Commission discusses Blues in the Park lineup, vendor rules and sustainability requirements

Commissioners used the meeting to follow up on Blues in the Park planning, vendor selection and event operations.

Staff reported three bands confirmed for the season with a fourth tentative and a fifth headliner pending finalization. The vendor application process will be released through the department's distribution list with a first‑come, first‑served slotting on the open date; staff said they typically accommodate four to five food vendors depending on applications.

On environmental and public‑health rules, staff said vendors must hold a Seaside business license and comply with the city's plastics ordinance: single‑use plastic bottles and polystyrene containers are not allowed and service ware must be compostable. "Vendors need to have a Seaside business license, and they also need to make sure that they are following our plastics ordinance," staff said.

Food trucks are permitted at park events but are not allowed on Broadway, staff added. There is not a standing Blues committee; event planning has generally been handled by the recreation director and council member Pacheco, with the department executing contracts.

Commissioners and public speakers raised accessibility and family programming questions, including how to handle animals and service animals at park events and whether to add designated family activity days. Staff said they will pursue family‑friendly programming where staffing allows and will work with local nonprofits for kids' activities.

Capra Park was highlighted as a carry‑forward project with an existing master plan; staff estimated an order‑of‑magnitude budget of about $1,000,000 for its implementation and noted that the item remains contingent on funding and council prioritization.

Staff encouraged community members to submit vendor or band suggestions directly to the recreation department for consideration.