Camden to demolish run-down property

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CAMDEN – Camden Village Council approved demolition of a property at 35 N. Second Street last week.

The property was one topic of discussion at council’s meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20.

According to village officials, certified letters were sent to surrounding home owners. Members reported, three letters were signed for, while two were “returned to sender.” As there has been no opposition to the council recommendation for removal, and because council views the property as “structurally unsafe,” a motion for demolition, at a cost of approximately $8,500, was approved.

In other business, council was informed leaf pickup is “ready to go,” but the maintenance department’s backhoe needed to be taken in for service. Officials are still waiting on an estimate for that work.

Concrete spots on the corner of Central and Main Streets need work, but that will turn into a long term project,according to village staff. There are also additional places on “older streets” that need work.

A water plant flow chart was presented to council, showing the merits of making an adjustment to the water plant to increase from one well to two. Council approved the idea.

A loan for a project at West Central Avenue was discussed. Previously, according to officials, it had been mentioned the loan would be at zero percent interest, but now the loan is projected to be 50 percent loan and 50 percent grant funded, making it an even better deal than before. This project is for sidewalk and curb repair, but sewer repair is not included. Council member Ernest Crabtree noted, he would prefer the project to include sewer repair.

Nothing was decided immediately on this project, but officials said that with a finance meeting upcoming, it could be later discussed depending on potential available funds.

The 200-year founder’s day of Camden is upcoming. Council members discussed getting involved to help advertise and celebrate the day. They mentioned the time “flying by” and they issued a call for volunteers and participation.

While on the subject, they discussed Camden’s Walnut Festival and the Camden Carnival and discussed how council should have a bigger role in helping advertise and run those events. In their eyes, these festivals “showcase” the town and councilmen should be represented at the festivals. Council member Kelly Doran led this discussion, as this is an issue he said he had been considering greatly.

Under new business, council discussed a contract renewal with Rumpke. While it officially passed, council members took a long time discussing the merits of buying their own truck and running it through the city. It was noted, this would save money and time – maybe it would even employ a village residence.

The truck is not needed seven days a week, however, and Doran suggested sharing the truck with the Village of Gratis. The logistics of that idea are unclear at this time.

While nothing was decided during this discussion, it is an idea council is considering for the future.

The Water Committee approved a motion to test the village wells for sodium and chloride.

The final issue on the agenda was the tornado siren at the firehouse. The siren was tested at a cost of $475 and council members discussed the high price tag for “flipping a breaker.” Ultimately, they would rather be sure the siren was functioning correctly.

Council resolved to schedule the appropriate siren testing to insure the safety of Camden residents.

By Kelsey Kimbler

For The Register-Herald

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