Fort Wayne committee advances flood mitigation, utility upgrades and a South Side property purchase

Council committees on Jan. 20 advanced a slate of infrastructure and utilities projects that city staff said will improve stormwater management, street lighting, wastewater treatment and utility data systems.

Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, chair of the Public Works Committee, opened the evening's agenda and presented a donated parcel for the Polka Batch Connector project. Patrick Zaharco, the city engineer, described the donation as land "at the very south end of Bluffton Road at Ferguson Road" and said the area being donated is "pretty open" with only low shrubs and "no major tree clearing" anticipated. The council accepted a due-pass recommendation and the motion carried by voice vote.

Traffic engineer Phil LaBrass outlined a $233,190.44 contract to install 48 decorative Town and Country lights along Lewis Street between Harmar and South Anthony, replacing 20 older cobra-head fixtures. "The ordinance before you is for the installation of 48 Town and Country lights," LaBrass said, noting the work is in the 5th District and within the East Central neighborhood. Council members said neighborhood illumination and related park improvements would benefit from the upgrades; the measure passed by voice vote.

Transportation Engineering's Matt…