Ken Smith of Municipal Civil Corporation reported at last Thursday's meeting of the Camden Town Council that digging for the wastewater upgrade project should begin by April 15.

"Everything they need is in place," he said.

This will be a project that is out of the public's view for the most part, commented council president Pete Wagoner.

Smith announced that the town has received a Small Cities and Towns Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $29,700.

The monies will be used for the planning study for the downtown revitalization project. Smith said he will apply for additional grants for the work phase of the project.

He said that a June 15 goal has been set to have the two public hearings completed.

"That should get you (Camden) in good shape to get some of Obama's stimulus money," he said.

The town has received a REMC Operation Round-Up Grant in the amount of $4,000 for the Community Building/emergency shelter restrooms and showers.

"We're going to keep looking for grant money for the Community Building, more specifically for the emergency shelter project," said Wagoner.

Aggressive dogs

"The guys (police and utilities) are having problems with aggressive dogs," reported clerk-treasurer Pat Casserly.

Casserly said that she had contacted clerk-treasurers in other county communities who relayed that their communities are not having problems with dogs and cats with the elimination of small animal control in the county.

Town attorney Anne Briggs reminded the council that the state has statutes and the town has ordinances that address animal problems. The problem is enforcement, she said.

"Maybe we'll have to brainstorm," said Wagoner, "and see what we can do on our own about the problem. It's going to take a homegrown solution."

Utilities department

The purchase of new radio controls for the town's water system was approved at a cost of $3,556 including installation. Utilities superintendent Jerry Snavely said that there have been problems with the current system for the past five years that require manual control and repeated repairs.

The town will be working on cooperative purchasing through the Indiana Association of Cities & Towns to purchase salt for next winter. Snavely said that seven to eight tons of salt remain from last winter's purchase of 27 tons. He was authorized to purchase 30 tons of salt, but the town is only committed to purchase 80% of that amount.

Town banners

Jeff Sieber of the Camden Preservation Society reported that he and Casserly have selected three different style banners that will work for spring and summer at a cost of about $100 each. Funds are needed to purchase six of the 12 banners needed to hang along Main Street. With leftover funds from the town's 175th celebration, the Preservation Society will purchase four of the banners and another organization has agreed to purchase two banners. Churches, organizations and individuals interested in providing financial support for the remaining banners are asked to contact Sieber or Casserly. The banners have a three-year warranty, said Sieber.

Town clean up

Town-wide spring clean-up will be May 21. All items must be at the curb by 7 that Thursday morning. Waste Management will not accept batteries of any kind, antifreeze, tires, liquid paint, leaves, or appliances that contain Freon. If Freon has been removed, then the appliance should be tagged and certified by a qualified contractor to be picked up.

Waste Management will only pick up items at residences that pay water bills. Those who do not pay water bills may leave their items at dumpsters located at the park, cemetery and downtown.

Other business

To raise money for park equipment, the township will be collecting scrap metal items in a dumpster in the town lot from May 15 to 26. All metals will be accepted except paint cans, items with Freon, and propane tanks without large holes.

The next household hazardous waste and tire collection will be held July 25 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the county fairgrounds in Flora. The Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District performs this service.

Residents who need bagged leaves, limbs, sticks and brush picked up should call the town office.

Camden Woman's Literary Club will pick up litter along streets on May 16.

Flowers along Main Street will be planted May 2 by 4-H members.

Wagoner said that compliance with the town's nuisance and junk vehicle ordinances will be enforced after town-wide cleanup efforts are completed in late May.

Casserly reported that the town is required by law to participate in the 2010 census.

"It's important to complete the census accurately and in a timely manner," she said. "Some of our tax dollars are based on the information received in the census."

Casserly has put together severe weather information brochures that are available for pick up in the town office.

A decision on a preseason service agreement with Goodrich Quality Mechanical in the amount of $245 for both heating and cooling was tabled until the May meeting.

The Camden Youth Parade will be at 10 a.m. June 6.

The Community Club's annual perch/smelt fry will be June 13.

The next meeting will be May 14 at 7 p.m. in the Reading Room at the Camden library.