The Crestview City Council on Sept. 22 voted 5-0 to reject all submitted proposals for the city's photography contract and instructed staff to return with an ordinance to create a permitting process allowing multiple vetted vendors to serve youth athletics and city events.

City Manager (role) told the council that, because of public concerns and mixed feedback from presentations earlier in the meeting, staff could not recommend a single vendor. "At this point staff cannot recommend one specific vendor over another based on the concerns from the public," City Manager said during the discussion. The council then voted to reject the bids and directed staff to draft permit rules and procedures for council review.

The council heard presentations from three firms earlier in the meeting: Beige Corporation (representative Kimberly), GD Photography (owner Gia DeMario), and Shot and Focus (owner Darlene). Beige Corporation emphasized project management, FAA-certified drone operators and backup staffing. GD Photography said it has served Crestview youth programs for more than two decades and urged the council not to force families to use a single city-contracted photographer. Shot and Focus described a system that requires no order forms, uploads proofs quickly, and offered a 10% commission or discount to families.

Parents and coaches told the council they want choice and affordable, timely photo options. Parent Tanya Demara told the council she supports allowing coaches and families to choose local photographers and described difficulties when a single contractor schedules picture days at times that are hard for some families. "Making this a parent choice is probably the more prudent thing to do at this point," a councilmember said during deliberations.

Council members emphasized two recurring requirements for any permit system: background checks and a mechanism to bar vendors who violate city rules. The city attorney advised council members that the current ordinance prohibits the use of city property by photographers who are not authorized; the new permitting rules would allow vetted vendors to operate but could include fines and revocation for violations.

Council action: motion to reject all photography proposals and direct staff to draft an ordinance to permit multiple vetted vendors passed 5-0. The council also directed staff to return with proposed permit policies and enforcement language for future action.

What happens next: Staff will draft an ordinance and procedures for a permitting program, including proposed vetting (background checks), allowable locations and penalties for violations, and return the draft to council for formal readings and adoption.