Planning for the 1999 Halloween celebration should go more smoothly this year because Athens City Council already began reviewing options at last night's University and Safety Services Committee meeting.

Athens Mayor Ric Abel said early planning is necessary for the success of the event.

"Halloween is a powder keg; one person too drunk or out of control and the whole thing could explode," he said.

Gary VanMeter, R-4th Ward, said he thought last year went very well, and the only change for this year is to get businesses more involved in funding the bandstand and bands.

He said there has not yet been an application for a bandstand submitted by the Clean and Safe Halloween Committee, but he expects there will be. Last year council gave $2,500 for bands from the tourism fund.

"I think it is a step in downsizing Halloween if the city doesn't fund the bands. I am willing to have it if the money comes from the private sector," VanMeter said.

Ohio University Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Mike Sostarich said the university should have some idea of what it's going to do by the end of May, and students will be informed what the university plans are.

University concerns include the number of guests students can have in the resident halls.

Sostarich also said the university plans to speak to incoming first-year students during pre-college.

Ed Baum, R-At large, said the real problem with Halloween is the lack of a permanent group to sponsor the event.

"We need a group to take permanent and continuing responsibility for doing these things for Halloween," he said.

"It is not a city or university responsibility; other events are always sponsored by a group. Until a group can take charge of Halloween, we are in limbo."

The committee did agree to start writing some basic legislation on street closing and vending, but it will leave the details to the city administration.

VanMeter said he will work with Abel this week to draw up the ordinances for Halloween and present them to council at the next meeting.

In other committee business, Abel discussed the possibility of the early warning system for weather and other emergencies.

"There are grant funds available for this project, but we can't just have one siren. We need to accommodate all the residents," he said.

Baum said he would like to see what the total cost for the system is before he gives it approval.

"We need to approve the whole project and fund it bit by bit," he said.

The committee heard from Aaron Harvey, spokesman of Save Our Local Economy, No Wal-Mart.

The organization has submitted a resolution for council consideration that would limit the square footage a retailer could have.

Council agreed to read over the resolution and invited the group to speak at the Planning and Development Committee meeting on May 10.