The city council drove over a well-traveled topic Monday trying to decide what to do about the "Y" intersection off U.S. 30 where DuBois Drive and Parker Street meet and where Parker "Ts" at Center Street.

Federal funding for the project is available in the amount of $1.9 million. The funds were awarded to Warsaw from federal highway accounts, the city's share of the 18-cent gas tax. Indiana received $560 million of the levy.

A total construction cost, including right of way acquisitions, various studies, reports and engineering designs, comes to $2.8 million.

Local monies amount to $892,400 and will pay for 20 percent of construction costs and all of the non-construction costs, including land acquisition and engineering fees.

Last month Ron Bonar of Bonar Group - Engineers, Surveyors and Planners, presented an aerial view of the Y intersection with lines indicating possible rerouting onto DuBois Drive.

Bonar Group representatives also visited with the council one year ago about the same topic.

In a communication signed by Bonar and project manager Wes Downing, the men expressed their concern about continuing with the project.

"It is very obvious that your council is divided and uncertain as to what type of project should be initiated for the DuBois/Park Street intersection problem," the letter said.

The men made two suggestions: that the city reduce the project to just the Jefferson Street to Fort Wayne Street reconstruction or conduct a detailed traffic study.

Councilman Jeff Grose indicated he wants to go ahead with the project, not wanting to indicate the city doesn't want the money.

Councilman Jerry Patterson suggested Parker Street be made a one-way going north, as one of the least inexpensive options.

Councilwoman Trish Brown commented the north Park Street intersection was discussed during the Meier store hearings a few years ago. Then it was indicated that if one side of U.S. 30 was corrected the other should be, too.

Councilman Bill Rhoades said his biggest concern is the cost, especially with the second wastewater treatment plant construction beginning and possible modifications to city hall.

City attorney Mike Valentine reminded the council he lives and has offices along Parker Street and hasn't noticed any particular traffic problems. He also wanted to know what specific problem has been reported.

Grose said he has received plenty of calls, that people cut through the subdivision south of DuBois Drive now and that the Parker Street - DuBois Drive intersection is considered dangerous.

Mayor Ernie Wiggins said costs to the city will be considerable and will have to be covered by a general obligation bond, and the city is nearly at its bonding limits. He also suggested a public hearing be set to hear from citizens.

In other business, the board:

• Was invited by American Legion member Denny Nice to attend the May 24 rededication of Post 49 at 3 p.m. The Legion will mark its 50th year in the building at the corner of Fort Wayne and Buffalo streets.

• Heard that Insight Communications rates will increase beginning with the June 3 billing cycle. The new rates are $9.76, a 46-cent hike, for the basic rate and $22.73, an increase of $1.08, for the classic rate. Combined, the cost of basic and classic service increases to $32.49.

In 2001, Insight Communication collected $1,237,627 from Warsaw customers. The city received a check for $32,128.83, or 3 percent of the franchise revenue. Usually the city's cut arrives in February, according to clerk Elaine Call. This year the money was delayed until the end of April.

• Congratulated clerk Elaine Call on becoming a Certified Municipal Clerk, as designated by her completion of certain educational requirements by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

• Approved Ordinance 2002-05-01, a change to the salary ordinance, to pay $10 for a part-time dispatcher.

• Approved Ordinance 2002-05-03, amending the employee personnel policy handbooks regarding sick leave benefits.

• Approved Ordinance 2002-05-04, to transfer $6,000 from the city council's salaries account to professional services and $4,500 from salaries to unemployment.

• Approved Ordinance 2002-05-05, to transfer $10,000 from the fire department's salaries and wages account to equipment.

• Reviewed a timetable for the second series of sewage works revenue bonds.

At the next meeting the council is expected to begin procedures to secure the second bond, with first publication of notice May 21 and the second May 28.

Bidding on the bonds will be June 5; the sale will be June 6 and the bond closing, June 20.

City council members are Jerry Patterson, Bill Rhoades, George Clemens, Jeff Grose, Trish Brown and Joe Thallemer. The council meets the first and third Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in council chambers at city hall. The next meeting is May 20. [[In-content Ad]]