CAMDEN — Village Council discussed COVID-19 relief and an upcoming performance by the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight during its second bi-monthly meeting Thursday, July 15.
Council voted to schedule a performance by Flight One, the popular music component of the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, during its Thursday, April 1 meeting. The group supports military ceremonies and events year-round and maintains an extensive community outreach schedule, according to information posted on Camden’s official website, playing at schools, fairs, amusement parks, and a host of community-sponsored events throughout Ohio. The group previously performed during Camden’s Bicentennial celebration in Aug. 2018.
Moss suggested a theme for the concert honoring medical workers and first responders during council’s May 6 meeting, an idea supported by council member Kelly Doran.
“I’d like to dedicate it to those who have served our nation and our community in that capacity,” Doran said.
The free concert is scheduled for Saturday, July 24 at 6 p.m. and will take place in Bicentennial Park.
In other business
Fiscal Officer Becky Wilson informed the council that the village would be receiving $206,673.84 in COVID-19 relief funds as a result of the American Rescue Plan Act.
Passed in Feb. 2021, the $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill provides funding for agriculture; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs; elementary, secondary and higher education; child care; various Public Health initiatives, including mental health and substance abuse services and COVID-19 testing; rental, housing and homelessness assistance; and public transportation.
Wilson and council member Jeff Steele indicated that the funds would likely be used to improve water, sewer and internet service infrastructure.
Also during the meeting, Doran stated that he’d received a quote of approximately $60,000 to improve lighting on public streets in the village. Doran suggested rolling this cost into Phase II of the ongoing Town Hall renovation project.
Council voted to hire Dayton-based RDA Group Architects to move forward with the Town Hall renovation during its July 1 meeting. The project already includes planned improvements to the upstairs portion of Camden Town Hall, which will be marketed as a wedding and event venue, as well as a new addition that would include a garage for police vehicles.
The project is expected to entail a total cost of around $1.3 million. Steele suggested that Rescue Plan funds might be used to cover a portion of this cost as well.
Mayor Moss suggested rescheduling a planned dedication ceremony for Orchard Hill Cemetery.
“We want this to be something a little more special than can be thrown together at this point,” Moss said.
Village Council meetings take place the first and third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Camden Town Hall.
