The Newport City Council is set to convene for its regular meeting on October 23, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Pell Elementary School cafeteria. The agenda covers a wide range of topics, from liquor license renewals to public art installations.
The meeting will begin with the Board of License Commissioners addressing several liquor-related items. St. Augustin Church’s application for a Class F-1 Daily Liquor License for its Christmas Extravaganza on December 6 and 7 is up for consideration.
A notable item on the docket is the application to transfer ownership of The Fifth Element’s Class BV alcoholic beverage license to Chomp Newport, LLC, operating as Chomp Kitchen and Drinks at the same Broadway location.
The council will also review the 2024-2025 liquor license renewals for various establishments in the city.
Following the licensing matters, the council will adjourn as the Board of License Comissioners and convene as the council, where they will address a series of special events planned for the coming months. These include the Newport Elks Lodge #104 Christmas Craft Fair, IYRS Community Holiday Party, and the 54th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting.
In matters of civic engagement, the council will receive communications regarding a proposal to place a statue of George T. Downing in Touro Park. The Tree and Open Space Commission and the Public Sculpture Commission have both expressed support for this initiative.
The meeting agenda also includes several appointments and reappointments to city boards and commissions, including the Zoning Board Review and Planning Board.
A significant item on the agenda is a communication from the School Building Committee requesting additional funding to complete Rogers High School. This issue is likely to generate substantial discussion among council members and the public.
The City Manager will present several action items for council consideration, including amendments to city ordinances and contract awards. Notable among these are proposed revisions to the Harbor Ordinance regarding mooring insurance and tackle requirements.
The council will also consider a resolution to accept a gift to the city from Art & Newport – a sculpture named “Leela the Elephant” that was here during the Great Elephant Migration.
Two resolutions addressing local concerns are on the agenda. One focuses on Admiral Kalbfus Road, while another addresses issues related to downtown businesses.
Councilor D. Carlin has proposed a resolution concerning the Rogers High School landfill and the disposition of remaining soil, as well as the completion of the Rogers project.
The meeting is open to the public, with a Citizens’ Forum scheduled at the beginning. Residents can address the council on city-related matters for up to three minutes each, with the forum lasting no more than 15 minutes in total.
See the full agenda and supporting documents here.
