Lakeside Chevrolet in Warsaw did not submit the lowest bid for three new Chevrolet Caprice patrol vehicles, but the local dealership was still awarded the contract during this morning’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

Kelley Chevrolet out of Fort Wayne submitted the lowest of only two bids received for the Warsaw Police Department patrol vehicles. The purchases will complete a cycle of replacing aging vehicles.

The total bid from Kelley Chevrolet was for $77,986. Lakeside Chevrolet’s bid for $80,100 “… is only about a $700 difference per vehicle,” said Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer. “I’ll make a motion to award the bid based on it being a local business and for the convenience.” Charlie Smith was the only other B.O.W. member at today’s meeting and agreed with the mayor. Jeff Grose was absent.

In August 2013, the B.O.W. awarded a $50,794.60 contract to Kelley Chevrolet for two patrol vehicles. In that case, it was noted Lakeside Chevrolet was not able to bid on those vehicles because it was unable to locate the 2013 models that fit the specifications needed by the police department and the 2014 models were not yet available.

One other bid was awarded by the B.O.W. today, that one to replace lighting at Warsaw Central Park that is being phased out. Warsaw Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer said the high pressure sodium lamps now being used are being phased out over the next couple of years and the bulbs will no longer be available. In a proactive move, Plummer is asking to replace a total of 93 bulbs. The low bid came from Babsco Supply Inc. for $12,767.62.

The city also accepted a land donation to be used for Oakwood Cemetery. The donation is from the Beyer Wood Farm LLC and includes roughly 11 acres adjacent to the cemetery to the east.

In other business:

• Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker received approval for officers RJ Nethaway, Ryan Moore, Paul Heaton and Brad Kellar to attend drug conferences and training. Most of the expenses are being paid for from the prosecutor’s office. The city is responsible for a total of $2,600.
• Warsaw City Planner Jeremy Skinner submitted the final change order for the third floor renovations to city hall. The additional expenses for subfloor and roof beam repairs, additional electrical disconnects and circuits for HVAC equipment and drywall and paint work, with several cost deductions, totaled $12,611.15.
• Skinner also noted the Husky Trail project is moving forward with right-of-way acquisitions. He said bid letting should begin by August or September of this year with construction to begin by late 2015, with the bulk to happen in 2016.
• Wayne-Wayne Fire Territory Fire Chief Mike Brubaker received approval for hose, ground ladders and heat sensor testing. The testing is mandatory each year and is necessary for the city’s ISO rating. Total cost of the testing is $5,286.