much.

All right.

Next up is uh appointments of boards and commissions.

Um for appointments.

Uh as council liaison to connection Latina Newport.

Um I make a motion that we uh or I am appointing Ellen Pinock.

I have a second.

Got a motion and a second.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed.

All right.

Um we are putting together ad hoc resiliency and sustainability fund steering committee.

Uh this is a nine-month term expiring April 22nd, 2027.

Uh, there are seven members uh or seven individuals that are going to be appointed to this uh steering committee.

Uh first is Tyler Bernadin.

Second is Mary Ellen Atkins, third is Caroline Richards, fourth is Thomas Gibson Jr.

Fifth is Ally Oakley, sixth is Thomas Tobin, and seventh is Casey Tremper.

Second.

I got a motion and second, any discussion.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Uh for reappointments to the juvenile hearing board, Tracy Shea, three-year term expiring 1117, 2028.

Second.

Motion and second and discussion.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Next communication.

Next and communications uh motion uh to um is this this is a memorandum.

So am I we making a motion to approve or just to precede this memorandum?

But it it's coming with an accompanying resolution.

So and well, what what are we doing?

Uh resolution.

Okay.

So uh memorandum from the city uh solicitor um concerning Abraham Turo and Judah Toro funds with accompanying resolutions.

Do I have a second?

Second.

Oh, there's yeah.

But well, that's what I'm saying.

Is it motion to approve or is it motion to receive?

What I okay.

If you if it makes it easier, you can receive the memorandum and then address each um resolution separately.

Okay.

Okay.

So motion to receive.

Second.

We have a motion and a second.

All is in favor say aye.

Now the first uh resolution brought me the resolved.

Yes, you want me to read the results?

Yes.

If you if you would like.

Okay.

Uh resolve that the city council apply to the general treasurer to draw the sum of four and a half percent of the value of the Abraham Toro fund valued on March 31st, 2024 for the 2025 year, and four and a half percent of the funds of the Abraham Toro fund valued on March 31st, 2025 for the 2026 year.

Should I continue?

Uh you know, well, the um you don't have to, I can address the resolution now.

Okay, but I am going to ask the council in the second resolve for the resolution for the Abraham Abraham Toro Fund in that second resolve on the third line after the word needed repairs.

We're asking the inclusion of the language or other purposes lawful under section 35-9-1.

Under 35, say that again, under which section?

After the words for needed repairs, and then insert the words or other purposes lawful under section 35-9-1.

Okay, thank you.

So do you want me to make that motion?

Please.

Okay.

Um resolve that any money actually drawn on such fund and actually paid by the general treasurer for the above years may be paid over to the Shahira Israel to um be used for the needed repairs or other purposes lawful under section 35-9-1.

Um to the Turo Synagogue with ex with the expectation that a detailed report of all expenditures be provided to the city council.

Second.

Motion and second, any discussion.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

So uh on the resolution, I'll give a little background on this resolution.

I believe the council just for the benefit of the council and and the public.

Um so this fund actually dates back to a bequest, which is believe it or not, was made back near 1823.

And then this fund has been bodied in section 3519-1 of the general laws of of Rhode Island.

And the actual monies now are being held by the general treasurer, and it's for the benefit of Toro Synagogue, the adjacent cemetery, and the community building.

So what the legislation does, it puts a duty on the city council to cause repairs to be made that the council believes are necessary and proper.

And that formula we had the the statute allows up to 4.5% of the value of the fund uh in any given year to be distributed.

So why is it before the council now and not in previous years?

Well, before 1995, it probably was, but in uh 1995, there was certain legislation.

Well, there's still in the in the act, but um, as you're aware, there's been litigation between the New York congregation and also the local congregation.

And and through this litigation, the New York congregation has been found to be um the owner and entitled to possession of the the uh synagogue.

And prior to uh from 1995 on previously the local congregation had the ability to go to the general treasurer directly to get the money now, based on a recent ruling of the superior court, uh the judge found that the only entity that can um draw on these funds and expend them are the city council of the city of Newport.

So you guys are basically a trustee, and the money there is in trust.

So with that said, you're not gonna be the council isn't gonna be out there inspecting the property and and why and making sure the repairs are done and and and uh directly involved in the payment.

So what this allows is the payment to Congregation Sheriff Israel to receive the money and make those repairs and pay for it, and they'll account to the council for those repairs.

So that's the um uh the whole gist of this resolution.

And you can expect to see a resolution like this in the coming years also.

Okay.

So they can have they can get the money.

I think the there's somewhat of three to four million dollars in this trust fund.

So there's the money would allow these repairs and updates and payment of fees that are allowed under the statute.

Any uh questions?

Uh yes, I'd like to ask the solicitor who determines what um repairs are necessary or done.

Certainly um the uh cemetery behind Toro, uh the graveyard um needs a tremendous amount of work.

Well, the the what we've you've received from the New York congregation, a report of a architect showing that extensive repairs are needed for the Toro synagogue itself.

The building itself, which would probably the money that they're expected to get from this resolution once you draw around that money, it isn't gonna be enough.

So at some point uh I would imagine that in the coming years, each year, they're gonna report back to you what they use the money for.

Okay.

And in coming years, I'm sure they'll be up here presenting you with other plans for the money.

So you are the ones who make that determination, but you're using the this congregation as the tool to get all of this done.

Okay.

And they're the more appropriate body to do that, I would say.

Mr.

Chair.

Thank you.

Um, how is this dispersed?

Is it like a lump sum payment or will they be coming as their needs for it will be a lump sum.

Okay.

