Newport public meetings in 2021
51 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a joint workshop with the School Committee to discuss school budget planning. The meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. No specific agenda items or decisions are listed beyond the budget planning discussion.
- Joint workshop with School Committee
- School budget planning discussion
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in open session to vote on entering a closed executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the firefighters' and police unions, as well as pending opioid litigation. No public decisions are expected; the agenda is limited to this procedural step for a confidential discussion.
- Executive session authorized under RI General Laws 42-46-5(a)(2) for collective bargaining or litigation
- Discussion of Collective Bargaining Agreements with Local 1080, International Association of Firefighters (IAFF)
- Discussion of Collective Bargaining Agreements with Lodge No. 8, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
- Discussion of pending opioid litigation
Regular Session
The Newport City Council held a public hearing and unanimously approved on first reading amendments to Title 17 (Zoning) to add "Marijuana Retail Facility" as a prohibited use in four business districts. The Council also unanimously approved the Community Choice Aggregation Plan, a resolution on North End zoning amendments (as amended), and numerous licenses, appointments, and contracts. All votes were unanimous, with no substantive opposition recorded.
- Adopted first reading of zoning amendments prohibiting marijuana retail facilities in Limited Business, Waterfront Business, General Business, and Commercial Industrial districts (unanimous)
- Approved Community Choice Aggregation Plan resolution (unanimous)
- Approved consent calendar including special event licenses, tattoo/arcade/pool table/holiday selling licenses, and received actuarial reports (unanimous)
- Approved Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week special event license with Bellevue Ave closure and golf cart use (unanimous)
- Approved victualing license renewals for Corner Café, Peaceable Market, and Karma Pizza (unanimous)
- Appointed seven members to Charter Review Commission, one to Canvassing Authority, one to Beach Commission, and reappointed two to Cliff Walk/Beach Commissions (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution on North End zoning amendments as amended (unanimous)
- Adopted first reading of Farmers' Market ordinance amendment and two parking prohibition ordinances (unanimous)
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved a resolution establishing a Charter Review Commission, amended to require four public hearings, and approved a ward redistricting resolution amended to include one daytime public meeting. The Council also approved a Community Choice Aggregation plan (6-1), appointed Justin Smith to the Planning Board (5-2), and approved numerous licenses and contracts. The Board of License Commissioners renewed the liquor license for The Reef with a restriction on the disputed right-of-way.
- Approved Charter Review Commission resolution, amended to 4 public hearings (unanimous)
- Approved ward redistricting resolution, amended to require one daytime public meeting (unanimous)
- Approved Community Choice Aggregation plan (6-1, Leonard opposed)
- Appointed Justin Smith to Planning Board (5-2, McCalla and Bova opposed)
- Appointed Nicole Shevory as 2nd alternate to Zoning Board (4-3)
- Approved Wellington Avenue Tide Gates engineering amendment (unanimous)
- Approved Broadway Traffic Signal and Pedestrian Safety Improvements contract (unanimous)
- Renewed The Reef liquor license with restriction on 18.24 sq ft western terminus (unanimous)
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved an entertainment license expansion for Gurney's Resort and Marina to operate a skating rink with amplified sound on the North Lawn from November 15, 2021 through March 30, 2022. A motion to remove the restriction requiring entertainment to end at 7:00 p.m. during March 2022 failed 3-3, so the restriction remains. The council also approved numerous license renewals, adopted a Green and Complete Streets ordinance, and continued several items.
- Approved Gurney's Resort skating rink license expansion with March 7pm entertainment curfew (unanimous)
- Motion to rescind March 7pm curfew for Gurney's skating rink failed (3-3)
- Adopted Green and Complete Streets ordinance on second reading (unanimous)
- Approved 2021-2022 liquor license renewals for most establishments; continued The Reef to Nov 10
- Approved Stoneacre Garden liquor license membership transfer to Crispy Shallots, LLC (unanimous)
- Appointed Kelly Moran to Historic District Commission (6-0)
- Continued Charter Review Commission resolution to Nov 10 (unanimous)
- Approved Blue Venture Forum city sponsorship (unanimous)
Workshop
The Newport City Council scheduled a workshop for October 20, 2021, to discuss matters related to short term rentals. The meeting was set to take place at City Hall.
