WINONA LAKE – The town council learned Tuesday that Ward 4 Councilman Greg Winn is resigning. Winn announced Tuesday night his resignation is effective July 31. A caucus will need to be held to fill the vacancy. Winn, who has served on the council for three years, said he called Kosciusko County Republican Party Chairman Randy Girod last week to inform him he has plans to resign at the end of this month and will send a formal letter to Girod today. “My wife and I are expecting our second child, and due to a growing family we need more space and purchased a house in Warsaw,” Winn said. “I want to thank the community for electing me and giving me this honor to make the decisions for the town, and it’s been a lot of fun and I appreciate the honor with this position.” Bruce Shaffner, council president, thanked Winn for his service. “We appreciate the time you’ve been with us. You will be missed,” Shaffner said. The council also approved an ordinance 4 to 1 that prohibits smoking in parks in Winona Lake. This includes Winona Lake, Bibler and Chestnut Street parks and on the Heritage Trail portion of the Greenway. Councilmen Winn, Peter Christos, Shaffer and Randy Swanson voted in favor of the ordinance. Councilman Terry Howie voted against the ordinance because he had a concern with how the ordinance would be enforced. Kent Adams, clerk-treasurer, provided a 2015 budget calendar update and said a council budget study session special meeting will be Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. at the town hall. A public hearing on the budget will be Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. and the council budget official adoption will be Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. Paul Schmitt, town marshal, thanked the fire department for their efforts during storm clean up. Art Gakstatter, Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club member, thanked the council for the town’s support during the Breakfast Optimist Triathlon. He also requested to install a ladder on the canal that would be there year-round at the bridge across from his house. He said the ladder would make it easier for lake users to get in and out of the canal. The council will take the request under advisement. Mitch Titus, Winona Lake fire chief, reminded the council he would like the town to consider installing an updated tornado siren. In other business, the council: • Approved a $792,198 contract with Michiana Construction for phase one of the Limitless Park. The first phase is for a splash pad, trailhead facilities and a parking area. • Approved a contract not to exceed $50,000 with Construction Resources for milling and resurfacing of the sidewalks on Seventh Street. • Approved a $9,560 contract with Laporte Construction for demolition of cottages in the town. • Heard upcoming Winona Happenings include a Combined Community Services fundraiser across from The Boathouse July 26 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., and the Winona Lake Fire Department 100 Year Celebration with a display of trucks will be on East Canal Street July 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.
