Commissioners accept bid for Courthouse parking lot

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Wayne County’s Board of Commissioners met with County Treasurer Lisa Lindsay, debated parameters for fiber optic cables from Fastwyre Broadband and learned about recent emergency preparedness procedures from Emergency Manager Nic Kemnitz. 

Along with Road Superintendent Mark Casey, a representative from Fastwyre Broadband proposed the installation of fiber optic cables following State Highway 57, State Highway 98, county roads and residential roads for an approximate 72 miles. 

This, the representative said, would bring faster internet services to the rural areas of Wayne County.  

The Commissioners, after thorough consideration, decided to deny the permit to the company due to concerns about placement and potential problems for future commissioners.  

Sebade Construction presented a bid for new concrete for the courthouse’s parking lot for $38,953.75. The Board accepted this bid, but decided to decline the company’s offer to tear out the existing concrete. The county, starting in the middle of May, will tear out the concrete to save an estimated $4,200.  

County Treasurer Lisa Lindsay gave updates on the recent sale of Delinquent Real Estate Taxes on March 6. Out of the 26 parcels, 24 were sold to 11 investors. The total came to $30,453.25.  

Lindsay also presented an opportunity for county investments with a company based out of Denver, Colorado called Public Trust Advisors.  

“This would offer the county flexibility with interest income without tying up the money,” Lindsay said.  

The Commissioners put off the decision in order to fully determine the benefits to the county.  

With Severe Weather Awareness Week approaching and several recent meetings, Emergency Manager Nic Kemnitz had many updates to present to the Board.  

Kemnitz attended the Nebraska Type 3 Incident Management Team meeting in Kearney on March 13 - 14, where he learned of building team procedures and rosters to either bring in outside help for emergencies in Wayne County or travel to other counties in times of need.  

On March 17, he observed a presentation regarding communication barriers among deaf persons and first responders during the Northeast NACO meeting in Norfolk. Also in Norfolk, Kemnitz plans to attend the Northeast NE Community Organizations Active in Disasters meeting at the Norfolk Public Library on March 27. 

Since March 27-31 is Severe Weather Awareness Week, Wayne County will test tornado sirens on March 29 at 10 a.m. 

Clerk of District Court Deb Allemann-Dannelly expressed concern with courtroom chairs and wallboards. The current chairs had been cheaper purchases and are beginning to fall apart, Allemann-Dannelly said. The wallboards are also loose in some areas due to the large range of temperatures causing the walls to shrink and expand.  

The Commissioners held an executive session with County Attorney Amy Miller to discuss personnel. 

The next meeting for the County Commissioners will be held in the Wayne County Courthouse on April 4 at 9 a.m.