- Workshop regarding short term rentals
Regular Session
The Newport City Council unanimously adopted a resolution establishing a Green and Complete Streets policy and passed the accompanying ordinance on first reading, which adds a new section to the Mapped Streets chapter. The council also approved several contracts, including for rescue service billing, hybrid meeting technology, soundproofing the Council Chambers, and various park projects. All votes were unanimous except for the soundproofing contract, which passed 4-1 with Councilor Leonard opposed.
- Adopted Green and Complete Streets policy resolution (unanimous)
- Adopted ordinance adding Green and Complete Streets section to Mapped Streets chapter, first reading (unanimous)
- Approved Gurney's Resort skating rink entertainment license expansion, amended to end at 7 p.m. in March 2022 (5-0)
- Approved new victualing license for Bossy Monkey, 472 Thames St. (unanimous)
- Appointed Kelly Moran as alternate to Historic District Commission (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution designating Newport as Purple Heart city (unanimous)
- Approved contract for rescue service billing administrator (5-0)
- Approved contract for soundproofing Council Chambers (4-1, Leonard opposed)
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved a resolution to designate the Theodore Michaud t-ball field at the Abruzzi Sports Complex for basketball courts and a modern skatepark, with t-ball relocated elsewhere. An amendment requiring construction of the new t-ball field before skatepark work begins was added. The council also approved consent calendar items, board appointments, a rental dwelling ordinance on first reading, and several resolutions.
- Approved resolution to build basketball courts and skatepark at Abruzzi complex, with t-ball relocation (4-2)
- Adopted amendment requiring new t-ball field before skatepark construction (5-1)
- Approved consent calendar including event permits and resignations (6-0)
- Appointed James Madson to full Historic District Commission member (6-0)
- Appointed Scott Skuncik to Beach Commission (6-0)
- Appointed Mary Currier to Henderson Home Commission (6-0)
- Adopted rental dwelling ordinance on first reading (6-0)
- Approved sidewalk improvement bid and CRMC resolutions (6-0)
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the structural condition of Easton's Beach. The agenda contains no other items; it is a single-topic working session with no listed votes or decisions.
- Workshop on Easton's Beach structural condition
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved a series of ordinances on second reading to establish an Innovation Hub district, including a new zoning district, a floating overlay zone, and unified development review, with most votes 6-1 (Councilor McCalla opposed). The council also approved a public-private partnership for renewable energy projects (6-1, Councilor Leonard opposed) and several other contracts and licenses. A motion to reorder the agenda failed 3-4.
- Adopted Innovation Hub zoning ordinances (6-1, McCalla opposed)
- Approved public-private partnership for renewable energy projects (6-1, Leonard opposed)
- Approved hotel registration ordinance amendment (unanimous)
- Approved definitions and zoning district amendments (unanimous)
- Approved pedicab business license renewal for Pedi Power (unanimous)
- Approved appointments to Tax Relief Ad Hoc Committee (unanimous)
- Approved debt collection services contract (unanimous)
- Approved utility bill printing and mailing bid (unanimous)
Regular Session
The Newport City Council held public hearings and approved first readings of multiple zoning ordinance amendments tied to the North End Urban Plan, including new Innovation Hub and Innovation Hub Floating Overlay Zone districts, a zoning map update, and a unified development review section. Several proposed amendments, such as mandating electric vehicle parking and adopting Planning Board recommendations on Community Benefit Agreements, failed. The council also approved various licenses, appointments, and other routine items.
- Approved first reading of zoning amendment adding 'multimodal' definition (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of zoning amendment establishing districts (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of new Innovation Hub chapter (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of new Innovation Hub Floating Overlay Zone chapter (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of Unified Development Review section (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of zoning map amendment adding Innovation Hub district (unanimous)
- Approved second reading of harbor vessel abode amendment (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of hotel registration amendment (unanimous)
Workshop
The Newport City Council scheduled a workshop for August 18, 2021, regarding renewable energy projects and net metering. The meeting was set to take place at City Hall in the Council Chambers.
- Discussion of renewable energy projects (net metering)
Applicant Interviews
The City Council will conduct interviews with four individuals for potential appointment to the Tax Relief Ad Hoc Committee. Following the interviews, the Council may discuss how they intend to vote on these appointments at a future regularly scheduled meeting.
- Interview of Andy Lowen
- Interview of Joseph Hearn
- Interview of Mary Atkins
- Interview of Caroline Skuncik
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will meet in executive session to discuss issues regarding the lease, acquisition, or disposition of publicly held property involving the Gateway Center. The meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2021.
