CAMDEN — The Village of Camden Council is preparing for the Town Hall’s grand opening on May 11, at 7 p.m.
During a council meeting on Thursday, April 20, councilmember Ernest Crabtree expressed a need to prepare for the celebration. Council discussed blessing the building, holding a ribbon cutting, a tour of the building, and cupcakes.
Councilmember Kelly Doran suggested decorating the outside of the building.
Fiscal Officer Rebecca Wilson told Doran the insurance company would like a copy of a lease agreement between the village and the Camden Archives for their records. Doran replied, his attorney is working on a lease agreement.
Doran would also like to get the basement and upstairs cleaned prior to the opening.
The Wood family is donating the building’s original bell back to the village, but asked if it should ever come off, it be given back to them. Council agreed. The family is also going to pay for a hammer on a timer which will ring the bell on whatever day and hour the village decides.
Doran suggested a one call to invite local residents to the grand opening.
He also suggested leaving Town Hall lights on at night so one can see into the building, but Crabtree suggested reviewing the cost of electricity first. Doran noted, it would not make much of a difference due to high efficiency bulbs.
Village Administrator Nelson McKeever recommended a four percent pay increase for employee Rusty Wilson, who had received a superior performance on his annual evaluation. Doran countered with a three percent raise, as he believes four percent is too high. Doran noted, council will form a committee to review raises and set a pay scale. Council approved Wilson’s three percent raise.
Council approved a motion to have Eagle Fence put in a new fence for the waterworks park, at a price not to exceed $2,500. Doran noted, the current fence is keeping people out of the park and does not match with the new playground equipment. He also suggested council look into getting cameras installed in the park.
He would also like signs telling people the location of the park.
According McKeever, the nuisance ordinance is currently in effect due to the referendum petition being denied. Fiscal Officer Rebecca Wilson said she would not be certifying the petition due to insufficient information and questions regarding the validity of the petition.
Parking for the Town Hall was discussed. People have been asking about a handicap spot, according to village officials, and after discussion it was decided the spot will be put where a ramp can be provided for wheelchair accessibility. Doran suggested a location where Dr. Thomson’s (Camden Medical Building) lot comes out. Doran also told village employees to park their vehicles in the back when they come into the office, but Wilson countered, until the parking lot is cleaned and nails are removed, she is worried for her personal vehicle. Wilson also cited bad weather and a lack of shelter provided, considering she would have to walk around the building unless she entered through the back of the Police Department.
Council once again tabled a decision on grant writer Mary Reed and on a Copeland contract.
In other news:
•The weather sirens have been inspected and are in working order.
The Village of Camden will be paying $910.10 to put the village’s levies onto the special August ballot.
Council also met on Thursday, May 4.
The Town Hall grand opening will be held on Thursday, May 11, at 7 p.m. The next Camden Village Council meeting will be held on Thursday, May 18, at 7 p.m. in the Camden Town Hall.
