The Newport City Council convened for a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 12, addressing a wide range of topics over the course of three hours. The session, which began just after 6:30 p.m., covered issues from speed cameras to beach concessions, with several resolutions and action items on the agenda.
One of the most contentious discussions centered around a speed camera installed on Ruggles Avenue. Councillor David Carlin introduced a resolution to remove the camera, citing a lack of proper council approval and divided opinions among residents.
“There is a division in opinions held by Third Ward residents who have expressed such and an even deeper division in opinions concerning the installation of the speed camera specifically on Ruggles Avenue,” Carlin stated.
The council ultimately voted to remove the camera, with Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong emphasizing the need for clearer processes in the future.
Another significant item was the approval of a one-year option for the mobile food and beverage service provider at Easton’s Beach. The contract, which guarantees the city $72,000 annually plus 10% of taxable gross sales over $750,000, sparked debate about its terms.
Carlin questioned the high threshold for additional revenue, given that last year’s sales were only around $240,000. Mayor Holder defended the contract, stating, “This is a better deal for the city than we had in the past.”
The council also addressed the Newport Tourism Marketing District, a proposal to allow hotels to charge an additional fee per night to fund marketing efforts. While some council members expressed support, Carlin raised concerns about the city’s involvement in what he viewed as a private industry matter.
“I have a philosophical concern about that,” Carlin said. “If you want to do something like this and promote very specifically the hotels which are included in this agreement or proposed agreement, go ahead and form a private entity.”
The council approved moving forward with the district proposal in a 6-1 vote.
A resolution to adopt a Vision Zero plan for safer streets received unanimous support. Trish Reynolds, planning director for Newport, explained that the plan is part of a regional effort to create safer streets and is a goal of the city’s transportation master plan.
“Vision Zero is defined in Newport’s Green and Complete Streets Policy to improve a strategy that eliminates all fatalities and increasing the safety and equitable mobility for all people,” said Shauna Kitzman, a senior transportation planner with Tool Design.
The council also approved a lease agreement with the Newport Historical Society for the Brick Market Building and a contract for a new HVAC system for the building. The $625,800 contract for the HVAC system raised questions about its cost, but city officials explained that the geothermal system’s complexity and the building’s historic nature contributed to the expense.
A resolution by Councilor Carlin was passed unanimously that will schedule an executive session to review the city manager’s job performance.
Other items addressed included the approval of various special event licenses, appointments to boards and commissions, and a resolution regarding ethics training for city officials.
The entire meeting can be watched here and below.