We'll we'll pay it over to them, and then they will have to uh they're gonna need money in the coming year.

I mean, next year too.

Right.

I mean, I believe uh there's been some figures of some, you know, the repairs in the couple of million dollars worth of work that needs to be done.

And that's probably just to the synagogue.

And then you got the cemetery and the community building.

So with that said, they're gonna be telling you throughout that.

They they have to, by the resolution, they have to come back with to account for this is what we spent the money on.

So in future years, I'm sure they're gonna tell you, hey, this is what we need it for.

Okay, but the accountability part is on our city staff, like on our finance department.

No, no, no, it'll be on you.

I meant like so as far as the reconciliation goes.

So as they're turning in documentation for their expenditures that comes to the city.

Yeah, we would put that, it would be a communication to go before the council.

It would go on the docket.

Okay.

So it would be a report to you, but would be received by the by the um the staff, the administration.

Now we're gonna take up the second resolution.

That one's a little different.

So I'll get to that where we actually hold the money on that one.

Okay, thank you.

Okay.

So we're we're voting on the first resolution.

Yes.

Any other discussion on the first resolution?

All right.

Any opposed?

I have.

So the the second resolution do deals with the Judah Toro fund.

And that's actually money held in trust by the city of Newport.

Do we need to read resolve or anything on the oh, I'm sorry.

On the second one.

Didn't I read it?

No, that was the first one.

Okay, I'll read it again.

Um motion uh to approve the following resolve that any money actually drawn on such fund and actually paid by the general treasurer for the above years may be paid over to the Shaheir um Israel to be used for only for the needed repairs or the purposes uh lawful under section 35-9-1.

Am I right?

No, that's the that's the first one.

You have to go to the second resolution.

Second resolution.

Ow.

I'm sorry.

Okay, yeah, you're right.

Okay, got it.

Uh that the city council authorizes a draw of the amount of four and a half per 4% of the value of the judit fund based on an average value over a three-year period as determined by the finance department for fiscal year 2027, and resolve that said funds may be paid over to Shahir Israel to be used only for the purposes set forth in the trust established in 35-9-2 as set forth above with the expectation that a detailed report of all expenditures be provided to the city council by Shahir Israel and resolve that the mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents required in order to effectuate such draws and distributions.

And resolve that said funds may be paid over to Shahira Israel to be used only for the purposes set forth in the trust established in 35-9-2 as set forth above with the expectation that a detailed report of all expenditures be provided to the city council by Shahir Israel and resolve that the mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents required in order to effectuate such draws and distributions.

Second.

Motion and second.

So this deals with the what's known as the Judo Toro fund.

And uh it's a bequest um of money.

This is was made to the city of Newport.

Um we hold it in trust.

Um, and it provides uh money for a minister to officiate at the synagogue and to keep in repair and embellishment the cemetery.

So the money there's a lot less in this in this trust.

So the amount of money that would be dispersed based on the recommendation from the finance department is going to be a lot less compared to the Abraham Thorough Fund.

But we're using a standard that we use for all of our trust distributions.

So whenever we have any discretion, finance has a set standard, and that's contained in that resolve for that resolution.

Any discussion?

Yes, Mr.

Chairman's bro.

Uh, does the Judah Toro resolution and the Abraham Toro uh resolution contain the same language with respect to uh toward the end of the resolution and for any other lawful purposes under the statute?

Other words, there's there's a difference in the two resolutions.

Right.

Is there a reason?

Yeah.

The in in which one it appears though the juditoral resolution uh is the one that contains the language and uh for any other lawful purposes under the statute, whereas the Abraham Turo resolution does not include that language, and I'm curious as to why.

Well, they're two separate sections, and it's just a draftsmanship.

In other words, it's still referring to the to the um general laws that establish the Judah Toro uh fund.

Did the uh did the now overseers of uh the synagogue or their attorneys request that we have both resolutions uh mirror each other language-wise in particular?

Did they reach out to the city and ask uh that and for any other lawful purposes under the statute be included in both uh the uh Juda and Abraham resolutions?

The request was made for Abraham for that amendment that I made.

So the the language is in fact inclusive.

I'm sorry, Mrs.

Garland.

So it is in fact included or something uh extraordinarily close to uh and for any other lawful purposes under the statute.

Yes, it will do the same thing effectively.

Yes, thank you.

I think the Abraham Toro Fund was more it had specific um purposes set forth.

Um, and it was uh a concern by the congregation that they might only be limited to those to that use of the fund.

So we added that language at their request uh to allow for uh to spend on any lawful purposes under the statute.

So that's why that there's only an amendment in one of them.

Thank you.

Any other discussion?

All in favor say aye.

Aye, aye.

Opposed.

Next uh communication from Marion Royer, uh DMD Captain DC USN retired supporting improvement in fluoridation for Newport Water.

Do I have a second?

Second, motion is second, any discussion.

Ms.

Roy, how are you today?

Very well, thanks.

Do you want me to say that?

Please go, yeah, go ahead.

You can make a presentation.

Um I'm a general dentist.

I've been a dentist for 46 years.

I live at 428, unit five.

Dr.

Schwechtenbaum just left.

He had to catch the bus back to Providence, but we served on the dental board together, and he just completed 12 years as the dental director of the Department of Health.

He's still teaching at Brown.

We both still work for Care Link.

We come to Village House in St.

Clairs and do dental care.

And we really feel that there's a need for optimal fluoridation of water for everybody, and I feel very strongly about doing what I can to make that happen in this city.

So we're asking for your support just to apply for grants.

We realize we've been three years ago.

