Council approves several public works and professional-service awards, including sidewalk contract, surf-rental license and temporary building official contract

The Newport City Council approved a series of procurement and contract actions in a grouped consent and business session.

Sidewalk improvements: The council awarded the 2025 sidewalk improvement program contract to the lowest responsive bidder, LAL Construction of Fall River, Massachusetts, for a total amount not to exceed $491,145. The award includes a construction estimate, police traffic-control costs and a contingency reserve. Staff said the work is budgeted in the capital plan.

Beach surf concession: The Department of Public Services recommended exercising Option 3 of the agreement with Roadie Surf (Newport) to provide surfboard and paddleboard rentals and lessons at Easton Beach; the council approved continuation of the arrangement under prior terms.

Certified building official services: The council approved a contract with 4Leaf Inc. (Foxborough, MA) for certified building official services not to exceed $13,500 (100 hours at an established hourly rate), with an option to extend only by council approval. Staff explained the procurement follows an emergency need while the city fills a permanent building official vacancy. Interim coverage also included part-time service from prior local building officials to avoid inspection backlogs. The acting city manager reported that an offer for the permanent building official position had been accepted and a formal announcement was expected near the next council meeting.

Councilors asked for confirmation that all interim inspectors and contracted staff are certified by the State Building Commission; staff confirmed those certifications are in place and said there was no backlog of inspections at the moment.

The council approved the contracts and asked staff to monitor workload and report back if additional coverage or longer-term agreements are required.