Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety Friday approved the city accepting stencil donations that will be used to create bike lane markings. Fred Helfrich, Kosciusko Cycling Club member, attended Friday’s meeting to inform the board that the club is donating two stencils. “The stencils can be used to paint bicycle lanes and arrows on the streets,” Helfrich said. Helfrich said the stencils will provide a safety enhancement. “One of the big hurdles is bicyclists feeling safe on their bikes, and by designating bike lanes and designated bike routes in the community that will be a big increase in the safety factor,” Helfrich said. Helfrich thanked the city for its efforts in supporting the bike lane project. Helfrich said the Kosciusko County Community Foundation provided grant funding to the KCV club to purchase the stencils that the club has donated to the city. Tim Dombrosky, Warsaw assistant city planner, showed one of the stencils during Friday’s meeting. Jeremy Skinner, city planner, said once the city completes its bike and pedestrian master plan for Winona Lake and Warsaw the city will decide where the lane markings using the stencils will be created. “Obviously, we are thrilled to have the stencils that will be a great benefit to reduce some of the costs as we move forward with the project,” Skinner said. In other business, the board approved temporary closing Center Street between Buffalo and Lake streets for the annual Toys For Tots. The event is Dec. 1 from 7 to 11:30 a.m. If the new city hall on Buffalo Street is finished, and construction and safety hazards are removed, then Toys For Tots will use the new parking lot at the new city hall and not close the street.The board approved a two-year contract with Wildman Business Group for employee uniforms and mats for park buildings. The board approved an $11,117 change order with Grand River Construction for the Wastewater Treatment Utility facility for concrete work. A $598 contract also was approved for the wastewater treatment facility for reimbursement for rotor rooter work to the city’s sewer line. The board approved a $25,000 contract between the city and Warsaw Community Development Corp. for a facade improvement matching grant. The board approved a $51,996 engineering agreement for James Emans, city engineer, for 2013. This will be paid in 12 monthly installments of $4,333. The board approved a Comcast phone and internet service agreement for the new city hall on Buffalo Street. The board approved a $185,256.59 payment to Harold McComb & Son Inc. for work done on the new city hall. The board approved a $1,768.75 contract between the city and Penguin Point Catering for the annual Christmas dinner at Center Lake Pavilion for city employees Dec. 18. The board approved salaries for Dan Risner, Warsaw Wastewater Treatment Utility plant operator, at $15.96; Sheila Wieringa, parks department administrative assistant at $15.95; and new hire Trent Stamper, human resources janitor and maintenance employee, at $13.25. The board approved a $3,969 contract with Marc Associates for 46 blinds for the new city hall. The board approved 2013 bid supplies contracts: Irving Materials, limestone; Kuerte Concrete for ready mix concrete and flowable back material; and Phend & Brown for bituminous material, concrete and curb flatwork and concrete flatwork.
