DCSC deeds park in Camden to Jackson Township
Susan Scholl Editor

Camden Town Council President Pete Wagoner reported that the recent joint meeting between the town council and township board went well. He said they will continue to hold joint meetings every six months to address items of mutual concern.

One issue resolved is ownership of Jackson Township Park. When the Delphi and Camden school districts merged into one corporation in the 1960s the Jackson Township Park came under school jurisdiction. Through the efforts of township trustee Bill Dittman, the corporation recently signed a quit claim deed relinquishing the property to the township. The corporation had been paying the township $800 per year in park maintenance fees.

Clerk-treasurer Pat Casserly reported on the Red Cross disaster exercise that took place on April 5. "All in all it went well," she said. "The people of Camden did a nice job coming out for this."

Thirty volunteers participated with Red Cross's disaster team in a drill for a mock chemical spill.

"We will have follow-up with Red Cross on ways to improve," added Casserly.

As funds are available the Red Cross plans to house a stocked portable trailer in Camden.

A pre-construction meeting for the housing grant will be held April 29 at 12 noon. Thirteen homeowners have signed up to have improvements made to their homes.

Housing bids will be advertised and due to the town office by 12 noon May 14.

"A few of our local contractors are going to bid on the projects," said Wagoner. "We hope they will be successful."

Only 47 applications were submitted for the latest Community Block Grant cycle. "That's the lowest I've ever seen," said grant writer Ken Smith, Municipal Civil Corp. Results will be known by May 14 or 15.

A dumpster for scrap metal will be placed in the parking lot next to the Community Building from May 16-27. Funds from the sale of the scrap metal will be used to purchase new playground equipment for Jackson Township Park. The fundraising project is being sponsored by Jackson Township.

Spring trash pick up will be May 22. Trash (no hazardous material) needs to be set out by the curb by 7 a.m. The Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District will hold a household hazardous waste and tire pick up on July 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carroll County 4-H Fairgrounds in Flora.

Utilities Superintendent Jerry Snavely reminded residents that if they will bag or contain yard waste that the town will pick it up or the waste can be taken to the town burn pile.

The town has received some complaints about open burning. The town has no specific ordinance pertaining to burning, but follows the rules set down by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management

Barb Rude and Susan Kleckner requested town help with the Youth Day Parade set for June 7 at 10 a.m. They said there are a lot of additions to this year's parade and the theme will be "Celebrating an All-Star Community."

Their requests included: help from the street department, closing of Main Street on parade day, use of the town sign to promote the parade, use of four-wheelers and gators on parade day, and the town marshal and police car to lead the parade.

Wagoner issued a plea for an individual or group to step forward to organize the annual Fall Festival or there will not be one this year. The town does not sponsor the event but does offer support, he said.

Council member Richard Fite reported that the "No Engine Braking" signs are up and the marshals can now enforce the ordinance.

Fite was authorized to spend up to $250 for a new seat for the town pick up truck.

The council will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. April 29 in the Community Building to review lease offers and award the lease of the garage at the Community Building.

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