Following a flag presentation by Boy Scout Troop No. 819, the council recognized four men who participated in a rescue effort July 24.

Warsaw Police Department Patrolman Joel Beam, assistant fire chief Mike Rice, firefighter Travis Rowland and Stephen M. Rudisel were honored for their efforts in removing Robert C. Lenson from his van when the vehicle was driven into Center Lake this summer.

During an awards ceremony at Monday's Warsaw city council meeting, Beam received a life-saving award and purple heart. Beam received puncture wounds to his hand while removing window glass from the partially submerged vehicle.

Rowland and Rice each received a life-saving award.

Rudisel received a citizens award of appreciation for his role in the incident.

Back to the Days of Kosciuszko organizer Jim Smelzer appeared before the council outfitted in Revolutionary War style advising the board the annual festival will be Saturday and Sunday at Lucerne Park.

The council reviewed a report from the Kosciusko Communication Center E-911 calls for the year, showing a significant increase in cellular calls.

From January through April, the center received an average of 20 cellular calls with an increase in May to 242 calls. The center began receiving Phase 1 cellular calls May 26. From June through August, cellular calls alone increased to an average of 787 calls per month.

In August, 2,178 calls were received, an average of 70 per day or 23 per shift.

The council approved several ordinances, including the 2002 salary ordinance increasing payrolls 4 percent for employees.

The elected officials salary ordinance was read for the first time, setting the mayor's salary at $51,950; the clerk-treasurer's salary at $43,920 and members of the common council at $4,500 each.

An ordinance authorizing a text amendment change to the zoning ordinance regarding group housing was approved, to align the code with state statute.

The council approved issuance and sale of revenue notes in an amount not to exceed $400,000 with an interest rate no higher than 5 percent for expenditures. The notes will be paid back when the city receives Economic Development Income Tax monies anticipated in November or December.

In other business the board:

• Read a letter from Steve VanderSloot of SignArt Inc. praising the professionalism of assistant city planner Kristy Mehlberg.

• Received a copy sent by First Lady Laura Bush to Ann Sweet regarding her work with red light camera legislation.

• Approved transfer of park department funds for engineering services on the water line extension to Pike Lake Campground. The additional appropriation was also approved by the State Board of Tax Commissioners.

Jon Garber, parks department superintendent, also reported three insurance checks were received from Midwest Claims Service in the amount of $3,443.83 for repairs to the park department's 1994 Ford.

The vehicle was involved in a crash Dec. 15.

• Heard the sewer rate ordinance will be heard during the next regularly scheduled meeting Oct. 15. Residential rates are expected to increase $10 per month beginning Jan. 1.

• Set a special meeting to review the 2002 budget Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.

City council members are Jerry Patterson, Bill Rhoades, Charlie Smith, George Clemens, Jeff Grose, Trish Brown and Joe Thallemer.

The council meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in council chambers at city hall. [[In-content Ad]]