In the first meeting of the new year, the Camden Town Council discussed making improvements on Main St. New street lights and sidewalks are planned.

The council discussed the process for beginning the project. First, they will prepare and advertise a "request for qualifications" form for engineering firms. This is for engineers who may be interested in bidding the project to inform the council of their qualification. The council will score each firm and narrow them down to 3 to 5 to interview. The council hopes to find grant money to pay for the project.

"You've gotta' put a plan together before you go after the grants," said president Pete Wagoner.

The council will evaluate submissions from firms at their February meeting.

Town Street Superintendent Jerry Snavely was commended for saving the town $3,450 on the purchase of 25 tons of salt from INDOT. The regular price would have been $191 a ton, but Snavely purchased it for $53 a ton. INDOT also delivered the salt for free.

County road extension

Wagoner announced his support for the county commissioners' approval of the contract with the Troyer Group for the CR extension to SR75. He said there was some concern in the county about funding for the construction, but if there is no funding, construction will be delayed.

Wagoner also said the extension would be a boon to other construction in the area such as the industrial park planned by Carroll County Economic Development Corporation.

Wastewater upgrade

According to Wagoner, the IDEM permit for the new upgrade has been approved. The council signed a construction contract with Robert E. Crosby Construction Dec. 22. Construction is expected to begin in April.

"We're set to go on this," Wagoner said.

During construction, the sewer pond area, shooting range and burn pile will be locked down.

Unity Healthcare plans

Wagoner said that there is still nothing definite about how Unity Healthcare will staff a medical office in Camden, but that Unity does want to keep a presence in the town. He said that Unity must first purchase the practice from Dr. Anderson's estate.

Other business

Town Clerk Pat Casserly reported homes with improvements financed through the Indiana Housing Grant must now be inspected by a state inspector. Homeowners must also be satisfied with repairs. There will be a second public hearing during a regular board meeting to complete the grant process.

The council approved a transfer of funds to the employee health savings accounts.

Town offices will be closed Jan. 19 for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

The next meeting will be Feb.12.