H1N1 vaccine to be offered at Camden Friday

An additional medical service was announced by the Camden Health Center to the Camden Town Council at the Nov. 12 meeting. Nurse practitioner Linda Stapleton said the clinic is planning to offer an H1N1 vaccination clinic Nov 20 from noon to 6:30 p.m. The clinic is for first responders, pregnant women, children up to age 24 and anyone in a risk group such as the elderly, people who live with infants and those ages 25 to 64 with other risk factors. Additional clinics are expected to be offered four times each week from 3 to 6:30 p.m. as vaccines become available.

Stapleton said clinic staff will work with the Carroll County Health Department to obtain more vaccines and to learn the necessary computer program to input data into the state system. She said Logansport Memorial Hospital will donate supplies and paid staff to administer the vaccines.

Volunteers for data input are needed for the flu clinic. Volunteers are required to register to work at the Camden Health Clinic with the state health department by calling (888) 227-4439. For additional information contact the clinic at (574) 686- 2022.

Indiana Housing Authority Rehab Grant Project

Star Development was selected to be the administrator for the local housing rehabilitation project at the public hearing held during the business meeting. It was noted that it is necessary to choose a grant administrator now to continue with the project. Star was chosen as grant administrator for the two previous grant cycles.

A $250,000 grant will be solicited on behalf of the town from the state. Star representatives Joyce and Mark McCarty reported there were 30 to 40 homeowners at a recent workshop to learn about the rehabilitation program. Representatives recommended the town require all contractors chosen for work obtain liability bonds or insurance which would include safe lead certifications.

“This program has been good for Camden and I’d like to see it continue,” Richard Fite said.

EMS building

Camden proposed two locations to permanently house an ambulance to the Emergency Medical Services Committee. Council president Pete Wagoner commented that town engineer Ken Smith “has done a big favor for the commissioners” by providing a site plan for a proposed planning grant for the facility.

The town also proposed to house an ambulance, staffed for 2010, in a temporary location at no cost to the county if the permanent location was chosen to be in Camden.

Town credit card ordinance

Council members approved an ordinance for a town credit card, with a $3,000 limit, for purchases between council meetings.

“This is strictly for town business,” advised town clerk Pat Casserly.

She said there will be no cash advances, receipts will be required for all purchases, and users will be limited. Those who violate the ordinance will face fines and disciplinary action.

Other business

Results of the recent Indiana State Board of Accounts audit was announced by Wagoner. He said auditors gave the town a “clean bill of health” and commented that keeping accurate financial records is “a lot work.”

The 2010 salary ordinance, with no wage changes from 2009, was adopted. It was noted healthcare costs will increase roughly eight percent.

The town will pay one-half of an $800 bill for emergency siren repair. County emergency management agency Dave McDowell said the siren was not able to be activated remotely by county dispatch during a recent test. He said although he requested to approve an estimate of the repair cost prior to work being done, workers proceeded to make the repair and submitted an invoice for $800.

McDowell also announced that Casserly and town marshal Steve Mullin will participate in the county-wide Disaster Mitigation Plan on behalf of Camden.

Casserly announced that the 2010 census will be distributed after the first of the year. She said it was important for every Camden resident to return the form to be counted. Casserly said tax distribution is based on census data and every resident counted meant approximately $3,000 for the town.

Federal stimulus money was received to purchase a police car for $25,000.

The town office will be closed Nov 26 and 27.

A council meeting will be held Dec 30 at 6 p.m. for year end reconciliation.

The next regular meeting will be Dec 10 at 7 p.m.