[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6109699,"mediaKeyId","2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05","parentId",2759637,"title","Votes at a glance: Newport council approves licenses, appointments, resolutions on Feb. 12","audioSeconds",4982,"startMs",451000,"endMs",5433000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05&start=451&end=5433","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05/thumbnail_451000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6109699/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Newport-council-approves-licenses-appointments-resolutions-on-Feb-12","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6109699-564236db3b40428922ad9f3372a3af88/orig.mp4?Expires=1771039861&Signature=IR3uiHmf08IGWOcck7KgrsfPtePSJKqfwJIBr4GiJ6duhVNb20WllyZmDlXbi7~uRKawPaaYSqdfZie0infm-sdT1rIIOjgbc8fauyg1oVPPHzBA4yuCJEwHRXVxwUAQIRukCj1hwB1ocJdyp~GxMSiTkQc7f4u9wHDrwm9qGAJvJyQHC0St44JUKXwH-3MLi~ubkTcZ~o6SSa7IDUrnyp~pvDufxlu8J9AZjGxBnQQCrLUwDBQRzDfcksu8HH4toM~K8jhRKbDQUSwsHlLfZdwH3jczja3qH1lIWr1vNgC~wbhhz8Jp2oZL-ifz2~9IWJAaalpSA9FM2toqkToofg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newport City, RI","date","2025-02-12T00:00:00Z","article","At its Feb. 12 meeting the Newport City Council approved a range of routine and substantive items after separate debate on several agenda points. This roundup lists each action and the result.

Key approvals and outcomes

- Vanderbilt Hotel ownership transfer and related licenses: Council approved transfer of the Class BT license to Vanderbilt OpCo LLC and granted entertainment licenses allowing indoor events daily and limited outdoor terrace activity (approved after public hearings).

- Special-event and vendors: Council approved multiple special-event licenses, including the Broadway Street Fair and Audrain ‘‘Cars and Coffee’’ events. The council debated Cars and Coffee schedule and a councilor withdrew an amendment; the full schedule was approved with a commitment to monitor noise and revoke remaining dates if problems occur.

- Mobile food and vendor renewals: Renewals for several mobile food cart and vendor licenses (Royal Sweets and Treats; Drift Café; Newport Chatter Company LLC; Killwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream; Luke's Lobster) were approved.

- Appointments and reappointments: Council confirmed numerous appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions (Bike & Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Sister City Commission, Energy & Environment Commission, Newport Beach Commission, Newport Housing Authority, Tree and Open Space Commission).

- George T. Downing memorial: The council unanimously passed a resolution endorsing community efforts to create a statue memorializing George T. Downing in Turtle Park’s southeast corner, timed for Black History Month recognition.

- Cliff Walk staffing: Council voted to support the Cliff Walk Commission’s request to add an additional Public Services staff member, urging the administration to fund the position if the budget allows (approved).

- Vision Zero Safe Streets: The council adopted the Vision Zero / Safe Streets action plan and continuous evaluation plan to pursue systemic roadway safety improvements and qualify for federal implementation grants.

- Tourism Marketing District: Council voted to move forward with a proposed Newport Tourism Marketing District process; the item advances a multi‑step state‑level and district review process (motion passed to continue the renewal process).

- Municipal bonds resolution: Council passed a resolution opposing any legislative or regulatory effort to eliminate or reduce the federal tax exemption for municipal bonds, citing local cost impacts to infrastructure financing.

- Easton's Beach concessions: The council passed a resolution requiring the city manager to provide recommendations and rationale related to exercising a one‑year option in the beach concessions agreement; later in the meeting the council approved exercise of the option after administration explanation and discussion.

- Show-cause and enforcement items: A show‑cause hearing for a licensee (Harvest Inc.) was continued to the next meeting after the clerk and enforcement staff were unable to reach the licensee; staff will notify the holder and return the matter to council if noncompliance persists.

The council handled multiple consent items by voice vote at the meeting; items moved on unanimous or near‑unanimous votes unless otherwise noted. For routine approvals the council recorded \"Aye\" and the motions passed.

