CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 9, 2021
(Approved 7/14/21)
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, came before the Council at a meeting e held in accordance with Governor McKee’s Executive Order 21-40 on June 9, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
The CITY CLERK called the roll, and the following members were present:
| JAMIE BOVA | LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE |
| ANGELA MCCALLA | CHARLIE HOLDER |
| JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO | ELIZABETH FUERTE |
| KATHRYN E. LEONARD | |
~Proclamation Recognizing Men’s Health Month~
~Proclamation Recognizing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Month~
MAYOR NAPOLITANO read the proclamations into the record.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to open the public hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE. Discussion occurred among the Council. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Aida Neary, 36 Newport Ave.
Ellen Pinnock, 220 Maple Ave.
Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent of Schools
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMSOULY.
a) Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (Second Reading);
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR MCCALLA and COUNCILOR BOVA opposed.
b) Ordinance Amending Title 3, Personnel (Second Reading);
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR MCCALLA and COUNCILOR BOVA opposed.
c) Resolution re: Authorizing the Tax Levy
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR MCCALLA and COUNCILOR BOVA opposed.
d) Resolution re: Omnibus Property Tax Relief & Replacement Act
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and voted 5-2 with COUNCILOR MCCALLA and COUNCILOR BOVA opposed.
a. Special Events:
1. Newport Friends of the Waterfront (FOW), d/b/a Waterfront Concerts, King Park; 6/18/21, 6/25/21, 7/9/21, 8/6/21, 8/21/21 and 9/4/21 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2. John W. Brooks, Jr., d/b/a An Evening in Newport with Congressman David Cicilline, The Colony House; June 27, 2021 from 4:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
3. Sail Newport, d/b/a Newport Regatta, Sail Newport; July 9-11, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
4. International Tennis Hall of Fame, d/b/a ITHF Tribute Dinner, Marble House; July 16, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
5. Jesus Saviour Church, d/b/a Summer Bazaar, 1 Vernon Ave.; August 12, 13 & 14, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
a. Food Concession License from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
b. Bingo License from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
6. Sail Newport, d/b/a Sail for Pride, Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington St.; September 11, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
7. Newport Brokerage Boat Show, LLC, d/b/a Newport Brokerage Boatshow, Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington St.; September 16-19, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
8. Audrain Concours Foundation, LLC, d/b/a Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week, Frederick Law Olmsted Park and Arboretum, 9/29/21-10/3/21; Fort Adams State Park, 9/30/21-10/3/21
b. Holiday Selling License, New, Angel L. Gonzalez, d/b/a The Market on Thames, 117 Swinburne Row
c. Holiday Selling License, Renewals:
1. Ash Mart, Inc. d/b/a Ash Mart, 2 Carroll Ave.
2. Be Dazzled, Inc., d/b/a Be Dazzled, 198 Thames St. Unit 2
3. Satori, LLC, d/b/a Newport Silver Company, 105 Swinburne Row
4. Satori, LLC, d/b/a Newport Silver Company, 337 Thames St. Unit 0
d. Waste Hauler License, Renewals:
1. Lawrence Waste Services, 49 Adler St., Medway, MA
2. Rambone Disposal Service, Inc., 2153 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI
3. Waste Management, 65 Halsey St., Newport, RI
e. Communication from Michelle O’Rourke, re: Request to hold a block party on Gardiner St., July 4, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and request the street be closed from Gibbs Avenue to Friendship Street (Approve subject to details being worked out with city administration)
Removed f. Communication from Richard P. D’Addario, Esq., re: Request and application for relief from the off-street parking requirements at172 Spring St. (Plat 24, Lot 309) pursuant to Section 17.100 050 B(c) of the Zoning Code (Receive and refer to the City Administration for a recommendation)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive and refer to the City Administration. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions regarding the request. City Solicitor Behan, addressed the Council. COUNCILOR LEONARD moved to receive and refer to the City Administration and return to the Council with a recommendation. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
g. Communication from Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, re: Application of Paraport LLC & Michael Parascandolo for a Water Quality Certification at Perry Mill Wharf, Newport, Plat 27 Lot 269, Newport Harbor (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the Consent Calendar with the exception of f. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Victualing License, New, Newport Lemonade, LLC, d/b/a Newport Lemonade, LLC, 30 Bowens Wharf
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Victualing License, New, Newport Lemonade, LLC, d/b/a Le Petitie Creperie, 36 Bowen’s Wharf
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Victualing License, New, Angel L. Gonzalez, d/b/a Market on Thames, The, 117 Swinburne Row
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Entertainment License, Expansion (Class A & B), Old Battle Axe, Inc. d/b/a The Reef, 10 Howard Wharf, to expand their entertainment license by removing current restrictions and allowing the following: maximum decibel level permitted 75; outdoor entertainment with amplification until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays preceding a Monday holiday and speakers permitted on the north patio (Hearing)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE opened the public hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. Michael Murry, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant. Discussion occurred among the Council. Turner Scott, Esq., addressed the Council opposing the expansion on behalf of Lee’s Wharf Condominium Association. The following members from the public addressed the Council opposing the expansion:
Mark Coleman, Lee’s Wharf
David Vieau, Vanderbilt Property
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. The motion failed 0-7.
