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Though the board of works and public safety made no official motion Friday on the matter, board members heard reports from USInfrastructure Director Jeffrey Weaver regarding contract bids for a project on Argonne Road and Parker Street.
Three companies proposed costs for reconstructing the intersection to relieve traffic complications in the area.
The project will consist of road improvements along the streets, from U.S. 30 to Jefferson Street that will cover an area of 3,900 feet.
Weaver recommended companies ATC and Earth Exploration for the contract, and said he will use one based on which offers the lowest project cost. The chosen company will work as a subcontractor under the USInfrastructure agreement.
In street department matters, members discussed an issue brought to their attention by Street Department Superintendent Lacy Francis. A submitted letter by Francis proposed ordering new department vehicles before 2006 so as to avoid massive price increases in the coming years.
Due to upcoming Environmental Protection Agency air pollution standards, many companies are being forced to re-engineer current motors for vehicle models.
Francis estimated engine costs could increase anywhere between $6,000 to $9,000, causing the overall truck cost to increase as well. A purchase of vehicles before this change could mean the city would make purchases based on current costs.
A decision was tabled by the board, and Mayor Ernie Wiggins informed Francis and other members that the topic will be brought up during Monday's city council meeting.
The board also:
• Approved a $25,000 contract to Kosciusko Development Inc. for services to the community. Also approved were contracts for Kosciusko Area Bus Service for $18,500; Warsaw Community Development Corp. for $12,600; Animal Welfare League for $13,650; and Greg Burgher for $7,725 to clean the sewage collection and engineering building. All contracts were reviewed by the city council during an Aug. 17 meeting.
• Approved an agreement with Indiana Department of Transportation for the street sweeping of Ind. 25 and Ind. 30. The city will be reimbursed $300 per mile of the sweeping process.
• Approved a parks department request to allow a contract with Village of Winona Carriage Rides for services at a Dec. 16 Christmas Countdown event. The department also was approved for a grant application to the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County for funds to support the Friday Evening Art Series.
• Approved a request from the Wastewater Department to allow workers to attend classes for more training in their fields.
• Approved deed dedications to Zimmer Lane and McElroy Hill subdivision. City planner Jeremy Skinner said both areas were in compliance with city requirements and recommended the acceptance of the new right of ways.
Board members are Wiggins, Jerry Patterson and Charlie Smith.
