The regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee convened on Wednesday, October 13, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 8 a.m. by Larry Main. Also present were Eldon Freese, Bert Lund Jr., Commissioner Morehouse, Jeff Scanlon, Steve Washkuhn, and Sheila Bristol.

Chairman Main requested one addition to the agenda:

1) Facility Improvement Account.

The minutes of the September regular meeting were approved on a Freese/Lund motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner Morehouse reported on the recent purchase and installation of an emergency facility generator. Funding provided by a Homeland Security Grant through the Burnett County Emergency Management Office will be used for this purchase. This generator will provide enough power to keep key services operational in the event of a power outage. It will be able to power shop lights, heat, and the department's fuel system.

The Commissioner reviewed the final 2005 budget changes made by the Finance Committee. He stated that we are continuing to go backwards with little or no increase in levy. He is concerned that county projects continue to slide and more work for others is needed to offset expenses. Chairman Main requested a document describing the losses for the past three years, something he could use to show others how the department has continued to lose ground in the budget process. He is also concerned that our budget is not enough to support our roads and the improvements that are needed.

Final numbers for the 2005 General Transportation Aids were released by the State. Our current estimate has been decreased by $4,109.92 to equal $440,063.08.

Steve Washkuhn, Shop Foreman, informed the committee of the need to purchase a new wheel balancer for small vehicles. He cited the need was based on the present one being obsolete, slow and not accurate. He shared product and pricing information for a replacement unit. He explained they had researched the need for a balancer for our large fleet but found it too cost prohibitive. Commissioner Morehouse stated the funding would come from the remaining balance in the machinery purchases fund. Motion by Freese/Lund to purchase the new wheel balancer for the shop. Motion carried.

Commissioner Morehouse requested the committee to consider reducing a speed zone along CTH Z from Church Road to Lakewood Drive due to safety concerns. He stated this stretch is currently at 55 mph between two curves and has several exits. He reminded the committee it is within their jurisdiction to reduce a speed zone by 10 mph without having to do a traffic study. Motion by Freese/Lund to post this area at a 45 mph speed zone as requested. Motion carried.

The new Cover-All salt shed facility is now complete as the asphalt floor has been installed. The Commissioner stated we will be expecting the salt to arrive as soon as next week.

The need to pursue developing a Driveway Entrance User Fee was presented by the Commissioner. He cited that an increase in frequency of permit requests as the reason to defray the cost of providing the service. He stated sometimes several visits are needed to approve the site. He provided information from several counties which already have fee schedules established. The commissioner suggested a smaller fee for a private driveway verses a temporary driveway. Eldon Freese suggested that Townships may also be interested in piggy-backing onto this and maybe they should bring it up to the next Town's Association meeting. The commissioner offered to draft a resolution, guidelines and a user's fee and present at next month's meeting. He plans on including in this packet information on legal requirements for mailboxes on county roads.

The upcoming Fall Commissioner/Committee meeting was discussed. It will be held on October 20, 2004 in Hayward, WI. The commissioner and Bert Lund Jr. plan to attend, other members have potential scheduling conflicts.

An Open Project Status Report for October was dispersed and reviewed, see attached.

A.) County Projects:

· The County maintenance and construction projects scheduled for this year are complete.

B.) Township Projects:

· Additional shouldering work was secured for Meenon Township.
· Construction projects for Meenon Township include:

Work on Stengel Road to be completed today.
Work to begin on Austin Lake Rd next.

C.) State Projects:

· Commissioner Morehouse reported on the final public hearing regarding the STH-35 construction project scheduled for 2006. The Department of Transportation presented their complete plan which included road closure dates. They will begin purchasing land for right-of-ways next. Commissioner Morehouse is concerned about the potential for private signage labeling alternate routes and is checking with zoning.

An Equipment Status/Condition report was given by Commissioner Morehouse.

· No significant breakdowns and only regularly scheduled maintenance required.
· Presently servicing all the Sheriff's Department squad cars. Maintenance provided as well as small repairs, lights, brakes, and grill guards.
· Fiedler Ford received the award for last month's crew-cab pick-up truck bid. Unit was ordered and should be received in mid-November.

October vouchers in the amount of $97,340.78 were presented for payment. There was a motion by Lund/Freese to authorize and confirm all vouchers presented for payment. Motion carried.

Chairman Main presented a recommendation from the Finance Committee to create a line-item for facility capital improvement and transfer of $100,000 into this account. He stated an attempt should be made to begin setting aside funds for future renovation. The commissioner reminded the committee that although the department is projecting a strong carry-over of funds, a large portion has already been allocated into next year's budget. He stated he understood what the Finance Committee was suggesting, however recommended waiting until closing figures were available. Motion by Freese/Lund to create a line-item for Facility Capital Improvement, to which future funding could be earmarked. Motion carried.

The next regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 8:00 a.m.

Chairman Main declared the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.