The Charleston City Council approved two resolutions supporting the creation of a trail between the Warbler Ridge Conservation Area and Lake Charleston.

The resolution confirmed the council’s support of applying for 2020 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant funds from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The city is requesting $2,000,000 for the project that is estimated to cost $3,810,000.

If granted the funds will help the city complete a pedestrian/bicycle trail.

The trail project was originally inspired by the “Charleston Tomorrow Strategic Plan,” that was created in 1996 to encourage the “development of pedestrian and bicycle paths which were incorporated as part of the plan’s Capital Improvement Plan” and create a goal to “develop pedestrian linkages between parks and other major land uses to encourage physical activity and alternative mode of travel throughout Charleston.”

The city later made a that was specific to creating a connection between the lake and conservation area.

The ordinance the city approved will allow the City Manager and Public Works Director to execute work permits and easements regarding the trail before work begins.

The Mayor will also reappointed Ruth Cooper, Greg Culp, Aaron Lock, Brendan Lynch, and Tim Zimmer to two-year terms on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

During the meeting Mayor Brandon Combs announced that Trick-or-Treating hours that will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

Trick-or-Treaters are expected to follow CDC guidelines and wear masks as well as socially distance.

The city also asks that those participating follow the Illinois Department of Health guidelines as listed:

As an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped candy or treats on a table, on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door. The individually wrapped candy should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table and when replenishing.

All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy should maintain social distance of least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask.

Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain 6-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently.

Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should discard unwrapped candy.

And, of course, practice good dental hygiene as well.

Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.

The local state of emergency was continued due to COVID-19 .

No public presentations were made during the meeting.

Corryn Brock can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected]