Warsaw Planner Jeremy Skinner presented multiple items to board members during the meeting.

WARSAW — After appearing on the agenda for the last two meetings, the Warsaw Common Council approved to amend the current ordinance regarding fats, oils and grease discharges during the meeting held last night, May, 21.

Ordinance 2018-04-03 addresses how food service establishments handle discharges of fats, oils and grease. The ordinance outlines different requirements that food establishments need to comply with, including having and cleaning a grease trap or grease interceptor.

If these discharges enter the sewer system they often cause clogs and sewer back ups for the establishment and possibly neighboring buildings. The requirements vary based on the food establishment’s needs and can range from a grease trap to an interceptor. The required cleaning of the equipment can also vary based on food establishment.

In previous meetings, board members have expressed concerns with the ordinance, including the associated costs, especially for the smaller food establishments.

Many of the same concerns and a few new ones followed the ordinance to last night’s meeting. Board Member Jack Wilhite questioned the necessity of the ordinance when it comes to food establishments that discharge very little fats, oils or grease. Utility Manager Brian Davison explained that every food establishment, no matter how small, will be required to follow the ordinance.

“That’s where things get a little grey,” said Wilhite. “I do draw a line, I agree with that. I just don’t agree that’s where the line needs to be.”

Board Member Ron Shoemaker also suggested that selective enforcement could become a problem with this particular ordinance. “My biggest concern with this is the subjectiveness, and that’s where we can run into trouble.”

Davison explained that the ordinance was designed to be flexible for both the businesses and the city. “We’ve tried to be as friendly as possible and still meet our end goal.”

Wilhite commented that despite urging restaurant owners to come express their opinions at the public meetings, the council has heard no comments good or bad. He took this as a sign that the ordinance “can’t be that bad.”

The ordinance was approved, with Shoemaker and Cindy Dobbins opposing, after an amendment was changed to make the sections for the grease interceptor and the grease trap match in wording. The new wording allows for cleaning “more or less often” than the standard cleaning time as determined by the city.

In other news:

• A public hearing was held for allowing additional appropriations for the Northern TIF District. The ordinance was approved with no comment from the public.
• The board approved the Shadow Lakes annexation, which is a 100 percent voluntary annexation. The annexation will officially take place 30 days after it is advertised.
• Additional appropriations were also approved for the Certified Technology Park. These appropriations will have a public hearing during the next council meeting on June 4.
• City Planner Jeremy Skinner provided ten tax abatements and recommended them all for approval. The tax abatements included Zimmer Productions Inc., Zimmer US Inc., Zimmer Inc., Models Plus, two for Wildman Business Group, R & B Investors Partnership, Milestone AV Technologies, Dalton Corporation and DePuy. The board approved all of the abatements.
• It was announced that no bids have been received for the old city hall. Bids are due by May 25.
• Resident Kyle Babcock asked if the city was involved with the Kosciusko County Community Fair lawsuit in any way. Both Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer and Warsaw City Attorney Mike Valentine denied any involvement.
• The board made a consensus not to look into parking tags for downtown residents.
• A representative of the Kosciusko County Community Fair was present to remind the board about this year’s fair being held July 8 through July 14. The city’s help was requested for use of a garbage truck and a street sweeper during the fair. Thallemer said that the help would be provided.