Newport public meetings in 2025

Regular Session

The council voted 4‑3 to reject Castle Hill, Inc.'s commercial aquaculture application and send an unfavorable recommendation to the CRMC. The 2026 regular council meeting schedule and a resolution supporting the Martin Luther King Jr. Center food pantry were approved unanimously. Several licenses and permits were approved unanimously, and appointments to the Beach and Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory commissions were confirmed. Reappointments of Mark Marosits as Waterfront Commission chair and Henry DiPietro to the same commission were approved 6‑1.

• Rejected Castle Hill, Inc. aquaculture application (4‑3)
• Approved 2026 regular council meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved MLK Center food pantry support resolution (unanimous)
• Approved multiple licensure applications (unanimous)
• Appointed Susan Marks to Newport Beach Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed Casey Lindie to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (unanimous)
• Reappointed Mark Marosits as Waterfront Commission chair (6‑1)
• Reappointed Henry DiPietro to Waterfront Commission (6‑1)

Joint Workshop

The Newport City Council and Middletown Town Council will meet to examine the possibility of regionalizing their school districts. Attendees will review Newport City Council Resolution No. 2025-146 on administrative regionalization and Resolution No. 2025-43 establishing an Academic Integration Advisory Committee. The session includes explanations, Q&A, and discussion of how an endowment would function. Participants will also set a tentative date to reconvene on January 12, 2026.

• Review Newport City Council Resolution No. 2025-146 – Administrative Regionalization
• Discussion of how a school regionalization endowment would work
• Review Newport City Council Resolution No. 2025-43 – Academic Integration Advisory Committee
• Q&A and open discussion on regionalization feasibility
• Agree on reconvening date (proposed Jan 12, 2026)

Executive Session

The Newport City Council will hold an executive session at 5:30 p.m. on Dec 3, 2025. In that closed meeting, council members will discuss the recent incidents at Rogers High School and the investigations related to them. No decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Discussion of recent incidents at Rogers High School and related investigations

Regular Session

The council approved the Revolutionary Hydrant Project by unanimous vote. It also approved the Consent Calendar (except one item) and a new extended‑hours victualing license for Broadway Mini Mart, both unanimously. A hearing on the Newport Protective Club entertainment license was continued with a 4‑3 vote. Several infrastructure and parking ordinances were adopted, while a bond‑fund reallocation was tabled.

• Approved Consent Calendar (except item j) – unanimous vote
• Approved extended‑hours victualing license for Broadway Mini Mart – unanimous vote
• Continued hearing on Newport Protective Club entertainment license – vote 4‑3
• Approved victualing licenses for liquor establishments – unanimous vote
• Tabled reallocation of General Obligation Bond Funding for Primary Clarifier Rehabilitation – vote 5‑2
• Approved Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank borrowing for Primary Clarifier Replacement – vote 5‑1
• Adopted ordinance revising parking prohibited on Broadway – vote 5‑2
• Approved Revolutionary Hydrant Project – unanimous vote

Executive Session

The Newport City Council will meet in executive session to discuss a buyer's request for a credit regarding asbestos remediation costs for the Coggeshall School property. The Council may vote on the issue after returning to open session.

• Discussion of asbestos remediation cost credit for the sale of Coggeshall School property

Workshop

On November 10, 2025 the Newport City Council met with the School Committee at Rogers High School Auditorium to discuss regionalizing schools with Middletown. Council members and School Committee members participated, and members of the public addressed the council with questions. The meeting concluded without any formal approvals, denials, or votes on the topic.

Workshop

The Newport City Council will hold a workshop on October 29, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway. The meeting is intended to discuss the proposed Aquidneck Island natural gas moratorium. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Discussion of the Aquidneck Island natural gas moratorium

Regular Session

The council voted unanimously to establish an Accessibility Advisory Commission. It also approved a $125,000 small grant and a $500,000 large grant to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The traffic‑study contract item was sent to the next meeting for more information, while the motion to allow open containers at the Broadway Street Fair failed. Police retroactive‑pay resolution was tabled.

