A list of projects to be included in the county's one and six year improvement plan was approved when the Wayne County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday.
Following a public hearing, during which no one from the public spoke, the commissioners unanimously approved the plan presented by Highway Superintendent Kyle Huff.
Huff shared a list of approximately 20 projects that are listed on the one year plan, as well as those for future consideration.
He noted that in addition to a number of smaller bridge projects on the list and a large project, there are a number of road projects on the list.
This includes work on Fourth Street, from the county shed to Centennial Road in the southwest portion of Wayne.
Also on Tuesday's agenda was an annual report from Julie Schultz with UNL Extension, Wayne County.
Schultz shared information on her budget and presented an impact report, only with a "snapshot" of programs, both 4-H and for the general public that have been presented through the extension program.
Schultz also told the commissioners that Emma Krysl, 4-H Extension Assistant, has resigned her position with the Extension Office. She asked the commissioners for permission to re-hire for that position and explained the time-line for this hire. She hopes to have someone in the position by June 1.
Considerable time was spent during the meeting discussing the carpeting of the courthouse. Joni Tietz, Lisa Lindsay and Dawn Duffy spoke to the commissioners on their thoughts on the project moving forward.
A total of $70,000 has been budgeted for carpeting and options presented included each office being able to choose the carpet color and the benefits and negatives of using carpet squares for carpet in the courthouse.
No action was taken during the meeting.
Also discussed was the need for additional security for courthouse offices. Several of the county officials indicated that extra barriers are needed within their offices to protect the employees, should a dangerous situation arise.
Any work done within any portion of the courthouse will need to follow historical registry rules. In addition, each office has unique challenges that will have to be taken into consideration. These include the fact that the treasurer's office has a back (outside) door to the office that would need to be made secure.
Several of the county officials have some preliminary design ideas but more information and bids will need to be obtained before any work can be done.
Commissioner Dean Burbach gave an update on information he had obtained in regard to upgrading the water meters at the courthouse. He told the commissioners he had contacted four contractors and shared the information they had provided.
Additional information will be coming in the near future and will also involve what, if any, services the city of Wayne could provide.
The Wayne County Commissioners will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, March 4 at 9 a.m. in the Wayne County Courtroom.
