Comments from attorney Loren Allisson of Fort Wayne and beneficiaries of the city's police and fire pension plan spoke up during the Warsaw Board of Works meeting Friday.

Allisson referred to a petition received by the board in October regarding benefits awarded to a retiree in 2001, benefits Allisson said othermembers of the plan are interested in.

Apparently this individual is receiving insurance.

Retired police officer Gerald Oswalt said he was told there were no insurance benefits for retirees.

Retired fireman Alan Hartman said he also asked if he could buy insurance coverage as part of the plan and also was told no.

"How can this individual get it for nothing?" Hartman asked. "If one person in the same group can get it [we all should]. Fairness is all anyone wants."

Retired police officer Mike Hollar also spoke, saying he has paid for his own insurance ever since he retired.

Allison said the petitioners don't understand why this individual was favored over them.

City lawyer Mike Valentine said the board of works would listen to testimony but would not enter into a discussion Friday.

Allisson asked who was administrator of the pension fund, the board of works or the fund's board of trustees.

Valentine said he didn't know.

Allisson asked why this individual was awarded benefits.

Valentine said, "I can't answer that."

Valentine said he would give the board of works members his formal opinion concerning the issue within the next two weeks.

City planner Jeff Noffsinger discussed sewer access at 67 N. Cheyenne Drive for property owner Ken May. May's land borders CR 225E, where a city sewer line has been installed. A sewer tap was provided for May at that time. However, May's property is outside city limits.

Noffsinger asked the board if an annexation of May's parcel should be started or if an in-lieu-of-annexation contract should be approved. In-lieu-of-annexation agreements last for four years and the city receives its share of property taxes. The contract also can be renewed another four years. The property owner agrees not to remonstrate against an annexation.

Noffsinger said another option is to charge May double the city rate with the property remaining in the county.

"We're going to see more and more requests of this nature," Noffsinger said.

Board of works member Charlie Smith said if someone is receiving city services, he would like the property to be in the city. He suggested a task force be formed to make policy regarding in-county hookup requests.

Mayor Ernie Wiggins said he didn't want it to appear that the city will charge more and not annex. "Historically, we've annexed property when they've asked for it. Ask Mr. May which way he wants to go - annexation or in lieu of annexation."

The board also:

• Reviewed Umbaugh and Associates' annual information report regarding the building corporation and sewage works revenue bonds.

• Approved a pay request of $120,958.74 to Woodruff and Sons for work done on the northeast interceptor sewer project.

• Approved a contract with Stage-Pro Inc. for instruments and equipment during the classic rock concert in the amount of $1,700. Parks department activity director Janelle Wilson said the money would come from donations.

• Approved a year's contract extension with Lake City Bank for the public deposit and cash management agreement.

• Heard from Warsaw Police Department Capt. Perry Hunter that an auction is planned for sometime in June. Three vehicles will be sold as will unclaimed bicycles, equipment and other items. He said the Winona Lake Fire Department would like one vehicle, a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, and the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force is requesting a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer.

• Heard a new ladder truck will be at the Center Street Fire Station Thursday, presented beside the department's 1977 model. Chief Matt Warren said everyone is invited to compare the two. He will be asking various manufacturers for quotes on new ladder trucks.

• Noted the old siding has been stripped off the north side of city hall. The exposed brick columns were part of the old fire station. New siding will be going up next week.

• Heard new hires were Adam Hartley for the cemetery department and Ashley Boardman for the parks department.

Board of works members are Mayor Ernie Wiggins, Jerry Patterson and Charlie Smith. [[In-content Ad]]