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Council backs proposal for biweekly beach bonfire nights at Carmel Beach
Summary
Council approved a low-cost pilot for biweekly beach bonfire nights using existing city resources and partnerships; program proponents described community and business benefits.
The City Council unanimously approved a proposal to host biweekly beach bonfire nights at Carmel Beach as a community-building program funded from a $315,000 one-time surplus.
Finance Manager Jada Sherritt presented the idea, describing a recurring community event with fire pits, local music, small food vendors and partnerships with local businesses. Sherritt proposed using propane fire pits, partnering with Sunset Center to book musicians, and collaborating with local businesses such as Carmel Bakery and Folktale Winery for food and beverage offerings. “Each event would cost around $250 covering trailer rentals, public works wages, and basic setup costs,” Sherritt said, adding that the program would total roughly $6,000 per year under her assumptions.
Sherritt proposed environmental safeguards including biodegradable materials, reusable-encouragement incentives and post-event beach cleanups that could provide community-service hours for high-school students. During public comment and council discussion residents and presenters recommended city-supplied propane pits to reduce smoke and suggested reserving pits during events to reduce uncontrolled fires.
Council action: A council member moved and another seconded a motion to approve the beach bonfire nights program; the council approved the motion by unanimous roll call (Council member Pritchard: Yes; Council member Moreau: Yes; Council member Morgan: Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Blessing: Yes; Mayor Norman: Yes). Motion carries unanimously.
Council members characterized the program as low-cost and suggested a one-year pilot to evaluate community response; staff were directed to coordinate logistics, environmental safeguards and publicity with local partners.