We met with the mayor and we've been communicating with Mr.

Schultz, but we need some just your support so that we can apply for grants to make this happen because there needs to be an upgrade to the system with the fluoridation.

I do realize there's a lot going on with our water system, and I don't want to raise the bills anymore, but we want to apply for some grants to make that happen because it's something that everybody will benefit from.

I'm the school dentist in Newport and Portsmouth, too.

So I see that at both ends of the spectrum.

They have any questions?

I would support that.

Right.

All right.

Uh all in favor of the of this um communication, say aye.

Any opposed?

I have it.

Very well.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Remember.

Next uh motion to uh receive a communication from Stephen White concerning requests for review of the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Projects.

Motion a second, any discussion.

How are you tonight?

Go ahead.

It's funny Old Beach Road, uh Newport.

Um Mrs.

Johnson would like to join us.

Um we're requesting approval for the design of the Newport Mobile Path.

Uh we have uh submitted the uh digital images, and we have a model that we look forward to bringing in to the table.

Uh and now we need to hold it for about 10 minutes overall.

Uh, and so uh appreciate it.

Mr.

Jank you so very much, and I'm just gonna say a few words and allow Mr.

Bonder and Mr.

White.

Are you gonna be the director?

Gonna bring the okay, bring them in.

You know, I'm happy.

You know, I'm pleased, you know, I'm excited, absolutely to the limit, because our team is really investigated a lot of time and a lot of effort.

And I need to tell you that the expertise that is on this team is so admirable.

These people uh you sit down and you listen to their plans and you say that's a purpose.

We know what the purpose is, let's go get it.

And that's exactly what they do, and that's why we are back here today.

We have with us Julian Bondon Bonder, and he did the North Save Trade in France, and they have millions of people that have gone through that actual memorial.

And you know what?

Newport's gonna have millions of people come to Newport, not only for the memorial for African Americans, but also for the Martin Lyman Hazard House for the Edwin Kane Mafaris Center for Black History, and we do have here tonight, and I want to recognize her, and that is Gare Borstones sitting over there.

We worked in alliance with her, and when we presented these plans, we presented them to Tree and Open Space, and we presented them to the port sculpture committee.

And when we left, you could see the smiles on everybody's faces, the admiration that they had for our courage and for our insistence to continue to make sure that African Americans and the city of Newport are honored.

The piece that I love the most, and I love the memorial, especially the illuminating part at night when it's gonna light up the sky.

The other piece I like the most is what we call the um it's it's it's gonna be like as long as uh traffic light from traffic light to traffic light on the um square on the not the square on the memorial, and it's a panel that's gonna be that long, and on that panel, other organizations will be able to put their history down, or people can put ads in, come see us.

We are part of Newport, and we think that's a very important added piece to our memorial for the visitors that come here because we'll probably be the first memorial to direct people to other organizations so they can learn more about Newport in its history.

So here we go.

They brought it in in time finish, and I am finished, but I am now telling you that our top priority, and it will happen, is our support campaign, our capital campaign.

We're going full force by September.

So be ready to get into it.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

I just like to uh clarify a couple of um points uh before turning it over to uh the designer Julian Bonder.

We we so appreciate working with the city, uh Colin Kettie, Kennedy's city manager, Bill Rickio Director of Public Services, Maureen Cronin, uh chair of the train open space commission and Scott Wheeler.

We secured the site as outlined in the material that we submitted.

I just wanted to say that to the group uh here and received site approval last year in May, which we appreciate from the council.

We've uh worked since uh last summer to develop the design that's presented here.

Um an important idea with our fundraising is the fundraising is not only for the capital expenses, but it is for a maintenance fund.

We are committed to a maintenance fund to support the ongoing maintenance of the space.

Uh, and we look forward to roughly uh a next step of working with Ride Out on uh construction and um design and construction review with Ride is next, and we expect a year to 15 month overall construction.

And so Julian Bonder is is the designer, he is the um architect for the memorial to the abolition of slavery in Nantes in France.

It's a site that's visited by more than two people, two million people so far.

Uh and uh Julian Bonder is joining us thinking.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Uh can you can you hear me?

Yes.

Um it's uh it's an honor and a pleasure to be to be here before you and before our colleagues, and it's an honor to have joined for so many years the efforts of our dear friends, you know, that are trying to get this project in Newport moving.

Now I have lots of images that probably you've seen, you know, on the deck.

There's a slide deck, and we'll just go very quickly, you know.

But but I'd like to start by saying or by asking a question.

You know, it's difficult for me because I'm I'm also a professor of architecture, you know, at Roger Williams University for more than well, many years, you know.

So it's like 27 years as a professor here in Rhode Island, and uh and uh and I'm interested in in understanding how we move forward with our commemorative processes and how do we think about memory in public space.

Now I'd like to invite all of us again, if we can, for just five seconds to locate in your mind a significant event in your life, something that is important, just stay five seconds, some celebration or something, stay there for five seconds.

Now, as you see that event, look in your mind's eye, the space in which that event took place.

Five seconds.

Now, what you've done is a short act of memory.

Memory is not an object, memory is an action, is a way of thinking about something that happened, perhaps to us.

But when we think about public space, and when we think about the history and commemorating, you know, the kind of middle passage is a story that is told, but is it not still is a story that may be felt, but not specifically, because it may have happened long time ago.

And then one of that's one of the reasons that we create memorials and public spaces.

Can we go quickly through the through the images?

I'll just keep going.

