Work continues to progress at the Transit Authority of Warren County's building.

The TAWC Board of Directors discussed the progress at their regular meeting Thursday afternoon.

Construction Manager John Vietmeier said the building's second floor is about 97 percent clear. Concrete block walls have been removed, Vietmeier said, while plumbers are removing pipes.

The city has plowed an open area around the building, Vietmeier said, where workers place the blocks and up to 60 cars can park.

There are usually between 10 and 12 craftsman on site per day, with more expected now that the second floor has been opened up.

Chairman Tom Hessley said the capacity for the second floor would be 638 people, a number which the building would not likely exceed.

For the combined senior center housed at the building, Vietmeier said the dining facility could seat 154 and the kitchen staff has expressed satisfaction with the design.

Changes have occurred during the process, Vietmeier said, such as opting for vinyl composite tile in any room without carpet instead of linoleum.

Linoleum is cost-prohibitive, Vietmeier said, as the seams must be heat-sealed and mistakes cannot be corrected once made.

Doors will come programmed to stay open for eight seconds, Vietmeier said, though they can be reprogrammed for more or less time. Hessley said keeping the doors open for a certain length would allow better access for those using wheelchairs.

Security features will include cameras to see who enters and exits the building, Vietmeier said, and offices will have sliding windows to give and receive items without having to let people in.

In other business, TAWC Executive Director John Aldrich said new routes would take effect March 1.

Workers have been picking up old schedules, Aldrich said, and replacing them with new ones. Except for the effective date, Aldrich said the covers look the same as the last ones.

Once the routes have been modified, Aldrich said he hopes ridership will increase.

Also, Aldrich said TAWC has been working with the Department of Public Welfare to purchase or lease a second vehicle for its Medical Assistance Transportation Program.

While TAWC is leaning towards a purchase, Aldrich said he should know more by next month.

The next TAWC Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. March 18 at the TAWC building.