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

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.