Council OKs budget cuts that create surplus
April 2, 2010
In-house city attorney eliminated, funds for affordable housing trust fund slashed
At its March 16 regular meeting, the City Council approved an $186,000 cut to the operating budget. Through the cut and re-appropriation of other city funds, the $364,000 budget deficit has been changed to a $53,000 surplus. This also increases the year’s expected ending fund balance from about $1.46 million to about $1.88 million. Read more
City firms up celebrations for 2010 schedule
April 2, 2010
The City Council has approved the community events plan for this year as recommended by the Parks Commission.
The Fourth of July celebration and Arbor Day festivities will be held this year, although both will likely be scaled back in size. Read more
Former city manager to oversee DDES
April 2, 2010
John Starbard — the former Newcastle city manager fired by the City Council in January — will spearhead the effort to reform the way King County handles building and land-use permits. Read more
New contracting, purchasing policy adopted
April 2, 2010
The City Council approved a new contracting policy with a 6-1 vote at its regular meeting March 2.
The policy came as a recommendation from the Finance Committee — Mayor John Dulcich and councilmen Rich Crispo and Bill Erxleben. Read more
Conservation district voters elect new board member
April 2, 2010
King Conservation District voters elected Renton resident Max Prinsen, a conservation district associate supervisor and the president of a wetland-conservation group, to the district board last month. Read more
Council approves 2010 park, planning work plans
April 2, 2010
The City Council approved the Parks Commission’s and Planning Commission’s 2010 work plans with a unanimous vote at its regular meeting March 2. Read more
Renton police arrest car prowler, recover property
April 2, 2010
Renton Police arrested 24-year-old admitted car prowler Andrew Hoffman the morning of March 4 for possession of stolen property. Read more
Editorial: Local recycling event makes a bold statement
April 2, 2010
Newcastle residents and their nearby neighbors really know the meaning of the word “green.” They proved it when they recycled 346 carloads — nearly 18 tons — of materials at last month’s Newcastle Spring Recycling Collection Event. Read more
Eye surgeon charged in murder plot awaits trial
April 2, 2010
Newcastle man Michael Mockovak — who pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal solicitation to commit first-degree murder — appeared in court Feb. 18 for a case setting hearing. Another case setting hearing has been scheduled for May 27. Read more
County Council takes steps to improve construction oversight
April 2, 2010
King County Council members took steps last week to increase oversight of major construction projects and accountability for government spending. Read more
