Warsaw Mayor Given Authority To Approve Claims During Crisis
WARSAW – In an effort to minimize the need for meetings during the coronavirus crisis, the city Board of Works and Safety approved a plan that will allow Mayor Joe Thallemer to sign off on claims in a timely manner.
The move was recommended by city attorney Scott Reuest and is a stop-gap measure intended to allow the city to conduct business while hosting public meetings “as sparse and infrequent” as possible during the crisis.
The board also approved protocol for who could sign the claims if Thallemer is not available.
In another matter, the board approved a contract with Indiana Department of Transportation for improvements on a short segment of Hickory Street, which runs parallel with north-south railroad tracks. Changes will include more defined parking and a conversion to one-way traffic to the north and south from where the street intersects with Center Street. INDOT will do the work, but the city will be responsible for future maintenance.
The board also approved a proposed contract with Baker Tilly, a consulting firm that will perform an assessment of the stormwater utility and whether a rate hike is needed. The contract is for no more than $12,000.
While city meetings remain open to the public, officials are asking the public, including the media, to watch through the city’s livestream service.