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Council approves pier change order, grants, software contracts and event permits; summary of actions
Summary
The Newport City Council approved multiple project contracts, grant agreements and event licenses on June 11, including an $81,294.16 change order for Elm Street Pier repairs, a $150,000 climate‑adaptation grant for Southeastern Pond and a three‑year $102,000 contract for grant‑management software.
The Newport City Council on June 11 approved a number of contracts, grants and licenses during its meeting. Most measures were noncontroversial and were adopted by unanimous or near‑unanimous voice votes; a handful prompted brief questions from councilors.
Major actions approved included:
- Elm Street Pier change order: The Harbor Division recommended and the council approved a change order to Reagan Marine Construction LLC (Newport) not to exceed $81,294.16 for additional construction services related to the Elm Street Pier repair and replacement project. The work addresses movement observed in northwest winds and will add a track/batter pile system; the contractor expects additional components to be manufactured in Canada with associated lead time.
- Bridal Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience Fund Grant: The Department of Utilities staff recommended and council approved executing a grant agreement to accept $150,000 to study marsh habitat restoration and public green spaces at Southeastern Pond. The funding was budgeted.
- Grant management software: The Department of Resilience and Sustainability recommended awarding a 3‑year Master Price Agreement to Amplifund (EUNA Solutions) for grant management software. Annual subscription is $27,500 with a 19.5% implementation/setup fee; total three‑year cost to the city $102,000. The council approved the purchase; funding is in contract services and IT licensing budgets.
- AI/constituent engagement contract renewal: The manager and IT department recommended automatic renewal of a contract with Polymorphic Inc. for AI‑driven constituent engagement (chat and after‑hours voice). The renewal covers July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026, at up to $33,600. City staff reported the service is handling dozens of engagements daily; council approved the renewal.
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): In a public hearing and vote, the council approved a resolution to pursue a supplemental CDBG application to accommodate the Martin Luther King Community Center's interest in applying for available funds. City staff explained the state CDBG action plan requires at least one public hearing before the application deadline; the council approved the resolution to allow processing of the MLK Center submission.
- Event and liquor licenses: The council approved multiple special event and sound‑variance requests, including Coastal Extreme Brewing Company's summer series (sound variance to 95 dB with controls and abutter notice) and Bike to the Beach New England's Class F‑1 daily liquor license for a September event at King Park (beer service in a controlled area). Sidewalk café licenses and other special events were approved as listed on the docket.
- Board of License Commissioners matters: The council, sitting as the Board of License Commissioners, approved multiple class and daily liquor licenses and continued a show‑cause hearing regarding a licensee to a future meeting while the establishment remains closed.
Votes and approvals were recorded in the public record; several items carried without roll‑call tallies beyond standard 'ayes' in the meeting transcript.
Ending — Implementation: City departments were directed to finalize agreements, update procurement records and proceed with scheduled project timelines; the Elm Street Pier contractor was asked to expedite delivery where possible to meet a July 4 target for additional work.
