The Dexter Village Council Monday night heard a request to move Dexter's Relay for Life to Monument Park this year.

Previously, the American Cancer Society event took place on walking paths behind Cornerstone, Mill Creek and Wylie schools, but this year logistics chairman Juli Huddleston is looking for more visibility for the fifth annual 24-hour fundraising event May 14-15.

Several council members raised concerns ranging from potential parking problems to possible resident complaints. The council is expected to vote on the request at its next meeting.

Huddleston said the event organizing committee thought the more visible downtown location would increase community involvement and help the group’s fundraising efforts.

She said in addition to taking pledges and doing pre-event fundraising such as a special calendar, the participants also engage in on-site fundraising with children's games, crafts and bake sales.

In 2007, Dexter's first Relay for Life raised $57,000. In 2008, that amount increased to $94,000 and in 2009, $100,000 was raised. However, in 2010, donations were down, and the 35 teams raised $70,000.

In addition to a proposed venue change, the group has also moved up the event’s date from June to May with hopes that more people will participate if Dexter schools are still in session.

Village President Shawn Keough said he'll put the request on the council's Jan. 24th consent agenda.

Lisa Allmendinger is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Dexter stories, visit our Dexter page.