7. 2021-2022 Annual Entertainment License Renewals (list attached)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the entertainment license renewals. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
NOTE: Vacancies currently or soon will exist on the following Boards and Commissions: Beach Commission, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Henderson Home, Historic DistrictCommission, Energy and Environment Commission
Henderson Home Commission - Donald DeLuca
MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved to appoint Donald DeLuca to the Henderson Home Commission. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Requesting the City Administration implement bike lanes on city streets pursuant to the R.I. Bike Mobility Plan- L. Ceglie, J. Bova
COUNCILOR CEGLIE introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by MAYOR NAPOLITANO. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the resolution by adding an additional resolve “the City manager submit any additional bike lanes, sharrows and signage proposals to the Council for approval. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER. Discussion occurred among the Council.
COUNCILOR BOVA moved to receive the letter from Colleen Burns Jermain, Newport Superintendent of Schools, Bari Freeman, Executive Director, Bike Newport, Kathleen Gannon, Chair, Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition, Rebekah Gomez, Executive Director, Conexión Latina Newport, Rhonda Mitchell, Executive Director, Newport Housing Authority, Matt Netto, Legislative Director, AARP Rhode Island, Steven Sabo, Chair, Newport Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Mary Alice Smith, Newport For All Ages. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCCALLA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Pete Rice, 1 Harrison Lane
Kathleen Gannon, RI Bike Coalition
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to amend the resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR BOVA moved to amend the resolution by changing language in the first Resolve. Seconded by COUNCILOR MCCALLA. Discussion occurred among the council. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Rebekah Gomez
Valerie Larkin
Phillip Schmitt
Chris Martin
The motion to amend the resolution failed 2-5 with MAYOR NAPOLITANO, COUNCILOR LEONARD, COUNCILOR CEGLIE, COUNCILOR HOLDER and COUNCILOR FUERTE opposed.
MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Creating a Taxation Relief Ad-Hoc Committee- A. McCalla, J. Bova, J. Napolitano
COUNCILOR MCCALLA introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. Discussion occurred among the Council. CITY MANAGER NICHOLSON addressed the Council regarding the resolution. Stephanie Winslow, 5 Rowland Rd., addressed the Council in support of the resolution. The motion to approve the resolution was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue items No. 11-14 and order advertised for public hearing. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Amending Chapter 17.52, entitled, “Limited Business District”, to amend Section 17.52.020- Use Regulations (First Reading)
12. Amending Chapter 17.56, entitled, “Waterfront Business District”, to amend17.56.020- Use Regulations (First Reading)
13. Amending Chapter 17.60, entitled, “General Business District”, to amend 17.60.020- Use Regulations (First Reading)
14. Amending Chapter 17.64, entitled, “Commercial Industrial District”, to amend 17.64.020 - Use Regulations (First Reading)
15. Amending Chapter 5.40 entitled, “Transient Guest Facilities” to amend Section 5.40.010, entitled, “Definitions” (First Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the ordinances to June 23, 2021. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Amending Chapter 12.28 entitled, “City Harbor”, to amend Section 12.28.055 entitled, “Use of vessels as abodes or floating businesses” (First Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to continue the ordinances to June 23, 2021. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Action Item #5989/21 – RE: Award of Contract - Actuarial Services (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Action Item #5990/21 – RE: Award of Contract - Audit Services (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Action Item #5991/21 – RE: Hillside Avenue - Safe Routes to School Project (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD.
20. Action Item #5992/21 – RE: Draft Community Choice Aggregation Plan (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD. Discussion occurred among the Council. MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved to continue the communication and schedule a workshop. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Class F-1 Daily Liquor- Sail Newport:
a) Newport Regatta, July 9-11, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
b) Sail for Pride, 20th Anniversary, Newport Shipyard; September 11, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Class F Daily Liquor, Jesus Saviour Church, d/b/a Summer Bazaar, 1 Vernon Ave.; August 12-14 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
3. Communication Ken Cusson, Secretary, Newport Restaurant Group, re: Castle Hill Inn, Inc., notification of change in d/b/a from Castle Hill Inn & Resort to Castle Hill Inn (Receive and make part of licensee’s file)
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Laura C. Swistak
City Clerk
ADJOURN- 9:16 p.m.
Entertainment Licenses by Class