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Wheatfield discusses Halloween plans

Fri, Oct 2nd 2020 05:50 pm

By Michael DePietro

Interim Tribune Editor

At Monday’s Town Board meeting, the Town of Wheatfield announced that this year’s Halloween trick-or-treat hours will be from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The town recommends all participants follow state and CDC guidelines and take caution in all Halloween-associated activities.

The list of CDC of guidelines is available on its website www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last week that the state would be releasing its Halloween guidelines based on discussions with the state Department of Health soon.

Per the resolution, the town adds, “No one in the town is required to participate. Residents who choose not to participate should turn off their porch light during trick-or-treat hours.”

Speaking of Halloween, Parks Department Director Mike Ranalli said his department is looking to host a small, social-distance-friendly Halloween event from 3-4 p.m. at Fairmount Park on Oct. 24. Details are still being worked out, but Ranalli said, they’re looking to “keep it small; keep it simple.”

“We’re just going to try to keep it where families can come to the park, really just with their loved ones,” he said. “The kids can dress up (and) it can be where there’s limited contact between staff, volunteers, residents; and they just come and hang out in the park for an hour and do their own thing. We’re gonna set up a display where they can kind of take pictures … and check out our Halloween decorations.”

Ranalli added that, for safety reasons, there won’t be any handouts this year.

Supervisor Don MacSwan noted there were some wrinkles to be ironed out in terms of safety, but said he favored the idea.

“I think it’s a great idea to get families involved; and if anybody has been over to the town’s walking path, it’s an area where they can walk and still keep social justice and, hopefully, enjoy their Halloween.”

Ranalli said the department is looking to have its Youth Center reopened by late October/early November. Currently the department is studying other municipalities reopening plans for guidance.

Elsewhere at the meeting:

•Highway Superintendent Paul Siegmann said leaf pickup is set to begin in about two weeks. He reminded residents not to put tree trimmings out after that period.

“Remind your neighbors when you see them chopping down trees… we’re gonna start with one leaf sucker and then, once the leaves start really falling, we’ve got to put two of them on the road. And with the amount of guys I have, I can’t keep both leaf pickers going, the chipper, and still try to keep another crew going for pipe installation and other road work. So, just a reminder. Tell your neighbors,” Siegmann said.

•The board approved a motion allowing the town to enter into an agreement with DC Family Tree Service for the cutting down of approximately 27 ash trees on town property behind Winbert Drive. Said agreement is in the amount of $4,500 and was reportedly the lowest quote received to date from responding tree services.          

Siegmann noted there is a possibility some of the costs could be offset if the company is able to sell the trees.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5. The tentative budget work session will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 14.

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