This map shows the area included in the South Side Drainage Study. Proposals are expected in six months on resolutions to solve issues.

A brief presentation of the South Side Drainage Study by Warsaw Stormwater Utility was presented during Monday’s Warsaw Common Council meeting.

Theresa Sailor, stormwater coordinator, stated a contract has been entered into with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC, South Bend, on a South Side Drainage Study. The study is being paid for from stormwater utility fees.

According to Sailor the study includes the general boundary south of Ranch Road and north of CR 200S. The engineering firm will be assimilating data to develop a model of existing drainage patterns, breaking the area down into sub-basins for developing possible solutions to improve drainage and mitigate flooding for properties in that area.

Sailor stated the study will take approximately six months to complete stage 1.

James Emans, city engineer, noted some of the problems in that area — the different drainage methods, need for improvements to Kelly Pond area and cleaning of the sediment basin.

Both stated this is just one of many other projects going on, but at the top of the list. The cost of the study is $69,000.

The council voted 3 to 4 not to accept the amendment of Appendix B of Zoning Ordinance – Ordinance 2014-12-03, better known as the vision/fence/accessory structure ordinance. Mayor Joe Thallemer stated there had been numerous discussions since the first reading of the ordinance. Those discussions focused on sections of Article 13.5 relating to fences.

Diane Quance, council member, voiced her concern and dislike for the section stating “fences placed in a front yard must be decorative and may not be privacy or chain link.” Another area of concern included “painted fences shall be repainted whenever peeling or uneven fading or streaking occurs. Quance stated she has seen attractive chain link fences.

“The problem I have is telling people what is decorative or not,” she said, asking that section be stricken from the ordinance. Jerry Frush agreed.

Jeff Grose, council member, who also serves on the board of zoning, stated there was extensive discussion by the BZA on that matter, with very few fences seen in front yards. “If there are circumstances, they can go before the board (BZA).” Jeremy Skinner, city planner agreed, noting that portion related to more of an aesthetic appeal than to security.

When it came time to vote, Elaine Call, Charlie Grose and Mike Klondaris voted in favor of the ordinance. Opposed were Cindy Dobbins, Frush, Quance and Grose. Quance did make the request that the board of zoning revisit the ordinance.

During other business:

• Called a special meeting at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, to review and discuss the 1972 Notice for Budget Year by the Department of Local Government Finance. The notice received did not reflect line 1 cuts previously approved and a recent general obligation bond purchase made.
• Approved the adoption of the new personnel policy handbook and amendment of personnel policy handbook.
• Accepted a city maintenance ordinance confirming for the state 6 mile of roadway being maintained by the city. This will bring in approximately $60,000 in funding for the city.
• Approved the transfer of $107,400 from the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory’s Levy to the equipment replacement fund. This is the maximum amount allowed to be transferred.

The next regular meeting of the council will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5.