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Council delays EcoFest MOU, asks organizers for address, cost and attendance details
Summary
Councilors asked Encinitas Environment Day organizers to return March 25 with a nonprofit mailing address, a full estimate of city costs (including waived fees and staff time) and a plan to measure attendance; a substitute motion to return with those materials carried 4–1.
Staff presented a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City of Encinitas and Encinitas Environment Day to host a free EcoFest at Encinitas Community Park on June 28, 2026. Staff described the event as a volunteer‑run nonprofit fair with environmental education and an estimated event budget near $17,000; the MOU would waive an estimated $1,240 in permit/room fees and add approximate city costs of $1,800 for restroom cleaning and waste management.
Multiple public speakers — including residents who said they had attended recent EcoFests and board members for the event — offered mixed views. Molly Hantlian and Natalie Satoone expressed concerns about vetting, unclear address/financial information and sizeable city contributions; EcoFest representatives (Mark O'Connor and Leah Strelle) said the event has been run for years, acknowledged a recent low‑attendance year (competing events and weather) and described plans to downsize the footprint while focusing on sustainability education.
Councilmembers asked for clearer information about prior attendance and a comprehensive cost estimate that includes staff time and forgone fees. Deputy Mayor O'Hara moved a substitute motion directing EcoFest organizers to return on March 25 with the nonprofit's physical address, a full total cost estimate, and a plan to measure attendance (and, if possible, records of prior attendance). The substitute motion carried 4–1 with Council Member Lyons voting no.
Councilmembers and staff said they supported the event but wanted better financial detail and a stronger plan for growth and accountability before approving the MOU.