• Established Accessibility Advisory Commission – approved unanimously
• Approved recreation grants: $125K small and $500K large to RIDEM – approved unanimously
• Continued traffic‑study contract item (RFP 2026‑PS‑001) for more information – approved unanimously
• Approved liquor license expansions for Cru Café and The Elms Carriage House – approved unanimously
• Continued Castle Hill communication item (refer to Waterfront Commission) – vote 5‑1
• Continued Broadway Mini Mart victualing‑license application to next meeting – approved unanimously
• Motion to allow open containers at Broadway Street Fair failed (no second)
• Police Details – Retroactive Pay resolution tabled – approved unanimously

Workshop

The City Council is holding a workshop to discuss a report from the Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission regarding the North End. No other items are listed on the agenda.

• North End/Ad Hoc Bridge Realignment Property Advisory Commission report

Workshop

The Newport City Council will hold a workshop on October 16, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway. The agenda item is the Newport Yacht Club lease.

• Newport Yacht Club lease discussion

Workshop

The Newport City Council will hold a workshop on October 15, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 43 Broadway. Council members will discuss proposed changes to the city’s mooring ordinances, including insurance requirements and permit classifications. No formal vote is indicated; the meeting appears to be for discussion and information.

• Discussion of mooring ordinance insurance requirements and permit classification changes

Regular Session

The council approved the Consent Calendar unanimously and moved items 14‑17 to the December 10 meeting, adding a requirement for a public workshop (5‑1). Several licenses were approved, including a fireworks event with a waived filing deadline and an expansion of Vanderbilt’s entertainment space. The city adopted the funding source for the Rogers High School construction project (5‑1) and extended the electricity supplier contract (5‑1). A resolution on signage failed to pass (2‑4).

• Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
• Continued items 14‑17 to Dec 10 meeting (unanimous)
• Added public workshop requirement before voting on items 14‑17 (5‑1)
• Approved fireworks special event license for Anne Donohue, waiving 90‑day filing (unanimous)
• Approved Victualing License for Market Newport, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved Entertainment License expansion for Vanderbilt Opco, LLC (unanimous)
• Adopted funding source for Rogers High School construction project (5‑1)
• Resolution 18 on signage failed (2‑4)

Regular Session

The council unanimously approved the consent calendar and several new licenses. A 4‑1 vote approved the City’s request to dredge at 128 Long Wharf Marina. The Harbor Ordinance Revision was adopted by a 3‑2 vote. Additional items, including an ordinance amendment and multiple contract award resolutions, passed unanimously.

• Consent calendar approved (unanimous)
• Victualing license for Sip to Shine approved (unanimous)
• Entertainment license expansion for The Vanderbilt approved (unanimous)
• Dredging application for 128 Long Wharf approved (4-1)
• Harbor Ordinance Revision adopted (3-2)
• Ordinance amendment to Chapter 3.12.020 adopted (4-1)
• Grant to RI Dept of Health & Human Services approved (4-1)
• Multiple contract award resolutions adopted (unanimous)

CANCELLED - Sep. 24, 2025 - Regular Session

The regular City Council meeting scheduled for September 24, 2025 was cancelled. Consequently, none of the listed agenda items—including the consent calendar, license applications, contract awards, and ordinance amendments—will be discussed or decided. The council will reconvene at a later date to consider these matters.

• Consent Calendar items for special events such as the Richard Morris Hunt Lecture at Rosecliff and Sail for Hope Regatta at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard
• Victualing License for Principal Nutrition, LLC d/b/a Sip to Shine, 260 Bellevue Ave.
• Entertainment License expansion for Vanderbilt Opco, LLC d/b/a The Vanderbilt, 41 Mary St.
• Action Item #6508/25 – award of contract for HVAC system at the Martin Recreation Center
• Ordinance amendment (second reading) to City Manager specifications, Chapter 3.12.020

Regular Session

The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, several entertainment and victualing licenses, and appointed three members to the Sister City Commission. It also approved utility pole petitions for four streets and adopted the police vehicles/equipment replacement contract. The council voted 6-1 to approve a construction‑manager‑at‑risk contract for the Florence Gray Center and a amendment to the utilities classification plan, and unanimously amended the parking prohibition ordinance.

• Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
• Approved Annual Entertainment License for Wharf Southern Kitchen (unanimous)
• Appointed Michael Murray, Michele Gallagher, Joseph Logue to Sister City Commission (unanimous)
• Approved utility pole petitions for Ruggles Ave., Old Beach Rd., Hillside Ave., Lawrence Ave. (unanimous)
• Adopted police vehicles/equipment replacement contract (unanimous)
• Approved CMaR services contract for Florence Gray Center (6-1)
• Approved amendment to Chapter 3.12 Classification Plan (6-1)
• Amended parking prohibition ordinance (unanimous)

Executive Session

The City Council will meet in Executive Session to discuss pending opioid litigation settlements and the option to opt-in to additional settlements. A vote to opt-in may occur in open session following the closed meeting.

• Discussion of pending opioid litigation settlements
• Potential vote to opt-in to additional settlements

Regular Session

The Newport City Council approved the award of a contract for a Harbormaster patrol vessel with a 6‑1 vote. It also approved a supplemental agreement for professional services on the Perrotti Park project (6‑1). In addition, the council adopted several ordinance amendments—including parking restrictions and a general fee schedule—unanimously, and approved multiple licenses and event permits.

• Approved Harbormaster patrol vessel contract (6-1)
• Approved Perrotti Park supplemental agreement (6-1)
• Adopted General Fee Schedule amendment (unanimous)
• Adopted multiple parking ordinance amendments (unanimous)
• Approved Pedicab Business License renewal (unanimous)
• Approved block party permission on Blackwell Place (unanimous)
• Approved Service Agreement for Black Earth Compost (unanimous)
• Approved various event licenses on the Consent Calendar (unanimous)

Regular Meeting

The council removed Michael Falcone from the Sister City Commission and approved a series of licenses, resolutions, and ordinances, including municipal bond funding, a police contract, and numerous parking regulations. All actions were approved unanimously except two amendment motions that failed.

• Removed Michael Falcone from Sister City Commission (unanimous)
• Approved municipal bond project funding (unanimous)
• Approved Fraternal Order of Police contract; amendment for 4% increase failed 1‑6
• Approved road crack sealing contract (unanimous)
• Approved Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival license (unanimous)
• Approved Rose Island Lighthouse resolution (unanimous)
• Adopted several parking restriction ordinances (unanimous)
• Approved Newport Hospital Council Liaisons resolution (unanimous)

Regular Session

The Newport City Council approved the consent calendar and continued a show‑cause hearing for the Pyramid Club. It reappointed members of the Sister City Commission and adopted several contract and resolution communications, including a new utility billing system. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
• Continued Pyramid Club hearing to Sep 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Reappointed Brenda Bachman as Sister City Commission Chair (unanimous)
• Approved John Chafee Recreation Area fencing contract (unanimous)
• Approved Public Information Request software solution contract (unanimous)
• Approved Comprehensive Plan Update consulting contract (unanimous)
• Approved implementation of new utility billing system (unanimous)
• Approved Elephant Display placement in Aquidneck Park (unanimous)

Special Session

The council unanimously adopted a resolution advocating for the continued operation of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital. They also unanimously approved sending copies of the meeting recording to Dr. Thomas, Sarah Frost, and John Fernandez of Brown Health.

• Adopted resolution supporting birthing center (unanimous)
• Approved sending meeting recording to Dr. Thomas, Sarah Frost, John Fernandez (unanimous)

Regular Session

The council approved several licenses, adopted the consent calendar (excluding two items), and passed multiple ordinances. Notably, the Harbor Ordinance fee increase was approved 6‑1. Parking prohibition ordinances for Poplar and Spring Streets were adopted, and the MFEs resolution was passed unanimously.

