Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The look around the fire stations is both old and new.
Incorporating an "old" Warsaw fire department logo, newly designed duty wear will be smoke gray T-shirts with the logo on front and back, Chief Matt Warren advised Warsaw Board of Works members Friday.
The more casual look will be complemented with gray sweatshirts and windbreakers.
During appearances in public, firefighters will appear in shirts with badges, Warren said.
Board member Jerry Patterson asked if there was any significance to the "smoke" gray color.
Board of Works members heard from Warsaw public works superintendent Lacy Francis regarding proposals for a new truck garage.
The project was budgeted for this year and costs are not to exceed $75,000. The six-bay steel structure is meant to house the city's garbage trucks and will be located on city property at the west end of Center Street.
Three material-only bids were reviewed: from Empire Steel - $27,460, which was approved; and two from Lowe's - $29,526.13, with a metal roof, and $33,066.02, with a shingled roof.
The board approved a $20,000 payment to the county for the city's share of the 2002 countywide aerial photography project.
The county is paying a total of $500,000 for the project, according to city planner Jeff Noffsinger, and photographs will be rendered on a 1:50 scale.
In other business, the board:
• Chose American United Life Insurance Co. voluntary investment firm for employees, a switch from Nationwide.
Mayor Ernie Wiggins said Nationwide no longer has a local representative and information was available only over the telephone or by mail.
AUL representative Amy Haupert Javis attended the meeting, explaining that someone will always be available to talk to employees. Group meetings will be next week with enrollment two weeks later.
City clerk Elaine Call said funds invested with Nationwide could remain with that company. However, after May 1, deferred payments would go through AUL.
• Approved entertainment contracts for Central Park appearances this summer as recommended by activities director Janelle Wilson. Appearing July 26 is Phil Vassar for $16,500; James Wadkins, July 20, for $300; Mark Seabury, June 28, for $650; Bill Kolter, July 20, for $500; Chicago Rhythm and Blues Kings, July 20, for $2,500; and with the Ramada Plaza Hotel for accommodations July 26 and 27, for $470.
• Heard the open house at the Fort Wayne Street police department office will be May 4 for city employees and May 5 for the public.
Capt. Paul Schmitt said the move should be complete by April 15.
• Approved the travel requests of police department employees Joe Hawn, Terry Polston, Brad Kellar and Scott Whitaker, and fire department employees Kerry Stogsdill, Mark Huffer, Brooks Huffer, Dave Vercauteren and Matt Warren.
• Approved new employees: Charles Hartman, janitor for the police department; Larry D. Babrick, groundskeeper at Oakwood Cemetery; Aaron McKinley and Rebecca S. Bailey, both rehires for the parks department; Kimberly Walters, recording secretary for the building and planning department; and Shirley Fetrow, secretary for the fire department.
Board of works members are Ernie Wiggins, Jerry Patterson and Charlie Smith.
