During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around the future of the Lantern Festival, a community event that aims to foster unity and celebration. Last year, the festival was successfully held at the local soccer complex, but this year it faced challenges due to fire code regulations. A council member announced plans to request an exemption from these codes at the next meeting, emphasizing the festival's significance as a fundraiser and community gathering.

Trisha Rice, another advocate for the festival, highlighted the positive atmosphere created by the event, which features paper lanterns that are lit and released into the sky. She expressed hopes that the festival could become an annual tradition, noting its peaceful ambiance and community spirit. Rice also mentioned plans for additional activities, including a \"trunk or treat\" event and local food trucks, further enhancing the festival's appeal.

In addition to the Lantern Festival discussions, the council addressed administrative matters, including the removal of Elaine Roe and Rebecca Roseberry from their roles as investment officers due to their departure from the city. Gillian Gatewood was proposed as their replacement, a move described as a necessary housekeeping measure to comply with legal requirements for investment accounting.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to community engagement and effective governance, with the Lantern Festival serving as a focal point for local unity and celebration.