CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 13, 2021
(Approved 03/10/2021)
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, came before the Council at a meeting held in accordance with Governor Raimondo’s Executive Order 20-25 on January 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
CITIZENS’ FORUM:
Bonnie Kniskern addressed the Council regarding Covid-19
COUNCILOR FUERTE complemented City Manager Nicholson and Superintendent Colleen Jermain on their presentation on collaboration.
(THE CONSENT CALENDAR IS APPROVED IN ITS ENTIRETY UNLESS THE COUNCIL REMOVES AN ITEM FOR DISCUSSION. ALL LICENSES ARE GRANTED SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH ORDINANCES #31-80 AND #98-40.)
a. Minutes of the Council Meeting held November 10, 2020, December 1, 2020 and December 9, 2020 (Approve)
b. Holiday Selling License, New, Capital Video Corporation, d/b/a Amazing, 228 JT Connell Highway
c. Private Detective License, Renewal, David C. Bruce, d/b/a TBK Investigations, 2 Carey St., #3
d. Reappointment of Scott Wheeler as Tree Warden (Approve)
REMOVED e. 2020 Boards and Commissions Annual Reports (Receive)
1. Historic District Commission
2. Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission
3. Cliff Walk Commission
4. Newport Canvassing Authority
5. Newport Energy and Environment Commission
6. Newport Waterfront Commission
COUNCILOR CEGLIE thanked the boards and commissions for the work they do and their dedication to the city and moved to receive all of the reports. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
f. Communication from Discover Newport, re: Annual Audit Report for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (Receive)
REMOVED g. Communication from Rebecca Elwell, Director, Newport County Prevention Coalition, re: Legalization and commercialization of marijuana (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
REMOVED h. Communication from Erin Donovan-Boyle, Executive Director, Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, re: Legalization of recreational marijuana (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of items e, g and h. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Victualing License, Renewal, Knot Norms Newport, LLC, d/b/a Knot Norms Catering Co., 515 Thames St.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCCALLA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Victualing License, New, Jordan Durand d/b/a Simple Merchant Coffee, 513 Broadway
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Victualing License, New, Robin Realty, LLC, d/b/a to be determined, 103-105 Bellevue Ave. (In conjunction with liquor license transfer of Griswold’s, Inc.)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to hear the application during the hearing with the liquor license application. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Council Liaison Appointment
Discover Newport – Charlie Holder
MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved appoint Charlie Holder as Council Liaison to Discover Newport. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Discover Newport Board
Sean O’Conner
Jen Chapin
MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved to appoint Sean O’Conner and Jen Chapin to the Discover Newport Board. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Planning Board – 2 vacancies (a 3-year term expiring 10/31/2021 and a 3-year term expiring 10/31/2022)
Applicants
Christopher Daly
Tom Gibson
Derek Grinkin
William Lloyd
Kevin Michaud
Kett Murphy
Theresa Stokes
Amanda Ward
MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved to appoint Kevin Michaud and Theresa Stokes to the Planning Board. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. COUNCILOR BOVA discussed all applicants and moved to appoint Kett Murphy. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCCALLA. MAYOR NAPOLITANO discussed the process of selecting a candidate and stated each member was asked to select two. The motion to appoint Kevin Michaud and Theresa Stokes was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Reappointments
Historic District Commission
Karl (Andy) Bjork (3-year term expiring 2/3/2023)
Nancy Stafford (3-year term expiring 2/3/2023)
MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved to reappoint Karl Bjork and Nancy Stafford to the Historic District Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Designating Jeanne-Marie Napolitano as Chief Executive Officer of the City for purposes of signing various State and Federal documents
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Performance evaluation of the City Manager – J. Bova, E. Fuerte
COUNCILOR BOVA introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. COUNCILOR LEONARD expressed concerns regarding newly elected Council members evaluating a job performance when they haven’t had an opportunity to review his performance. Discussion occurred among the Council. CITY MANAGER NICHOLSON addressed the Council regarding the evaluation. CITY MANAGER NICHOLSON stated he will send the job description to the Council. The motion to adopt the resolution was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Homestead Exemption – J. Bova
COUNCILOR BOVA introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE. Discussion occurred among the Council and City Manager Nicholson regarding the exemption. Bonnie Kniskern addressed the Council. The motion to approve the resolution was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Equitable Development Workshop – A. McCalla
COUNCILOR MCCALLA introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. Discussion occurred among the Council. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Christian Belden, Church Community Housing, addressed the Council.
