Camden adopts sidewalk replacement program
Comet staff report

Camden Town Council agreed to expand its sidewalk replacement program at a meeting held April 10.

President Pete Wagoner complimented Clerk-Treasurer Pat Casserly for all the research she had done on other communities' requirements. She said that some cities had specific ordinances, while others were more general. Most, she said, required a 50-50 match and bid out the work.

Following discussion, the Council directed town attorney Anne Briggs to draw up an ordinance requiring property owners to be responsible for 50 percent of the costs of replacement, with the town responsible for the remaining 50 percent. If a property owner's costs exceed $600, he/she will be offered a payment plan of 24 equal monthly payments. If the cost is less than $600, a 12- month payment option will be offered. A $100 deposit will be required and a lien will be placed on the property to ensure payment.

Property owners may still have the option of doing the labor themselves. The town will continue to reimburse at $4 per lineal foot.

The sidewalk replacement program will be a one-year trial program. The town's share of expenses will not exceed $7,500.

The town and Jackson Township will share costs equally to repair Jackson Township Park Drive. The drive is used as a way into the park and as access by the town to the well building. The Council approved a formal agreement between the two entities.

Casserly gave an update on the progress made following letters to property owners in violation of the nuisance ordinance. She said 28 have completed clean-up, while two still need to be addressed. Marshal John Chapman will follow up with a visit and/or additional letter.

The town concentrated its efforts first on properties with junk vehicles, improperly plated vehicles, and unsightly properties. The next area of concentration will be buildings in poor repair.

Briggs will review Camden's ordinance and reference state statute to strengthen it. She was also instructed to pattern a junk vehicle ordinance for Camden similar to one adopted by Delphi.

Jeff Sieber reported on plans for the two-day 175th celebration. He said the officers met in April and will hold a general meeting in May. Sieber's request to close Cumberland Street between Water and Armstrong streets, an area to be utilized for entertainment, was approved. Sieber said that a grant was secured from Duke Energy that will provide for activities from Conner Prairie.

Wagoner announced that Camden Elementary School will serve only kindergarten and pre-school students beginning in the fall and will be re- named Camden Early Childhood Center. Grades 1 through 5 will be transferred to Hillcrest Elementary School in Delphi.

He extended thanks to the teachers for their dedication to the students at Camden Elementary School, the citizens who worked diligently to protect the school, and the community as a whole for their support.

In a follow-up letter from Duke Energy, the company indicated that it has made necessary improvements in its communications procedures and completed agreed upon follow-up. The letter indicated that the company is undergoing a review of all transmission lines serving Camden and Flora.

Town-wide Spring Clean-up will be April 26.

The next meeting will be May 8 at 7 p.m.