WUN videocasts Thursday: at 10 with Mayor Xay and at 2 with General Treasurer James Diossa

It’s a doubleheader today for WhatsUpNewp, with Newport Mayor Xay joining WUN for a videocast at 10 a.m. and General Treasurer James Diossa at 1.

The mayor joins us for his regular appearance the day after a council meeting, and now a day after City Manager Joe Nicholson announced his retirement after 37 years of service to the city.

“Since joining the city in 1988, Joe has been involved with almost ever major project that rebuilt Newport following the loss of the America’s Cup in 1983 and Navy’s withdrawal in the 1970s,” the mayor said. “Today, Newport is considered one of the best municipalities in New England, with much credit to Joe’s leadership.”

Nicholson, according to a press release from the city, is planning to retire in the fall. We’ll ask the mayor about the search process for Nicholson’s successor, and what that search will look like.

We’ll also want to get an update on the city’s budget, parking issues, whether the committee remains committed to the opera house restoration, the status of bridge realignment work, efforts at additional affordable housing, and more.

Newport City Manager outlines next steps for approved $98.5 million bond; reasoning for new hires – What'sUpNewp Podcast (private feed for ryanmbelmore@gmail.com)

Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy provided updates on the city's plans following the approval of a $98.5 million bond measure and discussed recent staffing changes during his monthly interview with What's Up Newp on Thursday, November 21.The bond measure, approved by voters on November 5, gives the city authority to sell bonds over the next seven years. Kennedy emphasized a cautious approach to utilizing the funds."We have time to rationally figure out what the best use of those funds are," Kennedy said. "We'll probably sell bonds in no more than two tranches."He indicated the first bond sale could occur between March and July 2024, depending on interest rates. Initial priorities include Perrotti Park improvements and beach nourishment projects.Kennedy stressed that all bond-funded projects will require city council approval before proceeding. "I can't just wave a magic wand and say here's a bunch of money," he noted.The city manager also addressed recent staffing additions, including a new deputy city manager and a resilience and sustainability director. He framed these hires as necessary to meet Newport's growing demands."We're like a city of 100,000 people," Kennedy explained, citing the impact of seasonal residents and visitors on city infrastructure. "The government that we have has traditionally been focused on and the size of the staff we've had has been focused on a city of 25,000."Kennedy highlighted the workload facing his office, mentioning he receives about 700 emails weekly during peak periods. The new deputy city manager, Mike Caruolo, will focus on day-to-day operations, allowing Kennedy to concentrate on strategic planning and community engagement.Regarding ongoing projects, Kennedy provided updates on the Naval Hospital property transfer and the Coggeshall School redevelopment.He dispelled rumors that the Navy would retain the hospital property, confirming it will be conveyed to Newport. Discussions are ongoing with naval authorities regarding environmental restoration of the site."Our main goal of that property, if we get nothing else out of it, is public access to the water," Kennedy said.The Coggeshall School project, intended for workforce housing, has faced delays due to litigation. Kennedy expressed optimism about reaching a resolution soon."We're very close to coming to an amicable solution with the developer and then we'll be able to move forward," he said.Kennedy also addressed concerns about short-term rentals and parking regulations. He noted the city is closely watching litigation in Narragansett that could impact Newport's policies.A comprehensive overhaul of the resident parking sticker program is in progress, with another council workshop expected in January.The city manager concluded by expressing gratitude to Newport voters for approving the bond measure."My commitment and our staff commitment and our council commitment going forward is to be absolute efficient stewards of that revenue, to pay it off as soon as possible, to make the most optimal use of it as possible," Kennedy said.He encouraged residents to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season and invited community members to volunteer for various city boards and commissions.Watch The Conversation Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

When we talk with the General Treasurer, we’ll want to know how well the state’s investments have faired in what has been a volatile market. We’ll also ask about the state retirement system’s unfunded liability, and whether the status of unfunded liability at the state’s 39 cities and towns.

We know the General Treasurer has been a strong advocate for financial literacy, and will want an update on his office’s effort to expand financial literacy in the schools and throughout the community.

And, we’ll ask Treasurer Diossa about his office’s legislative initiatives, including the Secure Choice Act, which is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday. That bill would create a state-administered Individual Retirement Account for private sector employees working in smaller businesses.

Newport City Manager outlines next steps for approved $98.5 million bond; reasoning for new hires – What'sUpNewp Podcast (private feed for ryanmbelmore@gmail.com)

Frank Prosnitz