Newport mayor provides update on city progress, upcoming events

NEWPORT — Mayor Linda Joy Sullivan provided an update on the city’s progress and upcoming events, highlighting the exciting times ahead for Newport.

The next City Council meeting will begin with newly-elected Council Member Rick Ufford-Chase and incumbent Council members Kevin Charboneau, Chris Vachon, and Clark Curtis. A new Council President will be chosen, and Mayor Sullivan thanked former President John Wilson for his 22 years of service.

Appointments will be made to various positions, boards, and committees, as some terms are set to expire in 2024. The mayor encourages those interested in serving to send letters of interest and recommendations to her office and the respective board or committee chairs.

Newport’s new City Manager, Jonathan DeLaBruere, will begin on March 11, and the mayor expressed enthusiasm for working closely with him to address projects, grants, and resident concerns. The city is also focusing on designing, updating, and implementing policies to ensure efficient and compliant operations.

On May 13 at 5:30 p.m., Senator Russ Ingalls, the new City Manager, and Mayor Sullivan will host a community forum at the Town Hall gymnasium, featuring Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak as the guest speaker.

The mayor announced that a new terminal will be underway in 2024 at the Northeast Kingdom International Airport (NEKIA), and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) have been approved by the Council to bring plans for review that prioritize the best interests of the city and its citizens.

Mayor Sullivan encourages residents to attend City Council meetings to hear firsthand about the issues being discussed and to continue attending her Mayor’s Meetings on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m. She also invites residents to watch her “From the Desk of the Mayor” TV segment on alternating Tuesdays on NEKTV.

The mayor concluded by emphasizing the importance of keeping Newport City in a positive light and expressing gratitude for the community’s confidence in her leadership.