NEWPORT — The City Council last night unanimously embraced a conceptual proposal for a pilot valet program for the downtown area this summer, but emphasized that it will have the final say on the the details of the program.

“It’s something that could be great for downtown Newport,” said Mayor Steven Waluk, but he added, “It shouldn’t be rushed.”

The sponsors of the resolution supporting the program, Councilwomen Jeanne-Marie Napolitano and Kathryn E. Leonard, supported Waluk’s amendment to give the council final approval of the program. But both said the program should not be needlessly delayed to the point where it can’t be tested during the coming peak tourist season.

“It’s desperately needed,” said Napolitano. “I just don’t want to sit on this. …We’ve ignored the problem too long.”

The Newport County Chamber of Commerce wants the city to adopt an ordinance that would allow valet parking downtown, including a pilot program the Chamber wants to create. Executive director Keith Stokes said the program would alleviate traffic congestion and parking frustration by establishing valet service in one or more “districts”: Lower Thames Street, Washington Square/Lower Broadway and Brick Market/Bowen’s Wharf.

The Chamber has retained Ultimate Parking, which provides valet service in Boston and Providence, as a consultant. Stokes indicated the company would likely be the one to run the pilot program. The Chamber also hired lawyer Andrew Teitz to study valet parking programs in other communities around the country.

The resolution the council approved in a 6-to-0 vote directs the Chamber to work with the city on designing the program. Stokes said the Chamber had anticipated working with the city and the council.

Councilwoman Mary Connolly said she wanted to make sure the public will have an opportunity to review the proposed program and comment on it.

In other business, the council:

•Approved an entertainment license for Sambar restaurant on Thames Street over the objections of neighbors who complained about noise disturbances they say are caused by bars and restaurants in the area.

•Postponed until June 25 a vote on the proposed budget for fiscal 2008-09 to hold a budget workshop with school officials at 6 p.m. Monday at Thompson Middle School.

•Directed the administration to investigate the cost of water quality testing at King’s Beach to possibly reopen it for swimming.

rsalit@projo.com