The meeting also included debate over procurement and contracting practices (see separate article on ARPA contracting authority) and other items the council asked staff to bring back with more detail.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Newport City Council Regular Meeting February 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Newport City Council approved a broad consent calendar and a number of individual motions covering licenses, appointments, resolutions and ordinances at its Feb. 12 session.","taxTitle","Newport, Providence County, Rhode Island","taxId",79596,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6109705,"Council approves $625,800 HVAC award for Brick Market; lease with Historical Society adjusted and continued",403,7245000,7648000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05&start=7245&end=7648","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05/thumbnail_7245000.jpg","/articles/6109705/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-625800-HVAC-award-for-Brick-Market-lease-with-Historical-Society-adjusted-and-continued","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6109705-3f426ec95d80d2ea48ae43468fe10996/orig.mp4?Expires=1771039861&Signature=DFytSLuceM9uKV8Wp98NN7eK2wNW2NI2fVyj~h0XxFLea~bZO3YpZbEDA1u5NEi9LWZGlrZNsY7GXja~n4RC5~LHMv0hb4d00UVbQBV06~Q-vQExzAUPFddkTeQzLZiBifLWWxpAZX~APiR~9FVbUkx7T9Sa1YRTVEMlF3EpW9c8K0bvEnM7BNaVggnVc3SvrRZ6WD5okcnPNRwftUXh-p69i-lgy2T6u8Q2g~A4LWNyodae9P5uQffjbs0OtpWp00R6c~xIwVZI-qoMN9AoCzP1xKE1TJ79Rs8hLYoZkIEAObUxPSBnxYukx7Ax0NGM~GU6DpCd6bMNQqKozFH-gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved a $625,800 award for an HVAC and related accessibility upgrade at the Brick Market building, the city‑owned space that houses the Newport Historical Society museum. Separately, the council amended and approved a lease with the Historical Society (correcting a clerical rent description) while delaying one related administrative item earlier in the meeting to allow additional review.

Councillor David Carlin pressed city staff for a detailed cost breakdown before approval, questioning why total costs for the heating/cooling and restroom work exceeded $600,000. \"I just cannot fathom why it costs us that much money,\" Carlin said, asking for line‑item detail on equipment, labor, and site conditions.

Public Services Director Bill Riccio explained the procurement and bidding context: the RFP drew two bids in the second solicitation; site constraints, historic‑building work and complex mechanical and geothermal components raised costs. Staff said the first solicitation drew no bids and the later round produced comparable responses, with the low bidder at $625,800 and the second at about $744,000.

Supporters told the council the system will protect museum artifacts and the building’s historic fabric; one councilor noted the project had received competitive grant funding (discussed earlier in the meeting) and that rapidly obligating those funds is time‑sensitive. The lease resolution was amended to correct a clerical error — changing a stated \"monthly\" amortization to \"yearly\" — and then approved.

Carlin won assurances that staff will provide additional bid detail to the council after the meeting; despite concerns the award passed. The lease language and the HVAC award both moved forward: the lease was approved with the amendment; the HVAC contract award was approved by council vote.","Council approved a $625,800 contract to replace the Brick Market building HVAC system and to upgrade restroom accessibility, while the associated long‑term lease with the Newport Historical Society was amended (monthly→yearly) and approved after a brief continuance.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6109710,"Council tables ticketed Newport Design Week cocktail at private home after neighbors object",338,532000,870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05&start=532&end=870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05/thumbnail_532000.jpg","/articles/6109710/Rhode-Island/Council-tables-ticketed-Newport-Design-Week-cocktail-at-private-home-after-neighbors-object","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6109710-7812dd65a26ca9aab4670057e498f88e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771039861&Signature=Szx37FaVdRqkjwGHHVzzDWdY97Qot2QX-E9R8dRJRBA0mTsAFYEaOqjQJpl8CS~UUx6B2zTgQYGz-Ff6Q6t-DY7FegRT-349pNzSlaUl~wrK971nJ9o6nd2chyAhv28xyLRtR5q~743XQgVg05Vp~yiWgT9ifavCfURvNq~8gUv0zYD~gjuTcDfrdCedocP7w36kp9ger7ntxu75ggsutDyruzuonVBlDMwGl~l6Gx85kCRT-AsOBy6qKSe~G41E2ODTVJj8R2h-~BeI-3TJ6OrUjICFSaueAFX9b1CKCeK-1j62tyqgL27RxVQfGgdlmQTocIQM9RiP13hMnpRNjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council tabled an application from Carol Swift to hold a ticketed Newport Design Week cocktail event at a private residence at 115 Narragansett Avenue on June 21, 2025. Councilors and neighbors raised concerns about using a residential property for a ticketed commercial event and about an earlier ticketed event tied to the same property last year.

