The City Council has decided to put a staff city attorney position in the city budget for the coming year, but will delay a decision on actually hiring one “for a few months” to consider the cost effectiveness.

The Port Commissioners have named current deputy Port director Chris Johnson has the acting executive director to replace Bob Hyde, who was pushed out as Executive Director during a meeting of Port Commissioners last week.

Bob Hyde, who Thursday night was forced out as Executive Director of the Port, issued a written statement saying he was proud of the Port’s accomplishments during his eight year tenure.

A small white cat that got trapped in an industrial fishing net at Cap Sante Marina was rescued by the city’s Animal Control Officer, then nursed back to health at an animal clinic and adopted by an employee.

Bob Hyde has ended his more than eight years as Executive Director, apparently forced out without public explanation by Port Commissioners at a meeting Thursday night. At one point Hyde was told to either resign or be fired. He resigned.

Pedestrians and merchants on Commercial Ave. between 7th St. and 8th St. will soon enjoy a sidewalk that is free of trip hazards, thanks to a new $26,000 project to smooth out the sidewalk.