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,which contains supporting documentation and presentations for many of the items below. The meeting video is posted here.
Mobile Food Vending Ordinance Passed
Council passed Ordinance 2021-630, regulating mobile food vending in the City (new Chapter 18.23 NMC). This version does not include a prohibition on mobile food vending within the downtown boundary, but it does sunset on June 30, 2022 (as amended before adoption of the ordinance). Mobile food vending must be for a sponsored event, which means that roving food trucks continue to be prohibited. Neighborhoods as defined by plat and businesses defined by binding site plan will be limited to three events per calendar year. City-sponsored events may also use mobile food vendors. Food delivery and ice-cream trucks have been exempted.
Prior to this ordinance being passed, food trucks were not allowed in the City of Newcastle. Because this is a pilot program, we’ll be interested to hear how these regulations affect you or your business. Please feel free to write to your Council Members about your experience with the new ordinance.
Project Planner for Parks Added Back to the Budget
Council moved to direct the city manager to add the project planner position to the 2021 budget effective October 1. Due to position vacancies in 2021, it’s expected the cost will be absorbed and not require a budget amendment. The cost for the FTE for Q4 was estimated at about $23,000, of which about $15,000 would come from the general fund.
Transportation Improvement Program Approved
Council held a public hearing and approved the 6-year TIP for 2022-2027 (Resolution 2021-871) as presented.
Planning Commissioners Confirmed
Council confirmed appointment of Charlie Gadzik, Brian Cannard, and Paul Van Atta to the Planning Commission for new terms ending July 31, 2025.
Council canceled their regular meeting of August 3, 2021, in order to participate in National Night Out Against Crime. Watch for more details from the Newcastle Police Department's Facebook and Twitter pages.
Public Works Director Jeff Brauns reminded residents that they can report a wide variety of issues directly to the City using SeeClickFix. This will allow residents to track the progress of their requests, and it’s the best and fastest way to get their issue resolved.
Councimember Sherlock, who is on the Finance Committee, noted that information is still coming in about how the City’s ARPA funding may be spent, and this money hasn’t been allocated yet. (This was specifically in response to a rumor that the money has been allocated towards staff raises, which is untrue.) To stay up-to-date on the requirements for ARPA funding distribution, visit the Treasury Department’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds page.
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- The design contract amendment for the SE 90th Street Drainage Improvement Project, S-041, was approved (Resolution 2021-870) as presented.
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- Council discussed city’s updated fee schedule. Action is expected at the July 20 Council Meeting.
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- Council discussed the draft parks and SWM CIP. This topic will come up again during budget discussions.
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Do you want to give your opinions to your City Councilmembers? You can always email them directly at [email protected], or you can submit public comment, either live at a Council Meeting or by writing to the City Clerk at [email protected].