Parks and Recreation staff told the council that 13 nominations were submitted for the city beautification contest and asked council members to mark their top three choices; staff said she will tally the results and notify the winners and try to publish results in the city messenger.

The presenter asked council members to review the photos and place check marks next to their top three choices; she said she will collect the ballots, tally them the following day and arrange awards and photographs for the winners.

Staff also reviewed fall and holiday events. She said the Civic Center will host the Boo Bash (theme: “Mystery Mansion”) and that the department planned a family event with businesses passing out candy. The presenter said she believed the Boo Bash would be on Oct. 11 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., though one attendee queried whether the date was Oct. 10. The community Halloween party will be held in the gym after trick-or-treat on Oct. 31, the presenter said. The presenter said plans for the city’s Christmas tree lighting were not settled and that council preferences — including whether to use the renovated city building plaza — would be confirmed with council at a later meeting.

No formal votes or calendar changes were recorded during the discussion; staff said she will continue planning and coordinate with council and event staff.

The contest and events affect neighborhood residents, volunteer coordinators and local businesses that are typically asked to participate in handing out candy and supporting event logistics.