Bonnie Kniskern
The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR LEONARD opposed.
10. 17.08, entitled, “Definitions”, Section 17.08.010- Definitions (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR HOLDER recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the ordinance and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0).
11. 17.52, entitled, “Limited Business District”, Section 17.52.020- Use Regulations (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR HOLDER recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing. COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the ordinance and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the ordinance by adding the following to Section 2: “This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and remain in effect until July 15, 2021 at which time the language “but not including a marijuana retail facility may be repealed and the remaining language of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect”. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOULSY.
12. 17.56, entitled, “Waterfront Business District”,17.56.020- Use Regulations (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR HOLDER recused.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing. COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the ordinance and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the ordinance by adding the following to Section 2: “This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and remain in effect until July 15, 2021 at which time the language “but not including a marijuana retail facility may be repealed and the remaining language of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect”. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOULSY (6-0).
13. 17.60, entitled, “General Business District”, 17.60.020-Use Regulations (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing. COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the ordinance and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the ordinance by adding the following to Section 2: “This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and remain in effect until July 15, 2021 at which time the language “but not including a marijuana retail facility may be repealed and the remaining language of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect”. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOULSY.
14. 17.64, entitled, “Commercial Industrial District”, 17.64.020-Use Regulations (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing. COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the ordinance and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend Section 2 of the ordinance by adding: “This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and remain in effect until July 15, 2021 at which time the language “but not including a marijuana retail facility may be repealed and the remaining language of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect”. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOULSY (6-0).
- Memorandum from Christopher J. Behan, Esq., City Solicitor, re: Zoning Amendment – Marijuana Retail Facility
15. Action Item #5950/21 – RE: Proposal Award #21-010 – Engineering Services for Reservoir Road Water Storage Tank Project (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions regarding the award. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Action Item #5951/21 – RE: Supplemental Agreement #3 – RFP#19-007/18-CLG-3 – Newport City Hall Condition Assessment (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions regarding the study. William Riccio, Director of Public Services, addressed the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Action Item #5952/21 – RE: Ordinance Revision – 10.52.010. – No through-streets listed—Signs required (Weight Restricted Streets)-Leal Terrace (w/accompanying ordinance)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Action Item #5953/21 – RE: Ordinance Revision – 10.32.110. - Designated residential parking streets – Marchant Street from Atlantic Street to Eastnor Road (w/accompanying ordinance)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Action Item #5954/21 – RE: Award of Contract -RFP # 21-013 - Food and Beverage Concessions at Easton’s Beach (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
ADJOURN AS COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
1. Application of Griswold’s Inc., d/b/a Griswold’s Tavern, 103-105 Bellevue Ave., holder of a Class BV alcoholic beverage license to transfer ownership to Robin Realty, LLC (Michael Shore- 50%/Emily Leventhal- 50%), d/b/a t/b/d for the same premises (Hearing)
Victualing License, New, Robin Realty, LLC, d/b/a to be determined, 103-105 Bellevue Ave. (In conjunction with liquor license transfer of Griswold’s, Inc.)
MAYOR NAPOLITANO opened the public hearing. CITY SOLICITOR addressed the Board regarding the license transfer. COMMISSIONER LEONARD had questions regarding the intent of the new owners and the operation of the license. Turner C. Scott, Esq., addressed the Board regarding the license transfer.
Discussion occurred among the Board, City Solicitor Behan and Turner Scott, Esq. COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve the liquor and victualing license. Seconded by COMMISSIONER FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Laura C. Swistak
City Clerk
ADJOURN- 9:37 p.m.