Council Once Again Talks Trash
WARSAW — Trash and recycling questions were once again brought before the Warsaw Common Council Monday evening, June 20. Annie Zartman and Anne Bonowitz presented the questions to the council. Zartman questioned i
f apartment complexes of five or more units could get recycling bins, if recycling could be picked up weekly instead of every two weeks and on the same day as the trash and if there was any solution to totes remaining along the streets after the 24-hour allotted time frame.
Mayor Joe Thallemer and Jeff Beeler, public works superintendent, responded to the questions. It was stated no recycling containers are given to apartment complexes. Weekly recycling pick up has never been an issue, stated Thallemer, noting this is a contracted service. Beeler stated second totes have been issued to those recycling extensively.
Regarding same day pick up for trash and recycling, Thallemer stated it could be considered in the future. Bonowitz stated same day pick up would help beautify the streets. She stated currently totes are placed along the streets from Tuesday through Saturday.
Thallemer noted a tagging system will be implemented. The procedure will begin as a reminder to remove the totes within 24 hours of trash pick up. The ultimate results would be taking the totes back to the city garage.
Center For Lakes And Streams Update
An update of activities and projects by the Center for Lakes and Streams was given by Dr. Nate Bosch.
Bosch highlighted events relating to Warsaw, such as the recent Lakes Festival, stormsewer art project and revitalization of signs on the Beyer Farm Trail. A ribbon cutting could be held in the next few weeks officially re-opening the trail.
An update on the removal of log jams on Tippecanoe River, was given. Bosch pointing out it was one of the 10 most important rivers in the United States according to the Nature Conservancy. There have been 171 log jams removed over the past two years, with 38 still to go, primarily in the Warsaw area.
Bosch stated the goal is to open the river up for canoe and kayak paddling, as well as help flood relief at Pike and Center lakes. Briefly, Bosch explained the high rating of the river was due to its biodiversity and its beauty.
Water sampling updates were included. He noted 58 sites were just completed and 18 different streams, including 10 in the Warsaw area. The samplings are to monitor water quality.
He concluded his report with the Lake Economic impact study showing the economic diversity in the county and the importance economically of clean lakes. The study found $313 million is brought into the county due to the lakes through lake related businesses, lake specific businesses and property values of homes on the lakes.
City Business
A timeline for meetings regarding the 2017 budget was presented to the council. A work session is planned for 4:30 p.m. July 25 to review the budget process. The Aug. 1 and 15 common council meetings will begin at 6 p.m. To review non-profit and department requests respectively. A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 and budget adoption at 7 p.m. Oct. 17.
Approval was granted to continue tax abatements for Symmetry Medical USA/Tecomet; Zimmer; DePuy; R & B Investors partnership; Wildman Business Group and Models Plus.
A resolution was adopted for compliance with Internal Control Standards, required to be adopted by the state by July 1. Lynne Christiansen, clerk-treasurer, stated this was a checks and balances for every department, providing transparency. Every political subdivision is required to have this resolution.