Newport City Council held a Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, June 12, in the council chambers at Newport City Hall.
Here’s a high-level summary of what took place during the meeting.
The Newport City Council meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of Dr. Charlie Shoemaker and Linda Gordon.
Citizen’s Forum:
- TJ Provost raised concerns about a bus running on his street with no children on board. He questioned if taxpayers are paying for buses to pick up bus monitors at their homes.
Consent Calendar:
- The council approved items on the consent calendar, with exceptions of G, J, M and N.
Victualing License Change:
- The council approved a victualing license change for Bossy Monkey Corporation doing business as Mountain Moose at 472 Thames Street, after some discussion about whether the business is actively operating.
CRMC Application for Residential Dock:
- The council received a communication regarding an application to construct a residential dock at 96 Washington Street.
- Some councilors and residents expressed objections due to concerns over public access being compromised.
- The council voted to receive the communication, allowing the Waterfront Commission to review and provide a recommendation.
Block Party Request:
- The council approved a request from Laura Treonze to host a block party and close Willow Street on June 22, 2024.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments:
- The council received proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance related to accessory dwelling units, simplifying elements of the code, and changes to impervious surface allowances.
- The amendments will be advertised for a public hearing on July 10th after review by the Planning Board.
Special Event Licenses:
- The council approved special event licenses for the Newport Independence Day Celebration, French in Newport event, and liquor licenses for establishments on Broadway and Thames Street.
Victualing License Expansion – Bar and Board:
- The council held a public hearing and approved an expansion of the victualing license for Bar and Board at 282 Thames Street to add a second-floor outdoor patio, with existing restrictions on the license.
- Some residents raised concerns about potential noise issues from the expansion.
Victualing License Expansion – VSD Vino Hooked:
- The council approved an expansion of the vitaling license for VSD Vino Hooked at 580 Thames Street to add an outdoor service area.
Appointments:
- Ray Goddard was appointed from an alternate member to a full member of the Canvassing Authority for a 3-year term.
- Donato Deandrea was reappointed to the Canvassing Authority for a 6-year term.
Tourism Marketing District Resolution:
- The council approved a resolution to form a Tourism Improvement District, replacing the existing Tourism Marketing District.
- A public hearing will be held on July 24th regarding the petition to form the district.
Noise Ordinance Amendment:
- The council approved an amendment to the noise ordinance to make it easier to enforce excessive noise issues from motor vehicles.
- The city has invested in noise camera trailers to assist the police department.
Action Items:
- The council approved contracts and purchases for various city operations and capital projects, including parking structure assessment, ferry terminal usage, road materials, street sweeping hauling, athletic field improvements, water treatment chemicals, and utility supplies.
- A major approval was for engineering services related to the Elizabeth Brook daylighting project, a critical drainage project with an estimated $60 million+ cost requiring state and federal assistance.
The meeting adjourned after the Board of License Commissioners approved the consent calendar and license transfers/expansions.
