Water service improvements, whether to allow RV camping at Creitz Park and which businesses can qualify for exterior renovation grants were some topics discussed at Cambridge City’s Feb. 12 council meeting.
Water rate study
Wessler Engineering’s Anne Hays received council’s approval to pursue funds for and develop a preliminary engineering report for Gateway Industrial Park’s water main and water tower, estimated to cost about $9 million.
The town can apply for a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant in May. Other potential sources include Wayne County government and Indiana Bond Bank.
Hays said EDA might provide $2.5 million toward the $5.5 million water tower. As a recommended co-applicant, Wayne County needs to decide its financial commitment in early March because it owns the land where the tower is to be installed.
Before applying, Hays said Cambridge City also needs to conduct a water rate study to determine whether it can move forward with all or part of Phase 2.
Construction likely would start in September 2025 for about 18 months.
Council’s vote was 3-0 because Debbie McGinley was ill and Jim McLane attended via phone and couldn’t vote.
Timeline concerns
Although some work has been finished on Phase 1B at Gateway, Culy Contracting is still behind schedule. Culy had requested a 90-day extension last fall.
Council agreed to assess half the damages between original completion date and that extension.
Hays shared Culy’s new recommended seven change orders such as additional pipe and fittings, and its need for 45 additional days. Culy said the substantial completion date should then be March 29.
However, town attorney Bob Bever said that would be just a week short of the 90-day request. Council tabled Culy’s request to extend its deadline until council’s March 4 meeting.
In addition to paying Culy $1,074,110.90 for December and January work, council agreed to fund change orders totaling $105,627, which will come from contingency funds and the elimination of booster station projects.
Downtown revitalization
Businesses in the seven communities participating in Wayne County’s Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program can apply for a share of $1 million toward external improvements.
Commissioner Jeff Plasterer asked council to finalize boundaries for eligibility so application guidelines can be finished.
Council determined any U.S. 40 business between its east and west boundaries can apply for the forgivable loans. Owners likely would contribute 25%.
Steve Higinbotham and Beth Fields of Wayne County government are leading the process. Applications will be scored by a resident from each community plus representatives of the county’s Economic Development Corp., chamber of commerce and other entities. County commissioners have final say.
Plasterer asked council to choose its scoring volunteer soon so awards can be presented by summer’s end.
Eclipse planning
Hearing mixed feedback about renting spaces for RVs at Creitz Park in the weekend before the April 8 eclipse, council voted 2-1 to allow a committee to make a final proposal at council’s March meeting. It would address concerns about potentially damaging ruts and repair costs, and possibly require deposits. Cole voted no.
If desired, the town could temporarily waive park codes through a resolution. Even with that waiver, alcohol and fires would be prohibited in Creitz Park.
Cole said constituent concerns included damage, liability, noise and monitoring overnight guests. McLane’s concerned that without managing crowds, guests will park anyway and the town will lose revenue.
In other business
- Ervin said the town has submitted all the information Wayne County needed for the county to include town stormwater fees on property tax bills.
- Council has adjusted its March and April meeting dates to 6 p.m. Monday, March 4, and 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 16.
Cambridge, East Germantown discuss fire contract
Cambridge City has provided fire protection for East Germantown in previous years, but that’s now uncertain.
Cambridge City Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Ervin sent 2024’s contract to East Germantown for $3,000, the same as 2023.
East Germantown wants the 2022 rate of $2,000, which it had paid for many years without increases. East Germantown still owes $1,000 to Cambridge City for last year, Ervin said.
Cambridge City’s attorney, Bob Bever, said East Germantown agreed to the increase last year, and if its leaders won’t sign and pay the $3,000, the town won’t have fire protection from Cambridge City this year.
A version of this article appeared in the February 21 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.