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Warsaw's Common Council met Tuesday to discuss reappointments, transfers, deer problems and the recent matter of wetland areas on Market Street.
Jerry Patterson will remain council president for the 2006 year, with the council voting 4-0 in favor of Patterson remaining at his 2005 position. Patterson abstained from voting.
Bruce Woodward also was reappointed for four years to the Board of Zoning Appeals, continuing his position which began Sept. 1, 1998.
Two resolutions involving cumulative capital funds and electronic transfers were approved by the council. In what Wiggins called "housekeeping" for the Clerk Treasurer's Office, these resolutions will allow for investments through electronic fund transfers and a move of monies from the cumulative capital improvement fund to the general fund.
Before adjourning, members from the council discussed the recent situation involving wetland area surrounding Fribley Field on Market Street.
An August 2005 inspection by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management labeled areas of the park as an emerging isolated wetland. The investigation stemmed from a complaint made by a resident, and resulted in the city having to undo maintenance they performed around the area last year.
"If someone is so concerned about us cleaning up a mosquito and rat-infested area for children that they call the state, then we're in a world of hurt," councilman Bill Rhoades said. "I don't understand it."
The board noted the land was not registered as wetland area in their records, which were updated last in 2002. The recreational history and "wetland significance" of the land also brought disagreement from members on the city's new responsibility of removing what they believe to be improvements.
"If you're out there having fun, then you're making somebody mad," Bob Morrison said. "That's what I see hear."
In other matters, Jeff Grose announced Warsaw's deer task force will be meeting with the Department of Natural Resources this month to discuss the current overpopulation issues the city faces. Grose also said the group had met with seven different individuals who presented various removal options.
A resolution to the deer problem will take place no sooner than the next hunting season.
The board also:
• Reappointed Alan Clingan to the BZA.
• Replaced Kent Adams with Kyle Babcock on the Redevelopment Committee. Neal Carlson, Savina Kralis, Tammy Rockey and Charlie Smith were reappointed to 1-year terms.
• Reappointed a 4-year term for Gene Zale to the Aviation Board.
• Reappointed John Sadler to the Parks and Recreation Board for a 4-year term.
• Reappointed Greg Schroeder, Sergeant Kip Shuter, Jeremy Skinner, Ann Sweet, George Clemens and Bill Rhoades to the Traffic Commission. Each received a 1-year term.
• Reappointed Warren Tatter to the Oakwood Cemetery Board for four years.
• Reappointed Pat Ellis and Bob Kline to 4-year terms on the Housing Authority Board.
Councilmen Smith and Joe Thallemer were absent Tuesday. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 17.
