[{"_1":2,"_134":-5,"_135":-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",[32,74,86,98,110,122],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6290604,"mediaKeyId","2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b","parentId",2530786,"title","Votes at a glance: Newport City Council actions, Jan. 8, 2025","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",235000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b&start=235&end=235","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b/thumbnail_235000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6290604/Newport-City/Newport-County/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Newport-City-Council-actions-Jan-8-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290604-a7cab918e7f130a83ca0ace4c33866a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187195&Signature=jit2EMgvB7djJ5I3Zz3HII31msgfQRQ3oWf0O-vfqYLhjHBdweIQGelw-Mbw6zQAWkIazVTL8uaW2x9x4sFe9vvlXjOuftWgtQDVogZDroE7ymgFPre8R1pjyuU-ki4YYik8XRT8W2s7q2hnF8pT44YgeehNgB047Qz2vY1ZZiAj~KlCkzWYvUMbznl4abJ0zHjKUZUywc6sfphNjwZjoAdi5vYH70cTUSAl4JZuAkRMVRasAUhzb8z4h~Me8B7Yn0mFwogir~5J5ZvyDzXGjzVWuBZkaTvgBqnA6djKGNbTiY~rV5Hh11p26pPVcuwUREgUPxcqB8qhGDGK5iHcfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newport City, RI","date","2025-01-08T00:00:00Z","article","A condensed list of motions, brief descriptions and outcomes as recorded in the Jan. 8, 2025 Newport City Council meeting transcript. Where the transcript recorded only a voice vote, the outcome is shown as approved or failed per the meeting record.

- Motion: Move resolutions earlier in the agenda — Outcome: adopted (motion approved)
- Motion: Accept public petition from John Walker regarding Blissline Road/Easton's Pond — Outcome: accepted into the record
- Motion: Approve special-event license, Newport Folk Festival (Fort Adams State Park, July 25–27, 2025, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.) — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Approve special-event license, Newport Jazz Festival (Fort Adams State Park, Aug. 1–3, 2025, 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.) — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Receive resignations from ad hoc bridge realignment and Waterfront Commission members — Outcome: accepted
- Motion: Pedicab business license renewal (Timothy Burke d/b/a Grace Pedicab) — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Vending license, G and P Enterprises d/b/a Tropical Smoothie Cafe — Outcome: approved
- Motions: Appointments and reappointments to advisory boards and commissions (Energy & Environment Commission, Newport Beach Commission, Waterfront Commission) — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Resolution to name Newport Skatepark in memory of Seamus Kirby — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Resolution directing Energy & Environment Commission to develop a 10‑year plan (framework due March 2025) — Outcome: approved (council discussion and clarification that March deadline is for framework)
- Motion: Continue Harbor Management Plan to Jan. 22, 2025 — Outcome: continued
- Motion: Award contract addendum to FR Engineering Group for Elm Street Pier construction observation, NTE $55,000 — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Award contract addendum to FR Engineering Group for Ann Street Pier subsurface investigation/design, NTE $50,000 — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Lease agreement with Yachting Promotions (Easton Beach parking) $12,829 for Newport International Boat Show — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Lease agreement with Audrain Automotive Museum (Easton Beach parking) $10,210 for Concourse Motor Week — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Award construction equipment and operator contract at Easton Beach to East Coast Landscaping and Construction, NTE annual $10,000 — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Award portable toilet contract to Halman Septic Services, NTE $25,000 — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Award Pine Street Driftway Shoreline Adaptation Project contract, DeCenzo, NTE $92,475 — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Award fleet management and maintenance contract to First Vehicle Services, annual target cost $855,998 — Outcome: approved
- Motion: HVAC engineering services at Martin Recreation Center to Creative Environment Corp, $24,000 — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Update Easton's Beach amenities fee schedule — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Amend traffic ordinances to formalize multi‑way stop at Third & Sycamore — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Amend traffic ordinances to add stop controls at Morton/Spring/Coggeshall — Outcome: failed
- Motion: Parking prohibition on Brewer Street south side (specified distances) — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Motorcycle parking time limits on Broadway (West Side) — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Purchase furnishings for new city offices from W. B. Mason, NTE $14,200.07 — Outcome: approved
- Motion: Award contracts and other routine consent items (licenses, renewals, bids) included on the consent calendar — Outcome: approved

