Residents and council discuss Sherwood Avenue Halloween safety; council leaves management to city staff

Dozens of residents and council members on Sept. 17 discussed safety, services and stewardship of the longstanding Sherwood Avenue Halloween trick‑or‑treat event. Council member Chase requested the item to review safety and liability; the council did not adopt any ordinance or policy change but asked staff to continue current support and consider modest safety measures.

What residents said: Multiple residents who live on Sherwood Avenue described the event as a cherished, neighborhood‑led tradition that draws large crowds. Ryan Barnett, a Sherwood resident, said the event “is really about the kids,” and urged the city to focus on safety while preserving the tradition. Resident Mindy Gibson, who served previously on the council and lives on Sherwood, said she was disappointed by how the agenda item was communicated and urged the council not to “fix” something she described as working: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

Public‑safe…