AGENDA #5h

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT:       Halloween 2002 Operational Plan        

DATE:             June 10, 2002

This purpose of this memorandum is to present preliminary operational plans for Halloween 2002. 

BACKGROUND

Planning for Halloween 2002 began several months ago.  In November of 2001 two public forums were held to seek public input into plans for this year’s Halloween event on Franklin Street.  During both forums speakers expressed support for the continuation of the event.  Several residents and merchants also spoke in support of providing shuttle service to ease traffic congestion.

On March 25, 2002, we presented several Halloween planning options to the Council along with a recommendation that a public forum be held to seek further input from citizens.  The forum was held on April 22.

During the forum two Council members expressed support for the use of shuttle buses to improve pedestrian access to the event and to ease traffic congestion.  Two citizens spoke in support of continuing the Halloween event.  

Reports from the Manager and minutes of previous Council meetings regarding Halloween may be viewed on the Town’s web page.

DISCUSSION

The Halloween plan used in 2001 was developed in part because of the concerns surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks.  The vehicular traffic diversion plans were intended to reduce the size of the crowds on Franklin Street, to restrict parking in residential neighborhoods adjacent to the downtown area, and to enhance the safety of those attending the event.  Those goals were met.  However, many citizens expressed concerns about their inability to move freely throughout the downtown area and about their ability to reach the Halloween event.

The preliminary plan developed by the Police Department for Halloween 2002 has taken into consideration the suggestions and concerns expressed since last year’s event.  Though the specific components of the plan are still being finalized, the basic plan will entail the following:

• A crowd control perimeter similar to that used prior to 2001.  The Franklin Street perimeter will extend from Henderson Street to Mallette Street.  The Columbia Street perimeter will extend from Cameron Avenue to Rosemary Street. Cameron Avenue and Rosemary Street will remain open to motor vehicle traffic.    

• Public parking lots in the downtown area will remain open. 

• Vehicular traffic diversion points will be at intersections located within one or two blocks of the crowd barricades.

• Shuttle buses will operate from outlying areas.  It is intended that fees charged for the shuttle service will cover the costs of the service.

• Access to residential neighborhoods adjacent to the downtown area will be restricted to residents and guests.

• A limited state of emergency will likely be implemented to enhance crowd management and public safety initiatives.

We anticipate that at least 50,000 will attend this event.  Preliminary estimates indicate that at least three hundred law enforcement officers will be needed.  Approximately 100 additional Town employees, including fire and public works employees, will also be needed.  The event will cost the Town approximately $100,000.  

CONCLUSION

The specific details of the Halloween 2002 plan are currently under development.  We will soon begin contacting law enforcement agencies across the State to request police personnel.