Candidate filings set up one City Council race
June 4, 2015
The 2015 general election ballot will tell a different story, but there’s really only one contested Newcastle City Council race.
Community Activities commissioners Linda Newing and Victoria Sandoval will face off for council Position No. 1, currently held by Councilwoman Lisa Jensen, who announced she would not file for re-election.
But only Planning Commissioner Allen Dauterman will actively run for Position No. 3, despite the fact that Rob Lemmon’s name will appear alongside his.
Lemmon, a former planning commissioner who resigned in December, said “logistical issues” prevented a successful attempt to withdraw his name from the race. He filed to withdraw before King County Elections’ deadline, though, he said. Read more
City Council election starts to take shape
April 30, 2015
The Newcastle City Council will have at least one new face in 2016.
City Councilwoman Lisa Jensen announced April 23 that she will not file for re-election this spring, guaranteeing that there will be one open seat during November’s election. Three other council members could be challenged as well.
“I first ran for office because the city budget was out of control and a majority on the council had lost touch with the people they represented,” Jensen wrote in a letter to the editor.
“In the last eight years we have made the necessary changes to budget in a way that allows us to live within our means. We also have a city manager and staff that make customer service a priority and recognize everyone at City Hall is there to serve the community.” Read more
Notes from Newcastle
March 5, 2015
A ‘shout out’ to local volunteers
The city of Newcastle honored a group Feb. 26 that far too often goes unnoticed — volunteers.
Each year, volunteers devote countless hours to city events. It is volunteers that help plan summer activities, care and advocate for the city’s vast trail network and protect Newcastle’s history.
About 50 volunteers and summer event sponsor representatives gathered at The Golf Club at Newcastle Feb. 26, where they were treated to snacks, an orchestra and a personal thank you from Newcastle Mayor Steve Buri and City Manager Rob Wyman.
Volunteerism is a big part of what makes Newcastle one of the best small cities in the country. So, here’s a special shout out to some of the groups and people that willingly offer their time to better the city: Read more
CCUD agreement back on the Jan. 20 council agenda
January 16, 2015
NEW — 2:35 p.m. Jan. 16, 2015
A Newcastle City Council-approved deal that continues to cause a lot of controversy headlines the agenda items for the Jan. 20 regular council meeting.
In September, the council authorized City Manager Rob Wyman to enter into a purchase-sale agreement for the Coal Creek Utility District-owned property on 129th Avenue Southeast.
In exchange for the property appraised at $750,000, the city would agree to pay $250,000 and forfeit its legal right to assume the utility district for 10 years.
It’s the non-assumption clause, in particular, that has some current, and one former, council members questioning the logic of the agreement. Read more
2014 was a year of change for Newcastle
January 2, 2015
In 2014, the city of Newcastle celebrated a birthday, lost an icon and set the stage for the future. Here are some of the top stories of the year, in no particular order:
Newcastle pioneer Milt Swanson passes away
Family, neighbors and community leaders gathered Jan. 25 to honor the life of Milt Swanson, a titan of Newcastle history and a man with an unceasing, warming smile.
The Newcastle pioneer, born and raised in this community, spent all of his 95 years in the same area, 90 of which were in the same company house that still stands at the edge of town near the Cougar Mountain trailhead. Read more
Calendar
May 1, 2014
Events
Newcastle Chamber of Commerce monthly lunch, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 14, Tapatio Mexican Grill, 6920 Coal Creek Parkway S.E., guest speaker is U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, $20/members, $25/nonmembers, 206-618-5641
Chamber Networking Breakfast, speaker Calvin W. Goings, regional administrator for the Small Business Administration, 7:15-8:30 a.m. May 28, Regency Newcastle, 7454 Newcastle Golf Club Road, free, register at newcastle-chamber.org
City looks to fill two Planning Commission vacancies
July 25, 2012
NEW — 9:55 a.m. July 25, 2012
The city of Newcastle is accepting applications for two positions on the Planning Commission due to two commissioners’ upcoming expiration of term.
Planning Commission volunteers help shape the future of Newcastle by making recommendations to the City Council on items like the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations.
Interested Newcastle residents should submit an application, letter of interest and resume by 5 p.m. Aug. 10.
Applications are available on the city’s website at www.ci.newcastle.wa.us.
Public meetings
July 3, 2012
From sidewalk installation projects to snow removal to property tax collection, decisions made by officials at a local level have the potential to impact your daily life. Get involved. Provide feedback. Make a difference.
Let leaders know what’s on your mind to shape a better Newcastle at these July meetings:
The City Council will have a regularly-scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. July 17 at Newcastle’s City Hall. An executive session precedes the meeting from 6-7 p.m.
The Parks Commission is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. July 11 at City Hall.
The Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. July 18 at City Hall.
The Economic & Community Development Commission meets from 8-9 a.m. July 10 at City Hall.
The Finance Committee meets from noon to 1 p.m. July 19 at City Hall.
Public meetings
May 31, 2012
From sidewalk installation projects to snow removal to property tax collection, decisions made by officials at a local level have the potential to impact your daily life.
Let leaders know what’s on your mind to shape a better Newcastle at these June meetings:
- The City Council will have regularly scheduled meetings at 7 p.m. June 5 and June 19 at Newcastle’s City Hall.
- The Parks Commission is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. June 13 at City Hall.
- The Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. June 20 at City Hall.
Commissions talk future park, recreational development at open house
May 30, 2012
NEW — 11:05 p.m. May 30, 2012
The Newcastle Parks and Planning commissions will host an open house June 13, to discuss future park, trail and recreational development and planning in Newcastle.
Commissioners will gather public opinion on goals and policies for parks, trails and recreational facilities.
The commissions will also seek input on what level of service the city should maintain and which capital projects for parks the city should pursue.
