Mitch Brown

The February 9, 2026, City Council agenda included an informal Work Session with discussions anticipated on Capital Projects and Future Agenda Items. The main Council Meeting featured a proclamation, public comments, and review of a Consent Agenda, which included approval of the January 26, 2026, minutes. Reports and Presentations included an introduction of new Seaside Police Officers, an update from Clatsop Community Action regarding Stepping Stones Community, the Seaside Visitors Bureau Annual Report, and the Seaside Housing Development Report. The Council addressed several vacancies on various Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Unfinished Business focused on Ordinance #2026-01, establishing the Mayor's authority to declare a local State of Emergency, which included opening and closing public comment periods and conducting readings and a vote. Finally, City Staff provided comments concerning police officer remembrance, the fire department taking the lead on emergency management, and monthly financial updates. The Mayor also provided an extensive summary on council protocols emphasizing respect, civility, and public unity.

This annual report details the City of Seaside's progress and future strategic direction, reflecting on the adopted strategic blueprint for 2025-2026. Key strategic areas include housing, infrastructure, economic development, livability, coastal resilience, public safety, and community engagement. The plan aims for continued progress in these areas through wise investment, careful planning, and strong advocacy, ensuring a healthy, safe, and neighborly coastal community.

The agenda for the City Council meeting includes a Work Session followed by the regular meeting. The Work Session topics focus on the discussion of anticipated capital projects and future agenda items. The regular meeting agenda covers a Proclamation section (with none expected), a general Public Comments period, and the Declaration of Potential Conflict of Interest. The Consent Agenda includes the approval of minutes from the January 26, 2026 meeting. Reports and Presentations include introductions of new Seaside Police Officers, an update from Clatsop Community Action (CCA) on Stepping Stones Community, the Seaside Visitors Bureau Annual Report, and the Seaside Housing Development Report. The Council will address several vacancies on City Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Unfinished Business centers on Ordinance #2026-01, which establishes the authority of the Mayor to declare a local State of Emergency, including provisions for Council ratification and emergency powers. There is no New Business listed.

The session included a Work Session covering interviews for the Tourism Advisory Committee and the City Tree Board, discussions on accounting fund consolidation, and non-profit grants. The main Council Meeting featured the approval of the agenda and a proclamation for Career and Technical Education Month. Key actions involved announcing several board and commission vacancies, appointing Kristine Poole to the Tourism Advisory Committee, and appointing Steven Christofor to the City Tree Board. Under unfinished business, the Council discussed Transient Lodging Tax Legislation and advanced Ordinance #2026-01, which establishes the Mayor's authority to declare a Local State of Emergency. The appointment of Padraic Ansbro to fill the City Council Ward 4 vacancy was finalized following a roll call vote. Staff reports highlighted the upcoming Sergeant Gooding's 10-year remembrance ceremony, the Fire Department taking the lead on emergency management, and the monthly release schedule for financial updates. The Mayor concluded by reminding members of conduct protocols focusing on respect, civility, and professionalism.

The committee meeting focused extensively on discussions related to fireworks, specifically regarding illegal fireworks near the beach and the associated civil fines, which default to a state law fine of $2,500. Key discussion points included the legal limitations on conducting bag searches on the beach without probable cause, even for private events, and strategies for enforcement. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing and discussing various options, ranging from no-cost to $50,000, for a public education and advertising campaign aimed at increasing awareness of new fine structures and clarifying legal fireworks. The committee tentatively agreed to maintain the official fireworks show funding at $40,000 (instead of $25,000) while leaving open the option to secure additional funding if the city and chamber collaborate. A high-cost, professional campaign utilizing a thematic approach (e.g., "Getting caught with illegal fireworks, $5,000. Spending a fine free holiday at seaside, priceless.") was favored by some members over in-house or student-led initiatives, although there was debate over the effectiveness of broad advertising versus visible enforcement signage at beach entrances.