The Charleston City Council faces a busy month ahead as it prepares for October events at tonight’s city council meeting.

Seven of the agenda items pertain to Charleston’s scholastic and holiday celebrations.

The council will be voting on the approval to close city streets for Charleston High School’s homecoming parade, Eastern’s homecoming parade, Jaycees’ Halloween parade and Jefferson Elementary School’s Halloween parade. The first parade is scheduled for Oct. 2 and the last is on Oct. 31, capping off the month.

“All of these events are very exciting for Charleston,” said City Manager Scott Smith. “We usually have great turnout and we like to prepare ahead of time to accommodate the organizers.”

The week of Oct. 5-11 is also being proclaimed Fire Prevention Week and Week of the Classroom Teacher, in honor of International Teacher’s Day on Oct. 5.

Fire Prevention Week begins with Fire Prevention Day at Charleston’s No. 2 Fire Station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 4.

“It is geared towards children, but it is a great event,” Smith said. “I bring all three of my girls there and they love it.”

City officials will also address several business issues, including the approval of a supplemental agreement for the renovations at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The city is working with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly to update the design plans to implement additional items agreed upon by staff, Smith said.

In addition the city may grant several different business allowances to local community members.

David McGrady’s petition for conditional use of a bed and breakfast at 803 Sixth St. will be up for approval along with Greg Badger’s petition for a variance on side-yard setbacks allowing him to sell his properties at 918 and 920 18th St. individually.

In addition, Unique Homes is petitioning for approval of a parking and loading variance that would allow eight spaces in a front yard to accommodate for new apartment additions.

The maximum allowed for the property without a variance is three spaces.

City officials will end with a vote to approve the appointment of Joel Ranson to the Electrical Commission.

Ranson is supposed to fill a position left open because of a resignation several months ago, Smith said.

Krystal Moya can be reached at 581-7945 or at ksmoya@eiu.edu.