Council approves removal and relocation of Ruggles Avenue speed camera after contested debate

The Newport City Council voted on an amended resolution to remove the speed camera on Ruggles Avenue and pursue relocating it to Admiral Kalfas Boulevard, with the amendment passing 4–3 and the amended resolution later approved by the council.

Councilors debated whether the device should be kept in place while community meetings proceed, or removed immediately and repurposed. Councilor Ellen Pinnock introduced a resolution asking that the camera remain in place and not be activated until community meetings were held; an amendment offered by Councilor Penick sought removal and relocation of the camera to Admiral Kalfas Boulevard and passed 4–3. The council then approved the resolution as amended.

The police chief, Ryan Duffy, told the council the vendor quoted $89,528.28 to remove and re-install the camera — a sum the chief said covered electrical work, removal of concrete, studies and site preparation — and that the city pays roughly $2,900 per month for the rented speed camera. The city manager reported a second camera for Admiral Kalfas Boulevard is ready and expected to be installed in early March; state law requires a 30‑day warning period before citations begin after calibration and threshold-setting.

Several councilors and residents criticized the process that led to the Ruggles installation, saying there had been insufficient community meetings before the camera went up. Councilor David Carlin said he and other councilors had held meetings with more than 100 residents before bringing traffic‑safety requests to the council, and he reiterated that the proper community engagement had not occurred prior to installation on Ruggles. Other members urged caution, asking the solicitor to review the vendor contract and to provide a vendor cost breakdown before any removal occurs.

Councilors asked the administration for documentation supporting the $89,528 removal quote and whether the contract obligates the city to pay removal costs. Multiple council members said they wanted independent price checks from contractors on the state master list and a full contractual review before spending public funds. Resident speakers also urged prudence and asked the council to conserve city funds while further community feedback is gathered.

The council directed staff to pursue the logistics of removal and relocation consistent with the approved amendment and to return with a cost breakdown and contract review for members’ consideration.

The vote on the amendment was reported 4–3 in favor; the council then approved the amended resolution (vote recorded as “passes as amended”).