Three Newport city council members are pressing for answers about reported unauthorized dumping at Easton’s Pond and updates on the city’s lead pipe replacement efforts.
Council members Xay Khamsyvoravong, David Carlin, and Steph Smyth have requested a special meeting of the Newport City Council to tackle these environmental and health concerns.
The meeting, called under Section 2-17 of the City Charter, aims to give residents a chance to speak directly with city officials about steps being taken to safeguard Newport’s environment, water sources, and public health.
“We need to address the quality of our drinking water head on by working together. Residents have done their job letting the Council know their concerns, and deserve answers and solutions,” Khamsyvoravong said in a press release. “Now the Council needs to do its job of coming together with the administration to get the facts
on the table and a solution in motion.”
Smyth added, “Our residents deserve clear answers and decisive action on these critical issues. By holding a Special Meeting that engages the full strength of the City Council and City government, we can ensure accountability and the transparency needed to tackle problems head-on within a public forum.”
The council members are also seeking an update on the city’s progress in replacing lead pipes.
They’ve asked relevant city officials to attend the special meeting to provide detailed information and answer questions from both the public and the Council.
As of January 21, 2025, when the press release was issued, no date has been set for the special meeting.
Full Statement
