Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety approved a fourth change order for the Lake City Greenway project Friday.
The original sum of the contract for the project was $185,701.04. Three previous change orders increased the sum to $247,501.27. Friday's order increased the sum to $304,104.12.
According to city planner Jeff Noffsinger, the change order was necessary to compensate for field conditions in the wetlands where the boardwalk is being constructed. He said a greater depth is needed for the some of the piers than was previously estimated.
"In some places where we had estimated the depth to be 20 feet, it ended up being more like 40," Noffsinger said.
The board also approved the purchase of 2,500 tons of street salt from Morton Salt for $91,075. In an attempt to find a lower rate than last year, the board advertised jointly with the Kosciusko County Commissioners for the salt bid.
According to the contract with Morton Salt, each agency will pay separately and only be liable for the salt they receive at their respective facilities. Street department superintendent Lacy Francis said the bid constitutes a "minor" savings compared to last year.
The board also:
• Tabled a decision on a purchase agreement with Rabb/Kinetico Water Systems due to questions on rates discussed in the agreement. No representative of Rabb/Kinetico or the wastewater treatment plant was present.
• Approved a change order for the removal of waste from the Gatke property at the south end of McKinley Street off Winona Avenue, Warsaw. The contract decreased from $118,007 to $98,000.
• Approved a transfer of ownership of the Gatke property from the city of Warsaw to the Redevelopment Commission. According to Noffsinger, the transfer was necessary before any redevelopment can be done on the property.
• Approved contracts for advertisement and entertainment for the Labor Day picnic Sept. 1. The contracts totaled $775 and will be paid for by donations from Kosciusko Organized Labor Alliance. The entertainment contract is with Doc Wadkins and the Hardpack, who will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Entertainment and advertising contracts also were approved for Celebrate Latin Culture, scheduled for Sept. 13. The contracts total $1,325 and will be paid for out of budget allocations, according to parks activities director Janelle Wilson. Grupo Ilusion Musical will perform at the celebration.
A special meeting of the Board of Public Works and Safety will be held Monday at 5 p.m. at the Warsaw City Building. A Warsaw Town Council meeting will follow at 5:30 p.m. Board of Public Works and Safety members are Mayor Ernie Wiggins, Jerry Patterson, Charlie Smith.
