Council hears about missing Frisbee, speeding concerns

Cambridge City council addressed a variety of topics during its June 9 meeting ranging from a potential town growth plan to security cameras.

Town growth plan

Some councilors plan to attend the town’s advisory plan commission July 1 meeting to discuss a consultant’s $37,500 bid for updating the town’s zoning map and related ordinances, and town attorney Bob Bever’s offer to update ordinances for $10,000. They’ll need to evaluate short term needs against the benefits of a broader analysis.

Councilor Jim King said Cambridge City has very little open land within town limits and professional advice on potential adjustments could be helpful. He said the $37,500 option would include creating a growth plan.

Councilors Debbie McGinley and Gary Cole noted bad timing and many other financial needs. Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Ervin said she hears about equipment breaking daily.

The commission can make a recommendation, but it’s council’s decision.

WCTV

Council heard from Eric Marsh and Ken Paust, Whitewater Community Television’s executive director and board president, about how the town could pay WCTV to livestream council meetings to comply with state requirements taking effect July 1. Meetings would air on WCTV and be housed on WCTV’s YouTube channel.

Council tabled the matter to explore options. An executive session might be scheduled before month’s end. Some councilors shared appreciation for public television but have concerns about future town expenses.

In other business

• Cambridge City Police Department’s Dillon Pitcher said officers have spent “a tremendous amount of time” addressing complaints about speeding vehicles plus semis using noisy compression “jake” brakes. When Interstate 70 is shut down, officers spend extra time on U.S. 40 to prevent speeding. A motorcyclist driving over 50 mph in a residential area received a citation.
• To speed up the process of adding Wi-Fi and security cameras in Creitz Park to reduce vandalism, council will include a camera at the new performance venue that’s under construction. It will be attached to the Lilly GIFT VIII grant that’s helping with construction costs. Quotes are being obtained.
• Fireworks are set for July 5 at Creitz Park with a July 6 rain date. Vehicles must be removed from the park after fireworks in preparation for the July 6 car show.
• Steve Cox indicated interest in mowing Creitz Park’s riverbank after losing a Frisbee in the thick grass. It’s usually mowed annually before September’s Canal Days. Council will review Cox’s quote.
• Council heard updates on several blighted properties, such as a repeated concern about clutter in front of a home in the 200 block of South Fourth. Public Works Superintendent Joe Webb learned of a new address for the owner of an uninhabited home in the 300 block of Parkway Drive. He sent a certified letter there and said its collapsing roof and other factors make it a safety hazard. Webb’s also addressing tall grass at several properties.
• Power surges are suspected in damage to water plant equipment. The equipment has been replaced under warranty. Council will pursue help from Duke Energy to cover the approximately $14,000 costs to prevent future damage.
• Council approved donations of $200 from Chicago Pizza to CCPD, a framed town plat map from Dennis Wissler to be hung in the city building, and an offer from Tony Smith and donor groups including American Legion to replace Capitol Hill Cemetery’s flagpole, pending Webb’s review.