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Votes at a glance: zoning first readings, licenses, contracts and other council actions
Summary
Council approved first readings of a multi-part zoning package (definitions and accessory‑uses chapter), adopted a 32‑inch lot coverage threshold for the first reading, approved several consent items and contracts, and directed staff to draft an ordinance banning new non‑owner‑occupied guest‑house short‑term rentals; a public‑safety traffic resolution failed.
At its July 9 meeting the Newport City Council recorded the following formal outcomes and directives:
- Zoning package (first reading): Council approved Chapter 17.08 (definitions) as amended and adopted a 32‑inch above‑natural‑grade threshold for counting lot building coverage for the first reading. Council also approved a new Chapter 17.78 addressing accessory uses, buildings and structures. Several other items in the package, especially impervious-surface provisions, were continued for further refinement.
- Short‑term rentals (resolution): Council passed a resolution directing city administration and the city solicitor to prepare ordinance language to ban new non‑owner‑occupied guest‑house short‑term rentals, with a 30‑day reservation window for properties already under contract or in permitting.
- Public safety / traffic calming: Council debated and heard extensive public testimony about speeding and pedestrian safety in the Third Ward (and later First and Second Wards by amendment). A motion directing the administration to return nine days later with proposed ordinances and measures failed on a voice vote.
- Consent calendar and licenses: The council approved its consent calendar (with several pulled items that were later approved), including event permits, an entertainment‑license expansion for Wally’s Wieners, the transfer of restaurant and liquor licenses, and the appointment of Carl Andy Bjork to the Energy and Environment Commission.
- Contracts and capital items: The council awarded a $155,250 contract to Kay Electric to upgrade electrical service at the Edward King House; approved a three‑year actuarial services contract for pension/OPEB valuations at $120,000 for base services; and authorized a $248,660 feasibility study by DBVW Architects for a possible combined police and fire public‑safety complex.
- Parking and restricted streets: Council amended Chapter 10.24 to create time‑limited parking on Spring Street (second reading approval recorded) and added Binney Street and Gooseberry Road to the weight‑restricted/no‑through‑streets list. A separate resolution proposing block‑by‑block 24‑hour resident sticker parking failed after debate about process and neighborhood petitions.
- Board of License Commissioners: Council adjourned to sit as the Board of License Commissioners to approve license renewals and transfers (including Vickers Liquors and Newport Wine Cellar) and then reconvened and adjourned the council meeting.
Votes recorded were primarily voice votes; where individual tallies were not read on the record the minutes reflect 'motion carried' or 'motion failed' as indicated during the session.
For each passed motion the council requested follow‑up from the assigned departments (planning, procurement, public works, city solicitor) to return ordinance language, implementation plans, or contract paperwork as appropriate.
