Votes at a glance: Newport council actions on licenses, contracts, parking and amenities

The Newport City Council recorded a series of formal actions during the meeting in addition to the substantive items reported separately. Key outcomes below summarize motions, results and next steps (as taken on the council floor).

Hotel Viking liquor licenses (transfer): The council approved transfer of the Hotel Viking’s Class BT (hotel) and Class BH (minibar/rooms) alcoholic beverage licenses to the new ownership entity at 1 Bellevue Avenue; council closed the public hearing and approved the transfers. (Action: approved.)

Show‑cause hearing — Pyramid Club: The show‑cause hearing for Pyramid Club (operative without a valid Class D license) was continued to a later date after the applicant confirmed insurance sign‑off had not been achieved. (Action: continued.)

Harvest (show‑cause / license revocation): The council voted to revoke Harvest’s license after the operator indicated closure and failure to satisfy Council conditions tied to its license. (Action: license revoked.)

Sidewalk improvement contract: The council awarded the 2025 Sidewalk Improvement Program contract to the lowest responsive bidder, LAL Construction Company (Fall River, MA). The council authorized a contract amount not to exceed $491,145 including construction, police traffic control and contingency; funds were budgeted. (Action: contract awarded.)

Surfboard/paddleboard concession at Easton Beach: The council approved extension/exercise of an option with a local operator (Roadie Surf) to provide rentals and lessons at Easton Beach under existing terms. (Action: approved.)

Temporary certified building official services: To maintain inspection capacity while the city hired a permanent building official, the council authorized short‑term procurement with 4 Leaf Inc. (Foxborough, MA) for up to 100 hours of certified building‑official services (not to exceed $13,500) with the option to extend only with council approval. The administration reported interviews for a permanent building official concluded and a hire would be announced shortly. (Action: contract awarded.)

Cliff Walk restrooms: The council directed the administration to pursue options to expand Cliff Walk restroom capacity (temporary and permanent), and amended the resolution to request availability for the 2025 season and to plan for year‑round access once permanent facilities are established. Staff will coordinate with civic partners and report back. (Action: direction to administration.)

Parking and traffic resolutions: The council approved two neighborhood traffic/parking resolutions directing the city manager to proceed with steps needed to (A) make the upper portion of Bridge Street one‑way (westbound toward America’s Cup Avenue) and (B) draft resident‑sticker parking for Bridge Street and Marsh Street (24‑hour sticker parking language directed to administration). Council also approved increasing time limits on Broadway parking from one to two hours for a portion of the street, with an amendment preserving two 15‑minute short‑stay spaces for quick pickups.

Other approvals and housekeeping: the council approved a range of routine permits and appointments, including special events, food cart renewals, banner permits and several commission appointments.

Ending: Several items require follow‑up steps from the administration (contract signatures, implementation memos, coordination with state or civic partners); the council recorded the votes and set next actions on contracts, permits and neighborhood requests.