Cambridge City council addressed door-to-door sales, blight, town property maintenance and other topics during its May 12 meeting.
Blight
A house formerly on a demolition list, 411 W. Front St., has sold after renovations. Improvements are beginning at 415 W. Front St. Councilor Gary Cole received confirmation that the town can use county grant funds to demolish two other homes.
Joe Webb, public works superintendent, sent letters to several property owners to address tall grass and weeds.
Cole said he’s tired of excuses from a Parkway Drive property owner when no progress is apparent and he believes it’s unsafe. Town attorney Bob Bever will assist with procedures to declare it unsafe.
A fence was placed around a deep hole after a demolition on Church Street. Police Chief Richard Roberts offered to tag abandoned cars.
Maintenance
Council discussed quotes to repair town buildings. Members agreed the most urgent needs are roof replacement at two industrial park wellhouses where water lab tests are conducted and the city building and garage.
A less urgent need is addressing grout at the in-town water building. King said mortar previously used wasn’t appropriate for the brick and it’s causing popping and pieces to fall onto the sidewalk. He warned the bricks would break in 10 years.
Although he understands limited funds, Webb said the town’s vehicle fleet is pushing 30 years old and poses safety concerns. A red dump truck is being repaired after losing its reversing capabilities, and a Silverado’s transmission is shifting hard.
“We are fixing things to go fix things daily,” Webb said.
Council asked him to prioritize needs for 2026 budgeting. Proceeds from future sales of unwanted land could be used for vehicles.
In other business
- After hearing concerns about door-to-door commercial solicitation and learning the fee hadn’t been increased in years, council raised sellers’ required two-day sales permits from $10 to $100. U.S. Supreme Court ruled towns can’t prevent salespeople from exercising First Amendment rights, but homeowners can post “No trespassing” signs that sellers must abide.
- Council will seek no-obligation bids for consultants to update zoning ordinances. Bever said he could offer a less detailed analysis for about one-fifth of the expected cost. He suggested plan commission be asked if a “Cadillac plan” is affordable. The commission meets June 3. Council committed to using Economic Development Income Tax funds for the update during 2025 budgeting.
- Council approved closing a portion of West Parkway Drive behind the fire station on July 5 for food trucks and fireworks. Vehicles must be removed from Creitz Park that night or they will be towed to accommodate firefighters’ July 6 car show.
- Council hired T&M at a discounted daily rate, not to exceed $12,000, for tree removal and trimming at Creitz Park. Some pose a danger of dropping limbs during mowing or disc golf.
- Council accepted a $200 donation from First United Methodist Church for CCPD’s K-9 program.
A version of this article appeared in the May 21 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.