So we honor no bit a bit so we honor the lives of captive Africans who perish in the Middle Classic journey and the slave trade, and to celebrate the economic and cultural contributions of the survivors of descendants who built Newport and America.

This is an extremely important idea.

This is the mission statement from the Middle Passage group in Newport.

Let's keep going.

Keep going.

This is just you know, keep going that, you know, and now we see that this has to do with the kind of all the seacoast, you know, all along this the shore of the of the of the Atlantic Ocean.

Keep going, and you'll see markers, markers in everything.

And and and when Ms.

J and the team asked me to see what can we do here?

We said, well, of course, we could put a plaque.

But there was something else happening in Newport and in Rhode Island as a way of commemorating and thinking, and that's where it started.

Let's keep going.

Unmarked sites, you know.

You know, we see all the research, you know, and we keep going with that idea.

And then we start to think about okay, what are the connections?

And Narragansett Bay is the kind of the center of the story, you know, in kind of in Rhode Island.

So how can we connect this site and contribute to redefine the physical and cultural landscape in Newport and Rhode Island?

It's a question, you know, that we have in our minds.

Keep going with this.

So there's a history of this place, history in slavery, and keep going with this.

And the key here is that we intend to commemorate between my present and future generations to grapple with a lesson that was articulated by a complex past, as Coretta Scott King reminded us.

Struggle is never ending process.

Freedom is never really won.

You earn it and win it in every generation.

I think this is an important thing that we are trying to unfold here.

Let's keep going with this.

Now, the key of this is how do we ask questions in public space.

James Baldwin suggested that the questions that one yeah that we ask ourselves begin at least to illuminate the world and are the key to the experience of others.

Keep going with that.

That's an image of the memorial in France that was mentioned before.

Going with this.

So again, with James Baldwin, we must say yes to life and embrace.

It's an affirmation of life, what we intend to do here.

Keep going with this.

We'll keep moving faster.

Again, the idea is this is an instrument for memory.

It's not an object.

Keep going with this.

We think about contemplation, we think about public assembly, and we think about materials that is wood, and we'll get to three things that are important the experience of passage, the idea of a vessel, site as a vessel, and a journey as an experience.

Let's keep going with that.

So those two are this, and then we see the site historic map of Newport, the location of the site, the triangular space, triangular space there.

One more.

Keep going with this.

Yeah, and we'll see one more.

And then we begin to see the history of the site, construction of Newport, you know, one more.

And we see the cobblestones on Thame Street that Miss J, you know, many times alluded to.

You know, what is to walk the streets?

And we'll see how we intend to think about this place as of now.

More, more, more as the site.

Now, the Newport Middle Passions is envisioned as a journey.

There's a journey that will invite visitors to engage in a memorable experience.

Next one.

More, more.

You see the site, the survey, you know, and then design of the process.

Oops, let's let's next one.

Yeah.

You see, that's what we intend to propose.

What we're proposing that we shared with the sculpture commission and we share with a kind of an open tree, you know, open space commission.

And let's see, next one.

Now you see two things, four things that are important here: a line.

As Miss J alluded to is the idea that history will be toin as a line of history, will be marked, you know, in a way.

There's a ground that we call the commemorative ground, then there's a vessel, which is that form, which is the oval space, and then there's the green buffer that will protect the space from America's Cup, you know, and the streets.

Now, next one.

You begin to see that.

And then all what we call the vessel is constructed in wood.

Let's keep going with this.

One more, one more, you know.

And that's partly the image of this.

Now, we'll see the model in a second.

I hope you will be able to walk around and see it, you know.

But the concept keep going with this is that these are vertical wood, very heavy timber, laminated wood that are on the one hand express kind of a sense of solid, you know, and the other hand express the idea of transparency, you know, and you will see it as we continue to go, and you'll see it in the model.

The idea again, a line of history and a vessel that invites conversation, invites contemplation, invites discussion.

You know, this uh uh the the next one over.

You see, the line of history was also sort of something that we've done in France with where we place histories and where we told us histories and how we do that, and next one over.

And this was also something that I've seen in the Kennedy Rose Greenway Boston, which was very significant for me because it's just a line of history.

Keep going, and you will see that.

You know, next one over.

You begin to see that there are ways in which we can use public space to tell stories, to invite conversations, and the idea here fundamentally is this will be a gathering place, a place for contemplation, a place that that that that as a void, as an open space will invite people to come and visit.

Next one over.

And then we look at materials.

And they're working with laminated timber.

So the idea here is to create a very durable and very powerful experience using wood.

For example, they've done vehicle bridges.

So I just keep going with that.

You'll see the notion of laminating.

So we're looking at different species, and that has to do with how we will develop this, both in terms of cost and fabrication and construction.

Next one over.

We're looking already at techniques of construction, how we will do that, how we'll frame, how we'll anchor this to the ground.

Next one over.

Again, the questions that have to do with illuminating the world.

That's what we think Newport and this project can help do, which is to illuminate to bring people together.

Next one over.

And you begin to see the model, the green buffer, you know, that is also connected to again sort of uh the notion of a green space that will change, you know, according to the seasons.

Next one over, you begin to see the saudis with with our landscape architects.

We're beginning to develop that, you know.

Many of you recognize some of these coasts, you know, which are very close here.

You know, those are some other kind of tall grasses to create a sense of buffer, and then you see next one over, and suddenly something happened in my studio because I left the model there in the morning, and suddenly I went in the afternoon.

I saw this.

Next one, next one, next one.

And what happened was that this is the same orientation that Newport has on that particular site.

And suddenly you begin to see that while we think of solid and materials, we're actually looking at light, light that will illuminate the experience of others.

