New Fire Station Bond Issue Moves Ahead One More Step
WARSAW — A resolution and two ordinances relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for a new fire station were approved, but with a 6-1 vote Monday evening, Nov. 7, at the Warsaw Common Council meeting. Ron Shoemaker was the lone member against proceeding further.
Council members spent more than two hours discussing the three items, hearing from a handful of residents for and against moving forward. At least 20 minutes of that discussion was a presentation by Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Capt. Mike Brubaker on the history and close to seven years of discussion on a third station. His presentation included floor plans, fire apparatus response procedures, maps of the coverage areas, results of two studies and a graph showing the volume of calls from 2006 to current.
The presentation also included what was in the primary response area for the new station including housing additions, parks and schools, churches and commercial structures. Brubaker also stated two railroad lines often delay response to the southern portion of the township and fire apparatus can only go under the viaduct at Argonne Road. A copy of the presentation can be viewed here.
The resolution and ordinances are preliminary steps in having the bonds issued before the end of the year. The documents state the bonds would not exceed $3.9 million, nor would the interest rate exceed 6 percent. The pay off will not exceed 20 years.
The bonds will be sold, if the Wayne Township Advisory Board approves an interlocal agreement to pay 32.90 percent of the debt service payment. If that agreement is not approved, the project ceases. The advisory board was voting on the matter that evening.
Patrick Boyle, chief executive officer at Miller’s Merry Manor, Joe Clevenger, a resident and insurance agent, and Frank Jones, resident of Retired Tigers, all spoke in favor of the new station.
The opposition was focused on rushing into a quick decision, concern about the cost, and not looking to the future at a potential expansion at or near the airport. Voicing their concerns were Craig Nayrocker, Chad Zartman, Ann Bonowitz, Jeremy Folk and Kyle Babcock. Bonowitz suggested going with something between a pole barn and the current design. Babcock questioned if there was any conversation with Winona Lake, Claypool and Silver Lake on joining the fire territory or mutual aid.
Josh Volkers, while stating there was a need for the station, suggested possible cuts in the project instead of making it somebody’s idea of what they think it should be.
Mayor Joe Thallemer addressed the questions raised, noting there has been investigation into a fire station on the north side of town, near the airport, and that potential is in the future. Nick King, airport manager, stated state and federal funds would be available should a station be built at the airport, but a large number of requirements would need to be met.
It was noted the estimated construction cost, which was called a Taj Mahal by a few, was $3.2 million. It was also noted the project will be let for bidding, which may come in lower than the estimate.
Shoemaker noted the increase of yearly taxes due to the new station and frequently mentioned the operating cost once the station is completed. “Do you know what other cities are paying for a two-bay station? Four million seems excessive. I heard some are building a thee-bay station for $2 million.” He also questioned what the city would lose if the bonding was not done at this point. Several times it was noted issuing the bonds now would continue the debt service levy at its current rate.
Several council members and Brubaker indicated the new station’s construction is that of a building that will last, could easily be expanded and last for 50 to even 100 years, without having to come back and request funds for repairs in five to seven years. Problems with the existing stations – which are pole barn type buildings, were noted. “We don’t want a Taj Mahal, but we don’t want a pole barn. Do we want to spend more money in the long run rather than up front?” He did state they will go back and take a look at the plans to see if cuts can be made.
During other matters the council accepted the third quarter franchise fees from Comcast and MediaCom, of $13,956.88 and $364.77 respectively. The council also approved the transfer of $40,000 in the building and planning fund from capital outlays to professional services.
The council will meet again Nov. 21 for a public hearing and final vote on the two ordinances relating to the general bonds.