Discussion again took place at the Wayne County Board of Commissioners' meeting on how to improve security for those working at the courthouse.
County Assessor Dawn Duffy and County Treasurer Lisa Lindsay spoke to the commissioners on information they have obtained in regard to how security upgrades could be made without affecting the integrity of the historical building.
The two officials said that the Nebraska State Historical Society had approved the request to make the upgrades with the stipulation that baseboards in the areas involved remain as original.
Lindsay told the commissioners that they have met with three contractors to obtain quotes for the necessary work, but have not received information back.
Discussion included what could be done in the Clerk's Office and Extension Office and whether the work should be done before or after carpeting is installed in the building.
Wayne America, Inc. Development Director Luke Virgil presented a quarterly update to the commissioners.
He highlighted some of the activities and changes the office has been involved with in recent months. These include a new Wayne America Board President (Megan Finn) and Morgan Woodword in the Marketing and Tourism role at the Wayne America, Inc. office.
Virgil also talked about upcoming events the organization will be involved with, including the Annual Banquet, Community Easter Egg Hunt and Leadership Wayne graduation.
Business growth in recent months included the Wayne Auto Parts partnership with the City of Wayne for a property swap; Kay Contracting, Inc. purchasing Milo Meyer Construction; Discount Furniture by Jacob Sherman; Collective Flow, a new massage clinic & spa at 316 Main Street; Pepper & Print acquisition of 110 Main Street and JB Mart sold to Aschoff Construction of Osmond.
Emergency Manager Nic Kemnitz shared information with the commissioners on meetings he will be attending in coming weeks such as the Nebraska Association of Emergency Management Conference in Kearney April 1-4 and National Weather Service - Omaha Spring Severe Weather Exercise on April 7 in Valley.
Kemnitz also presented two quotes for replacement of a radio for use in his department. He talked about the problems the current equipment has, noting it was purchased in 2007, and discussed the capabilities of the different pieces of equipment he had received quotes for. The move to digital capabilities was also a consideration for the purchases.
Following discussion, commissioners voted to approve a quote from Motorola Solutions for $18,187.50 for the GRT 8000 Base Radio and $3,733.81 from Electronic Engineering for a duplexer.
In other action, the commissioners approved a quote for the installation of water meters and other associated work for the Sheriff's Office and courthouse.
A quote of $1,254.50 from Hugo Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in West Point was accepted for the work for the Sheriff's Office. Additionally, a quote for $13,602.84 was approved for the necessary work to make the changes to the water meters and lines into the Wayne County Courthouse. The quote was also from Hugo Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
The Wayne County Board of Commissioners will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, April 1 at 9 a.m. in the Wayne County Courtroom.
