Mayor Clark presided over the Newcastle City Council meeting on Nov. 18, which opened with a short executive session to consult with legal counsel on pending or potential litigation under the statute read into the record (transcribed as “RCW 4 2.3 0.11 subsection 1 paragraph I”). The council returned to open session with no decisions announced.

The council approved a motion to excuse Council member Charbonneau, which carried on a voice vote, and later voted to cancel the scheduled Dec. 16 council meeting. Mayor Clark said the meeting was being recorded and broadcast on the city’s YouTube channel.

Public comment included a mix of praise and criticism. Sarah Goodman, a resident, thanked Mayor Clark, Deputy Mayor LaCocchia and Council member Jim Quigg for their service and for prioritizing low taxes, safety and preserving Newcastle’s small‑town character: “Your service has left a lasting impact on Newcastle,” she said. In contrast, Heidi Dean, a Newport Hills resident, urged residents to question the integrity of the local Chamber of Commerce, saying the chamber had acted like a political action committee and that Council member Quigg had been ‘‘iced out’’ of recent festivities.

Allison Sweeney, who identified herself as president of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, rebutted those claims during the second public comment period. Sweeney said the chamber reimbursed Quigg for more than $1,200 in tree‑lighting expenses last year, that the chamber sponsored this year’s professional tree lighting for just under $1,000, and that the chamber has helped solicit sponsors and volunteers. She also read a message from Jim Quigg indicating he would support the new event organizers.

City Manager Pingle briefed the council on several items, including delegations for two Sound Cities Association meetings and a possible $100,000 King County grant for park improvements at Lake Boren/Warren Park (the grant had not been awarded). Pingle also said staff are working on code changes related to temporary signs so crews can resume sign sweeps after the election period.

The meeting included a first reading of an ordinance to approve a nonexclusive franchise with Forged Fiber 37 LLC, described by staff as a company taking over existing AT&T lines and equipment in the city right‑of‑way; Council took no action on the ordinance beyond reading the title (the title read into the record included a proposed ordinance number transcribed as “2 20 25 6 79”). The council also received the third‑quarter financial report (see separate article).

The meeting adjourned after closing remarks from outgoing Council member Jim Quigg, who reflected on his service and urged the council to preserve Newcastle’s character.

Votes at the meeting were conducted by voice; the motions recorded in the transcript were (1) the excusal of Council member Charbonneau (motion moved and seconded; outcome recorded as carried) and (2) cancellation of the Dec. 16 meeting (moved, seconded and carried by voice vote).