Bottlenecked traffic at Parker and Lake City Highway was voiced by resident Mike Ragan during Tuesday evenings Warsaw Common Council meeting.

Ragan stated the bottleneck occurs several times a day with traffic backed up to Center Street and on Husky Trail. He asked if timing on the lights be extended. “With all that is going on in that area and the new Y, there is a lot of traffic.”

Councilwoman Elaine Call agreed noting the caution light is not long enough to get across the highway, if you’re not trying to rush through it.

Mayor Joe Thallemer stated the city is aware of the issue and for a short term solution will be contacting the Indiana Department of Transportation to see about light timing. He agreed there are traffic issues at Husky, Parker and Patterson Road.

However, Thallemer stated the geometry of the intersection is a tough issue and noted US 30 is on the radar for a long term solution by the state. Like the US 31 corridor project, a similar project is being looked at for the US 30 corridor between Fort Wayne and Lake County. “We need to be prepared … We need to know how it impacts the city and value of the highway,” he stated.

Discussion has already begun between county and city officials and both planning offices are working on obstacles on a by-pass or grade changes to the highway. “The message is to get our ducks in a row or they (INDOT) will come in and say this is what they are doing.” said Thallemer.

Jeremy Skinner, city planner, stated numerous conversation with INDOT have been held over the last three years and they are willing to make some changes, but may not be willing to do what “we want.” He stated every light on 30 has been tied together.”If you travel the entire length and go the speed limit, you can make the entire stretch on green lights, except maybe one.”

It was noted for INDOT US 30 is a transportation corridor.

Thallemer also noted in 2013 INDOT provided funds to the city to upgrade controls at railroad crossings on Pope, Winona Avenue and Market streets. INDOT is taking a second look at expanding the project to other crossings, making signals uniform and more efficient. “So there will be a delay for what was to happen this year.”

During other business, Mike Klondaris, councilman, inquired about the progress of the shell building int he new Tech Park off CR 150W and Silveus Crossing. Skinner noted it should be completed by spring as most of the utilities are present and the shell building nearing completion. A ribbon cutting is expected in the spring.

Council members were presented year end reports by the Warsaw Police Department on traffic and Skinner for the Warsaw Building and Planning Department. Skinner also included plans for 2015.

Call asked if the council could look at reviewing permit fees, comparing the city’s to other entities, to stay current. Skinner noted six months ago a comparison was done and the city is not the lowest, nor the highest, but at the low end compared to other communities.

Council members also accepted 13 conflict of interest disclosure statements, mostly from firefighters, and approved the transfer of $30,300 from professional services to salaries for the planning department. The transfer was necessary as James Emans has moved from a contracted engineer to city employee.

The council also accepted the ordinance revising fees for the city cemetery. This ordinance will go into effect following publication of the new ordinance.