Ending: For many votes the transcript records voice approval (“Aye”) without a roll‑call tally. Where a roll call or named vote was not present in the transcript, outcomes above reflect the meeting record as spoken on the record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Newport City Council Regular Meeting January 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and outcomes recorded at the council meeting. Includes permits, contracts, appointments, resolutions and ordinance changes with outcomes as recorded in the meeting transcript.","taxTitle","Newport City, Newport County, Rhode Island","taxId",61699,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6290609,"Council approves engineering addenda for Elm Street and Ann Street pier projects",335,2625000,2960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b&start=2625&end=2960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b/thumbnail_2625000.jpg","/articles/6290609/Newport-City/Newport-County/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-engineering-addenda-for-Elm-Street-and-Ann-Street-pier-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290609-617147b139c1dfe18987e2839d7b2794/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187195&Signature=GAnj7D09luf4Wnrd3SXd1Q-XyMc4Zq4gV599YVnyL1eDtX9wjf7vPhhIcrB8N3q-0G3zmt7XtZzQ1-Od~2IX7f4W-OY5u5Qa5p5iSAh8YoSSMO2dEk5FvpfQQRYq4I4eE1qhAhxBv1G5vJD444GgQ7XCG7HBiJohW8yEGfLIdDK8yltImLxIJXMyTLMoPbuFKTH1qLNoMFotIpUtUFPk9uT547NO2yfOkYKhEUxj4e3kfqWyMj2JwfcoVNdVG9yO-rj4zsYBRT6lWvrVGQj3ZnXBP0jj4LaxZIjDPwhIpRHuOoodo1j5AeI0vB7~4MQfczsfbIRmAZKw7ShiBJ3nSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council approved two contract amendments for engineering services tied to pier repair and extension projects.

Elm Street Pier: The council approved a contract addendum with FR Engineering Group (Warwick) under the State Master Price Agreement to add up to $55,000 for part‑time construction observation and administrative services during demolition and rebuilding of the Elm Street Pier. Steve Land, the harbor master, said the original $55,000 contract covered demolition and permitting. The addendum funds the on‑site engineer role for construction verification.

Ann Street Pier: The council approved a second addendum, also to FR Engineering Group, increasing the not‑to‑exceed amount by $50,000 (original contract $27,000) to perform subsurface investigation and contract‑level design assistance for the Ann Street Pier extension. Land explained the expansion followed a settlement requiring a full CRMC permit and noted the city intends to match a grant application from the bond for project funds.

Why it matters: Councilors asked why the extra engineering work was added after prior approvals and where funds would come from. Land said the Elm Street construction-phase services were contingent on the demo/permitting step and that the Ann Street work expanded after a settlement required a full permit; funds will come from existing bond accounts and anticipated grant matches.

Timing: Land said Elm Street preconstruction meetings are scheduled and he expects on‑site work in early February with completion by early June. Ann Street design and permitting work may push construction into 2026–2027 because of procurement and concrete dock lead times.

