Public speakers at Newcastle meeting urge park funding, remember longtime resident, and call for ending Flock Safety contract
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Summary
During public comment, residents remembered a longtime civic participant, urged the council to prioritize the Promenade project and pursue a $200,000 state grant, and a speaker urged the city to end its contract with Flock Safety over privacy and security concerns.
Residents used the meeting’s public-comment periods to raise several issues with council members on Jan. 6.
Glenn Trotman opened public comment with a remembrance of longtime resident Kevin Duffy, who died over the holidays; Trotman described Duffy’s civic engagement and announced a memorial service at Saint Monica's Catholic Church on Mercer Island.
Gary Campin, speaking on behalf of Newcastle Trails, asked the council to prioritize the Promenade project in the Lake Warren Park master plan and to pursue an available state grant he estimated at $200,000 in early 2026 rather than diverting funds to a proposed regional sports park. He argued the promenade serves more residents at lower cost and urged the council to make the promenade a top priority.
Steven Vines urged the council to end Newcastle’s contract with Flock Safety, citing a range of concerns he attributed to reporting and public records: alleged backdoor access to a nationwide camera network, camera systems exposed to the internet, misuse by law-enforcement agencies, and cases of misidentification. Vines asked the council to consider a ban on such systems by public or private entities operating in the city.
Additional commenters praised newly elected officials and urged continued community outreach and support for vulnerable groups. Lane Sherlock urged visible support for the LGBTQ community and suggested exploring solar options for city generators.
These comments were delivered during the designated public-comment periods; council did not take immediate action in response but staff and council members noted items such as the promenade grant and Flock Safety concerns for potential follow-up.