CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AVC News) — Cambridge City Council addressed several infrastructure, public safety and community development matters during its Monday, Nov. 9, meeting, including plans for a sanitary sewer extension, a PFAS pilot study and behavioral health support for first responders.
Council referred two requests from the city engineer to the Finance Committee: authorization to award the Water Street Sanitary Sewer Extension project and authorization to issue a request for qualifications for a PFAS pilot study and award a contract.
A request from the fire department to increase emergency medical services rates for 2027 also was referred to the Finance Committee, along with a proposed partial assignment involving Rural King and a community reinvestment area agreement.
The Finance Committee recommended that council authorize the administration to enter into an agreement with the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board serving Coshocton, Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble and Perry counties to provide behavioral health support for first responders.
Council approved the agreement. During discussion, a council member shared a personal connection to the need for those services, recalling that her sister was working as a dispatcher the night a Cambridge police officer was killed and that behavioral health support of this kind was not available at the time.
Council also approved a series of year-end budget transfers and appropriations recommended by the Finance Committee.
In other business, the council received notice that Episcopal Retirement Services Affordable Living LLC plans to apply for Ohio Housing Finance Agency multifamily funding to rehabilitate the Cambridge Heights apartment community. The project is intended to preserve 65 affordable senior housing units for adults 62 and older whose household incomes fall between 30% and 60% of the area median income.
The proposed improvements include community spaces, a gathering area with a warming kitchen, a fitness room, staff offices, an outdo
or picnic shelter and shared laundry facilities. On-site management and supportive services also would be provided. Council accepted the correspondence and placed it on file.
Mayor Tom Orr reported that work at Edgeworth is nearing completion, although some sewer tops and other finishing details still need attention. He also noted the completion of a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the city’s 90% trailhead project, with the gazebo remaining as an outstanding portion of the work.
Orr praised volunteers for their work installing downtown Christmas decorations and recognized the Meadowbrook volleyball team for reaching the state semi-finals following its regional tournament success in Cambridge.
The mayor also reminded residents that the Veterans Day parade would begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.
During the meeting’s miscellaneous portion, council members highlighted a veterans-themed mural being painted on a wall near the bridge steps along South Ninth Street, where the road connects with Madison Avenue. The artist is remaining anonymous, and the Veteran Service Organization has provided paint for the project.
The mural includes poppies and will feature decals or prints representing the military service branches and organizations. The project also received assistance from Gary Lucas, a former police officer and Madison Avenue resident. The mural was still being completed at the time of the meeting.
Council also held the first reading of an ordinance authorizing an enterprise zone agreement with Quanex.
Last Updated on November 10, 2026 by AVC News