• Approved Ron Kitt Kite Festival license (5-2 vote)
• Approved Conexion Latina "¡Que Diablos!" license (unanimous)
• Adopted consent calendar, excluding items b(1) and b(7) (unanimous)
• Approved MBK entertainment license expansion (unanimous)
• Approved Harbor Ordinance fee increase (6-1 vote)
• Adopted parking prohibition ordinance for Poplar Street (unanimous)
• Adopted parking prohibition ordinance for Spring Street (unanimous)
• Approved MFEs resolution (unanimous)

Regular Session

The City Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar and adopted revisions to two parking ordinances. It voted 6-1 to raise school funding to 4% and 4-3 to add $35,000 to the Sister City budget. Several personnel appointments were approved, including the Deputy Police Chief (unanimous) and the Utilities Capital Projects Manager (4-3). The Easton's Beach Revenue resolution was also adopted unanimously.

• Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
• Approved Sound Variance for Jon Koucky (6-1)
• Adopted parking ordinance revisions for Spring Street and Poplar Street (unanimous)
• Increased school funding from 2% to 4% (6-1)
• Added $35,000 to Sister City budget (4-3)
• Approved Deputy Police Chief appointment (unanimous)
• Approved Utilities Capital Projects Manager (4-3)
• Adopted Easton's Beach Revenue resolution (unanimous)

Regular Session

The council moved to hear FY2026‑FY2027 budget items (6‑1 vote) and approved the consent calendar unanimously. It adopted the Elm Street Pier repair contract, a residential‑parking ordinance for Kilburn Court, a marsh‑habitat grant agreement, and a grant‑management software contract, all by unanimous vote. Several special‑event and sidewalk‑café licenses were also approved unanimously, and multiple board appointments were confirmed.

• Motion to hear FY2026‑FY2027 budget items passed 6‑1
• Consent calendar approved unanimously
• Elm Street Pier repair/replacement contract adopted unanimously
• Ordinance revision for Kilburn Court residential parking adopted unanimously
• Grant agreement for South Easton Pond marsh habitat adopted unanimously
• Award of grant‑management software contract adopted unanimously
• Special‑event and sidewalk‑café licenses approved unanimously
• Appointments to public sculpture, discover Newport, bicycle, planning, and zoning boards approved unanimously

Regular Session

The council approved the full Consent Calendar and a series of special event, entertainment, and sidewalk café licenses. It appointed Frederick Huntsberry to the Planning Board and reappointed several commission members. The Vision Zero: Safe Streets for All plan was adopted, and three ordinances on smoking and pedicab operations were passed on second reading.

• Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
• Approved Special Event License for Newport Art Museum Summer Art Party Gala (unanimous)
• Approved Sidewalk Café License for Get the Scoop, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved Entertainment Licenses for Newport Playhouse and Brenton Hotel (unanimous)
• Appointed Frederick Huntsberry to Planning Board (unanimous)
• Reappointed Andy Bjork to Energy and Environment Commission (unanimous)
• Adopted Vision Zero: Safe Streets for All plan (unanimous)
• Adopted amendment prohibiting smoking on buses (unanimous)

Regular Session

The council rejected Chomp Kitchen & Drinks' request to add an 8' × 48' sidewalk café, losing by a 3‑4 vote. The board also voted to continue the Pyramid Club hearing to June 11, 2025 and to table the Community Development Block Grant budget application by a 4‑3 vote. Several special‑event and permit licenses were approved unanimously, and the farmer’s market renewal passed 6‑1.

• Denied Chomp Kitchen sidewalk café expansion (3‑4 vote)
• Continued Pyramid Club hearing to June 11, 2025 (unanimous)
• Tabled Community Development Block Grant budget application (4‑3 vote)
• Adopted Consent Calendar (unanimous)
• Approved Hall of Fame Open special event license (unanimous)
• Approved Induction Weekend special event license (unanimous)
• Approved Sound Variance license for August 23 concert (unanimous)
• Approved Farmer’s Market license renewal (6‑1 vote)

Budget Workshop

The council met on April 30, 2025 for a budget overview workshop on utilities and water‑pollution control. Council members Lynn Underwood Ceglie, Jeanne Marie Napolitano, Charlie Holder, David R. Carlin, III, and Stephanie Smyth were present; Xay Khamsyvoravong and Ellen Pinnoch were absent. The workshop featured a presentation by Director of Utilities Robert Schultz and discussion with staff. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Budget Workshop

The City Council held a budget overview workshop on April 29, 2025. Directors of Resiliency and Sustainability, Public Services, Planning, and a grant writer presented departmental budget information. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. with no votes, approvals, or other formal actions recorded.

