City Says Yes To Halloween Trick-or-Treat This Year

By Leah Williams

with additional reporting by Charles Guffey

news@nashnews.net

The Nashville City Council agreed in an unanimous vote to permit Halloween trick-or-treating during its regular meeting on Thursday, September 17.

Streets Committee Chair Doug Hargan said the city needed to decide on two things, the first of which was whether to permit trick-or-treating during this fall season, and if so, what date they would like to have the season tradition. He also said that he believes most parents and guardians tend to visit family members and people they know.

“I saw let’s have it,” Hargan said. “Let the parents decide. The little kids have been deprived of umpteen things this year. You have to wear a mask to do this, that and whatever. If people don’t want to, then don’t answer your door. That is how it is anyway. I just don’t see a reason to say no to this.”

Mayor Raymond Kolweier said there has not been any state recommendations handed down at this time, but there may be some in the near future. He agreed that the city should keep with its trick-or-treat traditions.

“It’s outdoors,” Kolweier said, “and you can decide whether you want to participate or not participate.”

Councilman Shawn Kabat said: “Most costumes have masks already.”

Once it was decided to permit trick-or-treating, the council discussed what date it should be. Hargan voted that they keep it on Halloween like it has been traditionally held on Halloween from 5 to 8 p.m. over the past few years.

The city council approved the time. Mayor Kolweier asked that residents who choose to participate also adhere to social distancing guidelines, face covering recommendations and other guidelines as stipulated by the local and state health departments.

A Nashville News poll found that 91 percent of those who took the survey (176 votes) believed that trick-or-treating should be held in the city this October. Nine percent (18 votes) casted their vote stating that it was not safe to have the tradition this year.

In other city council news, the council approved a resolution for the city to apply for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant from the CDBG program. The resolution came after a public hearing was held prior to the city council meeting. The total amount of funds to be requested totals $169,732.98. The project is for a city sewer replacement fund, which is to include $354,467.02 in revolving loan funds.

The project was discussed at the September 3 meeting. The $500,000 project is a necessary improvement to help the

The council learned that the city would be hiring a new utility department.

The next city council meeting will be held on Thursday, October 1.