Neighbors: Stop the feline fiestas

Cambridge City remains a purr-furred hangout for stray cats, according to three residents upset about feline conventions in the 100 block of East Church Street.

Teresa Poole, Jim Walker and Lori Duran described their concerns and showed a picture of 24 cats on one porch at council’s Sept. 8 meeting.

A few years ago, neighbors sought help to address cat issues in that same area, raising sanitation and quality of life concerns. Some residents said they couldn’t enjoy being outdoors because of issues related to allergies, breathing, smells and waste.

During recent WWN reporting, several Wayne County animal shelter and rescue leaders said that they continue to be beyond capacity to take more animals. In addition to space, they are facing financial struggles to care for so many strays.

Council members were sympathetic but weren’t sure what legally could be done to address the issue. They will consult town attorney Bob Bever.

Park updates

Council gave Cambridge City Area Chamber of Commerce and the fire department permission to organize a fall gathering in the fire station from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 6 and for a restaurant representative to serve alcohol, pending licensing and insurance.

Those attending will get a sneak peak of the new performance venue behind the station, which is nearly complete except for landscaping. Roofing was being finished last week.

McLane said crews missed their initial August deadline, but he’s hopeful the venue will be completed and final construction payments can be made by the end of September. A special council meeting likely will be needed to approve that payment.

When Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs is satisfied, the town would again be eligible to apply for new Community Block Grants.

In the meantime, landscaping quotes will be obtained. That work is outside the OCRA grant. It will be funded through Lilly Endowment Gift VIII dollars received through Wayne County Foundation’s successful application.

Council also approved the lowest of three quotes, $26,875 from Cambridge City’s Cen-Sor Security Systems for security cameras at the performance venue and neighboring Creitz Park. That purchase depends on funding being approved through the Lilly grant.

Milestone provided quotes of $10,500 and $22,500 for varying levels of repairs to Creitz Park’s swinging bridge. Webb said it’s still structurally sound. Council supported replacing boards as needed and obtaining additional quotes until the money can be budgeted.

Speed concerns

Police Chief Richard Roberts said despite a resident’s report, CCPD officers aren’t seeing a lot of excess speeding or hearing noisy vehicles near U.S. 40. Councilor Gary Cole, who rode with an officer one day to monitor the area, agreed there’s not much more that police can do.

The town currently has no ordinance against compression release engine brakes on semis, often called “jake brakes.”

Roberts said recent call data shows that police are spending about 25% of their time making traffic stops. Traffic stops were 110 of 394 calls in August, and 618 of CCPD’s 2,668 calls so far in 2025. Roberts said he’s not sure what else can be done while the report is considered “unfounded” because officers have additional responsibilities. McLane said council is aware of the complaint.

In other business

• Public Works Superintendent Joe Webb received council’s support to pursue quotes to set corner stakes on Riverside Cemetery’s back section that’s an open field. Webb wants to begin plotting a new east-west section since the town is running out of plots. He believes the last sections were plotted in 2005.
• Council will conduct a hearing on its 2026 budget at 6 p.m. Oct. 13, followed by a special meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 to adopt it. Both are open to the public and in town hall, 127 N. Foote St.
• Golay Community Center received permission for its annual Monster Mash 5k at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18.
• Council approved $2,500 for software and training for town utility workers to read meters. The new equipment could reduce meter issues.
• Cambridge City Youth League received permission to repaint concession stand and dugout buildings. Funds will come from memorials to the late Joe Pegg. Commissioner Nate Criswell and Gary Rushton raised concerns about the concession stand’s roof. Council will review quotes and consider repairs.