Feb. 15, 2019
The Newcastle Snow Storms of February 2019
A Message from Newcastle City Manager Rob Wyman
As we emerge from the recent historic stretch of winter storms, I would like to extend a huge thank you to both the citizens of Newcastle and the staff here at City Hall. It was so encouraging to hear all the stories about neighbors helping neighbors shovel sidewalks and driveways, clear storm drains or even run to the supermarket for needed supplies. That’s one of the many reasons Newcastle is so special. We at City Hall also appreciated the community’s support, patience and understanding during this challenging set of storms. This was certainly an unprecedented snow event and as pretty as the city looked blanketed in white, hopefully we don't see anything like this again anytime soon.

Click the button below to read City Manager Wyman's full message to the community:
Community News
Waste Management to Collect Garbage/Recycle on Saturday
An Important Message from Waste Management:

"Due to inclement weather service delays, we will provide courtesy garbage and recycle service on Saturday, Feb. 16 for all Newcastle residential customers. Please place garbage and recycle carts at the curb for service by 7 a.m. Saturday. A reasonable amount of material will be collected at no additional charge. We will also service on your next regularly scheduled service day. From all of us at Waste Management, thank you for your patience!"
Waste Management Service Enhancements
On Thursday, Waste Management began delivering new garbage carts as pa rt of the service enhancements coming this March.

Waste Management delivered garbage carts first so customers can utilize them for their extra garbage after not getting serviced the last couple of weeks. WM will continue delivering carts through Saturday (They hope to get at least half of the garbage cart delivery done over this time).

If you currently subscribe to yard waste, please put carts out on the curb next week during your regularly scheduled collection day, even if there's nothing in them. Next week, WM will be removing all of the old yard waste cans in preparation for new ones, which are expected to be delivered Feb. 20-23.

If you missed our earlier newsletter detailing the new Waste Management service enhancements, we've posted all of the information on our webpage at newcastlewa.gov/solidwaste.
Help Clear Storm Drains to Prevent Flooding
Rain and warmer temperatures followed this latest snow storm, so city crews are working to clear storm drains of snow and ice to reduce localized flooding. Our crews will do our best to clear storm drains, but Newcastle has over 2,900 storm drains on city streets. If you feel safe to do so, we’re asking residents to help clear storm drains of icy slush and debris. 

Our crews are also out there continuing to plow, so we apologize if they plow onto your storm drains. When snow plowing takes place, snow is not removed but rather pushed to the side of the road. Drivers make every effort to avoid plowing snow onto driveways and storm drains, but if they do, we'd sincerely appreciate it if you could help us clear the drain to prevent flooding.

If the snow is particularly tough, use a metal shovel instead of a plastic one. Remember, safety first! Leave the storm drains on busy streets and intersections to us. Wear bright, warm clothing and watch for cars on residential streets.

If a storm drain near your house is clogged and you can’t clear it, create a request at   yourgov.cartegraph.com   and our Public Works crews will take care of it! Thanks!
The Newcastle Police Blotter features selected crime reports, traffic citation statistics from across the city and a message from Police Chief Jason Houck, the new author of Newcastle's blotter!

Chief Houck will present the fourth quarter crime statistics and the council will discuss their goals/priorities for the year at the Feb. 19 City Council meeting.

Save the date! The Newcastle City Council will host its next Community Conversation on March 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Aegis Gardens Theatre.
Snow coverage and response delayed this week's City Council roundup, but it will be back in the next newsletter. We apologize for the inconvenience!
Hopefully we're done with the snow for the rest of the season, but if not, Surface Water Specialist Kim Jones has a few tips about preventing pollution when using de-icers. Remember: It is the property owners' responsibility to clear snow off the sidewalk, driveway or parking lot in front of your residence or storefront.

The final film in the Newcastle Arts Council's Winter Film Series is "Far and Away." Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman star in this film about an Irish serf who dreams of owning his own land, and a wealthy landowner's daughter seeking excitement. The film starts at 7 p.m. March 16 at Aegis Gardens. The movie is free, but please email newcastlewaarts@gmail.com by March. 9 to RSVP and ensure a spot.
Photo of the Week
Public Works Director Jeff Brauns shoveled the sidewalks and driveway in front of Newcastle City Hall to ensure the building could remain open and accessible during the snow storms.

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Content submissions/ideas for the newsletter? Email  christinac@newcastlewa.gov .