Ending: Both addenda were approved by the council. Staff said the work is budgeted and tied to bond and grant funding streams.","Council approved contract addenda to provide on-site construction observation and subsurface investigation for Elm Street and Ann Street pier projects; harbor staff explained timing and grant-match relationships.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6290614,"Council formalizes stop sign at Third and Sycamore after city installs sign; debate centers on emergency procedure and notice",366,2844000,3210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b&start=2844&end=3210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b/thumbnail_2844000.jpg","/articles/6290614/Newport-City/Newport-County/Rhode-Island/Council-formalizes-stop-sign-at-Third-and-Sycamore-after-city-installs-sign-debate-centers-on-emergency-procedure-and-notice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290614-cc541bf3c413265e89bffd98541cbc3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187195&Signature=OM8np1BaYZZgVMn1Dg1s8jOXF~ruPotSTQMSfCnk-svYQob1WcO09SqvDQ0~R4ByPX-wpI6AzVio70f7pkucvmCOh6pWDAYnH4Dc6LQIJ6p1TMzOve-Q6Re1mxsIfJRDipHRpGoPMzrecZiuL7tKSHn7Z2uNxHm~GqHu5QpmxGrGYYGf5yf2hBaLWRvg2fJhD35R4HszkFcG3Gca0T99OBQi2CXWgo8tFllufMrPyvUwzLKE~eJRsHypURvrFv6FgKLpzW5FW24YrfI0CSp4Xh6LvC~~xNbvVgb~YGhINDMiHZuXze3R4MVK-S1rlDwlfALrm4tSJZdGCfys9kaj~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council voted to amend the traffic ordinance to add a multi‑way stop at Third Street and Sycamore Street after the city installed the sign earlier in the month. The change followed an engineering review and neighborhood requests citing crashes and pedestrian use of a nearby park.

Bill Borden, the city engineer, told the council the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) criteria and crash reports justified the stop sign. “There were a couple accidents at this intersection, 1 including a vehicle traveling southbound on Third Street, not stopping, and crashing into someone's house,” Borden said, and he noted increased pedestrian crossings to the park.

City management said an immediate health-and-safety concern led to installation before the ordinance amendment was finalized; the manager told the council he made the call so the sign could be installed “subject to the first available ordinance reading.” Several councilors objected to the process, saying they had not been informed in advance and warning that installing signs before ordinance adoption could set an undesirable precedent and raise liability concerns if a motorist contests a citation.

Council action and additional items: The council approved the ordinance amendment formalizing the Third/Sycamore multi‑way stop. A separate proposed multi‑way stop at Morton Avenue, Spring Street and Coggeshall Avenue was discussed but the council voted against that change after mixed comments and concerns about precedent and potential winter traction issues.

Ending: The council asked the administration to improve advance notification when immediate traffic-control measures are taken; the city said it will consider sending a direct notice when exigent safety actions occur.","The council approved an ordinance amendment to formalize a stop sign at Third Street and Sycamore Street that city engineers and police said addressed safety risks; councilors criticized the administration's decision to install the sign before council notification and debated liability and process.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6290619,"Council approves Easton's Beach fee changes, extends free resident parking with concerns about nonresident stickers",337,4373000,4710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b&start=4373&end=4710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b/thumbnail_4373000.jpg","/articles/6290619/Newport-City/Newport-County/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-Eastons-Beach-fee-changes-extends-free-resident-parking-with-concerns-about-nonresident-stickers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290619-77788583cff8ea28bc93412674b09d06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187195&Signature=PsZNa5eNWboBB0Rxf0eRxSTNr-VAyf6fthXiqjpTXOdpOlh0Bi9Y2EJjOZjeuqLuF2wNy3KlmKTvWfS9OGUbpENqxdY~8J-JP345bTF60zatB6qAFN3EFRbyx8emVID7V1aSgh1WQsvQrbylVLfmcKS5dJwi-vSFt4KMRmAMQsQGcyYPkw-v2vCDwO3pQYvcay9UOE547E5KULIvS4otP4crVgFAJaWifK2WpFaBonMIrRzh54aqRX-bUbYxmXRU-knTzxzDCkEp8rHg9Lsx5dADoSG2PSxnNydMnXZi9g10Ij3vzY8TvFkcqA8J9zi4UWvm2MuIBtp33jQgYS86hQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved an update to Easton's Beach amenities and parking policy intended to bolster beach operations and respond to rising costs for lifeguards, contract services and utilities.

