Troy Knefelkamp was sworn in Monday morning as the newest firefighter with the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory. Shown in front is his son Leighton. In back are Chief Michael Brubaker, Knefelkamp, Nicole Leighton holding Maxton Knefelkamp, Charles Smith and Jeff Grose, board of public works members. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Troy Knefelkamp takes the oath of office from Charles Smith during the regular board of public works and safety meeting today.

The swearing in of a new firefighter, change in fuel purchase and approval for new and additional equipment were topics at Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety this morning.

Troy Knefelkamp was sworn in as Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory’s newest firefighter at the start of the meeting. He has completed his probationary training.

A change in fuel delivery and tank usage was presented by Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker. Stating tanks for diesel and gas usage are at the police department, it was felt there were far better options.

Gasoline for all town equipment will be using regular 87 octane gasoline and diesel fuel from Lassus Brothers stations at North Detroit Street and at Parker and US 30, at a cost of $2.731 per gallon and $2.936 per gallon for diesel. An agreement was also approved to purchase diesel from North Central Co-op at a cost of $2.99.

Whitaker noted the desire to go with two companies for diesel provided more options in case immediate needs arise. It was also stated that while North Central Co-op was slightly higher, the grade of diesel is a higher quality. Clear gasoline will be delivered to a specific site, with a location yet to be determined.

Whitaker stated there will be a gas card system for each employee who has a company vehicle. The cards will be vehicle specific. There will also be pin numbers for each card.

During other business approvals were given for:

• Release of a mortgage for a home rehabilitated by Warsaw Housing Authority.
• Purchase of a copier by the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department at a cost of $5,758.87, plus a $1,200 per year maintenance agreement.
• Purchase, the Department of Public Works, new heating and air conditioning unit from  Quine Freeman at a cost of $28,157.
• Purchase of a new welder for public works from Norhtern Gases & Supplies Inc. for $4,680
• Pay application in the amount of $9,268 on the Husky Trail Project for engineering services, the town’s portion of an 80/20 grant. Right of Way acquisition is expected in the next month with bid letting later in the year.
• Purchase additional smoke detectors, as part of the elevator remodel project, outside the elevator doors, to be connected to the elevator hardware providing safe exit from various floors in the event of a fire: $1,577.70.
• Purchase of a 2015 2500 Crew Ram truck at a cost of $29,762.87 for the Utility Department with the plow to be purchased through the street department’s plow bid process.

Non-financial action included signing an agreement with Warsaw Community Schools to jointly purchase ice melting materials; and allowing the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory to  apply for a K21 Grant to upgrade three defibrillation units. This grant would request $81,534.

Expenses for travel were also approved for Kip Shuter, Warsaw Police Department, to attend an event planning/security training in late November and for Elizabeth McKinley, park department, to attend the IPRA Conference after the first of the year.

The board also approved the closing of the alley between St. Regis Club and the city building, between noon Saturday, Nov. 1, to midnight, Sunday, Nov. 2, for an outdoor music and food event. Closing of Buffalo Street between Main and Center streets was approved from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, for a visit by Gov. Mike Pence.