The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council took in a new member and dismissed another.

Christine Waldman was appointed to take the position at-large that had been held by Deputy Steve Cox, who was killed in the line of duty Dec. 2. Cox was president of the council at the time of his death.

Members voted unanimously Feb. 1 to toss member Cynthia Ruiz off the council because she hasn't attended a council meeting in many weeks. Council bylaws state that members can be removed from the council if they miss three consecutive meetings without a reasonable excuse. The council meets the first and third Thursdays of the month.

Council President Heidi Johnson said she'd left numerous phone and e-mail messages with Ruiz but the former member has not responded. Johnson said the phone number assigned to Ruiz has been disconnected and her business in White Center is closed.