The Halloween parade, scheduled for Sunday, was a major topic of discussion. The board confirmed that the number of registered groups had increased to 62, a significant rise from last year’s 49. The highway department’s participation with trucks was noted, and two food trucks, Turner Brothers and Palacei Brothers, were confirmed for the event. Instead of a flat fee, the board decided on a donation-based structure for these vendors, tying contributions to their sales performance. Preparations for the parade were underway, with signs for parking arrangements already displayed.

Communication about the parade was debated, particularly the method of alerting the community. A text alert had been sent, but phone call alerts were reserved for emergencies, which prompted discussions on whether the information about road closures and parade details was adequate. Advanced Waste was confirmed to provide portable restrooms.

One member shared a personal health concern, having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which impacted their ability to participate fully in the parade. The board showed support.

The board also discussed musical performances for the parade. While the band Adel was confirmed, Mansfield’s band could not participate due to scheduling conflicts. There was a consensus on reaching out to local high school bands for future events, with a suggestion to invite older musical groups that could perform without marching. The planning for next year’s parade was encouraged to start earlier to secure more participants.

In addition to the Halloween parade, the board explored various fundraising initiatives, including a holiday lights fundraiser through a platform called Give Butter. A potential partnership with the Friends of the World War II Memorial Trail group was discussed to enhance fundraising efforts.

The “stroll and roll” event was another focus, involving collaboration between local groups with profits split equally. The use of the Give Butter platform was highlighted for managing donations and registrations, leveraging its fee-free structure. A unique aspect of the event was the proposal to upload pictures of decorated houses for voting, allowing broader participation without requiring physical visits. This idea drew inspiration from a previous Halloween decorating contest.

Concerns about the proposed $500 grand prize for the contest were raised, considering the town’s financial situation. Suggestions were made to implement a tiered prize system or promote the prize as “up to $500,” based on the number of entries, to manage expectations and financial optics. The board acknowledged the tight timeline, emphasizing the necessity to open registration by November 1st to ensure a smooth rollout.

The meeting also touched on sponsorship opportunities, particularly with local businesses like Home Depot and Bernie and Phils. Discussions included leveraging past successful sponsorships and exploring new possibilities with the introduction of pickleball courts in 2024, which could provide additional visibility for sponsors. The need for a structured sponsorship outreach program was emphasized.

Financial updates from the parks and recreation department were presented, with a focus on pool operations and attendance figures. Although the data only covered half the season, an increase in season pass sales was noted. However, day pass sales faced challenges due to their cash-only nature. The swim lessons program saw growth, particularly with the addition of infant swim classes. Payroll expenses rose due to lifeguard pay raises and miscommunication in staffing swim lessons, yet the department’s financial health remained stable.

The board discussed the maintenance of play structures, with funding approved for repairs totaling $24,000 at Everett Leonard and Tsentennial locations. The emphasis was on enhancing safety rather than adding new equipment. The representative expressed gratitude for the funding, noting the importance of maintaining the playgrounds’ longevity.

Community engagement initiatives were also highlighted, with plans for a blood drive and a “Christmas in July” event aimed at alleviating holiday congestion. Other ideas included a sports equipment swap and collaboration with local organizations for Thanksgiving supplies. The Festival of Lights was scheduled for December 7, with plans for various performances and activities.