NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MINUTES Monday, June 29, 2026

Mayor Tyrel Owens called this special meeting of the Newcastle City Council to order at 5:00 p.m. Present were Council members John Butts, Daren Downs, Chris Kenney, Ann McColley, Don Steveson and Thomas Voss. Also, present was Attorney Dublin Hughes and Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Haggerty.

Mayor Owens asked Amity Rembold with RCAC who attended the meeting via Teams, questions that the Personnel Committee had referenced during the last City Council meeting. There was discussion regarding the following: Conflict with County Commissioners, travel, training, working with surrounding communities, working with high schoolers, housing in the community, working with new and current businesses, challenges and direction, goals of the coordinator, hours and ability to work from home. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Thomas Voss moved; John Butts seconded to suspend the rules and entered executive session referencing personnel W.S. 16-4-405 (a)(ii) at 5:35 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Chris Kenney moved; Ann McColley seconded to return to regular session at 7:26 p.m. MOTION CARRIED Chris Kenney moved; Thomas Voss seconded to hire Rex Smithgall as the Community Coordinator. Mayor Owens asked for a show of hands during this vote. Those in favor: Chris Kenney, Thomas Voss and Tyrel Owens; those against: John Butts, Daren Downs, Ann McColley and Don Steveson. MOTION FAILED. Don Steveson moved; Ann McColley seconded to hire Vera Huber as the Community Coordinator. There was discussion about Ms. Huber already having a position with the County Commissioners. Those in favor: John Butts, Daren Downs, Ann McColley and Don Steveson; those against: Chris Kenney, Thomas Voss and Tyrel Owens. MOTION CARRIED.

ADJOURNMENT: Ann McColley moved; Chris Kenney seconded to adjourn the regular meeting of the Newcastle City Council at 7:29 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

ATTEST:

Mayor Tyrel Owens

Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Haggerty

(Publish July 9, 2026)