During its meeting Friday, Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety approved a contract to build a pedestrian bridge over Walnut Creek. The goal is for the bridge to connect the Chinworth Bridge trailhead to Winona Lake’s Heritage trailhead, according to Jeremy Skinner, city planner. The $11,360 contract is between the city and A&Z Engineering. The fee for topographic study, including date collection for hydraulic modeling, is $2,860. The preliminary engineering fees are anticipated to range from $7,500 to $8,500. This includes work by Engineering Resources and A&Z to investigate the feasible pedestrian bridge/structure type options, complete hydraulic modeling in accordance with Department of Natural Resources guidelines, provide preliminary layout and design, and develop estimated construction and final engineering costs for the structure. In other business, the board approved Warsaw Fire Department hosting a rescue training course, “Tower/Antennae Rescue,” in October. Once firefighters complete the class, they will receive a certification of completion and be classified as a level one tower rescue technician. This will allow them to rescue people from towers during an emergency. The training will train members of WFD’s Special Rescue Team. There recently have been two similar trainings offered in Indianapolis and Lafayette. The cost for the class is $4,250, and the fire department’s communication and transportation allocation supports the expenses. The cost savings for Warsaw to be hosting the training in Warsaw versus sending team members to out-of-town trainings is approximately $813 per member, according to Mike Rice, Warsaw fire chief. There will be five WFD personnel who will participate in the training and northern Indiana fire departments also have been invited to participate in the training. Also during the meeting, the board approved a contract with Michiana Area Council On Government to complete inventory on all signs in Warsaw to make sure they meet reflectivity standards. The board also approved Warsaw Police Department accepting a $44,755 grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for salary and benefits for WPD’s victim’s assistance coordinator. In other business, the board approved Brian Zehring serving as a replacement firefighter for Warsaw Fire Department. Zehring replaces the position vacated by Mike Wilson. The board approved Derrick Leake to serve as a laborer with Warsaw Street Department to replace James Beigh, who died. The board approved a six-month review for Darren Roher to serve as an equipment operator for Warsaw Street Department.The board also: - Approved a $2,225 contract between the clerk’s office and Komputrol Software Systems for budget, asset and investment software. - Approved two releases of mortgage for a home at 1404 Ranch Road. - Approved a $399 contract between the parks department and Sands Office Equipment Service Inc. for an annual maintenance and equipment agreement for the recreation division copier and printer. - Approved a $161 month agreement between the city and Pitney Bowes for a 48-month lease and maintenance for the postage machine at city hall.
