WARSAW — Michael Cox, who retired from the police department several years ago, has returned to the payroll of the city of Warsaw. This time as a consultant for emergency management services.

An agreement with Cox, owner of Michael Cox Consulting Inc., was signed Friday morning during the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. The city will be paying Cox $15,000 annually in monthly installments of $1,250 between Feb. 1 through Nov. 1, with a payment of $2,500 on Dec. 1.

Mayor Joe Thallemer stated the Warsaw Chemical spill prompted talks for the need of a city comprehensive emergency management plan. “He (Cox) has a keen insight of the county emergency service and how it ties in with the district.” said Thallemer. Cox will work on a comprehensive EMP making Warsaw compliant with all National Incident Management Systems guidelines and provide appropriate training to the city employees to ensure acceptable prosecution of that plan.

This position would be a compliment to the county’s emergency management services, overseen by Ed Rock. Cox will collaborate with Rock. “It will give us the opportunity for compliance and certification for training to be more prepared,” said Thallemer.

Bigger Than Anticipated

The cleaning of 300 feet of storm sewer line at Central Park was a bigger undertaking than anticipated. The line was found in a worse condition than contractors had ever seen due to tree roots. Brian Davison, utility supervisor, stated it took a considerable amount of effort to clear the line. “They were here for five days cutting (tree roots) in the 300 feet … the roots were large, going through every joint,” he stated. The roots were estimated at 8 inches to 12 inches thick.

“The pipe is in good condition, once cleaned,” Davison said. He stated the city has purchased equipment to clear lines of roots, at a cost less than the expense of the project.

The change order was for an additional $22,050, submitted by Selge Construction, Niles, Mich. The original contract was for $20,000.

During public comments/questions, Jason Brown, owner of One Ten Craft Meatery, questioned if the Riverfront District will be receiving state funding following the Northeast Regional Cities receiving state funds. Brown was informed it is still too early to know how funds will be distributed. Jeremy Skinner, city planner, said details of how to apply, for funds, could be a couple months away.

During other business:

• Granted two taxi cab permits to AA Taxi and five permits to Fast Cab, both owned by David R. Cesaretti; and one permit to Rock’s Yellow Cab, owned by Larry Rock. Warsaw Deputy Police Bryan Sherwin reported all vehicles passed inspection, insurance is in order and all drivers licensed.
• Signed an agreement with Kegan Burns, manager of the Kosciusko Farmers Market, to continue operations on Center Street in 2016. There are approximately 20-25 vendors who participate on Saturday mornings.
• Signed an agreement with Turner Valentine Law Office for legal services in 2016 at a cost of $42,000 for the year.
• Signed a contract with the Workforce Development Program for grant administration overseen by Kosciusko Economic Development Commission
• Approved a 2016 agreement with H. J. Umbaugh and Associates for accounting support services for the fire department, a cost based on services provided.
• Approved the police department to begin advertising for four new Chevrolet Caprice vehicles with a police package. The four vehicles to be replaced have over 100,000 miles.
• Approved the purchase of a 2014 Jeep from N&J Auto Sales, Warsaw, at a cost of $29,500 for the planning department.
• Reviewed the 2016 budget guidelines for the stormwater utility and wastewater treatment utility departments. The stormwater utility budget totals $526,940.50. The wastewater treatment utility budget totals $7,650,512.25 and includes costs to accomplish projects on Main and Buffalo streets in one year.
• Approved an amendment with Wessler Engineering Inc. for field investigations on the Wastewater Collection System I/I Reduction Program, an estimated cost of $65,000. Davison stated this is important to keep from a potential plan expansion. A comprehensive plan will be developed following the field investigation.
• Instructed the clerk-treasurer to notify the holder of the surety bond for DORE & Associates not to pay nor release the bond. The matter has not been completed.