Approximately 40 people attended the Warsaw Common Council meeting to discuss the issuance of general obligation bonds.

WARSAW — Tabled. That was the outcome of 2 ½ hours of discussion at Monday evening’s Waraw Common Council meeting, Nov. 21, on approving the issuance of general obligation bonds for the new Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory fire station at County Farm Road and CR 200N. The matter will be reviewed at the council’s Dec. 5 meeting.

The public hearing and final vote on an ordinance appropriating funds from the general bond issue was continued and tabled until the next meeting.

The hope is by the next meeting a memorandum of understanding from Wayne Township Advisory Board and costs in removing three areas in the preliminary plans can be presented. The township advisory board hopes to agree on a MOU in the next few days. “If we don’t have the MOU, we will not be selling the bond,” Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer stated.

What is your expectation for cost? Thallemer directed this question to Ron Shoemaker, who appeared to be the lone councilman opposing the issuance of bonds not to exceed $3.9 million. “I don’t have a figure in mind until I see the costs,” said Shoemaker. The mayor followed the response with the question “What is too expensive?” Shoemaker’s response was “I’ll tell you in two weeks.”

Jack Daniel with MartinRiley explains the new station design is only at 15 percent.

Approximately 40 people attended the meeting, with a handful asking questions of Randy Rompola, bond attorney with Faegre Baker Daniels and Todd Samuelson, consultant with H.J Umbaugh and Associates. Questions were also asked of Jack Daniel, architect with MartinRiley architects, engineers, Fort Wayne. Warsaw Wayne Fire Territory Fire Chief Mike Wilson also spoke about the project.

Thallemer started the discussion addressing issues and concerns during and since the Nov. 7 meeting. He felt it was important to “not leave any questions unanswered.”

Thallemer addressed the conception the project was being rushed.The history and increase in square miles of fire coverage were addressed. “The projected occupancy of the new station in 2018 would be nine years after the formation of the territory for expansion of the service area,” said Thallemer. “… seven years after the property was purchased, six years after the updated studies suggested the building of the station without further delay. I think it would be fair to say the township fire territory has not been rushing into anything over the last nine years.”

Additionally the timing for the project was addressed: a favorable bond market keeping rates at a minimum, construction cost annually increasing 3 ½ percent during the past three years and projected to rise 4-5 percent in 2016. The restructuring the bond will stabilize the tax rate, potentially lower homeowners insurance rates. “The WWFT board realizes safety is critical … how important response time is with an addition of a township ambulance service will save lives,” he stated.

Daniel provided a snapshot where the architects currently are at. “The building is no more than 15 percent through the design,” he stressed. He also noted these were preliminary designs, not final designs. He addressed the basement, windows above the apparatus bays, roof lines and the materials. Numerous times the question of a metal building over block and brick were asked. Daniel reiterated the block and brick is a more durable building in the end.

Only a preliminary plan.

Daniel noted he will be presenting three options as alternate bids that are currently in the preliminary plans: taking a step out of the roof line, removing the basement which would be used as a storm shelter and training area and eliminate areas on the second level.

Rompola and Samuelson continually reiterated the bonding procedures and interest factors. Both noted it was not uncommon to issue bonds before bids were let, with many not understanding this method. They also explained what was and not allowed should actual bids be lower than the issued bonds. Numerous times it was stated this was a parameter ordinance meaning bonds and interests could not exceed the amounts listed.

Rob Bishop, township advisory board president, and Scott Sigafoose, Lutheran EMS, also spoke. Bishop noted an initial $250,000 could be given toward the project, but a set amount could not be guaranteed each year as the township is not allowed to raise its levy to pay the bond. The MOU is still being worked out. Sigafoose noted there is a verbal agreement Lutheran EMS will have an ambulance at that station and pay fair market rent for the space used.

Councilwoman Diane Quance asked those present if they were leaving with questions to get with the mayor or council members before noon of the Dec. 5 meeting to allow time to get answers. “It’s not that we don’t appreciate your questions, but hearing the questions less than 24 hours before the meeting does not allow us to do our job.”

Wilson also reiterated to several he is available any time to answer questions about the project. He also addressed the staffing and equipping of the station. Additionally he stated “it is the change of the purpose of the structure he has a problem with,” noting the basement would give residents in the southern part a place to go to for safety in severe weather.