- Discussion of property lease, acquisition, or disposition involving the Gateway Center
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved a resolution regulating motorized bicycles, scooters, and tricycles by a 5-2 vote, with Councilors Bova and McCalla opposed. The council also approved a resolution on the boards and commissions appointment process (6-1), and unanimously approved a resolution on virtual participation in public meetings. Several zoning ordinance amendments were passed on second reading, and a short-term rentals enforcement resolution was tabled.
- Approved resolution regulating motorized bicycles, scooters, and tricycles (5-2)
- Approved boards and commissions appointment process resolution as amended (6-1)
- Approved virtual participation in public meetings resolution (unanimous)
- Tabled short-term rentals enforcement resolution (unanimous)
- Approved zoning ordinance amendments for Limited Business, Waterfront Business, General Business, and Commercial Industrial Districts (6-0 each)
- Adopted first reading of ordinance amending City Harbor chapter on use of vessels as abodes (unanimous)
- Approved contract award for asphalt paving, maintenance & repair of roadways 2021 (unanimous)
- Approved consent calendar including special event licenses and other items (unanimous)
Applicant Interviews
The Newport City Council is holding interviews on August 5, 2021, for applicants seeking appointment to the Tax Relief Ad Hoc Committee. Four applicants will be interviewed in 20-minute slots. After the interviews, the Council may discuss how they will vote on the appointments at a future regular Council meeting.
- Interviews for Tax Relief Ad Hoc Committee applicants
- Applicants: Monie Stadler, Penelope Hunt, Allan Booth, Kenneth Urban
- Meeting at City Hall, 43 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 5:30 p.m.
Executive Session
The Newport City Council is meeting to vote on entering a closed executive session to discuss two matters: real property and possible litigation tied to the Pell Bridge realignment, and ongoing negotiations with the local firefighters union. The public portion is limited to the vote to go into the closed session.
- Vote to enter executive session under R.I. law for collective bargaining and litigation
- Discussion of lease, acquisition, or disposition of public property related to Pell Bridge realignment
- Possible litigation arising from Pell Bridge realignment
- Negotiations with Local 1080, International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO
Regular Session
The Newport City Council held a regular session on July 28, 2021, where it unanimously advanced first-reading ordinances to prohibit marijuana retail facilities in several zoning districts. The council also approved a consent calendar with special events and licenses, denied multiple daily entertainment licenses for Vieste Vino Yagi, and made several board appointments. A public hearing on a zoning change for specific lots was withdrawn, and a renewable energy contract was continued to a workshop.
- Adopted first reading of ordinances prohibiting marijuana retail facilities in Limited Business, Waterfront Business, General Business, and Commercial Industrial districts (4-0)
- Withdrew public hearing on rezoning Lots 6/77/78/161/82 Plat 14 and Lot 165 Plat 19 to Limited Business (4-0)
- Approved consent calendar including special events, food concession, holiday selling license, and block party (4-0)
- Approved waste hauler license for A1 Roofing & Construction (4-0)
- Approved new victualing license for Mori Corp d/b/a Mori (4-0)
- Approved entertainment license for Smugglers Waterfront Bar (4-0)
- Denied all eight daily entertainment licenses for Vieste Vino Yagi (0-5 each)
- Adopted second reading of ordinances amending Transient Guest Facilities and City Harbor vessel abode rules (unanimous)
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop to discuss Community Choice Energy Aggregation, a program that could change how the city purchases electricity for residents. The meeting is for discussion only, not a final vote. Public access is available via Zoom or phone.
- Workshop on Community Choice Energy Aggregation
- Remote meeting per Governor McKee's Executive Order 21-72
- Public access via Zoom (Webinar ID: 958 7845 2956) or toll-free phone
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved an extension of the City Manager's employment contract and accompanying resolution by a 6-1 vote, with Councilor McCalla opposed. A prior motion to amend the resolution to a one-year term expiring June 30, 2022, failed. The Council also unanimously approved a resolution supporting state legislation on education foundation-level school support.
- Approved the City Manager's contract extension and resolution, 6-1 (McCalla opposed).
- Rejected an amendment to reduce the City Manager's contract term to one year.
- Approved a resolution supporting S-582 and H-6424 on education foundation-level school support.
- Closed a public hearing and approved a resolution to amend the Newport Tourism Marketing Management District boundaries and powers.
- Continued a public hearing on zoning changes for five lots to the Limited Business District to July 14, 2021.