Art (Mr.) Reese, presenting the proposal for the Department of Public Services, said seasonal wages have risen about 35% since fiscal 2020 and contract services costs have increased 119% for items including water sampling, restroom cleaning and pay stations. Reese said the proposal would align daily rates with a neighboring beach and simplify resident access by allowing free parking for vehicles displaying a Newport resident parking sticker year-round (previously free parking for stickered residents applied only before Memorial Day).

Why it matters: Councilors pressed over two issues: whether nonresidents who obtain a Newport resident parking sticker would qualify for free beach parking, and whether beach-derived revenues should be retained in an enterprise fund rather than directed to the general fund. Finance Director Jim Nolan said the beach was moved into the general fund about eight to 10 years ago because operations could not support themselves at that time; he said the operation now runs roughly at breakeven but cannot cover added debt service.

Councilor Napolitano supported the fee change but urged the city to reconsider directing beach-derived parking revenue back to beach operations and to restore an enterprise fund as a longer-term solution. Several councilors expressed concern that nonresidents with resident parking stickers could receive the same free access; city staff said the proposal relies on the resident parking-sticker program and online registration of license plates for enforcement.

Council action: The council voted to approve the updated Easton's Beach fees and the proposed resident-parking provisions. The transcript records a voice vote of approval; a roll-call tally was not recorded in the meeting transcript.

Ending: City staff and councilors said the changes aim to provide stable funding for lifeguards and services while staff will continue to review enterprise-fund options and enforcement details for resident stickers.","City updates Easton's Beach fee schedule to cover rising wages and contract costs and to allow free year-round parking for vehicles with Newport resident parking stickers; councilors raised concerns about eligibility and funding structure.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6290624,"Council approves Folk and Jazz festival permits after city and foundation outline traffic plans",739,923000,1662000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b&start=923&end=1662","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b/thumbnail_923000.jpg","/articles/6290624/Newport-City/Newport-County/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-Folk-and-Jazz-festival-permits-after-city-and-foundation-outline-traffic-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290624-ddb7a379c5f10eaac2aaa800bf01b460/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187195&Signature=KS1VK0pUfT2kVgNdT~ATQfTpzBogZWCl-8X~RyZFafrwXYhvYIwrFo0VUjFeBMJl91QomF9JpBciaSRHFFkSsxvioG8JcoX8xE5gEp9x8PFGR-453QjpoxvBJGbDwAZkr2VrHWAwhnfupGkNw9j5FwIZJa1wyaKQQZ1fGuiKD05dWkCyZ-NRJrHZgQoigl-mZMD6~~r2QqA65-CAvmG-9wAX~LtKAyeXt0Qyj9JsFERzILsjVENLHqQ4DBCMNckyu0GyPIQfWkxPI9LlIWjfbCzxV7C4HEYN-wFXWe71h0KPGjmfGBKmGYukv0~PaWuHYjZ2~RLSc-eIMGduEayjjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council voted to approve special-event licenses for the Newport Festival Foundation's Newport Folk Festival (Fort Adams State Park, July 25–27, 2025, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.) and Newport Jazz Festival (Fort Adams State Park, Aug. 1–3, 2025, 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.).

Why it matters: Councilors raised concerns about traffic impacts to southern Newport neighborhoods and asked how the foundation plans to limit congestion and safety risks. Festival organizers described quarterly multi‑agency planning meetings and proposed shuttle, ferry and other measures under consideration.

Jennifer Reaver, speaking on behalf of the Newport Festival Foundation, said the foundation has convened multi‑department planning meetings that include city police, fire, state representatives and the foundation. “We definitely heard you last year. We have started to convene a multi departmental meeting ... and we'll continuing to do this, having quarterly planning meetings,” Reaver said. She said the foundation is exploring additional ferry routes and an ancillary parking-and-shuttle plan that would be activated if on-site parking fills.

Councilors pressed for a more concrete plan in advance of permit decisions in future years. Councilor David Carlin (first reference: Councilor David Carlin) said he will vote for this year's permits but asked that the council see an operational plan before future approvals. The council approved both permits by voice vote.

Ending: Both licenses were approved. The foundation and city said they will continue planning and coordination with the Newport Police Department, state agencies and other stakeholders to reduce traffic impacts during the festival weekends.","The City Council approved special-event licenses for the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz festivals after foundation representatives described ongoing multiagency planning on traffic, shuttles and water taxis.",{"_33":123,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":124,"_41":125,"_43":126,"_45":127,"_46":128,"_48":129,"_50":130,"_52":131,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":132,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":133,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6290629,"Neighbors ask Newport to halt dumping near Easton's Pond; petition delivered",286,273000,559000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b&start=273&end=559","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530786-87b670a3335d853e18422416a15b820b/thumbnail_273000.jpg","/articles/6290629/Newport-City/Newport-County/Rhode-Island/Neighbors-ask-Newport-to-halt-dumping-near-Eastons-Pond-petition-delivered","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290629-b8e1379a2259fe02bead8bd02d2846bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187195&Signature=jWKaOZ8rPr-XoEGyfzDvRWmYdS4RluesqEbeeMLwnKsiUziIAg-gZG8MzkfIiTFtlhXHT-KD8IdsjIar5eQeb69YEMmp2Jao1zcchBKzVrBf3-Lvwj~~OA0hFYsOWBlf40cj1upruRbN3YbrearmdNfHIJ1pHYSLkzcI~Lx2wtNi5Ser9Bb178rxC-gmFAvq48m1aCnm4ExVE6djQZ8TticizymMAIWiIYEYOZ4uokMq-kOcfSj99MUijJoZQMxlhxRSBlUlMlz2gwKM6RUl1hGGgLaxQFwflxDnMsu5qz0hEmsBmbunRXw13DG5aNZOCYditPQsiMjQL9V0dFJ8UQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","John Walker, a Newport resident, told the City Council that neighbors around Blissline Road and Easton's Pond have observed repeated truckloads of material being dumped into a former sedimentation lagoon and asked the city to produce permits, testing and contractor information.

The petition, presented by Walker and supported in public comment by Kathy McKinney, asks the City of Newport to “provide the public with any relevant information and or documents about the ongoing work at the water treatment facility on Blissline Road,” including permits, engineering reports and test results for material being placed in the former sedimentation pond. Walker said he and neighbors forming “Friends of Easton Pond” have collected about 30 signatures.

Why it matters: Neighbors said the old sedimentation lagoon has re-wilded since the water treatment plant closed in 1991 and that recent backfilling appears to be altering wetlands. They asked the council to stop work until the city and state can show the activity is permitted and the fill material has been tested.

Walker described seeing dump trucks late at night and said the material appeared to be excavation waste from utility trenches and bellholes. “None of my neighbors recall any meetings or public forums,” Walker said, asking the council to make documents public. McKinney added that residents were concerned about changes to the local ecosystem and called for more transparency and official oversight.

Council action: The council accepted Walker’s petition into the public record. The record shows a motion and second to accept the petition and the council voted to accept it; the transcript does not name a mover or record a roll-call tally.

Next steps: Walker said he will submit the petition copy to the city clerk. The petition requests cessation of work and remediation if documents cannot be produced; the council did not take further formal action on the specific cleanup or permitting at the meeting.

Ending: The council accepted the petition and the matter remains open pending follow-up from city staff and any state agencies that may have jurisdiction over wetlands and fill activity.","Residents near Blissline Road say city trucks have been backfilling a former sedimentation lagoon and ask the council for permits, testing results and a halt to work until environmental status is verified.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Newport City Council actions, Jan. 8, 2025

Council approves engineering addenda for Elm Street and Ann Street pier projects

Council formalizes stop sign at Third and Sycamore after city installs sign; debate centers on emergency procedure and notice

Council approves Easton's Beach fee changes, extends free resident parking with concerns about nonresident stickers

Council approves Folk and Jazz festival permits after city and foundation outline traffic plans

Neighbors ask Newport to halt dumping near Easton's Pond; petition delivered