Seaside Council votes: camping policy, CCA contract, floodplain code action, street vacation hearing set, appointments and other measures

Seaside City Council moved a number of formal items at its Aug. 4 meeting: it adopted a temporary camping policy and approved a contract with Klotzuk Community Action; authorized contingency funds and approved a 24-hour shift MOU for firefighters; set a hearing to consider vacating Third Avenue to allow Restoration House's housing expansion; and handled appointments and ordinance readings on floodplain code updates.

Key votes and procedural actions

- Camping policy and contract: Resolution 4073 (temporary camping policy, amended) and Resolution 4076 (agreement with Klotzuk Community Action for camp management) were adopted on voice votes. See the separate article for detail on policy changes such as the reinstated prohibition on possession of illegal drugs and alcohol (with behavior-focused enforcement), the addition of a prohibition on entering other participants' campsites without permission, posted rules, and CCA's role in case management and daily administration.

- Fire staffing and contingency funds: The council adopted Resolution 4078 to release contingency funds for Seaside Fire and Rescue and Resolution 4079 to approve an MOU implementing a 24-hour shift schedule for firefighters; both passed on voice votes. Staff said the changes follow multi-year analysis of call volumes and peer schedules and will be monitored after implementation.

- Floodplain ordinance process: Council considered Ordinance 2025-04 to repeal and replace chapter 152 (floodplain development code). After discussion, council removed FEMA "Pick'em" implementation language from the ordinance and completed a third reading; staff advised that the council could adopt model state code now and leave pick-em provisions for later, and that FEMA had extended a deadline. Council decided to delay final adoption pending clearer FEMA guidance; the record shows votes to proceed with the model code and to continue noticing/reading consistent with state requirements.

- Street vacation for Restoration House: The council adopted Resolution 4077 directing staff to notice and set a hearing (amended hearing date: Sept. 8, 2025) on a proposed vacation of Third Avenue to allow Restoration House to expand supportive housing and to move utilities underground. Staff and the applicant said the proposal includes removing a building over the estuary and providing fire access and easements to preserve emergency access for adjacent properties.

- Appointments and boards: The council interviewed Sandy Ward for the Parks Advisory Committee (kept on file for future consideration) and nominated Penny York for an interview for the parks committee (council will interview her). The council appointed Kevin Heider to the Planning Commission (motion carried by voice vote).

- Other procedural items: The council approved canceling the Aug. 25 meeting (motion carried) and completed a public performance review for the city manager and approved a merit increase as permitted under his contract.

Votes at a glance (selected)

- Resolution 4073 (Temporary camping policy, amended): Approved (voice vote). Mover: Councilor Posalski; Second: Councilor Hoffman.

- Resolution 4076 (Agreement with Klotzuk Community Action): Approved (voice vote). Mover: Councilor McVay; Second: Councilor Benacker.

- Resolution 4078 (Use contingency funds for Seaside Fire and Rescue): Approved (voice vote). Mover: Councilor McVay; Second: Council President Morrissey.

- Resolution 4079 (Approve MOU for 24-hour firefighter shifts): Approved (voice vote). Mover: Councilor Posalski; Second: Councilor Benacker.

- Resolution 4077 (Intent to vacate Third Avenue; set hearing Sept. 8, 2025): Approved (voice vote). Mover: Councilor Benacker; Second: Councilor McVay.

- Appointment: Planning Commission ' Kevin Heider appointed (voice vote). Mover: Councilor ??? (motion recorded as moved and seconded in transcript); Outcome: Approved.

- Ordinance 2025-04 (Floodplain code): Council completed third reading and removed FEMA pick-em language; council deferred final adoption pending further FEMA guidance and additional noticing as may be required.

Background and next steps

City staff will proceed with the camp pilot operations under the new policy and the CCA contract, finalize camp procedures and signage, begin implementing fire-staffing adjustments and hiring under the contingency appropriation, and prepare the public hearing materials for the Third Avenue vacation. The floodplain ordinance will proceed through any additional readings/notice the council requires if FEMA or state guidance changes.

Ending

Councilors emphasized iterative review and close monitoring: many items adopted were described as pilots or interim steps that staff and the council will revisit as operational data accumulates.