Council approves South Beach wastewater rebate, public art funding and multiple construction contracts

At its Dec. 1 meeting, the Newport City Council approved a package of intergovernmental agreements and construction contracts tied to the South Beach urban renewal area and related city infrastructure.

The council authorized an intergovernmental agreement with the Newport Urban Renewal Agency committing up to $500,000 to a South Beach wastewater connection rebate program. Staff said the program would be available to property owners connecting within the South Beach urban renewal plan area and would roll out shortly after the new year. Councilors asked staff to report back on program performance and noted the city could supplement the program with city funds later if warranted.

Council also approved an IGA committing $400,000 toward the public‑art component of the South Beach Placemaking Project. Separately, after competitive procurement and protest‑period checks, council authorized contract awards for multiple projects:

• South Beach Placemaking Project: Pacific Excavation Inc., not to exceed $1,690,000;

• South Beach Loop Path Improvements (three pathway segments): Wickwire Contracting LLC, $873,507.60;

• Airport large on‑site septic system: Lawson Corp, $883,000;

• US 101 & SE 40th traffic signal (design‑build): Aiken Corporation, $1,930,090 (design allows future conversion to a 4‑way when warranted by development).

Staff said most of these projects are within approved budgets or funded through urban renewal; some involved reallocation of existing budgeted funds. Councilors asked about contingency and the option to shift unused funds across awarded urban renewal projects before year‑end if savings occur. Many motions were approved subject to the close of the 7‑day protest period and final city‑attorney review where applicable.