Witches’ Night Out Access Dispute Takes Center Stage at Kimmswick Meeting

Residents question pass requirements and treatment on city streets as officials discuss changes for future events, snow removal equipment and other city business.

By The Jefferson Review

KIMMSWICK, Mo. — Questions about who could walk through town during Witches’ Night Out dominated the Kimmswick Board of Aldermen’s October meeting, with residents describing confusion over passes, encounters with police and concerns about access to public streets.

City officials acknowledged problems with communication and event planning, while Mayor Ken Kraft called for a clearer arrangement that accommodates residents, businesses and paying event participants.

The meeting also included discussion of a $25,000 snowplow truck proposal, a replacement computer for City Hall and a family’s complaint about an alderman’s conduct.

Residents Question Event Restrictions

Concerns about Witches’ Night Out first surfaced during board comments, when an alderman questioned a tent placed on the City Hall lot without what the alderman said was city approval.

The discussion expanded to reports that residents and employees had been stopped and asked for wristbands early in the day, despite an understanding among some officials that access restrictions would begin at 5 p.m.

Officials also described confusion over resident passes, including when they became available and how they were distributed.

Kraft said future planning must account for people who live and work in Kimmswick, along with businesses that are not participating in the ticketed event. He said businesses should be able to serve their regular customers during normal business hours, even as participating merchants offer activities for ticket holders.

Public Street Access Becomes Central Question

During public comment, a resident and business owner described being stopped while walking to see her granddaughter at work.

She said officers instructed her to obtain a pass and told her she was being detained when she questioned the requirement. She described feeling singled out and embarrassed by the encounter, particularly because people passing by could have misunderstood what was happening.

When she went to obtain a resident pass, she said, she encountered further confusion and was eventually given wristbands. She urged the city to communicate changes directly to residents through notices, email, telephone calls or contact from their aldermen.

Another resident, who said she lives on Fifth Street, questioned whether simply walking through town should require a ticket at all.

She distinguished between participating in paid activities and walking with a friend, visiting neighbors or taking a dog outside. She also said some employees had difficulty obtaining passes.

Both speakers said their concerns could coexist with support for an event that brings visitors and business to Kimmswick.

Kraft said resident passes should serve residents rather than become a way to bring groups of guests into the ticketed event for free. Residents countered that access to event activities and access to city streets should be treated separately.

That disagreement remained unresolved during the meeting.

Officials Discuss Changes for Next Year

Kraft described a suggestion for a planning group that would include residents, business owners and representatives of the merchants association.

The group could work through access rules, use of city property and other expectations before an event receives approval.

An alderman urged organizers to bring proposed changes forward early next year, suggesting January or February so the board would have time to evaluate them.

City legal counsel interrupted the discussion to caution that an extended debate about Witches’ Night Out had not been listed on the meeting agenda. Counsel recommended placing the subject on a future agenda so the public would have notice.

Later, during public comment, counsel again intervened to explain that the period was intended for residents to address the board rather than become an extended exchange with officials.

No revised event-access policy was adopted during the discussion.

Police Report Event Generally Went Well

In the Police Department’s report, an officer said Witches’ Night Out generally went well from a public safety standpoint.

Police reported 11 officers working the event, with 15 cadets assisting later.

Public works staff thanked those who helped with cleanup and reported that street painting and other preparations were underway for the Apple Butter Festival.

City Considers Bringing Snow Removal In-House

The board also discussed purchasing a used truck equipped with a snowplow and salt spreader to reduce dependence on outside contractors.

Officials said finding a contractor willing to take on the city’s relatively small job had been difficult. During the discussion, they cited approximately $10,500 in costs for three plowing visits and four salt applications last winter.

A motion was made and seconded to authorize $25,000 toward an equipped truck, contingent on acceptable insurance arrangements.

Officials said city employees would operate the equipment. A small dump truck could also support road maintenance, gravel hauling and culvert cleanup outside the winter season.

The discussion emphasized researching available vehicles and confirming insurance coverage before proceeding.

Computer Replacement Proposed for City Hall

Repeated computer lockups prompted a separate proposal to spend $2,000 on a Lenovo ThinkPad laptop and docking station while retaining existing monitors.

Officials said the current equipment had become unreliable, creating particular difficulties during preparations for the city’s busy fall events.

The proposed replacement was presented as a way to improve reliability and avoid repeatedly purchasing inexpensive equipment that develops problems.

Family Raises Complaint About Alderman

During public comment, a business owner identifying himself as Henry Schwartz described a July 31 encounter involving his 18-year-old son outside the family’s business, Dixie Clementines.

Schwartz alleged that Ward 1 Alderman Raymond Chee intimidated his son over a parking issue and twice questioned whether the family’s African American son could behave that way in North St. Louis.

Schwartz said his son had attempted to move the vehicle and that the encounter continued while his wife apologized. He also criticized the city’s handling of the family’s complaint, saying they received an attorney’s email directing further inquiries to counsel and stating that the city would not provide updates or answer questions about the matter.

These were allegations presented during public comment; the meeting did not establish findings about the incident. No substantive response to the allegations was provided during the exchange.

Christmas Activity Request to Return in November

A representative discussing Christmas activities proposed offering camel rides on Dec. 12 in place of a petting zoo.

The representative said the operator carries insurance and has experience providing rides elsewhere.

Officials directed that the request be placed on the Nov. 9 meeting agenda, with supporting information gathered for the board’s consideration.

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