[{"_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",6480184,"mediaKeyId","5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379","parentId",5690422,"title","Council continues Rhode Island Energy pole petitions after abutter‑notice concerns","audioSeconds",551,"startMs",3137000,"endMs",3688000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379&start=3137&end=3688","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379/thumbnail_3137000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6480184/Rhode-Island/Council-continues-Rhode-Island-Energy-pole-petitions-after-abutternotice-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480184-8d808b62eca006967eda9c52e3ed0807/orig.mp4?Expires=1770869255&Signature=JvvRLJtFjxEcsJze25v3T5HD1XIm7zujFATNYL3t5vOTZH1C-LIlq~i8mCAvTHkftSyokJG1mYgNc3V8LQDpitloiOgJRE6RN9Cb1bu-exR1ZDdbgIn79TKx5J41E5GzrBX4SCyTuYIr5L7lzlog4Jp7x7jhNTMMwYy-C6q8sL-adWagXD0GPjGMBE0sV1ZKu-ggbZ4VFG8Uu5iqIQhi~t3xr0kgzhzA-d4zPuHtRnFnNxdFSHnMoOSD0eKj6mUzv1wlai~8Rrn4m31ikIaW43AHnFERGK2qwUr~5qlnMulPt6h4zaFuIJ8x~IUX4U6xmfr6FWJP2d0hSvd6lNm2~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newport","date","2025-08-27T18:31:00Z","article","The Newport City Council continued multiple petitions from Rhode Island Energy and Verizon seeking permission to install new utility poles after councilors raised concerns about whether abutters had been notified.

Staff presented a petition from Rhode Island Energy to install a new pole and anchor to upgrade electric service at 519 Bellevue Ave. The petition stated the work was to provide three‑phase power for an underground service and that the existing service location was insufficient for that load. The Deputy Manager said the petition was for a private residence and that engineering, police and fire departments had vetted the request prior to bringing it to the council.

Councilors, citing a recent neighborhood example on Corneille Street where residents said they received no notice of a similar utility installation, asked whether abutters near 519 Bellevue had been notified. Multiple councilors said neighbors should be afforded notice and that Rhode Island Energy should appear to explain the proposal.

A motion to continue the 519 Bellevue petition so staff could collect more information and afford notice to abutters passed. The council also continued a second group of Rhode Island Energy/Verizon petitions for new polls on Old Beach Road, Hillside Avenue and Lawrence Avenue for similar reasons; councilors representing the affected wards asked for more time to consult constituents.

City staff noted that, if the council were to deny such a petition, the utility could petition the state Public Utilities Commission, which has final jurisdiction over pole placements in many situations.

Outcome: council continued the petitions to a future meeting and asked staff to request Rhode Island Energy’s attendance and provide abutter‑notification details.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Newport - Newport City Council Regular Meeting - August 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Several petitions from Rhode Island Energy and Verizon to install new utility poles were continued so staff can provide more information and abutters can be notified; one petition (519 Bellevue Ave.) was specifically held for more information and possible attendance by Rhode Island Energy.","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},6480189,"Council approves $644,215 supplemental agreement for Paraty Park seawall construction management",101,3012000,3113000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379&start=3012&end=3113","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379/thumbnail_3012000.jpg","/articles/6480189/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-644215-supplemental-agreement-for-Paraty-Park-seawall-construction-management","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480189-cca8da187b4fe7449ff53b732e6901f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770869255&Signature=V9fTcqxIRyGsnGD8lcnT-6x0pmNyW12CHjFno4Ki4BIzRO2fFdlZONNldlpdeNgtmYJAyBuF9wO3w9lxwmp1ToGLRq39JP-DAueE23Apakc~n5lvdjRHu-eHqWd9AAHK886MGztkG~K5a0IrcPSQsrz2I7v5Mc5wo-DN4FqFE4WtSQx1~qTbH0VslylFgvBEu7P-qv4E7Z5rpvr8vRy6O25qhy5QfVDVetXjlHgDewTenf3bwQlBej9dTyMiZyrZUkva2drM94SEZGntTn1M30F9vM6T-rjxG~9vmt8Sguc91AwV2JeDg2M3v25hEGX7Rnu2mvWAcJWXrSRo6CcnQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council authorized a supplemental agreement with GZA GeoEnvironmental Incorporated of Providence for construction management professional services on the Paraty Park bulkhead/seawall project in an amount not to exceed $644,215. Council also approved extending the term of that contract to June 30, 2028 to align with the anticipated completion of the new HarborMaster building.

The item was presented as budgeted. Councilor McGrawland asked whether the city had issued bonds to finance the related projects and whether the city would spend nearly $800,000 in advance of going to the market. The City Manager responded that the city anticipates its first sale of bonds in January 2026, and staff said there is sufficient cash flow to cover current expenditures pending the bond sale.

Councilors voted to approve the supplemental agreement; the recorded vote in the transcript was 6–1 in favor.

