WARSAW — The majority of the Warsaw Board of Works meeting held today, April 10, was spent discussing safety concerns with the Husky Trail project and necessary sewer rehabilitation.

City Planner Jeremy Skinner presented two change orders for the Husky Trail project. The first order regarded changing the project from five phases to the current two phases. The second order clarified pipe estimation discrepancies, adding around $6,000 to the total cost of the project. Both orders were approved by the board. But before moving on, a few safety concerns were discussed.

Necessary barriers and detours were put in place for safety purposes. Immediately after construction began, citizens began moving the barriers to drive through restricted areas and driving through private lawns to avoid the detours. These acts are not only inconsiderate but also put the public in danger.

The barriers have been placed strategically while underground pipes are being replaced. If a barrier is moved from its proper location, it could result in an unexpected citizen driving into a large hole in the road.

“Those barricades are there for a reason and the road is closed for a reason” explained Skinner. “It’s a serious safety issue.”

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer advised that local officers are patrolling the area and aware of the traffic issues. Officers will hand out tickets if the detours are not obeyed. It was noted that Harrison Elementary School traffic was very efficient this morning as the students returned from spring break.

Brian Davison, Warsaw Utilities Manager, presented a $628,200 agreement with Wessler Engineering for sewer rehabilitation. The agreement will cover a preliminary engineering report, design, bid and construction services.

The bulk of the project will be aligning pipes that are in at risk sewer areas because of their age or location. The project will take a closer look at areas designated as at risk to make sure that the work is necessary. This rehabilitation work is separate from the wastewater plant expansion project.

The board approved the agreement after clarifying that the preliminary engineering report was required in order for the project to qualify for state revolving funds.

Davison also presented an agreement for $254,800 to hire Wastewater Solutions for support services regarding the plant expansion. The agreement covers three tasks including design and process input, development of a digital operation manual and hosting two training workshops.

The board approved the agreement, noting that an expert was critical when handling a very involved project like this.

In other news:

• Two road closings were approved. Market Street, between Lincoln and Colfax streets, and Johnson Street, between Jefferson and Center streets, will be closed for Warsaw Car Meets on May 13. Canal Street, between Detroit and Indiana streets will be closed May 26-28 for the Lakes Festival.
• An annual support agreement was approved for Wastewater with Linko Technology.
• A Parks Department contract was approved to hire Blues DeVille to open at the Blues & BBQ Festival. The band is from Warsaw and last performed at the park in 2008.
• The Parks Department was approved for event cancellation insurance for the country and classic rock concerts. The insurance was needed in 2011 and covers all contracted acts.
• A pay application was approved for engineering on the Buffalo Street project.
• Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory was approved for training on the Emergency Reporting technology they will begin using in July. The department was able to get on-site training for the price of online training, $625 per person.
• The Public Works Department was approved to trade in two skid loaders and purchase a 2017 Kubota Skid Steer Loader. After discounts and the trade-ins, the total cost will be around $6,000.