Camden discusses animal control issue
Comet staff report

Camden Clerk-Treasurer Pat Casserly, the town's representative to the Animal Control Commission, said at last Wednesday's council meeting that the group met for the first time in a long time. She said the commission is looking at alternatives because county officials have indicated that the county plans to discontinue funding animal control.

Councilman Andy Robison expressed his frustration with the county taking over animal control and now deciding it cannot fund it. He suggested that the town allocate funds to take care of its own dog problems.

Casserly said the commission will be meeting monthly and requested "let's see how things go" before a decision is made.

Wagoner read a letter from a resident telling about an encounter she had with a pit bull while she was out walking one day.

The council agreed that the town's ordinance pertaining to dogs needs to be more specific.

Jeff Sieber reported that the town's 175th anniversary celebration was a "tremendous success." He said that he will give a financial report from the event at a future meeting.

Town officials complimented those involved with planning the event, saying they did a "great job" and it was "a nice weekend."

Sieber also gave an update on the Fall Festival which will be Sept. 8. He said the committee - Deanna Sieber Melissa Red Elk and himself - need more help.

"It's too much for three people," he said. "We need more help and if by the end of the year there are no volunteers, we aren't doing it again," said Sieber. "We have to have help or let someone else take it over."

Water Street from Main to Washington and Cumberland Street from Water to Armstrong will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the festival. Festival hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

President Pete Wagoner commented that the horse pull people want to come back next year to Camden. A sponsoring group is needed.

Wagoner reported that the town is still working to have an emergency shelter this winter.

C

ommenting on problems

last winter, he said, "We learned we can't count on someone else to do it for us, we'll have to do it ourselves."

He said he hopes to have more information to report next month.

Camden's marshals continue to monitor the town for serious violations of the troubled properties ordinance, said Wagoner. Additional letters have been sent out.

Robison said he has had complaints about the noise from compression breaks on semis going through town.

The town will look into posting "no engine break" signs and establishing an ordinance.

Wagoner reminded residents that additional letters of support to submit with the wastewater improvements grant are needed. Casserly has letters already made up for signatures.

Casserly said that they expect to do sidewalks this fall. Anyone interested should contact the town office.

The next meeting will be Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in the town office.