Carbon County commissioners on Thursday moved swiftly through their public meeting agenda, with colleague Thomas Gerhard participating by telephone.

Gerhard, who is recovering at his Packer Township home from bypass surgery, was mentioned in the traditional opening prayer by Commissioner William O'Gurek. Gerhard later thanked his co-workers, friends and family for their caring, support and encouragement during his illness.He said he is doing well, exercising daily and looking forward to returning to work."I'm just glad to be here," he said.Commissioners approved a number of items, including an annual service agreement with Schindler Elevator to maintain the lifts at the courthouse, its annex, and the building at 76 Susquehanna St. The agreement increased by $492.45 this year, or $13.47 a month.They also agreed to increase by 25 the number of hours Mary Rayno, a former administrative secretary in the district attorney's office, can work. Rayno, who is training her replacement, was originally allotted 100 hours at $20 an hour.Commissioners also amended a Dec. 24, 2013, agreement with registered nurse consultant Diane Luedtke for professional services from Dec. 1, 2013, through Dec. 31, 2016. The amendment increases the maximum number of hours she can work from 180 hours at $35 an hour to 220 hours. That places the monetary cap at $7,700 for this year. She provides the Area Agency on Aging with services related to nursing and personal care homes.Next year and for 2016, the maximum will be 180 hours, with a compensation cap of $6,300.The amendment also offers reimbursement for mileage, hotel costs and meals incurred during mandatory training.In other matters, commissioners amended a contract with K&K Oil, Lehighton, for fuel oil and off-road diesel fuel. The amendment adds the district judge's office at 417 E. Ridge St., Lansford, to the list of locations at the same rate of 12 cents profit per gallon for the term of the contract, which runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2015, with the option to renew for two additional one-year terms.Commissioners also adopted a resolution honoring Eagle Scout Nathan Taylor Kroboth, Troop 82, Lehighton.