Camden approves contract with CCEDC
By Susan Scholl Editor

A new four-year contract between the Town of Camden and Carroll County Economic Development Corporation, Inc., (CCEDC) was approved at the Camden Town Council meeting on Nov. 13.

CCEDC Executive Director Daryl Smith presented the new contract for services between the CCEDC and the town. He pointed out changes that included: EDIT funds are not a determining factor in maintaining the service and if a majority of the participants pull out, the contract is void.

"It is important for us to stay involved in the county organization," said Pete Wagoner, council president. "The effectiveness of EDC is to secure more good jobs in Carroll County that pay a living wage. The economic condition of the county is a testament to the importance of having more jobs that pay a decent wage. Camden does not have many empty houses but there are more and more houses with only one person. The county needs to attract good jobs so that more young families can reside here, buy homes and be self-supporting."

Camden has participated in the county organization for the past 20 years.

The town is moving ahead with plans for the emergency shelter at the Community Building. The order has been placed for the generator.

Wagoner said that the town expects the generator to be installed in early December.

Following discussion it was agreed to purchase a dual regulator for the generator at an additional cost of $700. The regulator will allow the use of LP or natural gas.

The American Red Cross will conduct volunteer training for the emergency shelter on Dec. 10 and 13 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in the community building.

Wagoner said that it was the town's goal to have the shelter operational by Christmas time.

The town has been awarded its second housing grant in the amount of $216,450. The grant will be used to help 13 families improve their homes. Local contractors will be encouraged to submit bids for the work as a means to help the local businesses.

"Our goal is to continue pursuing these grants until the need is met," said Wagoner. "We want to do anything we can to make homes comfortable and safe for our residents."

Town officials stated that they want Star Development to work harder this time securing local contractors to do the work.

Ordinance 2007-5, Establishing a Crime Control Fund, was passed. Deputy Marshal John Chapman secured $2,700 in Carroll County DUCC funds to help the Camden Police Department. The funds will be used for crime control, investigation and police equipment.

Both town marshals, Chapman and Steve Mullin, are now certified in the use of longrange rifles.

The Nuisance Ordinance that was passed at the October meeting is effective 30 days after publication. Councilman Andy Robison is working with Signs by Jerry to post engine brake signs along Main Street.

The town's old dump truck will be sold through Hickman Auctions.

Town officials complimented the Lions Club, Jill Moudy and Mark Abbott for the successful Halloween Party.

The recipient of the Ralph Rohrabaugh Scholarship to attend Leadership Carroll County will be selected at the December council meeting.

The next meeting will be Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.