Next one over.

Keep going, and we'll get to the end in a sec.

So that's partly what we're trying to do again to create an instrument for memory, a working memorial that will welcome celebrations, public assembly, a forum for social and cultural engagement, a memorial that will it will deal with storytelling again.

As King as Martin Luther King suggested, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

And when we begin this begun this meeting today, the pledge of the allegiance ends with that justice for all.

And in a certain way, partly to make this place visible, to make a story visible in public space is a form of justice.

And we're trying to do that with you know our friends and our team here.

And I think if you would like to, if it's possible to stand up for a second and take a look at the models.

We have to continue the meeting, and maybe we can check it out after the meeting's over.

If that's if that's okay.

But do we have any questions or comments from the council?

Mr.

Chair, Spinnick.

Thank you.

I just want to um say to Mrs.

J, especially.

Thank you very much, Mrs.

J for everything that you've done in this community to make sure that the lives that have been hidden for so long are visible.

Um, you do you I don't think really grasp the way that you've paved the way for so many of us?

And as small and as cute as you are, I always say we stand on the shoulders of giants, and they're definitely yours.

So I'm really proud to see this start to come into fruition.

Thank you to um the designer artist for your presentation and for your explanation and for shedding the light on the history that was hidden for so long.

Appreciate it.

Thank you.

Anyone questions um I got I I have to ask.

So can do we have actual dimensions of what uh especially height, because that's I know that's um one thing that's been brought up.

Um from people I know this is put out in on some publication.

So um what other dimensions of this?

How high is this thing?

May I pass this model you could take a look while I while I sure motion to accept second motion seconds very so you will see the transparency on the moment the dimensions in plan are around 30 by 40 feet, the height is 16 feet.

Uh the the wood elements are in principle around five inches wide, 24 inches deep and 16 feet tall, laminated timber.

They're all repetitive, the same.

So the kind of construction and the concept is is about that idea, you know, sort of repetitive repetition and sameness.

And while it looks solid, it's totally transparent.

You know, and that's that's partly the response.

The height is about 16 feet tall.

So the there would only be one of these on the property, or yeah, yeah, yeah.

Okay.

So one's white and one's no, the the reason is that these are more like techniques of making models that we are using 3D printing, you know, to to test these models.

And then the material is the wood, one that the counselor Carlin has in front of him.

It's it's been uh as I don't know, Council Pinacas has mentioned, um, it's it's been just a long haul to get this project to where it's been at to finally find us not you.

Um this is this is I I can say my own perspective, it's it's great to finally have a place for it, and now we're actually getting into the actual uh the part where we can actually see it come to fruition.

So I I think that's fantastic.

Um, but I do have to just make sure that as an entire city that it's gonna it's gonna fit from a perspective for uh for everyone.

Um I know it means a lot to so many people and myself included.

Um so I just want to make sure when when this is finally approved that it's it's gonna be something that we're all gonna be very proud of, and I have no question that that's gonna happen.

Um so thank you for for all your efforts, Ms.

Jay, and uh and everyone.

So Mr.

Chapman.

Um Council Cycle.

I just have a question about the process of this.

I mean, it the on the docket it says that this is a request for review.

So um, but it looks like you have a meeting with Ryde tomorrow.

And what is what what is what is the process that we're what's that's happening here?

The process should be to go to the tree and open space commission and the public sculpture commission, then the city council, and then to write up for further review.

The review, but not necessarily approval yet, or what uh we understood a review to be for approval.

Um before we I'm sorry, say that again.

Review for purpose of review would be to consider approval.

Okay.

And um understanding it earlier in the in the process uh that ultimately uh projects on Ride property uh are reviewed by their team design.

True.

I'm just wondering if the right dot should be looking at this before us.

I I'm so right out certainly will right out um needs to see the construction plans and determine if they are acceptable uh from their perspective.

Um I certainly you know the elephant in the room here is that some of you uh appear to have some concerns about scope particularly particularly height, and I would I would opine that nothing can uh the group does not have permission to continue with fundraising and construction unless you approve of the design.

So that would come in the form of a resolution contingent on write-out approval.

Uh, I think that's the next step.

Um, and if there are discussions that need to take place between groups and the free and open space commission and the public sculpture commission community, uh this would be the time.

This this is the moment to do that prior to the commitment to any fundraising and and ultimate design.

Okay, so this the approval would come to us in the form of a resolution.

Yes, yes, counsel.

I think I think you you submit a you you know, a one of you submits a resolution receives post sponsors that ultimately speak to what you know what you're willing to send to right out, and then it proceeds from that.

Okay.

Okay.

I have a a quick just could I ask Julian Bonder a question?

Um I like the design, I think it's very beautiful, and I like the fact that the light goes through it.

I'm I'm a little concerned, and just tell me your experience with having these you know sort of wall with sections between that allow light, certainly.

What is your experience with people hiding in there or people, you know?

I mean, we have a lot very busy downtown, and you know, it's just I mean, how how does how does that work in your experience with these types of um structures uh thank you for the question?

It is it is an extremely interesting question because at some level one can say that any time there is a structure or a or a sculpture or a public space, there will be questions about how you keep it, how you maintain it, how you use it, what is proper, what is not proper.

All of those things are really important.

You know, now the the I believe that all of those can be solved and discussed and developed.

There are examples, there are many examples of large public spaces in the world memorials.

The one that we designed in France is around 350 meters, 350 yards long, and is an underground space, you know, that that uh that two million people visited uh in more than 12 years, and the city has embraced the challenge, let's say, of a project of such a project, you know, and has adopted the idea that this becomes a pedagogical place, becomes a place for not only tourism but or learn classes and discussion.

