City Parking Control Officer Dana Hewitt shows off the new handicapped accessible signs installed downtown Warsaw.

WARSAW — The installation of new handicapped signs at designated downtown parking spaces and a recommendation to adjust the speed limit on CR 225E, were the main topic of business at the Warsaw Traffic Safety Commission today, Wednesday, April 6.

Dana Hewitt, parking control officer, reported installation of the new signs was completed last week. Former signs contained the letter H indicating handicapped parking. This is the symbol for hospitals. These signs have been updated to the international handicapped symbol.

In other business, during the 12-minute meeting, the commission will recommend to the city council the speed limit on CR 225E, between Old Road 30 and Pontiac Drive, be reduced to 35 miles per hour. This area will now conform with the city standard and be consistent with other speed limits within the city.

Jeremy Skinner, city planner, stated a subdivision is being built and the land annexed into the city limits. The current posted speed limit is 40 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour.

Discussion regarding downtown resident parking remains unfinished business. Hewitt noted the subcommittee met several weeks ago and discussed ideas for parking of those renting downtown apartments. Some suggestions were having spaces made available in private lots or a few designated on street parking spaces. Hewitt noted conversations have been held with the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and some downtown owners were receptive with more information requested.

“The main concern is not taking away (parking) from downtown businesses,” Hewitt and Cindy Dobbins, commission member, stated. It was reported the subcommittee will meet again to develop several ideas and bring back to the commission. Contact will also be made with the chamber to see if it will work with owners of private lots.

Foster recalled years ago when second story residences were discussed downtown, the property owners were responsible for providing parking space for residential occupants of buildings — either renting spots in lots or space at the building. “So it was the same concern at that time,” he stated. Dobbins noted presently some apartments are owner occupied while others are rented out.”

Prior to the meeting being adjourned Dobbins asked Hewitt on the frequency the handicapped spot is used on South Lake Street, near Mutual Bank. He stated it is being used on rare occasions. It was pointed out the location is not convenient as individuals would need to walk a distance to get to any business. Hewitt will monitor that location and give a report at the next meeting. Should the city have adequate handicapped spots, it was suggested the spot be eliminated.

The next meeting of the commission will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 4.