Cambridge City council addresses dog/grass concerns

Cambridge City council addressed everything from dog waste in a park to a request to allow a cemetery mausoleum at its March 4 meeting. 

Gazebo

Concerns abound about dog waste ruining the grass near the cozy downtown Bicentennial Park gazebo along U.S. 40. 

Although bags are displayed for owners’ use, some owners aren’t picking up the waste. Others are using the bags, resulting in a smelly, overflowing trash receptacle nearby.

They’re concerned about odor and mess because the gazebo is used for community events and prom photos.   

Council agreed dog urine is leading to bare spots and grass needs to be reseeded when the problem is resolved. The gazebo also needs pressure washing. 

Police Chief Richard Roberts noted an existing ordinance requiring owners to clean up after pets. However, police must watch the violation occur, which makes enforcement challenging.  

Council’s considering signage noting owners have to pick up after their dogs there, or an ordinance amendment prohibiting dogs at Bicentennial Park. 

Bob Bever, town attorney, said he’d prepare the amendment for council’s 6 p.m. April 16 meeting.   

Mausoleum approved 

Council approved a request from a Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home client wanting to install a two-person mausoleum at Riverside Cemetery for aboveground burial. 

Ken Risch, superintendent of public works, said it would not be a tall building, and there’s an area in the cemetery that would be perfect for the structure. The client will pay for two lots. Burial costs will be waived because opening/closing graves isn’t needed.

Blight, improvements

• Council heard from Darlena Roberts, who owns 411 and 415 W. Front St. Council previously determined both were unsafe based on Risch’s assessment.
  Roberts said she has been hospitalized several times and recently began seeking a buyer. 
  She and her daughter requested time to sell what they say are still solid homes. One had $15,000 in windows and doors installed three years ago, but the other needs rewiring and a kitchen remodel after a fire a few years ago, they said.
  Councilors were sympathetic to Roberts’ health, but said the homes have been vacant for years. They tabled enforcement of the demolition order for a month. They will cancel it if a buyer’s purchase agreement and written improvement plan is provided and the buyer attends council’s next meeting.  
• Councilor Gary Cole agreed to be town liaison to Wayne County’s new blight elimination project. Demolition of some properties will be funded.
• Council unanimously approved allowing town residents free brush disposal from their properties at Riverside Cemetery’s designated area. However, if someone’s hired for dumping, they pay $25 per load. 
• Council approved Julie White-Roettger as its volunteer to score applications for Wayne County’s new downtown revitalization grant program. Mike Amick will be council’s liaison.

In other business

• Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Ervin said East Germantown has paid the $1,000 remaining from last year’s fire protection contract. 
  East Germantown’s council also asked for a five-year contract at $3,000 per year. 
  Council said no, favoring annual opportunities to cover rising expenses and because Cambridge City hasn’t entered into long-term fire agreements with other areas it serves. 
  If it had followed a former councilor’s proposal for gradual increases, Cambridge City would ask East Germantown to pay $4,100 by now. 
• Wayne County plans to replace Mulberry Street’s bridge starting in Fall 2026 (2027 completion) if funds allow. 
• After hearing Roberts’ recommendation, Western Wayne Schools’ two resource officers will receive 40 hours of paid time off per calendar year for illness or personal needs. Officers don’t work when WWS isn’t in session. 
• Council reappointed Jim Cohen to Western Wayne Regional Sewage District’s board.