Jan. 31, 2020
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Council Meeting Recap:
Newcastle Earns High Marks in Community Satisfaction Survey
Newcastle residents have an overwhelmingly positive perception of the community they call home. The results of the City’s Community Satisfaction Survey show that citizens value Newcastle as a place to live and raise a family.

During the Jan. 21 meeting, Newcastle Councilmembers got a breakdown of the statistically-valid survey administered by nationally-recognized ETC Institute. The firm praised Newcastle leaders, noting that results show citizens’ satisfaction with City services is much higher than other communities.

Councilmembers also continued discussing strategies to bridge an operating budget deficit anticipated to eclipse $1 million for the foreseeable future. While Councilmembers unanimously acknowledge the City’s projected fiscal gap is real and needs to be addressed, they are still deliberating on how and when to implement action steps. At the previous meeting, they explored the possibility of new revenue streams such as a utility tax.

Stay up-to-date on the news and facts! Don't miss the Council Meeting Roundups. Look for the news article after each meeting to get a recap of your City Council's actions. Click the button below for the full Jan. 21 meeting report.
Community News
Lunar New Year Celebration Canceled Over Coronavirus Concerns
The organizers at Aegis Gardens informed us that this weekend's event has been canceled out of an abundance of caution due to the recent public health concerns. Here's the message from Aegis Gardens:

"We want to inform you this year’s Lunar New Year celebration at Aegis Gardens Newcastle has been canceled due to extenuating circumstances and precautions due to the coronavirus. The safety of our attendees, residents and staff always comes first. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to greeting you at next year’s festivities." 

Organizers tell the City that the majority of vendors and performers canceled their appearances as a precautionary measure. Please note that there are currently no concerns about a virus outbreak, as King County Public Health officials say the risk of infection from novel coronavirus is  low to the general public . However, the City wants to respect and support the concerns and decisions of the event organizers and partners. Public Health - Seattle & King County has created a great webpage to educate and inform the public about the novel coronavirus. Click the button below to learn more.
Feb. 4 Council Meeting Agenda
The Newcastle City Council has a long night ahead when it comes together for next week's regular meeting on Feb. 4. The fun kicks off at 5:30 p.m. when the Council will host a joint-meeting with the volunteer Community Activities Commission. 

During the meeting they'll also receive an update on City efforts to create an Arts and Culture plan and decide if it's a pursuit worth continuing. Later, they'll hear about a proposal to increase development impact fees, then continue the discussion regarding strategies to fix the City's operating budget deficit.
Newcastle Police Blotter
It was a relatively quiet couple of weeks on the crime front for Newcastle!

Chief Houck's Police Blotter is a MUST read for regular crime prevention tips as well as a thorough listing of crimes that occur in our community. Subscribe to the  email newsletter  to ensure you never miss this important news article. Stay informed about what's happening in your neighborhood and learn how you can keep yourself and others safe.
Renton Police Investigate Reported Luring Attempts
The City of Newcastle wants to let you know that the Renton Police Department is investigating two incidents where Hazelwood Elementary School students have reported men attempting to lure them as they were walking home from their school bus stop along Lake Washington Blvd North. These incidents DID NOT occur in the City of Newcastle.

Newcastle Police Chief Houck has asked us to share the following message: "While we are just a short distance away, the City of Newcastle has NOT had any similar incidents to this . Now seems to be as good a time as any to go over "stranger danger" with your kids so they know what to do and what not to do if they are approached by strangers."
February Newcastle Library Calendar
From a senior boot camp series and family drawing night to Girls Who Code and Kerbal Space Program. There's a lot happening at the Newcastle Library in February. Click the button below to view the calendar of events.
Hazelwood Elementary Pancake Breakfast
The community is once again invited to an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast benefiting Hazelwood Elementary School. The PTSA's annual pancake breakfast and book fair is set for 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Feb. 8. Join them in the Hazelwood Commons for fruit, sausage, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, orange juice, and of course, all-you-can-eat pancakes. Cost is $3 per person or $15 max per family. Cash, check and credit is accepted.
Now Hiring: Accounting Technician
Are you an expert with numbers? The City of Newcastle wants you! Come join the team at Newcastle City Hall. We're seeking applicants for our Accounting Technician position.
Upcoming Events
— Feb. 4: Newcastle City Council meeting (5 p.m. Executive Session, 5:30 p.m. Joint Meeting with the Community Activities Commission, 7 p.m. Regular Meeting at Newcastle City Hall)

— Feb. 12: Newcastle Chamber of Commerce luncheon featuring Microsoft cybersecurity specialist Pius Gonzalvo (11 a.m. at Resonate Brewery & Pizzeria)

— Feb. 12: Community Activities Commission meeting (7 p.m. Regular Meeting at Newcastle City Hall)

For a full listing of calendar events and meetings, visit newcastlewa.gov/calendar
Photos of the Week
Newcastle Deputy Mayor Tony Ventrella and City Manager Rob Wyman were down in Olympia this week for the Association of Washington Cities' Action Days. They met with 41st District Sen. Lisa Wellman (top), Rep. My-Linh Thai (bottom) and Rep. Tana Senn to share the community's priorities and advocate on behalf of Newcastle citizens.
Helpful Links
City of Newcastle |  newcastlewa.gov  

The Newcastle email newsletter is published before every City Council meeting. Learn more about the newsletter, see an archive of past newsletters and sign up to receive it at newcastlewa.gov/newsletters .

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