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Newport council votes: appointments, licenses, utility work, IT contracts and personnel changes
Summary
At its meeting the Newport City Council approved multiple routine and substantive items including appointments to commissions, entertainment and victualing license renewals, utility pole petitions, police vehicle purchases, several IT contracts and a personnel classification to add a utilities GIS and field specialist.
The Newport City Council took a number of votes on routine and substantive items. Key outcomes are summarized below; all motions were seconded and passed where noted.
Appointments and licenses - Appointments: Council approved multiple appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions, including Michael Murray, Michelle Gallagher and Joseph Logue to the Sister City Commission (three‑year terms expiring 04/24/2026) and several appointments to the Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission and Public Sculpture Commission; all were approved by voice vote. - Entertainment license renewal: The council approved the annual indoor entertainment license renewal for Wharf Pub, d/b/a Wharf Southern Kitchen, 37 Bowens Wharf (motion passed by voice vote). - Victualing license (new owner): The council approved a new victualing (food service) license for Tomb Army RI LLC, doing business as Kelly's Cafe and Pantry, 27 Connell Highway; Councilor Palisano welcomed the new owner.
Streets and utilities - Pole and anchor petitions: Staff recommended and the council approved several petitions from Rhode Island Energy and Verizon to install new poles and anchors, including work associated with 519 Bellevue Avenue and a new mid‑span pole on Old Beach Road; staff reported no issues with the proposed locations and council approved by voice votes.
Public safety and IT purchases - Police vehicles: The council approved the purchase and upfit of five police vehicles through McGovern Municipal Headquarters (Mag Veil LLC) under the MAPC Greater Boston pricing agreement; total not to exceed $299,292.80. The item was budgeted and approved by voice vote. - Copier lease: The Department of Resilience and Sustainability and IT recommended a one‑year lease agreement with Visual Edge IT for copiers, printers and supplies for a total not to exceed $30,354.88; staff said Visual Edge has been a long‑term vendor and the purchasing manager recommended renewal; council approved by voice vote. - Office 365 tenant configuration: The council approved a contract with Custom Computer Services, LLC for configuration and licensing of a Government Office 365 tenant not to exceed $127,362.10; staff said the work is budgeted in the CIP; the motion passed by voice vote. - VDI infrastructure and backup: Council approved a contract with Custom Computer Specialists for required hardware and licensing for a VDI infrastructure upgrade and on‑premises backup for a not to exceed $310,676.02; staff said the work is budgeted in the CIP and described security and continuity benefits; the motion passed by voice vote. - Managed IT services: The council approved continued managed services and staffing with Custom Computer Specialists for not to exceed $508,176; staff described the agreement as part of ongoing managed services and noted it is covered in the operating budget; motion passed by voice vote.
Personnel, ordinances and resolutions - Utilities GIS and Field Specialist classification: The council voted 6–1 to amend Chapter 3.12 (classification plan) to add a utilities GIS and field specialist in the executive, administrative and professional group at grade 5; staff said the position will help consolidate contract operations and produce longer‑term savings, and estimated five‑year gross savings of about $510,000 (staff caveated the estimate). The motion passed 6–1. - Parking ordinance amendment: Second reading approval was given to amend the city code to prohibit parking at a specified location on Fame Street (east side); motion passed by voice vote. - Naming policy resolution: The council adopted a resolution directing administration, with assistance from the Tree and Open Space Commission, to draft a policy for naming public spaces; the resolution passed by voice vote.
Votes with tallies (as recorded) - Receive memorandum on 2027 comprehensive plan advisory committee: 5–2 (receive only; not final appointment approval) - Florence Grama Center GMP approval: 6–1 - Utilities GIS classification ordinance: 6–1
Why it matters: the approvals cover a range of city operations — from staffing and IT infrastructure to capital projects and licensing — and include both budgeted purchases and commitments that affect city operations and services.
