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Council discusses fee waiver to help local farmers market; directs staff to draft fee‑resolution changes
Summary
Council considered a proposal to waive event permit fees for locally run, free public events such as the farmers market (city currently charges $90 per week), directed staff to work with organizers and return with a fee‑resolution amendment and temporary program parameters (including a $500 deposit).
The Clear Lake City Council discussed Aug. 1 whether to reduce or waive event permit fees for local, free public events after organizers raised concerns the existing $90 weekly event fee was a barrier to operating the farmers market at Austin Park.
City Manager Flora presented comparative examples: some neighboring markets or hosts pay a one‑time seasonal fee or no host fee, while San Francisco had recently proposed fee waivers for free public events. Flora suggested a targeted waiver for local nonprofits, small businesses or neighborhood associations that host free, public events that do not require road closures, with a deposit required to cover potential damages.
Council member Puche recommended formalizing the program and returning with a resolution so staff have clear parameters rather than relying on informal verbal direction. "My preference would be ... to bring back not an emergency resolution, but some sort of resolution at the next council meeting providing some of those bumpers so that it doesn't put staff in a weird spot," Puche said. Staff suggested using the existing deposit (currently $500) and excluding additional services (electrical, water, police staffing) from the waiver.
Council directed staff to work with market organizers under a temporary framework while city attorneys and staff draft a formal fee‑resolution amendment. Several council members supported a lower one‑time fee option or seasonal permit and agreed the program should be evaluated after an initial trial period.
No formal fee change was adopted at the meeting; staff will return with draft ordinance/resolution language and proposed deposit and duration details.
