The Crestview City Council adopted an updated Special Events Policy and Procedures manual and approved an amendment to strengthen enforcement for cleanup and restoration costs.

Staff presenter Melissa Carter and members of the city leadership class summarized changes that include requiring permits and supporting documentation (food service, alcohol, tents) 30 days before events (previously 20 days), a new alcohol procedure requiring ID checks and wristbands and use of clear or city‑approved cups, and updated contact information and internal procedures.

Council members asked how the policy would be distributed; staff said the full policy and application package will be posted online with hyperlinks, and staff will work with the clerk’s office to publicize roll‑out and provide paper copies and one‑on‑one customer assistance at city offices. Councilman Hayes pressed staff on the policy language that says a special‑events permit will be issued “no later than 14 days” before an event; staff clarified that the 14‑day language is a latest‑possible turnaround and that in normal practice permits are returned sooner if applicants submit complete materials.

Mayor Putnam and others raised a gap in the draft regarding grease and gray‑water disposal and penalties for leaving grease or other waste that damage streets. Council approved an amendment to cross‑reference the fee schedule and the section on nonremoval penalties (for paint, chalk and other surface marking) so that penalties for grease and gray‑water violations will be enforced and tied to the fee schedule. The motion to approve the policy with that amendment passed 4–0 with one absence.

Staff said the city will provide hyperlinks in the online policy and make the special‑events application readily available to applicants. The policy, once published, will guide event permitting, vendor requirements, and enforcement of cleanup and restitution costs.