Comet staff report

The Camden Town Council set May 18 as spring clean-up day for the town at the council's March 15 meeting.

A bid from Cornerstone Grants Management, Inc., to serve as grant administrator for the wastewater treatment plant improvement project was accepted. Cornerstone was the lone bidder for the project.

Ken Smith of Municipal Civil Corporation said that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management is not supportive of the town's plans for the wastewater treatment of ammonia.

IDEM's suggestion, which is not supported by the engineer, is for a line to be stretched across the pond and draped with "blankets."

Instead of the concrete "U" channel, the revised proposal is to line the small lagoon with hard PVC and cover the top. The unit will be aerated which will keep the water temperature level to aid in the growth of bacteria. The small lagoon, which should hold the required two-days storage, will be dredged before the project begins and again in 20 years.

The council approved wastewater treatment operator Jerry Snavely's request to visit a couple of sites that effectively treat ammonia. He will visit Michigantown and Jasonville to confirm the proposal's feasibility.

Fall Festival chairman Chuck Mullendore gave an update on plans for the 2006 event. The town has agreed to pay for the cost of restrooms and hand-wash stations, amounting to $575, plus any damage waiver that may apply.

Shane Chapman will take care of electric needs during the festival. Request for service from vendors will need to be submitted ahead of time. Chapman was thanked for donating $1,000 from his billing last year.

Melissa Red Elk and Jeff Sieber are in charge of the festival pageants.

The festival committee is also taking part in planning for the town's 175th anniversary events.

Marshal Steve Mullin said he is working to address a problem between a homeowner and fourwheeler drivers who trespass on her property.

Camden Community Club has donated $1,000 to help with the cost of counter tops and installation of a new water heater in the kitchen of the community building.

Dog tags are available at the same cost as in prior years. Residents are encouraged to properly tag their pets.

Council president Ralph Rohrabaugh expressed concern that some citizens who attend the council meetings are not observing standard rules of order. He said aggressive behavior will not be tolerated..