Cambridge City Council Implements False Alarm Fines, Increases Cemetery Fees, and Addresses Community Concerns
CAMBRIDGE CITY, IN – The Cambridge City Council convened on January 13, 2025, and approved a series of measures aimed at addressing community issues, improving public services, and enhancing the town’s financial stability. Key decisions included the implementation of fines for excessive false alarms, increased fees for cemetery services, and ongoing efforts to combat blight. The council also addressed matters related to park improvements, donations, community events, and staffing.
The council’s decision to impose fines for repeated false alarms stems from concerns raised by both the police and fire departments regarding the strain on resources caused by these incidents. Emergency responders have cited wasted staff and volunteer time, unnecessary vehicle wear and tear, and excessive fuel consumption as consequences of responding to numerous false alarms. One local building has been identified as a frequent source of false alarms, often triggered by smokers. Under the new ordinance, property owners will be allowed two false alarms per year without penalty. Subsequent false alarms will incur fines, starting at $200 for the third and fourth occurrences. The fine will increase by $100 for each subsequent false alarm, escalating the cost for repeat offenders. Property owners with alarm systems will be directly notified of the policy change.
In a move to address rising operational costs, the council approved an increase in fees for opening and closing adult graves at Riverside Cemetery. The new daytime fee of $600 reflects the actual expenses incurred by the town, which include payments to the contracted digging service and compensation for town employees who handle grave covering after burials. Additional fees for late afternoon, evening, weekend, and holiday services will remain unchanged. The cost for infant grave digging will remain at $150, and burial plot purchase prices will not be affected. With ample space remaining in the cemetery, the council also agreed to solicit bids for leasing approximately 15 acres of surrounding farmland.
The council is exploring options to enhance security and connectivity at Creitz Park. Estimates for security camera installation and Wi-Fi services are being gathered from at least three providers. One security provider has indicated that a dedicated fiber optic connection at the park may not be necessary, as the system could potentially connect to the town hall’s existing internet service. This could potentially lead to cost savings for the town.
Leadership for the Cambridge City Council remains consistent, with Jim McLane unanimously re-elected as president and Mike Amick as vice president for another year. No other nominations were put forward for these positions. The council’s continuous focus on community improvement was evident in their ongoing efforts to address blighted properties. Several dilapidated homes have been demolished, including one located on East Church Street, opposite the historic former residence of the nationally renowned Overbeck Sisters artists, and another at the intersection of Vine and Fifth streets. Additional properties on Jones Street and U.S. 40 have been boarded up for security. Progress is also being made in cleaning up a neglected yard on High Street.
The Cambridge City community demonstrated its generosity through several donations. The fire department received $6,142 collected at the entrance to Creitz Park during their Christmas lights display, a $100 donation from Gordon Mehaffey, and $599.76 from Zion’s Lutheran Church. The Cambridge City Chamber of Commerce also contributed $500. The town’s artistic heritage was enriched by the donation of two paintings by local artist Mae Gibbs, one presented to the town by Bob McCullough and the other to the library. The painting gifted to the town has been hung in the council room. Councilor Gary Cole also donated a print created by his mother, Betty Cole.
The council granted permission to Debbie Gettinger to organize a car show at Creitz Park on September 29th, a tribute to her son Adam, who passed away in 2000 and was an active member of car clubs. The event, dubbed the "Joe Show," honors Adam’s nickname, "Joe," given to him by his friends. This event will be a celebration of Adam’s life and his passion for cars, bringing together the community in his memory.
In preparation for filling the public works superintendent position, the council finalized a job description and will begin advertising the vacancy. The application deadline has been set for February 14th. The council also confirmed the continued representation of Cambridge City by attorney Bob Bever.
Reflecting on the past year, Chief Richard Roberts reported that the total number of calls for service in 2024 (4,205, including 479 in Dublin) was slightly higher than in 2023. He noted that the department benefited from additional staff to handle the increased workload. Fire Chief Jeff Gabbard reported approximately 400 runs for the fire department, with medical issues accounting for approximately 80% of those calls. This data underscores the vital role of both the police and fire departments in safeguarding the community’s well-being. The council’s actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing community needs, from enhancing public safety and improving infrastructure to supporting local events and preserving the town’s artistic legacy.