The Board of Trustees for Meeker voted to accept the resignation of a police officer and against allowing alcohol at an upcoming festival at its special meeting on Sept. 22.
The Board first went into executive session for approximately 22 minutes before returning and voting unanimously to accept the resignation of Nick Doe. They then voted on allowing the public consumption of alcohol during the Meeker Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 24. The Board voted unanimously to oppose.
Organizers sought to allow the sale of wine and beer in a designated area during the festival. There was pushback from religious groups in the town, expressing concern about alcohol consumption at a family event.
Organizer Veronica Tessier said they had been working on various measures to keep the event safe, including barriers, hiring private security and keeping alcohol out of the children’s section and within designated areas. She said they were also working with Big Red Connect to provide rides for those who do not wish to drink and drive, as well as local churches. Tessier said they were also figuring out where to have the area where alcohol would be served so that it would not be withing 300 feet of any church.