Two sealed bids for the reconstruction of Airport Road and paving of various streets were opened Thursday at the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
The work consists of total reconstruction of Airport Road from CR 300N to 350N and surfacing milling and paving along portions of Provident Drive, Old 30, Zimmer Road and CR 150W.
The first base bid was from Brooks Construction Co. for $1,075,544.23, with the second base bid from Phend & Brown at $908,606.40.
Street and Public Works Superintendent Dustin Dillon asked the board for permission to take the bids under advisement for further review by the city’s engineering firm, city engineer Aaron Ott and himself. He hoped a bid could be awarded at the next Board of Works meeting, which is May 2.
After the board approved for the bids to be taken under advisement, Ott said that if there is an awardable bid, the hope is to bring back to the board the recommendation of an award and possibly a contract “to move this forward as quickly as we comfortably can.”
Two employees with a total of 50 years of service to Warsaw were recognized at the Board of Public Works and Safety on Thursday by Human Resource Director Denny Harlan.
LuAnn Poling, Warsaw Wastewater Treatment Utility, is retiring next month after 10 years of service. She has worked in both public works and the wastewater department.
“She’s known for her hard work, loud positivity and great attitude,” Harlan said.
Chuck Hodges, public works, was cited for his 40 years with the city. He started with the Warsaw Police Department back in 1985 as a patrol officer and worked his way to lieutenant, retiring from the WPD after 32 years. Hodges then joined the Warsaw Public Works Department as a full-time equipment operator.
“Chuck, your dedication over the past four decades is something truly special. You helped shape this community in so many ways, and we’re thankful for the work you’ve done and the example you set,” Harlan stated.
At the end of Thursday’s board meeting, Councilwoman Diane Quance asked Dillon and Utility Superintendent Brian Davison to talk about their plans for Earth Week next week.
Dillon said they’ll have their yard bags giveaway starting Monday. Residents won’t have to get out of their vehicles to get their yard waste bags.
A paper shredder will be set up at the Public Works Department on Thursday, and Waste Management will have dumpsters for city residents’ spring cleaning.
Davison said all of his department’s activities are on Tuesday, including an open house at the plant, 2056 N. 150W, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be tours of the wastewater treatment plant, demonstration of equipment, a tree giveaway and lunch.
“Come out and check it out,” he said.
In other business, the board approved:
• Main Street Warsaw’s request to close Buffalo Street between Market and Main streets and Center Street between Indiana and Lake streets from 2 p.m. to midnight June 12 for the Le Diner En Blanc on June 12, with a rain date of June 18. Four restaurants are participating in the new ticketed event, according to Main Street Warsaw Director of Development Terry Sweeney. He said it’s a community dinner, with ticket prices depending on which restaurant menu they would like. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes to 10:30 p.m.
• Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Larry Plummer’s request to purchase new playground equipment from GameTime for Kiddieland at Center Lake for $55,486.79. The new equipment - a GT Edge and Inclusive Whirl - will replace the existing structure that is over 25 years old, he said. Funding for the equipment is in the 2025 budget. Installation will be done in-house by park department employees.
• Approved the outdoor seating plan for The Gathering Place, 123 S. Buffalo St., as presented by Assistant City Planner Jackson Longenbaugh.
• Approved for the Warsaw Police Department to pursue sealed quotes on behalf of the city for the purpose of entering into a contractual purchase agreement for 2026 fuel, as requested by WPD Chief Scott Whitaker. The agreement would be for 85,000 gallons.
• Approved for the WPD to receive Bullet Proof Vest Partnership Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Justice for the purchase of bullet proof vests. The 11 vests cost $12,100 and the grant will reimburse about half of that cost.
• Approved Dillon’s request to obtain sealed quotes for in-place pavement marking cost estimates. He said it would be similar to the bids they did for concrete and asphalt to make sure they get the best price possible.
• The new hire/change in payroll report provided by Harlan.