City Council News Recap | June 1, 2021
Posted on 06/07/2021
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The Newcastle City Council roundups offer a digest of notable items for those who can't make it to the regular meetings. View the meeting agenda packet here, and the meeting video is posted here when available. View past City Council roundups at newcastlewa.gov/councilrecaps.

 

Deputy Mayor Tony Ventrella Stepping Down  

Tony Ventrella announced that he would be moving to Pierce County to be closer to family, and as such, he’ll be stepping down from his position on the Newcastle City Council later this summer. He’s promised to keep the Softball Classic going and to continue to be a member of our Newcastle community. He’ll be deeply missed! Stay tuned on updates on how his seat will be filled.  

 

LGBTQ Pride Month  

Mayor Newing proclaimed June 2021 as LGBTQ Pride Month in the City of Newcastle, and on June 1, the city raised its first-ever Pride flag in front of City Hall.   

 

Food Truck Ordinance Update  

Staff received further guidance from Council regarding the proposed mobile food vending ordinance. You can view the agenda bill, proposed code text, zoning map, and presentation slides from the meeting agendaWe want to hear from you! As Council considers how to move forward with food trucks within the City, please feel free to submit public comment with your thoughts, concerns, or experiences via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Public Comment – Food Trucks.”  
 

Capital Improvement Plan Update  

Public Works Director Jeff Brauns presented the 2021 Quarter 1 CIP UpdateView the presentation slides.  

 

Fee Schedule Update  

Community Development Director Steve Osguthorpe and Associate Planner Erin Fitzgibbons led a discussion on the Introduction to Fee Schedule Update, Agenda Bill 21-35.  Matt Hobson and Martin Chaw of FCS Group presented on the Planning Cee Cost of Service Study. View slides from their full presentation.  

 

City Manager Report  

In addition to the written report found in the agenda, City Manager Rob Wyman shared some additional news from the City:  

    • Our new ROW/SWM Inspector, Dan Hotovitsky, started in the Public Works department on June 1. (He’ll be driving the City pick-up truck, if you want to wave hello when you see him!) 
    •  Erin Fitzgibbons, Associate Planner in the Community Development department, just passed her American Institute of Certified Planners test (on her first try, which is no small feat!) 
    •  The City’s longest tenured employee, Maintenance Technician Gary Gomes, has set his retirement date as August 31. We look forward to celebrating 26 years of city service with him as he moves onto his next adventure. 
    •  New federal guidance just came out on how ARPA funding can be used. (We’ll continue sharing information about this funding.) 

 

Other Items of Note  

    • Thank you to the Newcastle Historical Society for hosting an open house at the Coal Miners’ Cemetery this Memorial Day. 
    •  The LED streetlight conversion is now complete. 
    •  Happy birthday to Councilmember Sherlock, and thank you for celebrating by attending a City Council Meeting!

 

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