Seaside commission elects vice chair, approves minutes and allocates $2,000 for outreach swag

The Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 15 approved the minutes of its July 21, 2025 meeting, elected Alicia Gaines as vice chair and voted to allocate $2,000 to purchase outreach “swag” for upcoming city events.

Chair Maxwell opened nominations for vice chair and nominated Alicia Gaines, who accepted. The nomination was moved and seconded and carried without recorded opposition. "Welcome," the chair said after the vote.

The commission voted to allocate $2,000 for promotional items intended for tabling at city events. Staff noted the commission's annual allotment is about $7,000, which covers swag, conference attendance and similar line items, and that previous years' purchases typically ranged around $1,500–$2,000. The motion to earmark $2,000 was moved, seconded and approved with no recorded opposition.

Recreation staff reviewed the city events calendar for the remainder of the year and commissioners identified events for tabling and outreach: Oaxaca by the Sea (Sept. 28), the Seaside Stars unveiling (Oct. 11), the city's 70th birthday celebration (Oct. 13) and the tree-lighting ceremony (Dec. 5). Commissioners agreed to prioritize Oaxaca, the city birthday and the tree lighting for commission tabling; additional events such as Movies in the Park and Halloween activities were discussed as possible supplementary tabling opportunities.

Staff explained the tabling process and volunteer sign-up: nonprofits and information-only tabling generally have no fee; vendors selling goods pay a nominal fee and should contact the Oldenmeyer Center for vendor/tabling information at (831) 899-6800.

Routine business also included adoption of the July 21 minutes; the motion carried after the chair asked "All in favor? Aye." No roll-call vote tallies were recorded in the transcript.