WARSAW — Bonds for the new Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Fire Station were sold Thursday according to an announcement at the Warsaw Board of Works meeting Friday morning, Dec. 16. Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer stated the bonds totaled $2.95 million, just under the $3 million cap and at an interest rate of 3.119 percent.

“I’d like to think we could have gotten a better rate. had it been done earlier,” Thallemer stated, adding “I’m pleased with the rate. The direction of the rates are headed back up.”

The final meeting of the year included a number of year end tasks such as signing agreements with various entities, approving wages and take home vehicle requests for 2017. Agreements were signed with Wildman Uniform for the parks department; Turner Valentine LLLP for city legal services, Kosciusko Farmers Market, Kosciusko Economic Development Co. and 11 non-profit organizations whose funds were approved by the city council earlier in the month.

Board of works members also approved awarding Waste Management the bid for landfill dumping. Jeff Beeler, public works superintendent, presented the proposal along with an explanation for his choice, which was not the lowest bidder.

He stated while Advanced Disposal’s bid of $24.69 per ton was the lowest and its Claypool location is currently being used, Waste Management’s $32 per ton bid came out lower when considering the savings in man hours, repairs, fuel costs, maintenance costs and other undetermined costs. The downside would be the fact the Kosciusko Solid Waste District would lose $4,800 for tonage not taken to the Advanced Disposal landfill from the city.

Beeler’s figures showed $8,000 would be saved on tire damages, $268 on tire repairs, $4,950 saved on fuel and more than $12,000 in man hour costs savings. The total potential cost savings for trash pickup using Waste Management’s transfer station near the Warsaw Airport is projected at $54,672. Beeler explained this would allow for redistribution of man hours into other areas.

Thallemer stated a conversation was held with the solid waste director, who indicated the lost funds could be absorbed. He also noted the city will work on ways to help offset the loss.

The board also approved the 2017 stormwater budget guideline after some explanation. Thallemer asked for clarification as in several areas the expenditures between 2015, 2016 and 2017 “fluctuate wildly.”

Brian Davison, wastewater treatment utility manager, explained the fluctuations, noting the new coordinator has different goals and directions than the previous coordinator, with more public education and outreach planned. Additionally the 2015 budget guide was for the start of the utility.

“Every dollar is accounted for,” Davison said, noting the variable will be in the reserve fund account. That budget is figured at $540,927.31, up 2.6 percent over 2016. Funds received from the storm sewer fee supports the budget.

Other business by the board included:

Jeremy Skinner, city planner, recommended awarding G & G Hauling the bid for the CR 300N Trail Project. The board approved awarding the base bid, in the amount of $816,035 and an alternate bid for an asphalt walkway in the amount of $50,000.

Approved the final pay application for professional engineering services on the Husky Trail Project in the amount of $1,318. Skinner noted there are still right-of-way pay applications and construction pay applications to be submitted. It is anticipated bids can be awarded in the next 1 ½ months.

Accepted a deed of dedication for a 40-foot right of way from LaPorte Equities LLC for the CR 300N project.

Accepted the 2017 Warsaw volunteer fire agreement as explained by Fire Chief Mike Wilson in the amount of $15,000 for six months and an additional $15,000 should the contract need to be extended an additional six months. The volunteer entity will remain, but at a smaller cost, once a part-time firefighter program is established.

Accepted the memorandum of understanding with Wayne Township on the new fire station.

Approved an agreement with American Fidelity to provide benefits to the city employees.

Approved an agreement with Stanley Security for video surveillance and intrusion alarms at the city hall in the amount of $9,877 and for a new door security system at a cost of $13,277.

Approved an agreement with Broadvoice for phone service at the city hall in the amount of $1,134.47. This will replace the current phone system and use fiber optics instead of cable.

The next meeting of the board of works will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6.