CITY OF NEWPORT
JULY 13, 2022
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 July 13, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840.
The CITY CLERK called the Roll and the following members were present:
JEANNE MARIE NAPOLITANO KATHRYN E. LEONARD
CHARLIE HOLDER ELIZABETH FUERTE
JAMIE BOVA ANGELA MCCALLA
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE
Citizens’ Forum:
a. Minutes of the meetings held on May 11, 2022, May 25, 2022, June 8, 2022 and June 22, 2022 (Approve)
b. Special Events:
1. Rent Sons, Inc., D/B/A Surv, d/b/a Client Appreciation, 5 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd.; July 15, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Newport Post Office, d/b/a Stamp Cancellation Ceremony, Eisenhower Park; July 21, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
3. The Preservation Society of Newport County, d/b/a Julian Fellowes Evening, The Breakers, 44 Ochre Point; July 26, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
4. newportFILM, d/b/a newportFILM Outdoor Film Screenings, The Elms, Marble House, Cardines Field; August 4, August 25 and September 15, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
5. Rec Reunion Association, d/b/a Rec Reunion Basketball, Courts on the Edward Street lot/Martin Luther King, Jr. Center; August 8, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
6. Newport Art Museum, d/b/a Wet Paint, 76 Bellevue Ave.; August 13, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
REMOVED 7. Bike to the Beach, Inc., d/b/a Bike to the Beach- New England, pass through Newport ending at Fort Adams State Park (route attached); September 17, 2022 between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions regarding the event. Bari Freeman, Bike Newport, addressed the Council. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Audrain Motorsport, LLC, d/b/a Audrain Youngtimers, Fort Adams State Park; September 25, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
9. Michelle Leys, d/b/a My Best Friends Closet, The Elks, 141 Pelham St.; 11/3/22 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 11/4/22 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 11/5/22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 11/6/22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
REMOVED c. Horse & Carriage License, Daily, New Deal Farm of Exeter, d/b/a New Deal Farm Horse & Carriage, August 24, 2022 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning and ending at The Breakers Mansion
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions regarding the route and police detail. John Clever, Applicant, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
REMOVED d. Communication from Washington Street Neighbors, re: Pebblebrook Hotel Trust’s purchase of Gurney’s Resort (Receive)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the Communication. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions regarding the restrictions placed on the prior owner and requested they be applied to the new owner. The City Clerk addressed the Council regarding the filing of applications for the new owner. The motion to receive was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of items b(7), c and d. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Annual Entertainment License, New, Class A (indoors), 1899 LLC, d/b/a Wally’s Wieners, 464 Thames St. to have indoor entertainment from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sunday through Saturday (Hearing)
John Boxer, 35 Prairie Ave., addressed the Council on behalf of the applicant and described the proposed entertainment. Discussion occurred among the Council regarding the entertainment proposed. COUNCILOR LEONARD asked if the applicant is will to amend the hours and days of entertainment. CITY SOLICITOR BEHAN addressed the Council regarding conditions placed on licenses.
Jeremiah C. Lynch, III, Esq., addressed the Council on behalf of objecting neighbors. The following members from the public addressed the Council:
Mary Connor, 13 Pope St.
Peter Boussard, 9 Pope St.
MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved to receive the letter presented by Mr. Boussard. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to close the public hearing and approve. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA.
COUNCILOR LEONARD moved to amend the application to have entertainment 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Monday preceding a Monday holiday. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the application as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Sound Variance Application, Seaview Properties, LLC, 37 Ledge Road, July 16, 2022 for a party with a deejay from 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Hearing)
Turner Scott, Esq, addressed the Council regarding the application. COUNCILOR CEGLIE move to close the public hearing and approve the license. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Requesting placement of a referendum on the ballot for the General Election on November 8, 2022 approving the Charter Review Commission’s suggested revisions
- Memorandum from Christopher J. Behan, Esq., City Solicitor
MAYOR NAPOLITANO moved to continue the resolution to July 27, 2022 and to hold a workshop on July 26, 2022. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Requesting placement of a referendum on the ballot for the General Election on November 8, 2022 regarding recreational cannabis retail sales: "Shall new cannabis related licenses for businesses involved in the cultivation, manufacture, laboratory testing and for the retail sale of adult recreational use cannabis be issued in the city (or town)?" – J. Napolitano, L. Ceglie
MAYOR NAPOLTIANO introduced the resolution and moved for its passage. Seconded by COUNCILOR CEGLIE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Communication from Maureen Cronin Marosits, Chair, Tree and Open Space Commission, re: Public Parks Safety Report
Maureen Cronin Marosits, addressed the Council regarding the public park safety report. Discussion occurred among the Council and Ms. Marosits. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the report. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Action Item #6085/22 – RE: Implementation of 24-Hour Residential Sticker Parking – George Street (w/accompanying ordinance)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying ordinance. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Action Item #6086/22 – RE: Continuation of Land Evidence Document Recording, Digitizing, Archiving and Cashiering Services (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Action Item #6087/22 – RE: Amendment No. 1 – Contract - Construction Phase Engineering Services Repair & Rehabilitation of 3MG Reservoir Road Storage Tank (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and amend the accompanying resolution to reflect the correct vendor. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to approve the resolution as amended. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Action Item #6088/22 – RE: Award of Contract 22-026 - Engineering Services - Wastewater Rehabilitation Pilot Program (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and approve the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA. COUNCILOR LEONARD had questions. Robert Schultz, Director of Utilities, addressed the Council to answer questions. The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Action Item #6089/22 – RE: Request Revision to RIDEM Agreement for Abruzzi Sports Complex Recreation Grant (w/accompanying resolution)
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to receive the communication and adopt the accompanying resolution. Seconded by COUNCILOR FUERTE. CITY MANAGER NICHOLSON addressed the COUNCIL regarding the grant amendment and future plans for the site. The following members from the public addressed the Council regarding the skate park:
Michael Richards
Sid Abruzzi
The motion to approve was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILOR CEGLIE moved to adjourn as Council and convene as Board of License Commissioners. Seconded by COUNCILOR BOVA and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Class F Daily Liquor Licenses:
a. Newport Art Museum/Newport Art Association, d/b/a Wet Paint, 76 Bellevue Ave.; August 13, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
b. Portsmouth Track Club, d/b/a Newport Rhode Races Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K, Easton’s Beach; April 15, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER CEGLIE moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Seconded by COMMISSIONER LEONARD and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Laura C. Swistak
City Clerk
Adjourn- 8:10 p.m.