Warsaw Common Council approved the first reading of an ordinance increasing fees for services rendered and sale of burial plots in Oakwood Cemetery, Monday evening. The final reading and adoption of the ordinance will take place on Jan. 20, at which time the new fees will be in effect.

Rates will increase anywhere from $25 to $100. Hal Heagy, Oakwood Cemetery sexton reported the proposed fees are still less than other cemeteries, that operate as private businesses. He added the board of regents feels the proposed fees are fair for a municipal cemetery. Not all prices, however, have been proposed to increase.

This is the first rate increase since 2008.

See current fees and amount of increase noted here. To view the proposed ordinance click here.

Only two other items of business were on the agenda for the night: setting the speed limit for Parent Drive at 25 miles per hour and election of council president.

Warsaw Police Lt. Kip Shuter, Warsaw Traffic Safety Commissioner, stated there are 20 driveways within 1,000 feet of the entrance. Currently the street ends in a cul-de-sac but eventually will link up to Petro Drive. Council members approved the first reading and suspended the rules for a second reading to approve the speed limit ordinance. The speed limit is in effect immediately.

With a vote of six to one, Diane Quance was re-elected council president. Charles Smith voted against the nomination and re-election.

Craig Nayrocker inquired about the Market Street project and how much of that project would come from property taxes. He noted he is in favor of the project, especially the bike path as it will attract individuals to the community. He requested to know the cost of the current project or total for the various parts.

Mayor Joe Thallemer responded the majority of the current project costs, from Argonne Road to Bronson Street, will be funded through the Motor Vehicle Highway fund and the local road and street funds and the economic development income tax funds generated through non-property based taxes. The bike path portion is being funded through private donations and grants.

Thallemer additionally stated the project includes solutions to drainage problems, which will be funded by the storm water utility tax. New drainage pipes and catch basins will be added during the construction. The remainder of the Market Street project will be a state and federally funded project. It was noted  the new wheel tax has not yet been figured into the project as the amount being generated is unknown.

Council members were also given a look at the city’s current investments and presented a summary report of all funds purchase order transaction list. Several funds showed purchase orders dating back several years. Lynn Christiansen, clerk-treasurer, noted those funds will be liquidated once it is determined further activity has ceased.

Due to the next regularly scheduled meting falling on Martin Luther King Jr., Day, the meeting will be moved to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20.