Newport City Council Regular Meeting – August 13, 2026

The Newport City Council met on August 13, 2026, to consider a wide range of items including consent calendar approvals, special event permits, entertainment licenses, a public health vending machine resolution, and several action items and resolutions. The meeting featured significant debate on the placement of a harm reduction vending machine and the Newport Beach Fest permit.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Rice (resident) raised concerns about 50 to 60 large stone rocks installed opposite the main entrance of Rogers School on Wickham Road. He argued the rocks force pedestrians into the road, narrow the roadway, create unsafe conditions for walkers, cyclists, and drivers, and serve no purpose other than protecting grass. He requested their immediate removal. No action was taken on this comment.
• David View (resident adjacent to Gardner Hotel) testified during the entertainment license hearing for Gardner House, opposing outdoor music. He stated that prior to the hotel’s construction, the owner promised it would be a 25-room boutique hotel with “no such noise,” and argued that loud outdoor music now disrupts the residential community. He urged the council to reject the license.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve the consent calendar in its entirety with the exception of items 1, 4, and 6 (specific items not identified in transcript) was passed by voice vote.
• Motion to approve the consent calendar item B6 (added) was also passed.

Discussion Items

1. Withdrawal of Special Event Application – Newport Global Summit

• The council voted unanimously to withdraw the special event application for Newport Global Summit at Bell Court, originally scheduled for August 19, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (motion made and seconded, no discussion, passed by voice vote).

2. Special Event Permit – Newport Beach Fest (September 5-6, 2026 at Fort Adams)

• Applicant Tully Banta Kane (462 Thames Street and Daniel Street) described the event as a professional beach football league installation at Fort Adams, featuring 1,000 tons of sand, youth activation, adult flag and tackle games, food vendors, a National Guard flyover, military obstacle course, rock climbing wall, and partnerships with Rogers High School. Estimated maximum attendance of 5,000 (inclusive of two days) and 700 vehicles. Alcohol service is planned (Class P license by Newport Craft Brewery).
• Councilor Carlin expressed strong disappointment over the late notice (application received August 3, agenda printed August 5, council notified hours before meeting). He opposed the permit, citing lack of constituent notification and potential traffic/noise impacts.
• Councilor Bennett supported the event, noting she had seen it on social media and valued youth recreation opportunities.
• Councilor Napolitano and Councilor Segalane also expressed support, with Napolitano noting positive feedback from Hermosa Beach. Councilor Carlin’s question about removing alcohol led the applicant to explain that alcohol sales offset about 20% of costs (approx. $50,000 for standalone + $30,000 for removal). The applicant also noted average attendance at similar events is 600-700 people, and they hope for up to 2,000.
• Vote: Motion to approve passed 6-1 (Councilor Carlin opposed).

3. Appointment of Tree Warden

• Motion to appoint Charles Ridolph as official Tree Warden for 2026 passed unanimously after brief discussion noting his predecessor’s long service.

4. Entertainment License – Gardner House (24 Lee’s Wharf)

• First hearing. Applicant David Martin (Gardner House LP) stated the license is identical to the one issued three years prior (indoor entertainment 11 a.m.-1 a.m. daily; outdoor deck/lawn: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday/Saturday/Sunday before holidays until 11 p.m.). No noise complaints or violations have been recorded.
• Public testimony from David View (adjacent resident) opposed outdoor music, claiming the owner had promised no loud events. The city administration confirmed zero reported problems. The council closed the public hearing and approved the license unanimously.

5. Entertainment License – Midtown Race Club (2255 Thames Street)

• First hearing. No public comment. Approved unanimously.

6. Entertainment License Expansion – Joe’s American Bistro (24 Memorial Blvd West)

• First hearing. No public comment. Approved unanimously.

7. Liquor License Renewal – Norries (156-158 Broadway)

• Approved unanimously.

8. Reappointment – Juvenile Hearing Board

• Margaret “Peggy” Magner reappointed to a three-year term expiring 2029. Approved unanimously.

9. Resolution: Public Health Vending Machine at Newport Fire Department

• The council voted on a resolution to authorize placement of a public health vending machine at the Newport Fire Department (West Marlborough Street), stocked with items such as personal hygiene products, first aid kits, Narcan, and fentanyl test strips. Access limited to clients of ACOS (AIDS Care Ocean State) with unique codes.
• Councilor Carlin strongly opposed, arguing the machine sends a message welcoming “bad behavior” and questioned why other nearby towns haven’t adopted similar programs. He criticized using city property for this purpose.
• Councilor Smith defended the program, stating it was already approved in concept and that the council was only approving the location. She called connections to elections “irresponsible.”
• Councilor Napolitano supported the machine, noting it contains health essentials and harm reduction tools.
• Councilor Pennock strongly supported, stating she is “100% for it” and noted the need to protect all residents, including vulnerable populations. She thanked the Fire Department and HARP.
• Councilor Smythe supported, clarifying that users must be enrolled in a program with a code. He also asked about the precise item list, which will be determined later.
• Councilor Cramer (sp?) opposed, expressing concern that items like Narcan and fentanyl test strips encourage drug use and argued the city should focus on root causes. He also worried about Newport becoming a “sanctuary” for people with issues and said he could not vote until a better plan was in place.
• City administration (Deputy Manager Carulo) confirmed no costs to the city, a license agreement is required, and the item list is not finalized. Fire Chief Donnelly and Police Chief Duffy confirmed Narcan is available at all stations.
• Melanie Saunders (ACOS) clarified no needles will be in the machine. Ray (ACOS) explained that the program is a point of connection to offer services; data from other machines shows varying usage (e.g., one at ACI had 3 uses in a year; another in Providence is refilled 3 times a week). Currently, 4 Newport clients are enrolled, but no codes have been issued yet.
• Councilor (unidentified) noted the asymmetry of approving bars quickly while a vending machine takes six months, calling it indicative of government dysfunction.
• Vote: Resolution passed 5-2 (Councilor Carlin and Councilor Cramer opposed).

