Glass talks about plans for 2021

By Staff, 01/6/21 1:08 PM

PRESCOTT – Most of the plans Nevada County Judge Mark Glass has for the county this year will be heavily dependent on the weather as they deal with road and bridge work.

One of the major plans he has is to finish a chip and seal project in Willisville. He’d planned to get it done last summer, but the weather didn’t cooperate and it never got dry enough to do the sealing. However, road and bridge crews were able to install new culverts and put down gravel. “I hope to get this done this summer,” he said. “The county is furnishing the labor and equipment while the city will buy the oil and chip.
The county was able to chip and seal 1.5 miles of NC20 with the help of state aid. It was the largest project the county was able to do in 2020, he said.

In talking about the Nubbin Hill Bridge, Glass said he hopes to see it started this year. At this time the easements have been turned over to the county’s legal counsel, Ben Hale. This project started in 2016, Glass said, and is one he’d like to see completed as soon as possible – but much of this will be in the state’s hands.

Glass said there are also plans to reconstruct another mile of Wildcat Road, if state aid money is available.

Additionally, wooden bridges on NC62 and NC75 will be worked on. The bridge on NC63, Glass said, will get new pilings and a top, while the bridge on NC75 will get a new floor. The wood has already been purchased for this project. Glass said the state’s bridge inspector informed the county this had to be done.

Glass will be working with the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Office to try and find grants to do some improvements in the courthouse. The biggest improvement, he said, will be to remove the seating and carpet in the courtroom, replacing them with a good wood laminate floor and wooden benches.

Since becoming county judge, he said, several improvements have been made to the courthouse. Grants were obtained to paint the interior and have new storm windows installed toorughout the building. A new heating and air system was added, along with new lighting and upgrades for the computers. A loan was taken out with the Bank of Delight to replace the HVAC system.

In talking about the landfill, Glass said this department is in good shape as far as equipment goes, but will eventually need to purchase a new grader.

The county is expecting delivery of two Caterpillar graders this month, to replace two John Deere graders. The lease on the John Deere equipment has run out, with the Cats replacing them also being leased.