A proposal for removal of the two canopies at Warsaw City Hall facing Buffalo Street and repair of a canopy on the west side of the building was approved at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting Friday, Aug. 21. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels.

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW —  A proposal for removal of the two canopies at Warsaw City Hall facing Buffalo Street and repair of a canopy on the west side of the building was approved at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting Friday, Aug. 21.

Senior Assistant City Planner Justin Taylor said there have been problems over the years with the canopies retaining water. The water retention has caused numerous issues with the building, including the exterior material flaking off. 

“This proposal is to kind of remediate some of those problems we’ve been having,” Taylor said. 

The proposal, in the amount of $37,208, was submitted by Commercial Builders Maintenance. This fee includes removal of the two Buffalo Street canopies, repair and/or replace the front edge of the soffit band above the doors and alcove, cut tie rods at building face, patch a hole at the south canopy and paint anchor points at the north canopy, as well as installation of exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS).

Dustin Dillon has been promoted from his position as interim street superintendent and officially named Warsaw Street Department Superintendent. Media file photo

The EIFS provides exterior walls with an insulated, water-resistant, finished surface in an integrated composite material system. The EIFS material would be aesthetically pleasing and would remediate some of the water retention issues.

On the west side of the building, there’s a drainage issue as well, Taylor said. The downspout from the roof is spilling out onto the canopy so they want to properly tie in those downspouts and apply the new solution, which would not deteriorate the way the current one has.

The proposal states that a sidewalk closure of five business days is to be expected during the time the work is being completed.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer announced that Dustin Dillon has been promoted from his position as interim street superintendent and officially named Warsaw Street Department Superintendent. 

“It was kind of a conditional thing, that we would see how things went at the end of six months,” Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer said of Dillon’s interim position. “But we’re at the end of three months now and we made a decision that Dustin’s doing a great job and has far exceeded our expectations.”

Dillon, who worked as a supervisor with the street department for several years, was named interim street superintendent at the beginning of June, following the resignation of former street superintendent Jeff Beeler.

“I just want to publicly thank you for all the hard work you’ve done,” Thallemer said to Dillon. “I know this came up pretty quick and you’ve responded well. I know that our council members are extremely pleased with your support and communication with them and I know your employees seem to be  — a little more bounce in their step, so thank you so much for everything you’ve done and we’re very, very pleased to officially name you fully-paid street superintended for the City of Warsaw.”

Thallemer also announced that there will be a First Friday event in September. 

First Friday Coordinator Paula Bowman submitted a plan and received approval from the Kosciusko County Health Department, Thallemer said.

He described the event as a cruise-in but said they will be limiting the number of vehicles to 80. No outside food vendors will be allowed and there will be plenty of hand-washing stations. 

In other news:

• The board approved a proposal, submitted by Dillon, for additional sign software, maintenance and support services in the amount of $4,490. After the initial payment, the annual cost for maintenance and support subscription will be $1,080.
• A letter for the engagement of services of the legal firm TAFT, located in Indianapolis, was approved. Thallemer proposed engaging the firm in a matter that could save the city a significant amount of money. City Attorney Scott Reust described it as “a complex issue” and said the matter was outside his realm of expertise.
• The next regular meeting will be 11:15 a.m. Sept. 4.