The annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event in Ellisville was one of the main topics of discussion at the regular monthly meeting of the Ellisville Board of Aldermen Tuesday night, October 6. According to Ellisville merchants representative Rita Sumrall, owner of R&A’s French Quarter Grill, the event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. However, the merchants of the City of Ellisville will be totally responsible for the event. The board agreed to distance the city from any support of the event this year because they have not supported other events due to COVID-19 mandates.
“I just don’t want to see it (Trunk-or-Treat) canceled,” exclaimed Sumrall.
Sumrall suggested the Trunk-or-Treat this year be a drive-thru event.
Ellisville Police Chief Bruce Russell suggested the merchants get permission to use the parking lot on Shelby Street, which is private property, and block-off the street to direct the traffic thru the parking lot. In using the private property, the city is not involved, and blocking off the street for the specified time will not require police involvement.
After a discussion, the aldermen suggested the merchants follow the present state mandates of no more than 100 people at an outdoor event, which would limit the number of vendors passing out treats to the trick-or-treaters driving through the parking lot. Vendors and trick-or-treaters should wear COVID-19 protective masks. It is a drive-thru event only, so no one is allowed to exit their vehicle.
In other business, the board accepted the recommendation by Mayor Buckhaults to appoint Michael Mitchell as a public defender for the City of Ellisville at an annual salary of $51,000.
Chief Russell presented the board with a copy of the present Ellisville Police Department Law Enforcement Policies and Procedures. A discussion ensued on changing the policy on the subject of taking law enforcement vehicles home. The issue was tabled until the next board meeting.
The board approved the $180 cost of the EMServ education for EMT recertification for Firefighter Ronnie Haigler requested by Fire Chief Jake Williams. The board went ahead and approved the $30 cost for DeShawn Harris to take the CPAP test, pending the State Fire Academy’s approval.
The Ellisville Board of Aldermen meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Ellisville City Hall.