2026-08-18 City Council

The City of Newcastle City Council meeting was held August 19, 2026. The Public Works Director presented the second-quarter capital improvement projects report: most projects remained on schedule, while the Lake Boren Park dog park and amphitheater were moved to non-funded status. The May Creek Trail conveyance rehabilitation was delayed because of unanticipated traffic-control costs, with no budget change. A resident also urged the city to plan for a replacement trail bridge, safe crossing, and signage alongside embankment removal. The City Manager noted that the fire-services contract is up for renewal and asked that proposed changes be submitted by the end of the month; no contract award or procurement vote occurred.

Council approved Ordinance 2026-692 revising the salary schedule to increase a Public Works office-support position from 0.7 to full-time, supported by savings from a vacant surface-water position, with no additional current-year budget expenditure anticipated. Council also approved a 1% market-equity adjustment to the City Manager’s salary in addition to a 3% performance increase, effective September 1, 2026. On data centers, council discussed but did not pursue a moratorium because they are not currently an allowed use; staff will bring back a proposal to define and prohibit large-scale data centers. No contract award or bid approval was identified.