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Speeding cars and sneaky skaters were the main topics of discussion for the Warsaw City Council Monday.
Two residents of Sunset Drive asked the council to direct the Warsaw Police Department to provide more patrols of their street to slow down the traffic.
Bob Collins, 2076 Sunset Drive, and Al Tjernagel, 2080 Sunset Drive, said cars seldom observe the posted 30 miles per hour speed limit, and that is creating a hazardous situation for the mostly senior homeowners in the area.
"The city has done a nice job in paving Sunset Drive, but now we're having problems with cars speeding down there," Collins said. "It makes it dangerous for people backing out of their driveways."
Tjernagel concurred with Collins' assessment, and added that Park Avenue, between Clark and Arthur streets, needs to have deer crossing warning signs.
Councilman Dewey Lawshe said he has inspected the Sunset Drive area and that most of the residents are concerned and want the increased patrols. However, there is not a suitable place for a patrol car to park along that segment of the street.
"I've talked to the residents along through there, and a few have given us authorization to have the police sit in their driveway to monitor for speeders," he said.
The police department will consider the request.
Councilwoman Tammy Rockey also expressed concern about unauthorized entrance into the Mantis Skating Facility located in Boggs Industrial Park.
"I've driven by there several times and run some kids out of there - some of them more than once," she said. "The skate board park isn't covered under the same ordinance like our other parks (in terms of curfews and hours of operation)."
Rockey said she would like to see an ordinance passed setting up a $25 fine for those entering the facility without permission.
"Right now, there no ramifications to them for jumping the fence and being in there when it is closed," she said.
The issue was referred to city attorney Mike Valentine for investigation.
In other business, the council approved the annexation of the Center Center area along U.S. 30.
City Planner Jeff Noffsinger said the city has received an annexation petition from owners of 51 percent of the assessed value of the area, with the Convention and Visitors' Bureau and Bob Evans Restaurant already being provided sewer service in lieu of annexation.
"Center Center and Bob Evans have been on city sewer for some time and have not been paying the customary half-rate property taxes," he said. "This friendly annexation will represent $1 million more in assessed value and and $27,000 more in tax revenue received."
Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins announced a special council meeting at 5:15 p.m. Thursday at which the final 1998 assessment numbers will be provided and the 1999 tax rate can be set. The city is scheduled to present its budget, tax rate and tax levy to the State Board of Tax Commissioners hearing examiner at 10 a.m. Monday in the county courthouse.
