Board approves planning support as Fox West Chamber pitches downtown 'Monster Mash' event

Staff described a proposed downtown event for Oct. 30 — called 'Monster Mash' — to be run primarily by the Fox West Chamber in partnership with local businesses. The concept would block Pine Street to the alley and Nash to Mill, allow vendors and food trucks, and confine alcohol sales to licensed downtown businesses inside the barricaded area. One staff speaker stressed licensing and any required liquor-license amendments would come back to the board.

Trustees and staff discussed logistics including cleanup responsibility (the chamber is expected to lead), the need for additional public works and police support after the event to remove refuse (particularly broken glass), volunteer coordination with local schools and businesses to staff the event, and contingency plans in case downtown construction is not complete. Staff said one alternative would be to move some activity into the alley if paving was delayed.

Concerns focused on avoiding the event becoming a heavy drain on village staff, enforcing barricades so attendees inside the event could possess alcohol while outside areas remain alcohol-free, and ensuring businesses that benefit participate in cleanup. One trustee suggested restricting containers to plastic to limit glass hazards; staff agreed that discussions with liquor-license holders and an amendment to licenses would address supervision and container types.

No formal permit or ordinance change was adopted at the meeting; staff will continue planning with the chamber and return with details such as staffing, traffic control plans, permit language and any required license amendments.