Camden Town Council passes rate increase
By Theresa Replogle Contributing writer

Camden Town Council adopted revised water and wastewater rates at the meeting Nov. 13. The rates will become effective Jan. 1. The average monthly bill will go up to $28.45 and is needed to pay for a wastewater upgrade. This amount, pointed out council president Pete Wagoner, is still below the average rate being paid in Indiana towns similar to Camden.

Clerk-treasurer Pat Casserly reported the loan for the upgrade will go into closing on Nov. 24, and the town cannot sign any contracts until the release of funds from the state. She expects this to happen, "right after Thanksgiving."

The council approved entering into the financial agreement with the state's revolving loan fund.

County road extension

Wagoner reported he attended a meeting with the Hoosier Heartland Advisory Committee for an update. A modification for a connection with SR75 is now in the plan. The county will be responsible for the portion to CR750. The state will construct the part from CR750 to the HHH.

"Things are all on track," he said.

Land Use Plan

The council voted to approve resolution 2008-D, certifying the Carroll County Comprehensive Land Use Development Plan as it applies to the town of Camden following a favorable recommendation from the area plan commission.

Attorney Anne Briggs questioned the flexibility of the plan. She also questioned the previous claim that low turnout at the public hearing meant that the steering committee had done its job.

"I think it means no one is interested," said Briggs.

Wagoner said the plan "had no real teeth in it," but will later in zoning ordinances. Council member Richard Fites said he was concerned that the new plan may change current zoning.

"I just got zoned," said Fites referring to the rezone of his business location. Fites also said that he thought people should be notified ahead of time if they were to be rezoned.

Wagoner said that he did not think any changes would happen.

"I don't think it will change too much here in the town," Wagoner said. "I think it is satisfactory. If there is any controversy, it will come when they write the zoning ordinances."

Other business

Casserly reported the Indiana Housing Grant project is almost concluded. Homeowners who received repairs are reminded they must maintain their properties in compliance with all town ordinances. The town will apply for the grant again in the fall of 2009. Casserly said that 14 to 15 people have already expressed interest.

The council tabled the employee manual/job descriptions until December. Wagoner said employees had a lot of opportunity for input. The revised manual will become effective Jan. 1.

The town has received a $17,500 grant from the Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District toward the purchase of a new leaf vacuum. Fites asked about whether there needed to be a town ordinance forbidding the burning of leaves in town. "Why do we need a leaf vacuum if we are still burning? I noticed in town there was still a lot of leaf burning going on," Fites said.

He said he was concerned about residents' keeping the fires under control. Wagoner replied there was no such ordinance at present, and no requirement from NWISW to have one.

An agreement with Utility Service Communications to install, find providers for, and manage wireless antennae on water towers was approved. This is the same company the town uses for their water tower maintenance.

The council approved the $3,700 purchase of update software from the Keystone Software Co. for payroll and all town records.

The council voted to enter into an interlocal agreement with the town library for the use of the meeting room for a yearly fee of $250.

The town offices will be closed Nov. 27 and 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The next meeting will be Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Camden Public Library.