- Approved the consent calendar, including special event permits and licenses, with items c, g, and h removed for separate action.
- Approved a new bicycle rental license for Bike Newport, 6-0 (McCalla recused).
- Approved a special event license for Newport Rhode Races and denied a request to reduce park use fees for Newport Lax Fest.
Regular Session
The Newport City Council held a public hearing and then voted 5-2 to adopt the FY2022-23 biennial operating budget, the personnel ordinance, the tax levy resolution, and the Omnibus Property Tax Relief & Replacement Act resolution, with Councilors McCalla and Bova opposed. The Council also approved a resolution to implement bike lanes per the R.I. Bike Mobility Plan, as amended, and created a Taxation Relief Ad-Hoc Committee. Several ordinances were continued to June 23, 2021, and the Council approved various licenses and appointments.
- Adopted FY2022-23 biennial operating budget ordinance (5-2)
- Adopted Title 3 Personnel ordinance amendment (5-2)
- Adopted tax levy resolution (5-2)
- Adopted Omnibus Property Tax Relief & Replacement Act resolution (5-2)
- Approved bike lanes resolution as amended (unanimous)
- Created Taxation Relief Ad-Hoc Committee (unanimous)
- Denied The Reef entertainment license expansion (0-7)
- Approved consent calendar for special events and licenses (unanimous)
Executive Session
The Newport City Council will hold an executive session on May 27, 2021, to discuss the job performance and possible extension of the City Manager's employment agreement. The meeting is closed to the public under Rhode Island law for personnel matters, though remote access is provided via Zoom for the open portion where the council votes to go into closed session.
- Executive session to discuss job performance and extension of City Manager's employment agreement
- Closed session authorized under R.I. General Laws 42-46-5(a)(1) for personnel issues
- Remote public access via Zoom (Meeting ID: 955 0238 4332) for the open vote to convene closed session
Regular Session
The Newport City Council unanimously approved the FY2022-2023 biennial operating budget as amended, along with the budget change sheet and first readings of ordinances appropriating revenues and amending Title 3 (Personnel). The council also approved a consent calendar of special event permits, license renewals, and several new victualing licenses, and adopted resolutions for various city contracts and improvements. A resolution on bike lanes was withdrawn by the sponsor, and a communication about a pedicab ordinance change was received and referred to the city administration.
- Approved FY2022-2023 biennial operating budget as amended (unanimous)
- Adopted first reading of ordinance appropriating revenues (unanimous)
- Adopted first reading of ordinance amending Title 3, Personnel (unanimous)
- Approved consent calendar with special event permits and license renewals (unanimous)
- Approved new victualing licenses for Marco's Café, China Star III, and The Fifth Element (unanimous)
- Approved CRMC application for Paraport LLC at Perry Mill Wharf (6-0, Holder recused)
- Adopted resolutions for elevator testing, intersection design, stair tower shoring, chip seal, storm drain improvements, and water treatment chemicals (unanimous)
- Withdrew resolution on bike lanes; new version to be brought back (unanimous)
Regular Session
The Newport City Council unanimously approved the FY2022-23 biennial operating budget after a public hearing that included discussion of fire department overtime costs. The council also approved several special event licenses, including the Newport 10 Miler and Amica Newport Marathon, each by a 6-1 vote with Councilor Leonard opposed. A resolution supporting safety barriers on Rhode Island bridges passed 6-1, and a resolution on adult recreational marijuana legalization was approved unanimously.
- Approved FY2022-23 biennial operating budget (unanimous)
- Approved Newport 10 Miler license amendment to 2,000 participants (6-1, Leonard opposed)
- Approved Amica Newport Marathon license (6-1, Leonard opposed)
- Approved Pell Bridge Run license (unanimous)
- Approved resolution supporting bridge safety barriers (6-1, Leonard opposed)
- Approved resolution on adult recreational marijuana legalization (unanimous)
- Approved life insurance contract award (unanimous)
- Approved pavement marking program bid (unanimous)
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop meeting on May 6, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the Abruzzi Sports Complex skate park. The meeting is held remotely per Governor McKee's Executive Order 21-30, with public access via Zoom or toll-free telephone.
