The Newport City Council will meet Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall to consider a packed agenda including several special event permits, a police union contract and multiple parking ordinance changes.
The meeting will begin with a proclamation honoring Joe Logue, the recently retired director of the Newport Public Library.
Special events on tap
Among the special events seeking approval are the Newport Festa Italiana’s Italian Heritage Parade scheduled for Oct. 13 from 11:15 a.m. to noon, and Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival planned for Oct. 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The seafood festival is requesting to close Market Square during the event.
Several August and September events are also on the consent calendar, including the Preservation Society’s Coaching Weekend (Aug. 15-17), a mental health awareness event at Miantonomi Park (Aug. 25), and the Newport Classical Music Festival at Miantonomi Park (Sept. 7).
Police contract up for approval
The council will consider approving a Fraternal Order of Police contract covering July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028. The item includes both a resolution and accompanying ordinance.
Infrastructure and parking changes
Multiple action items address city infrastructure, including contracts for roadway crack sealing and rubberized asphalt chip seal projects. The council will also consider a municipal bond project funding resolution.
Several parking ordinance revisions are on the agenda, including changes to Thames Street for ride-share pickup and drop-off areas, residential parking designations on Bush Street, and special police visitor parking on Broadway.
Other business
The council will also consider an amendment to the Newport Yacht Club lease, updates to special event impact fees, and usage of federal grant funds from 2019-2022.
The meeting includes a public hearing on removing Michael Falcone from the Sister City Commission.
Eight resolutions are scheduled for consideration, covering topics from congratulating the Rose Island Lighthouse trust to opposing proposed RIPTA service cuts and addressing invasive plant growth.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at 43 Broadway. A 15-minute citizens’ forum allows residents to address the council on city business for up to three minutes each.