Studies Approved To Investigate Potential Solutions
WARSAW — Studies to investigate potential solutions to “grade separation” between city streets and railroad crossings and a flooding problem on East Market Street, were approved by members of the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety. The two areas were among agenda items at Monday morning’s meeting, Oct. 24.
While the grade separation study was approved more than six months ago with American StructurePoint Inc., Indianapolis, the preliminary draft of the study has now been completed. Jeremy Skinner, city planner, stated this is a major project, but will provide feasibility, costs and options. “This is long term planning, it will not happen in the next five to 10 years, it might be 15-20 years,” said Skinner.
Mayor Joe Thallemer stated the study was at the suggestion of the Indiana Department of Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railroad following the city’s application, three to five years ago, for funds for safety improvements to three crossings. The number of crossings for safety upgrades has now increased to five. The safety improvement project is now in the engineering phase by the state. “This is a long term project,” said Thallemer, adding the study will provide answers to where, how to pay for the project, options, any property acquisitions and intersections. “It will be a blueprint to see if we can do it.”
The approval Monday was for payment of the study at a cost of $4,958.72.
Flooding Study
Significant flooding has occurred in the area of East Market and Johnson streets. An agreement with AECOM, Indianapolis, was approved to undertake a flood mitigation study. The cost of the study is $59,400.
Thallemer noted the pipes have been cleared out and there are no obstructions. “We are trying to see if we can put it to rest,” said Thallemer. Brian Davison, city wastewater treatment utility manager, stated “Our goal is to reduce the frequency in that area.”
Payment was also approved for Wessler Engineering, Fort Wayne, to do a sewer rehabilitation prioritization in the last step of the infiltration/inflow reduction program. That cost was approved at $16,800. The information will prioritize the failed pipes and give a recommendation if the order work should be done. It will also provide a blanket specification sheet for any future work.
During other business, members of the board of works:
- Approved payment of $3,304.48 to American StructurePoint Inc., for engineering services on the Buffalo Street Redevelopment Project. Bidding of the project is slated for December or January, with construction to begin the spring of 2017.
- Approved payment of $17,717.94 for preliminary engineering services on the Market Street Project to VS Engineering Inc., Indianapolis.
- Approved payments to A&Z Engineering LLC, Fort Wayne, in the amounts of: $9,234 for right of way services; $4,494 for engineering services; $18,975.60 for engineering services and $3,400 for right of way staking on the Husky Trail Project. Bids should have a January letting date on the project.
- Approved an agreement with The Bowling Alley in the amount of $3,988.88 for the city employee Christmas party.
- Accepted a $4,228 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to purchase bulletproof vests.
- Accepted an updated 2016 Employee Safety Manual to reflect current government requirements.
- Approved the travel request for Roger Sarber, public works supervisor, to attend an open house that includes a minimum reflectivity training seminar.
- Approved the purchase of 30-40 trees for replacement at the cemetery.