Regular Session

The council voted 4-3 to adopt an amendment to Ordinance 10.32.110 designating residential parking on Marsh Street and Bridge Street. All listed special‑event, street‑café, sidewalk‑café, entertainment and victualing licenses were approved unanimously. Appointments to the Tree and Open Space Commission and reappointments to the Housing Authority were also confirmed unanimously. Two resolutions supporting a resiliency fund and the Newport For All Ages program passed unanimously.

• Approved Ordinance Amendment for designated residential parking (4-3)
• Approved special‑event licenses for Newport String Project, Touro Park Summer Concert, Lucy’s Hearth Pickleball Fundraiser, Trinity Episcopal Church Strawberry Festival (unanimously)
• Approved Washington Square road closure 11:00 am‑12:30 pm (unanimously)
• Approved Street Café license renewal for Malt, 150‑154 Broadway (unanimously)
• Approved sidewalk‑café renewals for nine vendors (unanimously)
• Approved entertainment licenses for Chomp Kitchen and Mother Pizzeria (unanimously)
• Appointed Maria “Lola” Herrera to Tree and Open Space Commission (unanimously)
• Reappointed Vanessa Soares and Tom Sheehan as Resident Commissioners of Newport Housing Authority (unanimously)

Budget Workshop

On April 22, 2025, the Newport City Council met for a budget overview workshop covering public safety, police, fire, parking, and maritime topics. Council members Xay Khamsyvoravong, Lynn Underwood Ceglie, and Charlie Holder were present, with four members absent. Department heads presented budget information and the council discussed the material. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. with no recorded approvals, denials, or votes.

Budget Workshop

On April 21, 2025, the Newport City Council met for a budget overview workshop at City Hall. Finance Director Jim Nolan presented the total budget and council members discussed the information. Civic support representatives also addressed the council. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. with no formal decisions recorded.

Regular Session

The council adopted the consent calendar, except two items, with a unanimous vote. It approved multiple liquor, sound, street‑café, sidewalk‑café and entertainment licenses unanimously. The Coggeshall School Purchase and Sale Agreement was amended and approved by a 4‑2 vote. The 2025 Strategic Plan progress update was also approved unanimously.

• Adopt consent calendar except items 18 and e (unanimous)
• Approve Class F Daily Liquor Licenses for three events (unanimous)
• Approve Sunday Selling Class A Liquor renewals (unanimous)
• Approve Sound Variance License for IYRS Summer Gala (unanimous)
• Approve street café license renewals for Corner Café and Pour Judgement (unanimous)
• Approve sidewalk café license renewals for five establishments (unanimous)
• Approve amended Coggeshall School Purchase and Sale Agreement (4-2)
• Approve 2025 Strategic Plan progress update (unanimous)

Regular Session

The council approved the 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Program concept with a 6‑1 vote, Councilor Carlin opposed. It also approved the full Consent Calendar and transferred a Class C liquor license to Pivotal Brewing Company, both unanimously. Additional actions included several ordinance amendments and appointments to city commissions.

• Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Class C liquor license to Pivotal Brewing Company (unanimous)
• Approved new Victualing License for Pivotal Brewing Company (unanimous)
• Appointed Brooke Richter to Historic District Commission (6‑1)
• Adopted 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Program concept (6‑1)
• Adopted ordinance amending Section 2.120.010 (fees) (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance amending Section 12.28.100(D) (city piers) (unanimous)
• Adopted residential district ordinance amendments (items 19‑24) (unanimous)