Cambridge City creating social media policy

Cambridge City’s town attorney is helping the police department develop a social media policy. Policies also might be created for other town employees and the volunteer fire department.

At council’s Aug. 11 meeting, President Jim McLane said town leaders recently realized a policy is needed regarding announcements of arrests and other police matters.

Most CCPD posts get a handful of comments, but its July posts about two suspects being arrested on incest charges drew nearly 1,000. Social media users were dismayed that the name and photo of the 19-year-old female suspect were shared. Some said she should be treated as a potential victim, and the information would follow her forever.

Town attorney Bob Bever is helping CCPD prepare a policy with clear and consistent procedures for law enforcement communications.

Bever said it’s prudent for council to approve the policy. Police Chief Richard Roberts supports council’s sign-off.

Roberts noted that some information needs to be held back, including ongoing investigations. He said CCPD hasn’t posted minors’ identities, or misdemeanor arrests not accompanied by felonies.

Councilor Gary Cole said he didn’t understand why CCPD needs to post arrests on social media because the newspaper could publish them. Western Wayne News publishes stories about some kinds of law enforcement activity when information is available and relevant.

Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Ervin and Fire Chief Jeff Gabbard also want a policy providing clarity about what content they should post. The town and fire department each have Facebook pages.

Councilors will review the policy and provide feedback before their next meeting (6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8), when adoption is possible. The meeting at 127 N. Foote St. is open to the public.

Blight

Cole wants to get two blighted homes ready to demolish before the end of the year, when Wayne County’s blight elimination fund ends.

For a property to qualify, Superintendent of Public Works Joe Webb, also building inspector, must explain to council why it’s unsafe. After a public hearing, council must agree with Webb’s findings.

Meanwhile, Webb’s getting many calls about neglected alleys. Councilors said that more blight complaints being submitted at town hall are a positive. They believe residents are noticing concerns are being resolved, so they’re reporting more.

Webb reports mixed success when contacting residents about property issues. Some hang up on his calls, so next steps are letters and fines for repeat offenses. Many who communicate with him are making progress, he said.

In other business

• Council approved a $2,240 bid from Sam Stone Masonry to repair doorways at the water works building from water funds. They tabled bids for town hall masonry repairs until confirming that funds are available. They’re also juggling Webb’s request for at least one truck for town laborers because of mechanical issues with the town’s aging fleet. Vehicle bids are being gathered.
• Council supported Webb’s request to remove gates from Riverside Cemetery that a falling tree damaged. Future repairs will be considered. The gates aren’t closed because the cemetery has multiple access points and gates hindered police from patrols. In addition, two sections of damaged 1911 fence were removed while ironwork repair bids are awaited. The cemetery board will consider covering tree removal costs and might split repairs with the town. A stone column might be rebuilt as well.
• Work is progressing on Creitz Park’s performance venue. Council agreed to pay Pridemark Construction already designated funds ($270,000 from Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs funds and $123,463.21 from the town’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation.
• Council agreed to increase three laborers’ salaries by $2/hour after an employee’s departure to cover additional responsibilities.
• Those interested in serving on the Advisory Plan Commission should contact Ervin. Jill King has resigned; council noted appreciation for her years of service as chair. McLane now must appoint two registered Republicans and a Democrat to fill vacancies.
• The town’s 2026 budget is being finalized. Residents can comment during council’s Sept. 8 meeting. Passage is expected Oct. 13.