Staff said the funding for the supplemental agreement is currently budgeted and that the contract extension aligns the consultant term with the projected completion date for harbor master building construction. Councilors opposing the motion raised concerns about timing and cash flow; supporters said proceeding with construction management was necessary to keep the project on schedule.","The council approved a supplemental agreement with GZA GeoEnvironmental for construction management on the Paraty Park bulkhead/seawall project and extended the contract term to June 30, 2028; some councilors raised questions about bond timing and cash flow.",{"_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},6480190,"Council approves $453,646 harbor patrol vessel; debate over maritime fund use and long-term costs",1325,1649000,2974000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379&start=1649&end=2974","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379/thumbnail_1649000.jpg","/articles/6480190/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-453646-harbor-patrol-vessel-debate-over-maritime-fund-use-and-long-term-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480190-6f904ca33e5c68ad2f236ff469788de6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770869255&Signature=H3VCfgeTk3KozGbFHaBor~vYbbz-Az2LbOmjROxC8QvpbBedw7Z-eYv71GhYiZuITzcdeGE~QMWRpRzDSfXuuJu~LzVmDW9kiRzbvBH98QPo6Axu36nQXbCvZrrO~H-VzohGL7jAqtwPab-OGjj-CLkRzbqgeqWJwyXsMzEA8HjBjrWfr4pdQ05~KYn8ys7pyZH1~HoVHFktNX81rJnp0p8fw93b4H1qD4thqfGUGdK-WfVPJyDqHDwL8mE7m7DKQooGK9qU~u3haVvzaUt~bKbwSjl1IkpR0xGzDJ4wHl8TsiVuKa~PqpmHmsuX2leR2fXEHwycJxxlByQoqX3-oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council authorized the Harbor Department to contract with NW Bend Boats LLC, doing business as North River Boats (Roseburg, Oregon), for the design and construction of a new HarborMaster patrol vessel in a contract not to exceed $453,646.11.

Harbor Master Stephen Land described the vessel as a replacement for a 2006, 23-foot safe boat. He said the new craft will have a small cabin, diesel propulsion and a jet drive rather than outboard motors. Land said the diesel engine and jet propulsion are designed for continuous, professional use, and that jet propulsion reduces risk of damage and entanglement compared with propellers.

Land said the new vessel would be more maneuverable, able to turn within its own radius, and capable of towing up to 120-foot boats. He estimated the typical outboard engines they now use require replacement every three to four years and said those replacement cycles can cost about $100,000 each time. He estimated the new boat would have a useful life of at least 25 years.

Council debate focused on cost and funding source. Councilor Karl (last name not given in the excerpt) called the purchase “a half a million dollar boat” and criticized what he called rising enterprise and city spending; he said he planned to vote no. Other councilors and Harbormaster Land noted the maritime fund is an enterprise fund supported by permit and cruise-ship fees, and that the harbor has seen increased revenue tied to cruise-ship fees.

City staff said $300,000 was already allocated in the capital improvement program for the project; Harbormaster Land said the remaining approximately $153,646 would be budgeted from the maritime fund in the next fiscal year. Staff estimated an 18-month lead time for construction and delivery once the contract is signed.

The council approved the contract in a recorded vote, 6–1.

Implementation notes from the meeting: the Harbormaster proposed donating an older vessel to the police department for development of a marine policing program; training will be required for jet-boat operations and Harbormaster Land said he will provide operator training for harbor staff.","The council approved a contract with North River Boats to design and build a new harbor patrol vessel, replacing an older safe boat. Councilors debated cost, long-term savings and use of the maritime enterprise fund; the measure passed 6–1.",{"_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},6480191,"Council approves two-year curbside composting contract funded by grant; current subscribers to be included",108,1467000,1575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379&start=1467&end=1575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379/thumbnail_1467000.jpg","/articles/6480191/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-two-year-curbside-composting-contract-funded-by-grant-current-subscribers-to-be-included","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480191-3ce377192e7a5648a6190c2f128761e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770869255&Signature=dhmqrZoQbAxLCaG5IalDiBVPSt1z0xpahd9XvG3us8N77Fv8uL9Gdi~m6cTFYSkfop7VPWQw0-WNbjIIAHk9BBeJHm~yXr~LwhKo7OEkruDm2J37cIFDfi~F8tcaCOLHDZE7Byudb86qvpTodEj4LqkJrHUTs8LQXrZTh4ddwyHqOSYk1dBAjtJt0NrzHj1QWhl9fl6~l0nuLZ3Gc~GprEFI8Fv2o-KPSZmzWIqBGAjKU6U6Sxd7OrOyOSocn2w1r2YdHq1CcOCZnm8oxFiDFmjTgNnQdap08nRXmSo5XahG2aGgs7QnMgPKxUHGzlUsRMhkaQdIfXtAqwsv6kYGnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council voted to approve a service agreement with Black Earth Compost not to exceed $499,220 to run a two-year residential curbside composting pilot for up to 1,500 households.

