Motorists are greeted with several warning signs as they travel along West Center Street in
Warsaw. Paving on the west end of Center is planned for this spring.

WARSAW – West Center Street, which has been chewed up since late last year for two utility projects, will be resurfaced this spring, according to Jeff Beeler, public works superintendent.

Beeler described work on the west end of Center as “an evolving project” that included the city’s ongoing efforts to upgrade underground sewer lines. American Water then decided to to upgrade some of its underground infrastructure in the area.

Several blocks of the western end of the street were torn up for months as a result. Street signs warn of rough road conditions.

Beeler said American Water is wrapping up work and that the city hopes to repave the portion of road by early spring if possible.

Repaving will stretch from Columba Street to the west where Center intersects with Market Street.

Mayor Joe Thallemer said the situation on West Center Street is an example of how the city does not control all issues with the streets.

Thallemer brought up the issue Friday to let residents know they are “aware of it and trying to address” it.

The board on Friday also learned that final approval for placement of a baby box at Fire Station No. 2 had been delayed over a contractual matter.

Thallemer told the board language in the contract mentioned that the city would pay $10,000 for the box to the Woodburn-based non-profit, Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Right To Life of North Central Indiana helped organize fundraising and quickly covered the costs last year. Approval of the agreement and installation has been slowed as the city worked to refine the agreement.

Thallemer expressed confidence that a revised contract would be prepared and be found acceptable for passage by the board.

City Council approved the plan last month by a unanimous vote and the proposal has enjoyed strong support from other entities.

The boxes are viewed as a last resort for mothers seeking to surrender their newborn babies.

In other matters:

• Festival organizers received permission to close off Buffalo Street between Center and Main Streets for the annual St. Patty’s Day festival on March 16. The party will be across the street from the Kosciusko County Courthouse. A large tent will include three bands, adult beverages and food from several restaurants. The event begins at 3 p.m. and runs to midnight. The street closure begins at 9 a.m. Jason Brown, owner of One Ten Craft Meatery, is the main organizer.
• The board approved plans to place a water cooler in the council chambers since the room has become the city’s centralized location for city-related board meetings. The contract is with Rabb Water, which already provides services to the city.

George Clemens, who is one of three members of the board of works, did not attend the meeting. City Attorney Scott Reust acknowledged Clemens is co-owner of Rabb and pointed out that Clemens had earlier filed out a conflict of interest statement with the city.