A video camera security system is being installed on three buildings at Burlington Community Park in an effort to combat repeated vandalism.

Park Board President Milt Rodgers made the announcement at the Town Council meeting on Aug. 11.

Rodgers said the digital video recorders will operate simultaneously and are encased in a vandal proof enclosure. He expects the system to be installed prior to the Fall Festival in September.

The $4,379.18 system is being purchased from Metropolitan Music & Cinema, Indianapolis.

"With all the dollars being spent to repair the vandalism, the surveillance system will pay for itself in three to five years," Rodgers said.

Signs will be posted at the park warning that the park is under surveillance.

Rodgers reported that a lot was accomplished at the park during a recent Saturday workday. Projects included opening the back drive, trimming trees, taking down a tree, and spreading mulch.

New decorative lights were installed on the front walkway and new lights were added to the walking trail, Rodgers added.

Kiwanis Club recently purchased new bases for the ball diamond.

Community Club

Reporting for the Community Club, Steve Michael said that Brian Dinger is installing new carpet in the Community Building.

"Deb Dance and Shelly Wiles have done a fantastic job raising money for Christmas lights," Michael said.

He said the club will be serving lunch and refreshments at a consignment auction set for 10 a.m. Aug. 22 at the park.

"This should help us recoup some of our lost funding from the 4th of July, he added.

"We can use all the help we can get our hands on for the Fall Festival," Michael said. "We will be meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Community Building, from now until the festival."

Other business

Councilman Teddy Huffer announced the town has received its final payment from FEMA for storm damage clean-up/repair, $11,719.20, for a total of $22,548.84. The town contributed an additional $7,516.27.

The town has signed a contract with the engineering firm of Hannum, Wagle and Cline to determine how to fix the wastewater system. An income survey, an initial step in securing grant funding for the upgrade, is underway.

Fred Michael reported problems with the flows between the retention ponds. "It's going to take some serious work to get it fixed," he said.

Following discussion with town attorney Justin Alter, the council decided to hire an insured tree service to cut down overhanging and low tree limbs that cause problems for school bus drivers. Property owners will first be sent letters and have the option of taking care of the problem themselves. The overhanging branches are in the town's right-of-way.

Marshal Jill Hammond said that she and her deputy are still having issues with dogs. She reported that she and the deputy had 43 calls for service, 4 case reports, 6 assists to the sheriff's department, 6 title checks, and issued 25 tickets and 10 warnings.

The old police car was sold shortly after the July Council meeting for $4,995, bettering the trade-in offer by $1,500.

The Correct Count committee will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 31 in the town hall to discuss ways to promote the 2010 Census during the Fall Festival.

The next council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the town hall.

Clerk-Treasurer Christie Shepherd announced that first publication in the Comet of the 2010 budget will be Aug. 26. The anticipated adoption date of the budget will be at the October Council meeting, the 13th.