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City residents who find their driveway entrances "plowed back in" will find them "plowed back out" within the hour, according to Lacy Francis, Warsaw street department supervisor. The streets weren't originally plowed as close to the curb as they could have been and now that the snow has stopped, closer plowing is underway. Smaller plows are following the graders half an hour to an hour later.
Mayor Ernie Wiggins at the city board of works meeting Friday asked that residents be patient while the work continues. He also asked that cars be moved so the streets can be completely cleared.
The board, including members Jerry Patterson and Charlie Smith, heard from Jeff Noffsinger, Warsaw city planner, who said a letter of credit was not received regarding Lakeland Apartments. The property has no city certification of occupancy. Town attorney Mike Armey was directed to inform the property managers of the violation.
The board signed a two-year parking lot lease with Maurice Menzie for $800 per month, or $19,200 per year. Rental rates were increased $100 per month more than last year.
Two entertainment contracts were signed as requested by parks and recreation department director Jon Garber. The first with Entertainment America, representing Herman's Hermits, is for $12,100. The second is $600 for Guitar Woodies to appear June 1. Both groups will be part of Central Park's Friday night in the park functions.
Also approved for the parks department was the installation of a new furnace and air conditioning in the Nye Youth Cabin. Collier's Heating and Air Conditioning will install the units for $76,000.
As part of their ongoing training, four police officers' travel requests were approved. Warsaw city patrolmen Brad Keller and Scott Whitaker will attend the Indianapolis Police Academy Jan. 22 and 23. Patrolmen Mike Cox and Randy Hart will participate in a 40-hour program at the academy Jan. 29 through Feb. 2.
Shawn Bartley, Warsaw, was named as a new full-time caretaker at Oakwood Cemetery at a rate of $9 per hour.
Fire chief Matt Warren advised the board he wants to order the remainder of air packs for the fire department, which was approved. Warren said the used equipment would be sold to Sidney and Roann fire departments and that money would revert to the city's general fund. Warren also said a scheduled burn is set for Jan. 13 and 14 for training purposes.
In other business, the board:
• Heard, for their information, that a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer would return to the police department with the trade-in cost of $6,500 going to the sheriff's department, according to police chief Steven Foster. Also, Foster said, the department would acquire a 1999 Blazer from the KCSD. The property transfer is city council business.
• Agreed to participate in the Quiz Bowl Feb. 27, sponsored by the Warsaw Community Foundation for Public Education. Cost per team is $150, which was approved.
• The board accepted a request by Wiggins to honor Art Heredi's vacation and sick time regarding his rehire. Heredi will be allowed two weeks vacation beginning Jan. 1 as well as carryover of one sick day from last year. Heredi works for the planning and building department.
• Approved Claimspro Management Services as prescription drug agency for town employees.
• Reviewed the revised wastewater project schedule.
• Received a letter from Warsaw Housing Authority regarding language in a contract between WHA and the city, stating that the organization does not administer an owner-occupied housing program on behalf of the city, as indicated in an earlier document.
• Heard from Wiggins that the old north parking garage is empty. Garage renovation on the former NIPSCO property is moving along with the project's end to be March 30. The work is being done by Bruner Construction, Warsaw.
The next Warsaw board of works meeting was rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18, instead of Friday, Jan. 19, at 10:30 a.m. in the city council chambers.