- Workshop topic: Abruzzi Sports Complex skate park
- Remote meeting per Executive Order 21-30
- Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95878452956
- Toll-free dial-in: 1 877 853 5247 or 1 888 788 0099
- Webinar ID: 958 7845 2956
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved the consent calendar (excluding the budget item), which included special event permits, holiday selling licenses, and minutes. The FY2022-2023 proposed biennial operating budget was received and ordered advertised for a public hearing on May 12, 2021. The council also approved a mobile food establishment license, appointed members to the Energy and Environment and Beach Commissions, adopted an ordinance amendment on second reading, and approved three bid awards and a contract amendment for utility projects.
- Adopted consent calendar except budget item (unanimous)
- Received FY2022-23 budget, ordered public hearing May 12 (unanimous)
- Approved mobile food truck license for Sunnyside on the Street (unanimous)
- Appointed Christopher Shaw to Energy and Environment Commission (unanimous)
- Appointed Leppy McCarthy and Demetri Damaskos to Beach Commission (unanimous)
- Adopted ordinance amending FOP Lodge No. 8 provisions on second reading (unanimous)
- Approved bid award for boundary surveys of water supplies (unanimous)
- Approved bid award for LG Sonic algae treatment system (unanimous)
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop meeting on April 22, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. The only listed agenda item is a COVID-19 crisis update. The meeting is conducted remotely per Governor McKee's executive orders, with public access via Zoom or phone.
- COVID-19 crisis update
- Remote meeting per Governor McKee's Executive Orders 21-21(2) and 20-46-1(a)
- Public access via Zoom (Webinar ID: 958 7845 2956) or toll-free phone
Workshop
The meeting is a workshop focused on a COVID-19 crisis update. The session will be held remotely via telephone and Zoom in compliance with Governor McKee's Executive Order 21-30.
- COVID-19 crisis update
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved the Fraternal Order of Police contract for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, extended emergency powers for outdoor dining, and approved a bid for the Edward King House roof replacement (6-1). The council also approved several special event licenses, including the Bank Newport 10 Miler (6-1) and the Newport Music Festival, and made appointments to the Tree and Open Space Commission. The Board of License Commissioners approved a liquor license transfer for Manchester House and a new Sunday selling license for Downtown Liquors.
- Approved FOP contract July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution extending emergency powers for outdoor dining (unanimous)
- Awarded bid for Edward King House roof replacement and chimney repairs (6-1)
- Approved special event license for Bank Newport 10 Miler (6-1)
- Approved special event license for Newport Music Festival with amended hours (unanimous)
- Approved liquor license transfer to Bloody Bull LLC d/b/a Manchester House (unanimous)
- Approved new Sunday selling license for Downtown Liquors (unanimous)
- Appointed Jean Frisbie and Dennis Bristow to Tree and Open Space Commission (unanimous)
Workshop
The City Council is holding a workshop meeting focused on a COVID-19 crisis update. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Zoom and telephone.
- COVID-19 crisis update
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a budget workshop to review the FY 2022-2023 biennial budget, with presentations from the Fire Department, Police Department, and Parking. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom and telephone due to the governor's executive orders. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and overview session.
- FY 2022-2023 biennial budget overview
- Fire Department budget presentation
- Police Department budget presentation
- Parking budget presentation
- Remote meeting via Zoom and toll-free telephone
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop to discuss food trucks. The agenda contains only the meeting notice and access information, with no specific agenda items listed.
- Remote meeting per Governor Raimondo's Executive Orders 21-10(2) and 20-46-1(a)
- Public access via Zoom and toll-free phone
Workshop
The Newport City Council scheduled a workshop for March 30, 2021, regarding the Utilities Department budget. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom and telephone.
- Utilities Department budget discussion
CANCELLED - Mar. 25, 2021 - Special Session
This March 25, 2021 special session of the Newport City Council was cancelled. The only listed agenda item was a COVID-19 crisis update, and the meeting was to be held remotely under Governor Raimondo's executive orders.
- Meeting cancelled
- Scheduled item: COVID-19 crisis update
Regular Session
The Newport City Council approved a consent calendar of licenses and permits, including special event licenses for the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival and a fireworks display at Ochre Court, with Councilor Leonard opposed to the fireworks. The Council also approved resolutions opposing a real estate transfer tax increase and directing the city to work with an Ad-Hoc Committee on equity language in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. As the Board of License Commissioners, it approved liquor license transfers and renewals, dismissed two show cause hearings, and continued one to May 12, 2021.
- Approved special event license for Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival at Bowen's Wharf (unanimous).
- Approved fireworks display license at Ochre Court, 6-1 with Councilor Leonard opposed.
- Approved resolution opposing real estate transfer tax increase, as amended (unanimous).
