City officials are expressing confidence that improved relations between the city, residents and students in recent months will continue through the upcoming Halloween season.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Carbondale City Manager Jeff Doherty read a Halloween report to the council, reiterating the guidelines set forth by the five-year plan to end the Halloween street party on South Illinois Avenue.

The fall break and the alcohol restrictions have been effective in the past two years as no problems in the downtown area have occurred during the days these actions were in effect, Doherty read to the council. There are no major crowd problems in the downtown area anticipated this year during Halloween weekend itself.

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The report outlined the restrictions during fall break. This year is the third year of a five-year plan by the city to end the problems associated with Halloween celebrations.

Specifically, it states that bars on South Illinois Avenue will be closed on Friday, Oct. 31, and Saturday, Nov. 1. Restaurants in the area will be open until 10 p.m., but no liquor will be sold. Finally, beer kegs will not be sold or allowed in the city of Carbondale between Thursday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Nov. 2.

The report noted the lower bar-entry age, the success of First Cellular’s Main Street Pig Out in September, the work between the city and University to keep the Amtrak departure time at 4:05 p.m. and the capping of towing prices as reasons for the improved relations.

The report did note that this weekend is of concern because problems during the past two years have occurred during the weekend immediately before Halloween.

In 1996, riots during the weekend prior to Halloween resulted in more than 30 arrests and estimated damage costs of more than $10,000.

The report also notes that students had taken the street several times this fall, without any major confrontations with police.

Actually, out of 18 weekend nights the street has been closed 10 of those nights, Doherty said.

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Doherty concluded the report by stressing the need to students and residents to work together.

By working together, we can minimize the impact of those few people that initiate problems for all of us, Doherty read. By working together, we can achieve our goal of a safe and calm Halloween in Carbondale.

City Councilwoman Maggie Flanagan said she thinks the upcoming weekends will be free from problems.

We’re going to look forward to a few fine fall weekends, she said. We’ve had a healthy relationship, and I think everything will be fine.

Mayor Neil Dillard said only a few people have been responsible for the actions of the past.

The overwhelming majority of students and townspeople have behaved themselves, he said. We don’t want those few people to ruin something for all of us.

Mark Terry, Graduate and Professional Student Council representative to the City Council, said the improved mood in Carbondale this fall should continue as well.

I think the tone in the city is much improved, he said, and I am confident students’ behavior will reflect that positive tone.