“He did the Monster Mash… It was a graveyard smash… It caught on in a flash…” — Bobby “Boris” Pickett, 1962

Billed as something to do in town over the Halloween holiday weekend, the city of Wayland will have a “Monster Mash” celebration downtown on Saturday evening, Oct. 29.

The festival will be on a different day than the Oct. 31 traditional observance of Halloween with trick or treating.

Organizer River Knoll told the City Council Monday night, “There’s nothing to do on Halloween (around here) any more.”

She said a group of downtown merchants have agreed to share the costs of a first prize for best costume and the idea is for people to congregate.

The council unanimously approved the celebration and set Pine Street, Hanlon Court, Maple Street and Forrest Street as the four limits of the area to be blocked off downtown that evening.

In other business Monday evening, the council:

• Referred to the public safety committee a draft of a proposed ordinance permitting use of ORVs in the city limits. Perhaps the biggest obstacle is the age limit for drivers, with the council favoring prohibiting young people between the ages of 12 and 15 while enthusiasts insisting the youngsters can do this safely.
• Shane Kellum, who is part of an area riding group, said 12-year-olds join the outings routinely and are permitted by state law as long as they are under the supervision of an adult parent or guardian. He said it would be a shame for young people to be dropped in a ride because one municipality didn’t allow it by ordinance.
• Fielded a complaint from Terry Becker about the bumpy and deteriorating condition of 135th Avenue between Rabbit River Estates and the city. He also insisted Superior Street near downtown is too congested between 3 and 6 p.m. weekdays.
• Heard from City Manager Josh Eggleston that there still is a serious need for crossing guards during the school hours weekdays. Councilwoman Tracy Bivins said she’s heard the pay is too low and work time too brief. Councilman Rick Mathis said, “I think this is a great opportunity to collaborate with the school for the safety of our children.”
• Heard from David Low, president of the local American Legion, that he is disappointed the city intends no longer to rent the parking lot near the corner of East Superior and Forrest Streets. He said the Legion has been using the revenue to assist local non-profits and if that source dries up, the lot may have to be sold.
• Learned from Eggleston that the search for a new police chief is under way and one application has been received. Deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 19. Chief Mark Garnsey announced last month that he is retiring.