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Council pauses Cliff Walk restroom design contract, approves Florence Grace Center contract amendment and continues debate over Fire Station 5 roof
Summary
Council continued a $79,700 VHB contract for Cliff Walk restroom design to tighten scope language, approved a $110,886 amendment to the KCM Group owner‑project‑manager contract for Florence Grace Center renovations (total not to exceed $349,832), and continued debate about a $316,000 roof replacement at Fire Station 5 to obtain historic-material guidance and cost alternatives.
The Newport City Council reviewed several capital and contract actions, taking mixed outcomes after extended discussion.
Administration recommended a not‑to‑exceed $79,700 contract with VHB Inc. to provide planning and engineering design services for expansion of the Narragansett Avenue Cliff Walk restrooms. Members of the public questioned project need and cost; staff said the item is within the FY26 $600,000 capital allocation for the project, that the consultant will produce up to four alternatives with ADA access and that the Cliff Walk Commission supported moving to design refinement. Council voted to continue the contract award to the next meeting to add clearer contractual language limiting any design options to the $600,000 total budget.
Separately, the council approved an amendment increasing a contract with KCM Group by $110,886 to a total not‑to‑exceed $349,832 for owner project manager services on Florence Grace Center renovations. Director Teresa Crean said construction is underway and the amendment adjusts fees based on an increased total project budget.
On a separate capital item, the Fire Department recommended awarding a $316,000 contract to Plan B Construction for roof, gutters and trim at Station 5; the project requires an additional appropriation of $146,000 from the city’s committed fund balance. Council discussed whether municipal projects should be held to the same historic-material standards as private owners (composite slate vs. real slate), the need for urgency to protect firefighters from leaks and whether more local bidders should be considered. The council voted to continue the Fire Station 5 contract to gather additional information (historic preservation staff input and cost comparisons).