Applicant Carol Swift, who identified herself as a Newport resident and organizer, told the council the proposed April–evening cocktail would be smaller and earlier than last year's plans and would feature British cars and a speaker from the Audrain. \"Yes, we are selling tickets. That's why we're here asking permission,\" Swift said at the podium.

Councilor (Mr.) Collins moved to table the item after a history was recounted in which the property had previously been the subject of a special-event license and an undisclosed ticketed cocktail event was reported last season. Councilor David Carlin reviewed minutes and online listings showing a previously ticketed event where the location was not disclosed until the day of the event; councilors noted strong neighbor concerns about commercial uses in residential zones.

Proponents said the property had not been used for commercial events since last summer and that the organizers had shifted most events to other venues; neighbors cited the residential zoning and said ticketed events are inconsistent with area expectations. The motion to table succeeded; council members clarified that tabling means the application could be refiled and reconsidered at a future meeting if additional information is submitted.

The council did not vote on the application tonight. Tabled items require a future hearing or resubmission by the applicant with additional details, such as specific site plans, crowd-control measures and clearer descriptions of outside uses or parking.","A special event request to hold a ticketed Newport Design Week gala at a private residence was tabled after councilors and neighbors raised concerns about commercial activity in a residential zone and prior undisclosed ticket sales.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6109714,"Council delegates limited ARPA contracting authority to city manager, adds council notice requirement",536,2625000,3161000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05&start=2625&end=3161","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05/thumbnail_2625000.jpg","/articles/6109714/Rhode-Island/Council-delegates-limited-ARPA-contracting-authority-to-city-manager-adds-council-notice-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6109714-85c1f17168985b9d98925897ffe633a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771039861&Signature=N3ZkGPTr9Tck7NOnDn~aB1iQf6DErqSGXOoK-3nTJP7a1faMm579dEuZMbIbF3D4s70OvhCarmH-VW8-opwNbqVjiWkhrsn7Z2usSNtU9RG3kKx-qTkDZ1ZgxRPBccVYv7~9rvAsF3-ieIfoB1p4IkcD9jd3aod2I-EKDI1XEc6RChhNOnz4mxAJcDGtEFAecuxJKSRiC~XCqpyYBxkxbgeZ7kR3xjJYwhZZY4tKZvFeE6M~zTptUoMBZwxq74hAGpw55mRKQe8jHWKoBGZODWp~W0q7Q6BnmRtUvm5cVyXILu3Y9v2OjAQYlfzTBBYDyL9iSqOg8JVTMxSZfAQUZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council approved a resolution to allow the city manager to sign contracts of up to $250,000 using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Florence Grama Community Learning Center project, with an amendment requiring the manager to notify the council in advance of any contract signed under that authority.

The delegation covers ARPA award funds intended for construction work on a community learning center to be delivered by the Housing Authority of Newport and the Boys & Girls Club of Newport. Councilors emphasized the urgency: the city must obligate ARPA funds by 2026 or risk repayment.

Councilor [name on transcript identified as] Napolitano (first mover of the item) and other supporters said the teacher explained the practical need for rapid execution of multiple small contracts to meet grant timelines. Councillor David Carlin warned against giving blanket authority without prior notice and argued the council should be apprised before contracts are signed.

Carlin succeeded in a formal amendment requiring the city manager to inform the council before signing any contract pursuant to this specific ARPA delegation. The amendment passed unanimously, and the full resolution passed afterward.

City staff and the solicitor explained the $250,000 cap reflected typical federal contracting thresholds and that the manager would send a timely email to the council identifying any execution of contracts under that cap. Supporters said the change strikes a balance between timeliness to meet grant deadlines and the council’s oversight role.

