Pictured, from left, Kosciusko Commissioner Brad Jackson, Commissioner President Bob Conley, ABATE Representative James Dawson and Commissioner Vice-President Cary Groninger.

WARSAW — James Dawson, a representative for Kosciusko County American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, attended the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, April 17, to request that commissioners sign a proclamation declaring May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. 

“Even though the weather is not showing it, it’s about that time for motorcycles to come out again,” said Dawson.

ABATE is a non-profit safety, educational, charitable and advocacy motorcyclist organization. “It’s a tremendous program,” said Commissioner President Bob Conley. 

“Anytime we can bring the spotlight to safety, especially safety on the road, we’re happy to do that,” Conley stated, as commissioners approved the proclamation.

Matt Meersman, director for the St. Joseph River Basin Commission, said they have been working on a number of projects, including legislation from Noble County.

“The primary purpose is to expand the scope of the St. Joe River Basin Commission so that it’s not just looking at water quality but also at water quantity and flood mitigation,” said Meersman.

“I’m encouraging you all to think about how we can advocate for what Kosciusko County’s needs might be,” Meersman said. 

Information was provided by Meersman regarding the annual Indiana-Michigan St. Joseph River Basin Symposium, which is scheduled for May 11, and will be held in Niles, Mich.  

Attorney Chad Miner gave an update regarding the regional sewer district. 

“The Kosciusko County Council did approve the additional appropriations Thursday,” Miner said, adding that he contacted Ice-Miller, Indianapolis, Umbaugh and Associates, Mishawaka, and Jones Petry Rafinski, Elkhart, to inform them that the funding was approved. Miner also forwarded contracts to Ice- Miller and Jones Petry Rafinski. 

“I’ve also been in contact with the Chapman Lake Association,” said Miner. “They are getting some meetings lined up so they can start doing some community outreach,” Miner advised they do not have dates set up at this time, but advised he will keep in touch with them and relay information to the commissioners once dates have been set.

County Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden presented the 2017 annual operational report related to roads and streets for approval.

“They’ve done a great job with chip and seal and resurfacing projects,” said Commissioner Vice-President Cary Groninger. The operational report was approved by commissioners. 

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer said city and county officials will be meeting with Norfolk Southern Railway officials this afternoon to discuss work the railway will be doing in the near future. 

“They are going to come through the north-south line and replace the rail this year,” said Thallemer. “Starting north of Claypool and going north to the county line.” 

Thallemer explained that the work will be done in two phases, with the first phase tentatively scheduled to begin this month.

“The dates are not set in stone yet,” said Thallemer. “The first phase is supposed to happen later this month when they’ll drop the rail. Then sometime in early July they will come back and set the rail.”

“As you can imagine, it’s going to cause some big snarls, especially locally where we have eight crossings in a four mile section,” Thallemer cautioned. “It’s just something to be aware of. Obviously they’re going to do the best they can to try to minimize the disruption.” 

One item, a petition by David Davidsen to rezone land from residential to commercial in a residential subdivision was withdrawn from today’s agenda after it was not looked upon favorably by the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission. During their meeting Wednesday, April 4, the APC recommended denial of the petition by a 5-1 vote.

The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 1.