The Newport City Council will convene on Wednesday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 43 Broadway for their regular meeting.
The agenda is packed with summer event approvals, licensing matters, and several ordinance revisions.
Summer Events Take Center Stage
The consent calendar includes approval for 15 special events spanning the remainder of summer and into fall. Highlights include:
- The Newport Kite Festival returns to Brenton Point State Park July 12-13
- Alliance Francaise de Newport’s Rochambeau Commemoration at King Park on July 12
- Music on the Lawn concert series at Saint John’s Church continuing through July
- newportFILM’s Summer Benefit at IYRS on July 19
- Touro Park Summer Concert Series featuring The American Band on July 20
Looking ahead, the council will also approve events extending into fall, including the Naval War College’s Cardines Classic at Cardines Field on October 3.
Licensing and Entertainment Matters
A key item requiring a public hearing involves MBK, LLC’s Pour Judgement Bar & Grill at 32 Broadway, which is seeking to expand their entertainment license to include indoor entertainment Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
The council will also act as the Board of License Commissioners to approve daily liquor licenses for Sail Newport’s Summer Fundraiser in August and the Newport Art Museum’s Charterbook Event in October.
City Administration Updates
City Manager items include several significant policy matters:
- Continued subscription for document compliance management through PowerDMS
- Traffic safety ordinance revisions including new multi-way stop signs at Spring Street, Bowery Street, and Young Street
- Weight restrictions for Hammond Street
- Harbor ordinance renewal fee increases
- Rental registration fee increases and new lease copy requirements
- General fee schedule amendments
Parking and Traffic Changes
Two ordinances are up for second reading that will establish new parking restrictions:
- Poplar Street’s south side from America’s Cup Avenue extending 75 feet east
- Spring Street’s east side from Bull Street extending 50 feet south
Resolutions and Communications
Council members Stephanie Smyth and Ellen Pinnock have sponsored several resolutions, including revised Council rules, boards and commissions oversight, and Sister Cities Commission programming. Vice Chair Lynn Ceglie has introduced resolutions addressing safety concerns at Bannister’s Wharf and matters related to MFE (Mobile Food Establishments).
The council will also receive communications from the Tree and Open Space Commission regarding elephant sculpture placement and a first amendment to the City Manager’s employment agreement.
Public Participation
The meeting begins with a Citizens’ Forum, limited to 15 minutes total, where residents may address the council for up to three minutes on city business matters not already on the agenda. Speakers must sign in with the City Clerk.
See the full agenda here.
The Newport City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, in the City Council Chambers at 43 Broadway.