But from your experience, yeah.

Is it would it would it be a place for people to hide in?

Would it be a place for somebody to, you know, I I'm just I'm just asking, I'm throwing this out there.

I'm just wondering if like maybe fewer of the walls so that people could actually see into it.

I and and I you know I'm just asking the question.

I'm just not I you know your your questions are extremely important.

I mean, there's no doubt about that.

We tested, we have probably a hundred different models.

We tried more separation, less separation, bigger, smaller, taller, curvy, not curvy.

We can show you all of that, which is in our boxes in our toolkit.

But one of the things that that we discovered is that there's a certain proportion of openness and closeness that happens here that appears to be working very well at many levels.

Now the approach to the project we had before when we work working in Liberty Square was much more in close.

And we started this phase with the same form, you know.

What's this?

Right, I mean much more enclosed.

Yeah.

Yeah, please go ahead.

One thing that's that's happened in the design is the spacing of the verticals has is uh open enough to see through and close enough to keep people from moving through and going out to the other side was one of the determinants.

And I have a telepathic connection, and so I jump in sometimes.

Right, I think I do, right?

We're brothers, yeah.

No, but but I think that's a very important point, you know, and and uh and I do believe that all of this needs what we call calibration, you know.

Uh basically, this is uh kind of a what what we could call a very developed concept, you know, that we hope we would get the support to continue as uh city manager just mentioned, so that we can get to our next basis, which include again fundraising, construction, technologies, you know, all of those things to make this probably the first of this kind in the United States, and we have support supporters, not only our group, but you know, part of our board or advisors, you know, Professor Henry Lewis Gates, you know, whom you may perhaps know, who's the chairman of you know, uh uh his professor at Harvard, but is also director of Hutchins Center.

You may have in PBS.

So he loves this project, and he wants the support, you know, he said the first thing in you know in in all the United States to be done in Newport.

He is really into it to help us, you know, and send us a video, share with you.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chair, Council Smith.

Um, I just want to thank you for all your hard work.

I know that this is many years in the making.

There have been many meetings with the tree in open space.

Um multiple design perspectives.

Um I am happy to write up a resolution to present at our next council meeting requesting council approval and to move forward to present to write out.

Well, we know right outs um right outs uh um approval or their opinion before that.

I I just feel that that's important.

We we won't.

Uh so as the council you're approving uh a communication to write out saying here are our construction plans.

But Ride Out can that it's within their prerogative to make changes or make requests uh on their proper.

Okay, thank you.

Please go into the podium and say, Mary White and then uh 20 Old Beach Road.

And I just wanted to say that as the project manager on this for this middle passage, I have spoken to Ride at all along the way.

They have seen some of this stuff.

They really don't want to get too involved.

Uh since it's in your city, they understand that they want to do like line of sight to your point of the height.

So they'll do all of that kind of evaluation, and they will also um determine uh uh other safety measures uh and so forth.

So that's good.

They but they prefer to do it from more of a technical point of view.

Yeah, that's what I'm looking for, is the more technical.

Council Crawl.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

So thank you all for the presentation.

Uh Vicky, thank you very much for your hard work on this.

Uh and as to at least a certain degree, the face of this uh this project.

Uh though it is honorable that the uh the councillor Smythe would put forward a resolution like that.

Uh we certainly will not have any uh final outcome from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation uh or others, I presume before um the first week of November.

So I caution uh that with at least three new members of the city council coming on board as of December 1st.

That new council will certainly want to review almost every aspect of what you're putting forward.

Uh let's not rush with such a resolution, though I commend you for the idea.

All right, uh further discussion.

Uh we're gonna take a vote on except receiving the communication.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

I have it.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Action item 6649.

Uh, the city manager along with the IT department recommends the council approve the acceptance of a grant award of 262,500 from Rhode Island Emergency Management on behalf of uh federal emergency management's SLG SLCGP uh to purchase and implement um replacement core switching hardware.

Um I move this is currently budgeted and I move approval.

Second motion and second, any discussion.

All is in favor say aye.

I action item 6650, the preservation planner within the Department of Planning and Development recommends the award of RFP 2026 FIN 004 to Brewster Thornton Group Architects of Providence, Rhode Island for the completion of the Newport Navy Hospital feasibility study.

This is currently budgeted.

I move approval.

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Action item 6651, the Department of Public Services recommends approval of the contract for restoration of the Rogers High School tennis courts at a not to exceed 390,408 dollars.

This is currently budgeted.

I move approval.

A motion and second, any discussion.

Mr.

Chairman, Council Carlin.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Uh I have uh a number of questions about this, though I am not uh anywhere near uh an expert on tennis court restoration or all things tennis for that matter, but a constituent of mine knows quite a bit and asked me a few questions.

So with your permission, council's permission, uh I'd like to uh ask Mr.

Rochelle uh to uh Brian Rochelle to uh unless there is any other questions from the council uh to ask the questions of the council, which we will then ask of the administration regarding the project.

Mr.

Rochelle brought a number of uh good questions to my attention, and I am afraid I just could not answer them based on uh the supporting documents that the city provided with your permission, Mr.

Chairman.

Uh Mr.

Ms.

uh Brian uh Brian Rochelle 214 Carroll Avenue.

Um actually a lot of my questions have been answered based on the documentation you provided, uh counselor.

Um it's actually looks like a pretty good project.

My only I think remaining questions are what's the time frame of this?

