WARSAW — During the Warsaw Board of Works meeting held this morning, May 22, the board approved the purchase of a new Grapple Truck and discussed concerns about an upcoming overnight travel request to Plymouth.

The grapple truck will be used by the Street Department for loading yard waste, picking up large items and even distributing topsoil. The new truck and one employee would be able to accomplish the work of multiple trucks and employees in a shorter amount of time.

The truck would also help eliminate employees trying to lift items that are too heavy or touching things such as poison ivy or bed bugs. The board approved the bid through National Joint Powers Alliance in the amount of $146,632 for the new truck. The truck will be in service in four to five months.

A concern was brought up about two street department employees requesting overnight travel for the ISCA Street Commissioners Convention in Plymouth. It was noted that an overnight stay may not be necessary for Plymouth and that it would be a waste of money.

Jeff Beeler, Street Department superintendent, explained that his hotel room is covered because he is on the board. Only the other employee would need to pay for overnight expenses. He went on to explain that the convention goes late into the evening and there are networking opportunities for those who stay after hours. This convention has been attended overnight in previous years.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer agreed that many conventions have great opportunities after hours for those who stay. He noted it was typically the best time to exchange information with others attending the convention.

The board approved travel for this particular trip. It was mentioned that they will look further into the issue and see if a mileage guideline needs to be set.

In other news:

• The board opened bids for the Eisenhower Basin, phase I of the stormwater expansion. The bids will be awarded next meeting.
• The board approved the Police Department to participate in the 2017 Summer Impaired Driving Enforcement Program.
• A bid was awarded for the Center Lake Outfall improvements.
• An easement was approved for Patterson Place. There is an underground pipe that is having issues. The homeowners gave the city an easement so that the issues can be addressed.
• The board approved a pay application for the Husky Trail Project. The project is currently ahead of schedule and Phase I should be completed by late July.
• The $56,504 in donations and $50,000 matching IHCDA grant received for the alley project were officially accepted. The board then awarded bids to begin redoing the asphalt in the alley and the decorative inlay.
• The contract with Umbaugh for the Airport Annex Fiscal Plan was approved.