Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Warsaw Police Department was recently awarded two federal grants, which were approved Friday by the city's Board of Works.
Funneled through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, one award, for $10,723 with a $3,575 local match, will be applied toward the salary of Becky Moreno of the Victim's Assistance office.
The second grant will be given to the Beaman Home for operating expenses in the amount of $24,527, with an $8,176 local match.
The city will act as subrecipient of the grant for the Beaman Home.
The board approved Brandon Schmitt as a probationary firefighter for the Warsaw Fire Department, as presented by Fire Chief Matt Warren. Schmitt has been a volunteer since 1997.
The board also approved the promotion of firefighter Tim Hood from driver to lieutenant.
Warren advised the board of his vacation time, Aug. 22 through Aug. 25, and said assistant chief Jon Swoverland will be acting chief.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a three-year city parking lot lease with Philip and Maxine Harris in the amount of $14,400, paid in installments.
The lot is behind Lake Theatre, and spaces are rented by the city for various amounts.
• Approved contracts with Robinson Construction in both the demolition and office renovation phases for the new police department, 2191 E. Fort Wayne St.
Robinson was selected to do the work at the last Board of Works meeting as the lowest, most responsible bidder.
Demolition and renovation costs are expected to be $50,400 and renovation and remodeling costs were approved at $710,025.
The contracts are available for public review in the city clerk's office.
• Received an authorization form from Heartland Environmental Solutions, who will act as subcontractor for Robinson Construction during the asbestos-removal process at the new police department facility.
• Granted the excavation request of Jackson Development Inc. to begin work in the proposed Pheasant Ridge housing subdivision, as requested by city planner Jeff Noffsinger.
A preliminary plat approval has not been approved by the plan commission, nor has a public hearing been advertised.
Brad Jackson requested going ahead with excavation at the Aug. 13 plan commission meeting knowing changes could be made to the subdivision maps presented.
Board member Charlie Smith asked Noffsinger why the item wasn't on the agenda and Noffsinger said he was out of town for a couple of days.
• Noted that the next city council meeting will be Thursday at 7 p.m., a change from the usual third Monday of each month. A special meeting for pre-adoption of the budget is set for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27, with final adoption Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.
Board of Works members are Mayor Ernie Wiggins, Jerry Patterson and Charlie Smith.
The next Board of Works meeting will be Sept. 7 at 10:30 a.m. in council chambers at city hall.
