Upon the meeting being called to order and in it's first issue of new business, Clerk Jessica Kendall read the official results of the April 2, 2024, election from the Benton County Clerk's office and swore in and administered oaths of office to returning Mayor Eddie Simons, Ward 3 Alderman Adam Howe, and newly elected Ward 2 Alderman James White.
The group then reappointed City Attorney Cale Haddock and Clerk Kendall.
Aldermen Lou Breshears and Reba Slavens were also in attendance to provide a quorum. Aldermen absent were Eric Flores and Rob Coskey. Mayor Simons presided; Clerk Kendall recorded. The group approved the eve's agenda, minutes of its April 1 meeting, and payment of bills presented.
Megan Petersen, Executive Administrator of the Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce, and Whitney Day, Board President of the Chamber of Commerce, then spoke of a planned May 18 Warsaw Outdoor Expo, to be a one day event this year. They added that they expected to have a beer garden and a petting zoo. The board indicated that it would make exceptions for both attractions. Lastly, the two noted that the Chamber of Commerce has no current contract with the city and were informed that the contract issue would be dealt with in the group's regular session this same eve.
When resuming new business, the board tabled the subject of approving an annual contract with the Chamber of Commerce, said to be about $4,000, until absent members are present. Day and Petersen then asked if they could act as an umbrella organization to issue licenses to vendors. The group indicated that it would study the issue but until then, food vendors will still have to obtain a city license as is the current process.
The group then heard a City of Warsaw Police Chief Chad Eledge discuss a need for new police badges, because of deterioration of some badges and a lack of uniformity in the appearance of those badges. The board agreed to purchase new badges for the police department at a total cost of $479.88, less shipping.
Just before aldermen closed their regular session at about 6:25 P.M., Bill Roberts, the owner of a building in Northtown now vacant but formerly operated as The Dam Restaurant, said the last tenant left that building exposed to recent cold weather, and a pipe broke causing excessive water use. He requested that the bill be reduced. Alderman Breshears motioned that his current bill be cut in half, Alderman Slavens seconded, and the group agreed.
Open meetings of this board are usually held on 1st and 3rd Monday eves. Visitors are always welcome.
