Meeker’s Board of Trustees decided during their meeting this week there will be no beer tent at this year’s Pumpkin Festival in October.
They also set the date for Trick or Treat night in October.
The Trustees briefly discussed whether to approve a beer tent for the annual Pumpkin Festival scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1.
Mayor Donna Weber said, “My personal feelings are it shouldn’t be allowed.”
Her comments came after listening to three citizens speak on the issue. Vonda Langille told the Trustees, “I don’t have a dog in this fight, but vendors have reached out to me. It will be a place where people can sit and visit.
“It’s not a matter of getting a reputation like other festivals,” she didn’t think.
Another citizen spoke in support of it, saying, “It won’t be in the main thoroughfare, but will be discreet and in a designated area.”
A third citizen aired her brief thoughts in opposition to the idea.
Vice Mayor Aaron Head said, “We have done this in the past and it’s gotten out of hand.” But he further commented, “I can see it both ways. Maybe it can happen in the future.”
Trustee Lanny Thompson aired similar thoughts to the mayor’s comments. “I don’t think we should be doing it. The Kolache Festival takes every officer they have available,” Thompson noted, in reference to one of the other festivals mentioned that allows beer.
“Can’t go along with,” Thompson stated.
Trustee Mike Melton said, “If it’s going to be a family function, and it is, no.”
Melton made the motion to not allow a beer tent at the Pumpkin Festival, Thompson seconded it. Joining them were Mayor Weber and Head in making the vote unanimous.
Trustee Mike Orman was unable to attend Monday evening’s meeting due to illness.
Trustees decided that Trick or Treat night in Meeker will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday evening, Oct. 31 which is Halloween night. In other business, Trustees approved allowing City Hall to close on Columbus Day, Oct. 10, with the employees using eight hours of their accrued vacation days. They also approved closing City Hall the day before Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, with the employees using eight hours of their accused vacation.
Trustees approved keeping City Hall closed for rental purposes but allowing Town Administrator Jeff Wilbourn, at his discretion to open it, depending on the pandemic.
They approved paying a $5,034.03 insurance premium for coverage of liability insurance from Aug. 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023.
Trustees took no action on a business permit at 490 S. Dawson in Meeker.