Cambridge City’s council gave preliminary support for two speed-monitoring devices around town, fundraising for a performance venue and renting camping spaces next April.
Wayne County Foundation gave Cambridge City Main Street $11,000 toward several desired initiatives, such as wayfarer signs, billboards and website improvements.
With police support, CCMS proposes buying two speed-deterring devices like those on U.S. 40 in Pershing, about $3,000 each, for the town to operate.
CCMS President Jim King told council during its Nov. 13 meeting that the movable solar-powered signs don’t take drivers’ photos. They provide statistics to police such as traffic counts, average speeds and top speeds to help with patrolling priorities. There’s no ongoing fee.
Council will consider making a contribution.
Performance venue
Council allowed the town’s parks committee to begin fundraising for a performance venue behind the fire station, supplementing Hoosier Enduring Legacy Project funds.
Earmarked donations can be sent to town hall, 127 N. Foote St., Cambridge City, IN 47327.
Council also approved a $4,600 survey of station grounds.
Eclipse parking
The town’s eclipse planning committee and CCMS will work together to sell spaces for overnight parking at Creitz Park before the April 8, 2024, eclipse that’s expected to draw thousands of visitors to Wayne County. Some spaces would be numbered for RVs, while others would be for passenger vehicles and tent camping. CCMS would split proceeds with the town.
Blight updates
Public Works Superintendent Ken Risch is notifying owners of a fire-damaged home in the 400 block of West Main that it’s unsafe and needs demolition.
Council will conduct a public hearing at its 6 p.m. Dec. 11 meeting about unsafe homes at 411 and 415 Front Street.
Risch is determining whether a trailer near Fifth and Vine is unsafe.
Progress is being made on yards in the first block of North Plum and 400 block of West Church.
One property in the 500 block of East Church has been cleaned, but another has two mattresses that need removal.
Risch asked CCMS to help an East Main owner who can’t complete improvements because of health issues and struggles to find help. Risch urges residents to contact him when they receive warning letters to request help.
Mardis thanked
Councilor Jeff Mardis ran the meeting for Steve Sorah, who was absent. Mardis attended his last meeting after two terms. Gary Cole defeated Mardis in November’s election. Fellow members thanked Mardis for his service.
“I’ve enjoyed the last 8 years and I wish the new councilor the best of luck going forward,” Mardis said.
In other business
- Cambridge City received state funding toward 2024 paving on Sixth Street from Boundary to Vine Street, Vine from Sixth to Fifth, West Church from Green to Walnut, Third Street from South Green to South Walnut, East Church from South Gay to South Glenwood Drive, a portion of Dale Avenue near Parkway, and Myers Avenue from East Main to North Second.
- Council agreed to seek bids on an unneeded parcel of land near the former Central School.
- Council approved $250 donations from Zion’s Lutheran Church for Christmas lights and $350 for Halloween candy from Dot Foods.
A version of this article appeared in the November 22 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.