The Niles City Council gave the go-ahead to the high school’s annual homecoming parade, while approving its annual Community Development Block Grant action plan at Monday’s regular meeting.

The homecoming parade, which is spearheaded by the Niles High School Student Council, will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17.

The school-spirit inducing event will start at the corner of 15th Street and Merrifield before traveling west on Merrifield to 14th Street, south on 14th Street to Sycamore Street, east on Sycamore Street to 17th Street, north on 17th Street to Merrifield and west on Merrifield ton the north side of the high school parking lot. It is expected to last no more than an hour.

The city’s fire and police departments will provide traffic control.

Also Monday, the council approved a plan to spend $271,585 in allotted CDBG funds, which are provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CDBG program allows municipalities to carry out a variety of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development and providing improved community services.

Last month the city revealed that the plan includes monies for home improvement assistance, sidewalks and public transportation.

Also Monday, the council:

• Heard a complaint from Rob Satek, owner of Red Star & Welding Supply, about the condition of the downtown area. Satek, who opened the business in May of 2013, said the downtown has some business and/or property owners who are allowed to do whatever they want, leading to an unattractive appearance of some downtown buildings. He also said the downtown has a problem with transients, making it unsafe for people at night. He invited councilmembers to talk with him about potential solutions to these and other problems.

• Congratulated resident Jan Personette for being named a finalist for the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Powerful Giving Award.

• Congratulated City Clerk Linda Casperson on a seamless primary election.

• Approved an agreement for the purchase of software upgrades for use by the assessing and building safety divisions at a cost not to exceed $21,795.

• Approved a request from Mount Calvary Baptist Church to conduct a Community Block Party from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. A portion of 6th Street will be closed from Ferry to Cass streets during that time.

• Adopted an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance that will allow larger signs in the Niles Industrial Park.