- Approved resolution on equity in Comprehensive Land Use Plan, as amended (unanimous).
- Approved resolution for a Children's Bike Trail in Miantonomi Park with Bike Newport and Housing Authority (unanimous).
- Adopted first reading of ordinance adding Annandale Road to residential parking district (unanimous).
- Approved liquor license transfer for Downtown Liquors to 202 Thames St. (unanimous).
- Dismissed show cause hearing for Poor Richard's-Benjamin's and Pyramid Club; continued Protective Club hearing to May 12, 2021 (unanimous).
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop meeting on March 11, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. The sole agenda item is a COVID-19 crisis update. The meeting is conducted remotely per Governor Raimondo's executive orders, with public access via Zoom or phone.
- COVID-19 crisis update
Regular Session
The Newport City Council held its regular meeting on March 10, 2021, and took several actions. It unanimously adopted the Capital Improvement Program for FY2022-FY2026. The council rescinded the special event license for Newport Rhode Races (5-1) and directed organizers to work with the administration to select a new date in June 2021. It also approved multiple licenses, appointments, and a resolution for engineering services, while failing to adopt resolutions on equitable development and portable toilets.
- Adopted Capital Improvement Program FY2022-FY2026 (unanimous)
- Rescinded Newport Rhode Races special event license (5-1)
- Approved Audrain Concours license except Fort Adams portion until DEM approval (unanimous)
- Approved street closure for Bellevue Avenue for Audrain event (unanimous)
- Approved Newport Festa Italiana license and fee waiver (unanimous)
- Approved appointments to Beach, Energy, Tree, Historic District, Henderson Home commissions (unanimous)
- Failed to adopt Equitable Development resolution (2-4)
- Failed to award portable toilets bid (2-4)
Workshop
The City Council is holding a remote workshop to provide a COVID-19 crisis update. The meeting will be conducted via telephone and Zoom in compliance with state executive orders.
- COVID-19 crisis update
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop to discuss the Capital Improvement Program. The meeting is a discussion session, not a voting meeting, and public access is provided via Zoom and telephone.
- Remote meeting per Governor Raimondo's Executive Orders 21-10 and 20-46
- Capital Improvement Program discussion
- Public access via Zoom webinar ID 958 7845 2956
- Toll-free dial-in numbers provided
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a workshop meeting remotely, in compliance with Governor Raimondo's executive order, to receive a COVID-19 crisis update. The agenda contains only this single item, with no other business listed.
- COVID-19 crisis update
Regular Session
The Newport City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing up to $106,500,000 in general obligation bonds to fund construction of an addition to Claiborne Pell Elementary School and a new William S. Rogers High School, with the amount reduced by certain state grants. The council also approved several licenses, including a fireworks display for Bailey's Beach Club, a victualing license for Boru Noodle Bar, and mobile food establishment renewals. A proposed ordinance amending mobile food establishment restrictions was tabled for a workshop by a 4-3 vote. The council also received reports from Clean Ocean Access and the Planning Board on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and adopted a Language Access Plan.
- Approved $106.5M bond resolution for Pell Elementary addition and new Rogers High School (unanimous).
- Approved fireworks display permit for Bailey's Beach Club on July 3, 2021 (unanimous).
- Approved victualing license for Boru Noodle Bar at 36 Broadway and 51-53 Marlborough St. (unanimous).
- Approved mobile food establishment renewals for La Costa Lobster and Tacos, A Mano Pizza & Gelato, and Simple Merchant (unanimous).
- Tabled ordinance amending mobile food establishment restrictions to schedule a workshop (4-3 vote).
- Adopted Language Access Plan resolution (unanimous).
- Received Clean Ocean Access 2020 updates and Planning Board communication on diversity, equity, and inclusion (unanimous).
- Approved consent calendar with exceptions for items b(1), d, and e (unanimous).
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop with the Planning Board and Smart Growth America to discuss equitable development. The meeting is a discussion session, not a voting meeting, and no specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Workshop with Planning Board and Smart Growth America on equitable development
- Remote meeting via Zoom and telephone per Governor Raimondo's Executive Order 20-25-1
CANCELLED - Feb. 18, 2021 - Special Meeting
This Feb. 18, 2021 special meeting of the Newport City Council was cancelled. The only listed agenda item was a COVID-19 crisis update, and the meeting was to be held remotely per the governor's executive order.