City staff said the contract will be supported by a $475,000 grant from Eleventh Hour Racing and a $30,000 match from the city's capital improvement plan for fiscal year 2026. The City Manager moved approval and the council approved the contract.

Theresa Crane, director of Resilience and Sustainability, told the council that the roughly 350 current Black Earth subscribers in Newport will be included as early adopters in the program. Crane said those subscribers “will be given the option of gifting their subscription if they choose to continue paying for the service” and that the program will recruit additional households to reach the 1,500 target.

Councilors asked whether current users would be included; Crane confirmed inclusion and described the early-adopter option. The service agreement specifies a two-year term and a cap on spending; staff said program recruitment and operational details will be executed by the Department of Resilience and Sustainability and the vendor.

Action: city approved the service agreement at the meeting.","The council approved a service agreement with Black Earth Compost to operate a two-year curbside program for up to 1,500 households, funded primarily by a $475,000 grant and a city CIP match.",{"_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},6480192,"Council hears nonprofits’ objections to proposed special-event impact fee; final vote fails for lack of second",544,389000,933000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379&start=389&end=933","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690422-8647814135b014cbca017f706d10d379/thumbnail_389000.jpg","/articles/6480192/Rhode-Island/Council-hears-nonprofits-objections-to-proposed-special-event-impact-fee-final-vote-fails-for-lack-of-second","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480192-1ce84a017ada89bd5cda3bc7385b9b90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770869255&Signature=Jzpx5tIRSQtLt8zTH12lEw6no~Q5sm8AD~rISl9w05hyL96Hcx2q7NTDu7eKyRGeO7L0m~jQP-CpLUkWO~kLefg~S8XnbVLM06tjJjn1xHagNAS2CJkfk0-x0R5THgtrocah7DrghBAwIKM1paAU2sQ0al9o7hCy4PAPtEPcLeDAvtllRgEHNTYXB2SSXqrMGCRk9bLF41QPlgy2wzwoiSmNpmlj3EXYGOQMOCtlQiOTLjesziIjlqZZVPvKyh7YrYLke9DDTIpq~x4W3E1FmVfY~EbtIHse5ufMXwZRdb1kIuOpfCfhw26pPll1LFkGJu-4~sTMZ6EWyUrqDG-GEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council moved an ordinance on special-event impact fees up the docket to hear testimony from local nonprofits, but councilors did not complete a final vote after a motion to approve the ordinance lacked a second and died.

Councilors said they moved the ordinance earlier in the meeting to accommodate members of the nonprofit community who came to speak. Several nonprofit representatives told the council the fee would substantially increase costs for small, volunteer-run events.

Deb Langel, who identified herself as representing Trinity Church, said her church runs a nonprofit pumpkin patch that “we've done it for 16 years.” She told the council last year’s changes already cost her organization about $2,250 and said, “$2,000 on any of our programs would be detrimental.”

Whitney Clark, director of development and communications for Newport Classical, said the organization’s fiscal year begins Sept. 1 and that existing budgets do not account for the proposed fee. “This would be an increase of about $4,000 just for the month of July,” Clark said, adding the cost would “directly and negatively impact our ability to continue providing the robust year‑round cultural programming the community has come to enjoy and rely upon for years.”

An official from the International Tennis Hall of Fame, who identified himself as the organization’s chief operating officer, told the council the Hall of Fame pays more than $350,000 in property taxes and described the fee as “short sighted” for large, longstanding event hosts.

Council discussion included procedural motions to bring the ordinance forward so members of the public could speak. A subsequent motion to approve the ordinance failed for lack of a second; no final passage or tabling vote on the ordinance was recorded in the transcript. The council therefore took no final action on the ordinance at this meeting.

Councilors also debated whether to treat different nonprofit event hosts as distinct categories when deciding fees for private cultural institutions versus small volunteer groups; some councilors urged clearer categorization in any future ordinance.

The transcript and staff materials presented the item as “ordinance number 14 concerning an impact fee,” but the published ordinance text and a detailed fee schedule were not included in the discussion excerpted in the meeting record reviewed by staff.

Councilors said the item will return for further consideration; if and when the council schedules a final vote, staff or proponents are expected to present ordinance language and fee tables for council review.

Votes at this meeting relevant to the item: a motion to move the ordinance early on the agenda passed; a separate motion to approve the ordinance failed for lack of a second and therefore received no recorded yes/no tally.","The Newport City Council heard extended testimony from local nonprofits opposed to a proposed special-event impact fee but did not complete a final vote after a motion to approve lacked a second and died.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council continues Rhode Island Energy pole petitions after abutter‑notice concerns

Council approves $644,215 supplemental agreement for Paraty Park seawall construction management

Council approves $453,646 harbor patrol vessel; debate over maritime fund use and long-term costs

Council approves two-year curbside composting contract funded by grant; current subscribers to be included

Council hears nonprofits’ objections to proposed special-event impact fee; final vote fails for lack of second