10. Action Item 6660 – Historic Gravestone Restoration Contract

• Motion to award contract to Beyond the Gravestone LLC (Storrs, CT) at $150/hour plus materials, three-year term, annual expenditure not to exceed $100,000. Approved unanimously.

11. Action Item 6661 – Carousel Storage

• Motion to approve storage contract with WRF Designs for Easton’s Beach Carousel at $54,000/year. Discussion about potential donor; administration said a party is interested in starting a foundation but details are confidential. Approved unanimously.

12. Action Item 6662 – Multi-function Vehicle Purchase

• Purchase of 2027 RASCO MUVO vehicle for up to $299,564.80. Approved unanimously.

13. Action Item 6663 – PROTECT Grant for Cliffwalk Restoration

• Approval of a federal grant agreement totaling $11,800,000 from USDOT/FHWA for cliffwalk restoration after the March 2022 collapse. Local match of $2,750,000 from voter-approved bond. Discussion: Permitting with CRMC is nearly complete; a compromise on a design segment (the “stub”) is being finalized with CRMC staff and the property owner. The property owner has been cooperative and allowed access. Approval of a revised design expected by end of September; construction could begin next year. Approved unanimously.

14. Action Item 6664 – Pavement Markings Contract

• Award to K-5 Corporation (Rockland, MA) not to exceed $76,391.20. Approved unanimously.

15. Action Item 6665 – Grant for First Aid Kits

• Acceptance of $8,825 DOJ grant for individual first aid kits for officers. No match. Approved unanimously.

16. Action Item 6666 – Grant for Special Response Team

• Acceptance of $16,107 DOJ grant for LETS Respond communication system and overtime for quality of life policing. No match. Approved unanimously.

17. Action Item 6667 – Sewer Ordinance Amendments

• Separate votes to adopt amendments to chapters 13.08, 13.10, and 13.12 (sewer service, industrial pretreatment, sewer charges). All approved unanimously.

18. Resolution – Reschedule September 2026 Council Meetings

• Meetings moved from September 9 and 23 to September 16 and 30 due to primary election. Approved unanimously.

19. Resolution – Additional Funding for Newport County Development Council

• Resolution to appropriate an additional $10,000 (increase from $15,000 to $25,000) from FY2026 contingency for the Newport County Development Council to support regional economic development. Aaron Donovan Boyle (Chamber President) described past work including broadband study ($125M investment), housing report projecting 10,000 new units needed, commercial real estate analysis, and a $675,000 Department of Defense award. Council members praised the work. Approved unanimously.

20. Resolution – Support for Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project

• Resolution expressing support for the implementation of a port marker at the parcel between America’s Cup Ave and Thames St (Mill St to Cotton Court). Councilor Smythe moved an amendment to strike the word “minor” before “alterations” (approved). Councilor Carlin expressed concerns about traffic impacts, but overall supported the concept. Approved unanimously.

21. Resolution – Establish Temporary Advisory Committee on Utility Structure Review

• Councilor Smythe presented a detailed resolution to create a seven-member advisory committee to evaluate utility governance. Councilor Napolitano asked about qualifications (the resolution lists experience areas) and whether to include residents from other service areas. He voted in favor but expressed uncertainty. Councilor Segalane joked about needing more committees. Vote: 6-1 in favor (one unknown opponent).

22. Resolution – Traffic Calming for Memorial Boulevard (Continued)

• Councilor Smythe introduced a resolution requesting RIDOT to conduct a comprehensive safety evaluation of Memorial Boulevard from Bellevue Ave to Easton’s Beach. Councilor Napolitano argued the state recently completed a study and significant improvements have been made (hawk signals, curb extensions, crosswalks). Councilor Pennock noted the road remains dangerous for pedestrians. Councilor Segalane detailed previous improvements and argued a new study is unnecessary; instead, specific changes should be pursued. Councilor Smythe offered to continue the item to work on revisions with Councilor Segalane. A motion to continue was made and seconded. Passed by voice vote.

23. Resolution – Stop Signs at Bellevue Ave and Bowery/East Bowery Streets

• Resolution directing the Interdepartmental Traffic Commission (ITC) to study adding stop signs at the intersection. Councilor Holder (mover) cited safety for cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians, noting a previous food truck area was removed due to sight issues. Councilor Carlin suggested also considering a traffic signal or increased police presence but agreed to vote to send to ITC. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Beach Fest Special Event Permit: Passed 6-1 (Carlin opposed).
• Public Health Vending Machine Resolution: Passed 5-2 (Carlin and Cramer opposed).
• Utility Structure Advisory Committee: Established 6-1.
• Memorial Boulevard Resolution: Continued to next meeting for revision.
• All other action items and resolutions: Approved unanimously unless noted otherwise.