- Meeting cancelled
- Scheduled item: COVID-19 crisis update
Special Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to fill one vacancy on the Planning Board. After discussion, the council voted unanimously to appoint Anand Toprani to the position, which has a term expiring October 31, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Appointed Anand Toprani to Planning Board (unanimous)
Regular Session
The Newport City Council held a regular meeting on February 10, 2021, where it unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation school refunding bonds to refund prior school bonds. The council also closed the public hearing on the Capital Improvement Program FY 2022-2026, approved a holiday selling license for ReLeaf Center, and continued several mobile food establishment applications to February 24, 2021. Additionally, the council approved an ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan chapter and a resolution for leasing retail space at Easton's Beach, while continuing an ordinance on mobile food establishment restrictions.
- Approved resolution authorizing school refunding bonds (unanimous)
- Closed public hearing on Capital Improvement Program FY 2022-2026 (unanimous)
- Approved holiday selling license for ReLeaf Center (unanimous)
- Continued fireworks application for Bailey's Beach Club to Feb 24 (unanimous)
- Continued mobile food establishment renewals for La Costa Lobster and A Mano Pizza to Feb 24 (unanimous)
- Approved mobile food establishment renewal for Wally's Hot Dog Cart (unanimous)
- Approved ordinance amending Comprehensive Plan chapter (unanimous)
- Approved resolution for lease of retail space at Easton's Beach (unanimous)
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop with the state legislative delegation to discuss the city's legislative priorities for 2021. The agenda lists only this single topic, with no specific proposals or dollar amounts detailed. The meeting is held remotely per the governor's executive order, with public access by phone or Zoom.
- Discussion of city's legislative priorities for 2021
- Remote meeting per Governor Raimondo's Executive Order 20-25
Regular Session
The Newport City Council unanimously approved amendments to the 2017 Comprehensive Land Use Plan to add the North End Urban Plan, and adopted the related ordinance on first reading. The council also approved the FY2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program, scheduling a public hearing for February 10, 2021, after a motion to refer it to the Planning Board failed. Several licenses were renewed or approved, and council rules were amended to require closed executive sessions at City Hall.
- Approved Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment #1 adding North End Urban Plan (unanimous)
- Adopted ordinance amending Chapter 14.04 on first reading (unanimous)
- Received CIP FY2022-2026 and ordered advertised for public hearing Feb 10, 2021 (6-1, McCalla opposed)
- Motion to refer CIP to Planning Board before April 1 deadline failed (3-4)
- Approved consent calendar except items c and g (unanimous)
- Approved victualing license renewal for Hope on Broadway (unanimous)
- Approved Stoneacre Garden license expansion with rooftop patio subject to Zoning Board restrictions (unanimous)
- Amended Council Rules to require closed executive sessions at City Hall (4-3)
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop on January 20, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. to conduct a mid-year budget review. The meeting will be held via Zoom and telephone in compliance with Governor Raimondo's Executive Order 20-25-1, which allows remote public access. No specific budget items or decisions are listed in the agenda.
- Mid-year budget review
- Remote meeting via Zoom and telephone
- Public access via toll-free numbers and webinar ID
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop meeting on January 14, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. The sole agenda item is a COVID-19 crisis update. The meeting is conducted remotely per Governor Raimondo's executive order, with public access via phone or Zoom.
- COVID-19 crisis update is the only agenda item
- Meeting held remotely per Executive Order 20-25-1
- Public access via Zoom or toll-free phone lines
Workshop
The Newport City Council is holding a remote workshop meeting on January 7, 2021, at 4:30 p.m., with the sole agenda item being a COVID-19 crisis update. The meeting is conducted remotely in compliance with Governor Raimondo's Executive Order 20-25-1, with public access provided via telephone or Zoom. No other business is listed on the agenda.
- COVID-19 crisis update
- Remote meeting per Governor Raimondo's Executive Order 20-25-1
- Public access via Zoom (Webinar ID: 958 7845 2956) and toll-free phone numbers
Applicant Interviews
The Newport City Council is holding a remote meeting to interview three applicants for the Planning Board: William Lloyd, Thomas J. Gibson Jr., and Vincent Marcello. After the interviews, the Council may discuss how they will vote on the appointments at a future regular meeting.
- Interview of William Lloyd at 6:00 p.m.
- Interview of Thomas J. Gibson, Jr. at 6:15 p.m.
- Interview of Vincent Marcello at 6:30 p.m.
- Council may discuss voting on appointments at a later regular meeting