The measure passed after the amendment; the manager agreed to provide advance notice rather than waiting for a council docket or formal meeting.","The council authorized the city manager to sign ARPA-funded contracts up to $250,000 for the Florence Grama Community Learning Center, but amended the authorization to require the manager to notify the council before signing each contract.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6109719,"Council orders Ruggles speed camera removed, mandates community meeting",1761,3374000,5135000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05&start=3374&end=5135","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2759637-7005a5e1585806635169ef21b1b6eb05/thumbnail_3374000.jpg","/articles/6109719/Rhode-Island/Council-orders-Ruggles-speed-camera-removed-mandates-community-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6109719-3af7fec9ffe9dc20712e0b0c066440cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771039861&Signature=NmKPsrX2ASRrKLskaGcQW~SbGUWN-Al8nigDG6N8yD1OrtIg19VTMcio8fHt7GTQH2RVFT2PNHqIq3IrvL3OBK6cX5yMyA8K~3YdT5zNmaSaPQ~4xaTWZKHesl97E35fwPFbysHZ3zhcwJZXTq-mUuIN8DnqaBQbW0rVgGWp1-ao3-PGKt24IzO~hAoeK3Iuw0WN3OgtItFyUcEBuG5vBPRF4usAyKW5i2BgNzZEaRHIJa1E9k1siVoQxSirWTEbu46xtCqY8nTdLHqiRpgPBhtjBaMhur-Ob~FezQOJJIaQ80PdwBeOb-hLr2RUkSnoNxOr5b2Vk2cUmFW9yAs2SQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council voted to remove the speed camera on Ruggles Avenue and directed the city administration to convene a community meeting for southern Newport residents to discuss public-safety concerns, speed cameras and enforcement strategies.

The measure, introduced by Councilor David Carlin, won approval after debate over where the camera had been sited and whether the council should have been consulted before its placement. The council also instructed the administration to seek council approval for any future installation of speed cameras, red‑light cameras or license‑plate tracking technology.

Councilor David Carlin, Third Ward councilor, said the community was divided about the Ruggles installation and urged a local meeting so residents could air concerns. \"There is a division in opinions held by Third Ward residents,\" Carlin said, noting many neighbors oppose the Ruggles location.

Chief Ryan Duffy, Newport Police Department, told the council the department’s data collection and trailer studies showed speeding and traffic complaints in the area. \"Do we have a problem with speeding and traffic violations? Yes. Yes, we do,\" he said, explaining that the department had increased enforcement and used portable speed trailers as part of a multi‑pronged approach.

City Manager Michael Kennedy explained how the Ruggles location was selected after earlier council direction and police traffic analysis; he said the camera is currently collecting data only and is not issuing citations. The manager also told the council removing and reinstalling the device would cost about $90,000; moving it and reinstalling could be as much as that figure, while simple removal could be less.

Council members debated whether the police had acted within their authority and whether city ordinances governing traffic devices needed updating. Solicitor comments cited existing traffic engineer duties (ordinance cited in discussion) and the panel discussed a state requirement that automated speed devices trigger a 30‑day warning phase before citations can begin and that camera placement must be within a quarter‑mile of a school property.

Resident Olivia Nagle, who lives near Ruggles, told the council she had stopped walking that street because of speeding and urged the chief to continue collecting data. \"I stopped walking on Ruggles because it's so dangerous and because there's so much speeding,\" she said.

The final motion directs removal of the Ruggles camera, schedules a community meeting to be widely publicized, and requires the administration to obtain Newport City Council approval before installing any speed cameras, red‑light cameras or similar license‑plate tracking systems.

The council voted in favor (ayes), and the motion passed.

Looking ahead, councilors said the meeting and the data already collected will inform whether automated enforcement returns to the neighborhood and where any future devices should be sited.","The Newport City Council voted to remove a speed camera installed on Ruggles Avenue, direct a community meeting on traffic enforcement and require council approval before installing similar cameras or automated plate/license-tracking devices.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Newport council approves licenses, appointments, resolutions on Feb. 12

Council approves $625,800 HVAC award for Brick Market; lease with Historical Society adjusted and continued

Council tables ticketed Newport Design Week cocktail at private home after neighbors object

Council delegates limited ARPA contracting authority to city manager, adds council notice requirement

Council orders Ruggles speed camera removed, mandates community meeting