Um and just so you know, I'm sort of here on I I've spoken with the AD who could not be here, and and the tennis coach who could not be here tonight.

Um I have a daughter on the tennis team, so I have a bit of an interest here as well.

Um and so the tennis team begins their practices this summer on or about the 17th of August.

Um so the tennis team begins their practices this summer on or about the 17th of August.

Is this intended to be done?

You know, quick, fast, and hurry-like, or is this something that's gonna need to be done and they're gonna push these kids somewhere else?

Real quick, Mr.

Chairman, uh Brian, the AD being the athletic director at Roger Sigh School, correct?

Yes, John Hayna.

Um, so those are really the questions is really what the timing is like, and if it if it is going to go forward, which based on what I've seen, it certainly makes sense to go forward in the either in the fall or the spring because winter construction for this stuff it doesn't adhere well in cold weather.

So um Mr.

Chairman, one more question, Brian.

When do uh if I might when does uh the tennis practice begin uh uh for the Rogers students of August 17th of August is the current facility, the current court uh on all four suitable for use for practice?

Uh no, that's okay.

Thank you.

When they brought the kids outside when the gym came down and they started using it all even all winter, they they utilize that those tennis courts for everything, and they just got took a beating.

Thank you.

So can we get an answer for Mr.

Rochelle's question about uh for the director of public services and let's uh Bill, could you help answer the question about timing?

I I will know while he's walking up that uh if I mean as much as we would like to have the courts available for practice if they're not suitable for practice, that's um that's an issue.

That's an issue.

So in that sense, all right.

I miss Ricky.

We don't have a defined schedule yet because what usually happens is after a um an award by council, we then have to go through all the contract administration and get signatures, etc.

etc.

But we will work as we would always do with all parties involved to best accommodate schedules across the board.

So I agree if they're not you know 100% usable by by the team, it's better to get it done as rapidly as possible to pair for the next Mr.

Chair and uh realistically though, if we were to sign everything and get everything okay tomorrow.

What would be the feasibility of getting it done by the 17th?

Um probably uh Flimton.

I don't know off the top of my head if we had a contractor hasn't worked this into his schedule, but that's an easy call.

We can make it uh council segments.

Is there a is there a plan?

I mean, I know the uh the uh director isn't here, but I mean is there a plan to have them go to Carroll Avenue or I mean where the you know the new courts there or I mean the two brand new courts.

The two brand new courts, yes.

And they've used those in the past or the um the other pop flak.

Um and that would be when I talked to the coach, he said he could do some of that summer.

It's you know, they do ladder play to make sure who's gonna be number one and two and so forth.

Um that could be done up at alternate courts, but then they would need the the city's um coordination to um restrict those for the time of night.

Right, that's so we could start.

Yeah, that we can do that, yeah.

Mr.

Chairman, it's called thank you.

Uh thanks, Brian.

Bill, uh just one counselor asking, but I'm sure my colleagues would agree.

Uh let's give priority, please for the use of uh the courts at the rich.

We we did spend an enormous amount of money on that, uh, counselor Segley.

Thank you.

There was about 740,000 for both the courts tennis-wise and basketball-wise, uh, a redo about uh 19 months ago.

So Bill, let's give uh priority, please to the kids.

Thanks.

Any further questions?

All right, all in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

I so action item 6652.

The Department of Public Services recommends approval of the contract for the purchase and installation of a splash pad and shade structure with ADA accessible sidewalks and fencing for the John Chafee recreation area at a not to exceed cost of 421,642 and 73 cents.

This is currently budgeted.

I move approval.

Motion and second, any discussion?

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Aye seven.

Action item 6653, the Department of Public Services recommends approval of a contract for the purpose for the purchase and installation of a replacement playground at Aquidnik Park for not to exceed cost of 180,007.

Uh, this is currently budgeted.

I move approval.

And I know that this is going to be very, very happy.

Make some people happy.

So just we have a motion of second.

Any discussion?

Yes, Mr.

Chairman.

Very briefly.

Let's get an extra.

First of all, uh, with the explanation as to what's happening there, tell us uh if you would, Bill, Director Richio.

I know my colleagues know.

Administration knows, but for the public, tell us where Aquinick Park is and what you're doing there with this award.

This is the playground adjacent to the Edward King House.

Um, and this is a complete upgrade of the existing facility due to um current conditions.

Um it's it's been part of our playground CIP for a number of years.

Um, and as you know, we've uh we try to do one a year a couple of years ago with some ARPA funds.

We're able to execute on four.

So we have a lot throughout the city.

So we're trying to make them um equal throughout and usable for a complete spectrum of of agents.

Appreciate that.

Uh it is physically located in the third ward, uh, but like the prior item uh at the Chafee uh recreation area.

Doesn't make a difference.

Ward lines don't make a difference here.

It's a city uh to council Segley's excellent point.

It's going to make a lot of people happy, especially the young ones.

Thank you, Bill.

Council Segley.

That's it.

Thank you, Bill.

About further discussion, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Action item 6654.

The Department of Public Services recommends approval of the contract for the purchase of one 2027 Ford Transit cargo van for not to exceed amount of 62,880 and 50 cents from government mhq of Oxford, Massachusetts.

This is currently budgeted.

I move approval.

Second.

Motion is second, any discussion.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

The Department of Public Services recommends approval of a contract with VHB Inc.

of Providence, Rhode Island to provide consultant engineering services for design and construction administration services based on their submitted proposal for the not to exceed total amount of 168,400 to redesign the traffic and pedestrian signal and intersection at K Street, Turo Street, and Bellevue Avenue.

This is currently budgeted.

