CITY OF NEWPORT
MINUTES FOR A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
(Approved 10/13/2021)
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, came before the Council at a meeting held on September 8, 2021 at 6:30 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI
The CITY CLERK called the roll, and the following members were present:
| LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE | JAMIE BOVA |
| CHARLIE HOLDER | ANGELA MCCALLA |
| JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO | ELIZABETH FUERTE |
| KATHRYN E. LEONARD | |
CITIZENS’ FORUM
a. Minutes of the Council meetings held July 14, 2021, July 28, 2021 (Approve)
b. Special Events :
1) Newport Art Museum, d/b/a RI Historical Society Outdoor Film Screening 9.11.2021, Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave.; September 11, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2) Paul Haffner, Jr., d/b/a Red Dog Wiffleball Tournament, Morton Park; September 11, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
3) STAY Newport, LLC, d/b/a STAY Newport Opening Social, 476 Thames St.; September 18, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
4) Newport Public Education Foundation, Inc., d/b/a Fall Friend Raiser, Sail Newport; September 24, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
5) Newport Art Museum/Newport Art Association, d/b/a Newport Art Museum Lecture Series- John Tschirch, Newport Art Museum; 10/26/2021, 11/2/2021, 11/9/2021, & 11/16/2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
6) The Landing Restaurant, d/b/a Landing Seafood Fest, 30 Bowen’s Wharf; October 16-17, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
7) RI Arts Foundation at Newport, Inc., d/b/a Newport Music Festival- NMF Free Acoustic Classical Music Concert, Miantonomi Park; October 24, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8) Newport Boxfit, LLC, d/b/a Boxing Show, Boys & Girls Club, 95 Church St.; November 13, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
c. Holiday Selling License, Renewal, K & K Food Mart Inc., d/b/a K & K Food Mart, 10 Connell Highway
d. Communication from Michelle Mead Leys, re: Change of date- previously approved event, My Best Friend’s Closet Consignment Sale at the Elks Lodge from 6/11/2020 through 6/14/2020 to 11/4/2021 through 11/7/2021
e. Communication from Kenneth W. Johnson, re: Change of date- previously approved event at King Park on August 28, 2021 to September 11, 2021 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
f. Communication from Darlene Hutten-Czapski, re: Request to hold neighborhood block party on Weatherly Ave., September 25, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and request street closure (Approve subject to details being worked out with city administration)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOULSY.
2. Meghan Mureddu, d/b/a Fundraiser Pickleball Tournament to Benefit KyleCares Foundation, Rogers High School Tennis Courts; September 18, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Request to waive fees
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license and refer the fee waiver request to the administration for a recommendation. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Pedicab Business License, Renewal, Andrew Croan, d/b/a Pedi Power (six pedicabs- May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2024)
COUNCILOR CELGIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions for the applicant regarding loud music. Andrew Croan, applicant, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was 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
Tax Relief Ad Hoc Committee - Penelope Hunt, Allan Booth, Kenneth Urban, Mary Atkins, Caroline Skuncik (term 6 months)
MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved to appoint Penelope Hunt, Allan Booth, Kenneth Urban, Mary Atkins and Caroline Skuncik to the Tax Relief Ad Hoc Committee. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Amending Chapter 5.40 entitled, “Hotels”, to amend Section 5.40.020 entitled, “Registration of hotels and guesthouses” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOULSY.
6. Amending Section 17.08.010 entitled, “Definitions” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE. COUNCILOR MCCALLA and COUNCILOR BOVA had questions regarding the public hearing. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council. COUNCILOR MCCALLA read a prepared statement into the record. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOULSY.
COUNCILOR MCCALLA moved to hear items No. 8 and No. 9 first. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. The motion failed 3-4 with MAYOR NAPOLITANO, COUNCILOR CEGLIE, COUNCILOR LEONARD and COUNCILOR FUERTE opposed. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Phyllis Mulligan, 200 Park Holm
Julie Maraziti, 66 Girard Ave.
Maggie Martin, Admiral Kalbfus Rd.
Melody O’Brien
Rex LeBeau
Kevin O’Brien
David Horowitz
The motion to adopt the ordinance was voted UNANIMOULSY.
7. Amending Section 17.12.010 entitled, “Establishment of districts” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Add New Section- Chapter 17.65 entitled, “Innovation Hub” (SecondReading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE. COUNCILOR MCCALLA moved to amend Section 17.65.100 (j) to approve the Planning Board recommendations. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. Discussion occurred among the Council. The motion to approve the ordinance was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR MCCALLA opposed.
9. Add New Section- Chapter 17.66 entitled, “Innovation Hub Floating Overlay Zone (IHF)” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Second by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED 6-1 with COUNCILOR MCCALLA opposed.
10. Add New Section- Chapter 17.108.040, entitled, “Unified Development Review” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Second by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED 6-1 with COUNCILOR MCCALLA opposed.
11. Amending Section 17.12.020, entitled, “Zoning Map” to add New Zoning District, “Innovation Hub (IH), Subdistricts-Urban Village, Maker Tech and Maker” (Second Reading)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE. COUNCILOR HOLDER stated current businesses will be allowed to operate as usual. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council regarding existing businesses. The motion to adopt the ordinance was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Communication from Nancy Piffard, Show Director, Newport International Boat Show, re: Request to waive vendor fees for the annual boat show
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to refer the request to the administration for review. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Action Item #5998/21 – RE: Award of Contract – Public Private Partnership- Renewable Energy Projects (w/accompanying resolution) – Continued from July 28, 2021
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR HOLDER. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions regarding the agreement. Julian Dash, addressed the Council regarding the contract. Dan Meucci, 99 Coggeshall Ave., addressed the Council regarding the agreement. The motion to approve was voted 6-1 with COUNCILOR LEONARD opposed.
14. Action Item #6001/21 – RE: Award of Contract - Nationally Licensed Debt Collection Services (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Second by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Action Item #6002/21 – RE: Award of Bid # 22-001 – Printing and Mailing of Utility Bills (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Second by COUNCILOR FUERTE. Robert Schultz, Acting Director of Utilities, addressed the Council regarding the bid award and services. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Action Item #6003/21 – RE: Award of Bid #22-005 - Utilities Supplies Supplementary Bid (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Second by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Action Item #6004/21 – RE: Award of Bid #22-008 - Phragmites Control Mowing and Herbicide Application (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Second by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Class F Daily Liquor Licenses:
a) Newport Art Museum, d/b/a RI Historical Society Outdoor Film Screening 9.11.2021, Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave.; September 11, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
b) STAY Newport, LLC, d/b/a STAY Newport Opening Social, 476 Thames St.; September 18, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
c) Newport Art Museum/Newport Art Association, d/b/a Newport Art Museum Lecture Series- John Tschirch, Newport Art Museum; 10/26/2021, 11/2/2021, 11/9/2021, & 11/16/2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2. Class F-1 Daily Liquor License, Seaman’s Church Institute, d/b/a Landing Seafood Festival, 30 Bowen’s Wharf; October 16 & 17, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Action Item #5960/21 – RE: Show Cause Hearing: The Protective Club, d/b/a Protective Club – Operating Without a Valid Class D Alcoholic Beverage License (continued from August 11, 2021)
CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Board and recommended the hearing be continued to October 27, 2021. COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to continue the hearing to October 27, 2021. Seconded by COMMISSIONER FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Laura C. Swistak
City Clerk
ADJOURN- 8:30 p.m.