The improved alley as of July 21.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Board of Public Works saw a request for the closure of the alley between Oak & Alley and the city hall for AlleyFest 2017 on July 27. The request was only a formality, as the alley has been closed as it is being updated.

The event, which will run from 5-8 p.m., will take place in the plaza (the municipal parking lot) and will be a celebration open to co-ops, interns and young full-time professionals at OrthoWorx’s member companies. The celebration will be centered around the new improved alley, a “new and exciting feature for downtown Warsaw.”

Invited guests of OrthoWorx will receive complementary appetizers and drink specials from Oak & Alley, but the public is welcome to attend and enjoy the improved alley. It is anticipated that a beer tent or beer garden will be requested for the event using a one day excise permit. There will also be a band, The Tumbleweed Jumpers, on a small stage in the plaza.

Mayor Joe Thallemer commented that no smoking or drinking will be allowed in the alley and that the alley will remain open to the public throughout the event. Oak & Alley’s outside seating area will also not be affected.

“The plaza has been basically designed for these types of events and we welcome this event,” Thallemer said, further stating the plaza is available for such occasions and organizing parties are allowed to use any vendor desired, not just Oak & Alley and Three Crowns.

In light of the improved alley and new outdoor seating regulations, 110 Craft Meatery, Run and Vino Cane applied and were approved for outdoor seating permits. Justin Taylor presented the applications.

In other business:

• Jeff Beeler presented planned road closures for upcoming crack sealing. Road closures starting next Wednesday are Hessler, Paths of Deerfield and Meadowbrook. Signs and door hangers will be put out one day before the process.
• Pam Kennedy with Housing Opportunities of Warsaw presented the final claim for the matching IHCDA grant. The 13th home will be finished July 24.
• The board approved the acceptance of the Indiana Arts Commission grant in the amount of $5,000 that helps fund the summer concert in the park series.
• The board approved for the application to the Kosciusko REMC Operation Round-Up grant in the amount of $2,000. This is not a matching grant.
• The board approved LPA voucher #3 in the amount of $23,518.02 for construction engineering services, and #4 in the amount of $27,330.06. Eighty percent of these costs will be reimbursed per the 80/20 matching grant.
• The board approved right-of-way acquisitions with the INDOT Market Street project. This project is also using an 80/20 matching grant.
• Mayor Thallemer acknowledged complaints filed regarding a Board of Works decision made via email. Kyle Babcock and Chad Zartman both commented, implying that there was ill intent.