Land owner asks to buy small section near tower
At its Feb. 13 meeting, Cambridge City’s council addressed topics ranging from a potential sale of property around the water tower to broken sidewalks and the possibility of a new K9 officer.
Property sale: Jason Losekamp, who lives in the 300 block of Boundary Street, asked the council to consider selling a small piece of land near the water tower that is adjacent to his property. He is in the process of having the land surveyed and would like to have better access to clean up the grounds and underbrush.
Council voted to table the matter because Public Works Superintendent Ken Risch wants to verify the town doesn’t have to retain that land. Jeff Mardis participated by phone; councilor Jim McLane was absent.
Attorney Bob Bever said the town already made room for a larger tower and asked if that could happen again, and Adam Sitka of Wessler Engineering recommended thinking about needs in future decades. Council gave Losekamp permission to begin cleanup of that area while discussions continue.
Water project: Council gave Culy a 90-day extension because of material delays, and approved extra material needs and concrete disposal expenses related to unforeseen site conditions. After driving their trucks over them, crews discovered existing sidewalks on U.S. 40 were very thin, despite only being 10-15 years old, and areas were damaged. Sitka said recent progress around town is faster than expected.
Council also approved an amendment to its agreement with Kleinpeter Consulting to pay bills related to the industrial park phase of the project.
Employee resignation: After 23 years as a laborer, Lonnie Morgan is departing to start his own excavating business. Risch will evaluate feasibility for contracting with Morgan to continue that work as needed since the town already has been renting his equipment and paying him on town time for those projects, or buying an excavator. Council thanked Morgan for his service.
Riverside Cemetery: Councilor Debbie McGinley is the board’s new president.
Police: Council approved fundraising to begin for another K9 partner. Seth Biava, who recently joined CCPD, is currently teaming with K9 Jessie during Larry Kuhn’s military service, but would like to have his own K9 when Kuhn returns.
Fire: Firefighters are shopping for a new commercial stove and refrigerator.
Unsafe building: A hearing will take place at the 6 p.m. March 13 council meeting, giving the owner of the property at Green and Fourth a chance to appeal.
Capitol Hill: Gates have arrived for installation to help protect the pioneer cemetery that was desecrated about 10 months ago.
Sports: Cambridge City Youth League has stopped negotiations with another sports organization seeking to use its facilities as discussed at a prior meeting.
2022 Funds: Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Ervin received permission to transfer $9,586.03 from General to the Rainy Day Fund.
HELP brainstorming: Residents are invited to attend the March council meeting to share their ideas on how money should be spent locally through HELP (Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program) program, which assists participating communities plan effective spending of American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
A version of this story appeared in the Feb. 22 print edition of the Western Wayne News.