The Newport City Council will convene next Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall for a regular meeting packed with business ranging from holiday event approvals to the potential creation of new city commissions.
Holiday events and special permits
The consent calendar includes approval for several community events that will bring holiday cheer to Newport this winter. Among them is the fourth annual King Park Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 8, organized by Marc A. Olechnowicz in honor of Willie and Patricia Olechnowicz. The Newport Art Museum has three events on the docket, including a Giving Tuesday event on Dec. 2 and a holiday Sip & Shop on Dec. 13.
Looking ahead to the new year, A Wish Come True’s 22nd annual Polar Plunge Challenge at Easton’s Beach is set for New Year’s Day 2026.
Restaurant expansions and extended hours
The council will consider several victualing license requests, including an expansion for Cru Café at 1 Casino Terrace, which seeks to expand into an adjacent unit that would add 15 tables and 60 seats. The Preservation Society of Newport County is also requesting to expand food service at The Elms Carriage House to include hot food and add outdoor seating for 52 additional guests.
A public hearing will address Broadway Mini Mart’s request for extended hours, allowing the establishment to operate daily between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m.
City manager action items
The city manager is bringing forward several significant items, including a traffic study for the Thames-Spring streets area that was continued from the Sept. 29 meeting. The council will also consider authorizing two recreation grant applications totaling $625,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and reallocating general obligation bond funding for the Primary Clarifier Rehabilitation Project.
New resolutions
Councilor Holder has proposed a resolution to allow open containers of alcohol at the Broadway Street Fair, while Councilors S. Smyth and E. Pinnock are pushing for the creation of both an Accessibility Advisory Commission and an ad hoc Boards and Commissions Handbook Committee.
Councilor Carlin has introduced a resolution addressing retroactive pay for police details.
Liquor license renewals
The council will also convene as the Board of License Commissioners to conduct a public hearing on the renewal of numerous liquor licenses across various classes, including package stores like Bellevue Wine & Spirits, Harry’s Liquor Store and Rex Liquors.
The meeting begins with a 15-minute Citizens’ Forum, where residents may address the council on matters related to city business for up to three minutes each. The council will also present a proclamation establishing “Shimoda Days.”
The meeting takes place at City Hall Council Chambers, 43 Broadway. Residents can attend in person or watch via the city’s website.
See the full docket and supporting documents here.
