Golf cart operators told to follow the rules in Camden
Susan Scholl

Camden Town Council President Rohrabaugh announced at last week's meeting that golf carts are subject to the same laws as automobiles. According to the Indiana State Police, those who operate golf carts on streets must have a valid operator's license, the vehicle must be registered and the operator must have liability insurance.

Because the state already has rules for golf carts the townwill not adopt a separate ordinance.

There have been several complaints about kids on golf carts. Councilman Andy Robison said that he had talked to TownMarshal Steve Mullin earlier in the evening and that Mullin will address the matter.

A public hearing regarding the Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $500,000 was held. Ken Smith of Municipal CivilCorp. said that the town operates two large wastewater lagoons and a small one. The grant will allow the town to modify the existing lagoons to meet new state requirements.

The Council adopted the 2007 budget. Rohrabaugh explained that the Department of Local Government Finance has told the town to expect that the assessed valuation will be cut 20%. He said questions regarding the budget may be directed to him or to the town office.

The request by Jack and Phyllis McCarty to reclassify zoning of their property at 252 E. Cumberland Street from business to residential was approved.

A report on the Camden Town Festival was given by Chuck Mullendore. Overall, he said, the event was a success and the committee has received many positive comments. He thanked town officials for allowing the festival to be held downtown.

Also regarding festival, Melissa Red Elk reported that a few people did not move their vehicles as was requested. The festival committee worked around that issue.

Robison complimented the festival committee for all of their hard work. "It was really nice," he said.

Rohrabaugh was also complimentary, adding "You did a marvelous job."

In a follow-up to the August meeting, resident Lee Click inquired as to whether officials had figured out whether the two alleys that affect access to his property were public right-of-ways. He is concerned that his property not be landlocked.

Town attorney Anne Briggs said that she believes the property in question falls under prescriptive rights which means that it has been used by the public formore than 20 years so "it is a right that belongs to the public." Briggs said that she would look into the matter further.

Wastewater employee Jerry Snavely reported that the water tower would be inspected that week.

Collection for the Kentucky Mountain Mission, sponsored by the United Methodist Church, will be Sept. 23-24. Donations of all kinds are needed, especially pots and pans, toys and children's clothes. Donations can be taken to the Community Building on both days from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

The annual fireman's breakfast will be held Oct. 7.

The Camden Town Office will be closed Oct. 9 for Columbus Day and Oct. 10 so that clerk-treasurer Pat Casserly and Linda Red Elk may attend year-end training to close out the town's books for 2006 and prepare for the new year.

The nextmeeting will be Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Community Building.