I move approval.

Second.

Motion and second, any discussion.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Action item 6656.

The grants office within the Department of Resilience and Sustainability recommends the city council authorized submission of an application to FEMA fiscal year 2024 flood mitigation assistance program requesting a not to exceed 300,000 request for support of a voluntary flood audit pilot program for residential homes in Newport's historic point neighborhood.

The project requires 25% non-federal cost share estimated at not to exceed 100,000, which will be included in the fiscal year 28 CIP.

If awarded grant funding will support a partnership with the Point Association, the Newport Restoration Foundation, and Inshore Corporation to provide homeowners with individual flood risk assessments and resilience recommendations.

I move approval.

Second, Mr.

Chairman, just a quick point motion and second.

All those in quick point of order.

Yes, go ahead.

Thank you.

Um I do have a question about this uh action item, uh, but I I want to uh note for the uh vice chair that we we do need to address uh action item number 13.

I I don't think we we addressed the topic signal improvement project.

Did we yeah we just did it?

We did.

I thought we were addressing uh yeah, right before that was a Bellevue, the Bellevue Avenue.

Thank you, pardon.

I lost that then.

Question I have uh regarding the uh FEMA application uh uh with respect to the flood audit pilot project and the point.

Um will we for the administration include the entire point very specifically?

Will we include Marsh Street, Poplar Street, Elm Street, all of second, all of third, and all of Washington, please?

Yes.

Oh, I'm sorry.

You director crane, do you want to add anything?

Teresa Green, Director of Resilience Sustainability.

The answer is yes.

Thank you.

All right, any further discussion?

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Action item 6657, the City of Newport Department of Utilities recommends that a contract for water and wastewater system rate study, public outreach and education with RAFTELS Financial Consultants, Charlotte, North Carolina be amended in accordance with change order number two, change order number two increases the contract value by 585,168 for a new total contract amount not to exceed 1,394,493.

Changes to water pollution control division rate structure and rates, uh billing readiness, public education and outreach, and post and go live support.

Staff further recommends that the council chair be authorized to execute the change order and related contract documents.

I move approval.

Second.

Motion is second.

Any discussion?

Yes, this is currently budgeted, Mr.

Chair.

All right.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Action item 6658, the grants office within the Department of Resilience and Sustainability.

In collaboration with the Harbors uh department recommends that the City Council authorize acceptance of a $1,433,647 grant from the Division of Marine Fisheries of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

The grant comes from the fiscal year uh 25 voting infrastructure grant program tier two and has been awarded to support construction of the Ann Street Pier Expansion Project.

This is currently budgeted.

I move approval.

Second.

All right, motion and second, any discussion.

Mr.

Chairman, thank you to the administration for uh first of all pursuing this.

Thank you to the Rhode Island uh Department of Environmental Management uh for issuing the grant funding to the city question uh if the 1.3 million dollar grant uh exceeds the cost of the Ann Street Pier expansion project.

I don't know if Director Crane is still here.

Uh uh direct uh uh Mr.

Krulo, if we spend more or less, I should say, than the 1.43 million provided by DEM.

Uh will we as a city be uh permitted to use the excess funding for other similar uh projects within the city, or are we grant restricted on this come up and just clarify it?

Oh no, I do Peter Brabante Grants Officer City.

Um Tristan of here from Harbors.

Um, but the purposes of the funds are restricted specifically to the N Street Pier project, and that project is uh expected to run much more than the 1.4 million.

There is a match of 900,000 uh to meet it.

So it would just go toward that project.

Thank you for the answer.

Is the match uh of 900,000 plus uh included in uh the budget by way of the fiscal 27 budget by way of the capital improvement plan?

It is a combination of uh yes, yes, combination of the bond CIP and uh the bond money what never mind thank you good good project, appreciate the work.

Also, Mr.

Chairman, uh something we all share, despite its boundaries being in the third board.

Okay, all right.

Um in favor say aye.

Aye.

Uh um moving on to ordinances, uh motion to amend section 10.56.010 of codified ordinances entitled one way streets designated signs required.

This is a second reading to add bridge street, westbound from Fame Street to America's Cup Avenue.

Do you have a second?

Second.

Motion and second, any discussion?

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Motion to adjourn is counseling convenience board of licensed commissioners.

Motion and second, any discussion, all in favor say aye.

Aye.

Motion to approve the consent calendar.

Second.

Motion and second, any discussion.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Motion to adjourn.

Before we adjourn, uh I be remiss.

Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am.

Do you want to say something?

Please come up.

On the podium, please, yeah.

And state your name and address.

Yvonne Alexander Smith, 220 Beach Road.

I have two proclamations here that were intended for me, and they were to be placed in the American Black American history.

None of them are signed.

Nothing well, well, I'll sign up for you right now.

I would appreciate autographs.

Motion to accept.

Second.

With a congratulations.

Yes, wonderful.

Yes, but copies have to be sent to where the it's mine.

I have a few minutes.

Do we all have to sign it or is that something?

So there's copies.

So copy we made.

We may actually not for the that would be my office.

Yeah, we'll make copies for do you want to if you wanna do you want to leave it with us and we can make copies?

Sure.

We can do that.

And we'll get those back to you.

Oh no, I'm sorry.

Oh yes, they're in.

I know.

I got a sixteen piece of um and before we join us, I I have to say this.

Spectacular blazer color on you, ms uh council Carlin.

I I love that.

That is fantastic.

Motion to adjourn.

Second.

Motion to second those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed eyes have it.

I love that and Ms.

Charlie, you stop waiting for discussion.