Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The price tag of the telephone system in the new police department rings in at around $40,000.
Warsaw Board of Works members Mayor Ernie Wiggins, Jerry Patterson and Charlie Smith approved an equipment installation contract with Sprint Friday as recommended by police operations Sgt. Larry Engle.
A separate five-year maintenance contract was signed with Sprint also in the amount of $7,154: at no charge the first year (2002) half-price for the second year and for $2,044 for three years.
Smith was hesitant to agree to the maintenance fee, believing it was too costly, but approved the contract Friday during the board's meeting.
Rex's Rendezvous owner Robin Watters appeared at the meeting requesting permission to operate a hot dog vending cart. Although the matter was tabled, Watters was advised someone else has already been given verbal permission to operate a cart downtown on a trial basis.
Travis Trump, Claypool, approached the board with his vendor's request in April. He wished to set his cart up on the northwest corner of the courthouse square through Labor Day but has not been seen at that corner.
Watters requested the same corner ,saying he already had a cart as well as a "home-base" kitchen which meets department of health regulations at his business on Detroit Street.
"I'm already certified," Watters said, "and I'm asking for the same corner."
His plan is to set up operation after July 4.
The board amended an employment agreement with South Bend attorney Larry Clifford, who serves as the city's code enforcement hearing officer.
Specifically changed were paragraphs regarding Clifford's meeting schedule and fees. The board approved payments of $1,000 each for hearings in July, October or November or any other month he acts as hearing officer, and $250 each for non-hearing months.
The city also agrees to schedule a minimum of six hearings in 2002 at a cost of $1,000 each.
After cancellation of several monthly hearings regarding code violations, the planning and building department advised the board to cut back the meetings altogether, which they approved.
In other business the board:
• Signed several entertainment contracts as presented by parks department activities director Andy McCleary.
• Approved the promotions and pay increases of police department employee Joe Stanley, who was promoted to corporal, and fire department employee Brooke Murphy, who completed his first six months of service.
• Amended language on a parking lot agreement between the city and Anthony Miller of Instrumed. Miller indicated he would need the 69 parking spaces on Saturday mornings, as well as Monday through Friday.
• Approved a travel request by Wiggins to attend a mayor's conference. Smith was appointed mayor-in-charge during Wiggins' absence.
• Approved hiring Jackie Thallemer for the parks department.
• Agreed to pay the YMCA $300 for corporate membership.
