WARSAW — A new rescue truck for the fire department, new loaders for the wastewater and public works departments and acceptance of a bid for the Main Street Sanitary Sewer Project, were approved by the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety today, Friday, April 1.

Following the recommendation of the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Protection Territory Board, the purchase of a rescue truck from Hoosier Fire Equipment, Valparaiso, was approved, including the option of Dura Wear upholstery and different size seats. The total cost will be $580,802. Former Fire Chief Michael Brubaker stated even with adding the option, Hoosier Fire Equipment was $11,368 below the next lowest bid. The truck will be delivered in 11 months to a year from the signing of the contract.

A 2016 Volvo L70H wheel loader for the wastewater utility department and a 2016 Volvo L90H wheel loader for the parks department will be purchased from Rudd Equipment Company, with a location in Fort Wayne. The cost of the L70H is $150,875 and the cost of the L90H is $182,362. Prices for the large pieces of equipment were received through the National Joint Powers Alliance Bid Process. The new equipment, expected to be delivered by July 4, will replace a 1996 and a 1988 loader used by each department.

Brian Davison, wastewater utility manager, noted by each department purchasing the loaders from the same company, will be a savings to the city. The maintenance manual and parts for repairs are the same. The loaders are used on a regular basis in areas requiring heavy equipment.

Atlas Excavating Inc., West Lafayette, was awarded the bid of $533,110, for the East Main Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project. This project will tie in with the repaving project of that area. Davison stated work will start at the railroad and go east 2 1/2 blocks. Currently sanitary sewer mains on both sides of the road. The project will install one main in the middle of the street, attaching the homes on each side.

Grants Graciously Accepted

Grants from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation and K21 Health Foundation were graciously accepted by the BOW.

The parks department received a $5,000 grant to support the Central Park Concert Series and was received from the KCCF. The police department received a $4,000 grant from K21 Health Foundation to purchase articles for the department’s D.A.R.E. program.

Mayor Joe Thallemer stated in both instances, the receipt of the funds were greatly appreciated by the city.

During other business:

• Approved a contract with Brian Fraval of Pro Audio Services in the amount of $1,625 to provide backline for the Classic Rock Concert, June 17.
• Approved payment of $11,332.11 to VS Engineering Inc., Indianapolis, for the preliminary design work of the East Market Street Phase 2 project.
• Approved payment of $11,994 to A&Z Engineering LLC, Fort Wayne, for engineering services on the Husky Trail Project, which includes the roundabout design cost.
• Granted the signing of agreements with: Technical Difference, Bonsall, Calif., in the amount of $1,200.19, for a software support/annual agreement; Thermal Equipment Sales Inc., Lexington, Ky., for $4,500 for maintenance of the heating and cooling systems at the city hall; and Waggoner-Irwin-Scheele, Muncie, to update job descriptions/FLSA reviews, an estimated $15,000 cost.
• Approved the hiring of Ryan Workman as the new stormwater coordinator and Zachary Rautenkranz as a mechanic for the street department.
• Travel requests were also approved for 18 individuals from various departments to attend conferences and trainings.

The next meeting of the BOW will be April 15.