Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety approved Warsaw Police Department applying for a Kosciusko County Community Foundation grant Friday.
The grant is for gas masks for the WPD SWAT team.
The need for all SWAT officers to be equipped with masks was seen in several recent SWAT responses where gas was used and SWAT officers without masks were exposed to the gasses, according to Scott Whitaker, WPD chief.
SWAT officers that have masks are using masks that are over 12 years old and past their suggested use life, Whitaker said.
WPD is requesting 12 units at a cost of $910 each. WPD will request the full grant amount of $10,920.
The board also approved closing Canal Street for the annual 9/11 ceremony on Sept. 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The board approved Warsaw Police Department entering into a year lease agreement with Kerlin Motor Company, Silver Lake. The agreement is for a Ford to be used for administrative purposes. The total cost of the lease is $2,820.
Board member Jeff Grose made the motion, seconded by Joe Thallemer. Board member Charlie Smith voted no because he felt other local vendors should have had the opportunity to bid on vehicles.
Whitaker said that nine months ago, WPD gave opportunities to Lakeside Chevrolet and Rice Ford, Warsaw, to bid on the lease agreement. Whitaker said Lakeside Chevrolet was not interested in entering into an agreement and Rice Ford did not follow up after Lt. Kip Shuter met with their sales manager.
The board also approved
• Oakwood Cemetery having a change and cash drawer in order to make change for customers coming in to pay for lots, foundations and deed transfers.
• Accepting a final payment to K21 Health Foundation for using more funds for the East Market Street project than K21 awarded to the city. This was for funds to assist in the renovation and construction of a walking and biking trail on Market Street in Warsaw from the Krebs Trailhead to Bronson Street.
Other donors on the project include OrthoWorx, Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation, The Bowen Center, KCV Cycling Club, Biggs Inc., anonymous donors, Tri Kappa and private individuals.
• A fiber installation and set-up at the Warsaw Wastewater treatment plant.
The board tabled a one-year agreement between Lake City Media and Warsaw Parks Department for radio advertising for events. The board wants additional information.
The board opened bids for collection and proper disposal of recyclable materials and will take them under advisement and review them at the next meeting.
(Story By The Times Union)
