The council’s decision to limit community service hours was met with mixed reactions. Previously, students could earn up to 100 hours from participating in events like Easter and Halloween, but the new policy caps this at eight hours per event. This change arose from complaints received from a local school about the disproportionate awarding of hours. Some council members expressed frustration over the abrupt policy shift, emphasizing its potential impact on volunteer participation. One council member highlighted the necessity of maintaining student engagement, despite the reduced hours, by suggesting alternative strategies to encourage volunteerism, such as increasing the number of events where students could contribute.

The topic of volunteer participation was further explored in the context of attracting student volunteers for the holiday festival. The council acknowledged a marked decline in volunteer numbers, with expectations dropping from 100 to a more realistic target of 300 for upcoming events. Concerns were raised that the requirement for numerous preparatory meetings could deter potential volunteers due to the time commitment involved. Suggestions were made to find creative ways to engage students, such as having them assist with event decorations and setup, though the challenges of adapting to new volunteer dynamics were noted.

As the meeting shifted focus to the holiday festival, scheduled for December 12, council members delved into plansning discussions. The festival will feature a movie screening event, and potential films such as “Shrek the Halls,” “Merry Madagascar,” and a Mickey Mouse special were debated. The council considered combining these films to create a two-and-a-half-hour program, taking into account the associated costs and logistics of renting equipment such as screens and projectors. With a budget of $6,800, opinions varied on whether to rent or purchase this equipment, weighing the long-term savings against the challenges of storage and maintenance.

In addition to the movie screenings, the council approved the purchase of a large tree for the festival, along with funds for arts and crafts decorations. A “giant Santa” decoration was suggested to enhance the festive atmosphere. The event will also feature Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, with plans to update promotional materials promptly to reflect finalized details. The notion of involving children in decorating the tree and creating ornaments was discussed.

Reflecting on the recent Halloween event, the council reviewed its successes and areas for improvement. Despite some rain, the event was deemed a success, with satisfactory turnout and improved candy distribution. However, criticisms were directed at the costume parade, described as “embarrassing” and ineffective. In response, a proposal was made to implement a ticketing system for future costume contests, with gift cards as potential prizes for winners.

Communication among volunteers and committee members was identified as a critical area for improvement. A proposal to establish a WhatsApp group for better coordination was debated, considering privacy concerns and the need for effective communication tools. Alternative apps like GroupMe were suggested as potential solutions.

The meeting concluded with logistical considerations for future events, including securing adequate supplies and equipment. The council discussed the importance of locking in event dates well in advance, particularly for Halloween, to avoid scheduling conflicts. Additionally, the concept of a “trunk or treat” event was proposed, with businesses potentially paying a fee to participate and provide their decorations, while the council supplies candy.