Newport department heads offer brief updates; commission notes new fire/EMS hire and community loss

After completing the agenda, the mayor invited department heads to speak. Most had brief or no updates.

Julie celebrated the city's new fire/EMS hire, noting the department now has two women in fire/EMS roles and praising the new hire's skills and energy: "Just add an exclamation point to the to the new hire of, another woman for our fire EMS staff that makes 2, and that's awesome," she said. Several other staff and commissioners offered short remarks of thanks and congratulations.

Commissioner Mike offered condolences for the passing of longtime community member Ms. Robson, recounting her leadership in the Victorian Christmas tour and expressing sympathy for her family.

No formal action was taken on personnel matters during the meeting; these remarks were informational and part of the department head and commissioner updates segment. The commission then took a motion to adjourn and voted unanimously to end the meeting.