The regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee convened on Friday, January 14, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 8 a.m. by Chairman, Larry Main. Also present were Bert Lund Jr., Eldon Freese, Commissioner Morehouse, Sheila Bristol, and a Burnett County Sentinel reporter.

There were three additions to the agenda:

1) Request to meet with the Village of Siren regarding sewer and water.
2) Truck accident update.
3) Honorable mention for State Highway Safety Award.

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

Equipment bid results for a grader, loader, single and tri-axle trucks were reviewed by the Commissioner. LaCrosse Sterling received the bid award for both single and tandem trucks. Fabco CAT received the bid award for the grader, while Nortrax John Deere received the bid award for the loader. Several graders and loaders were tested on site, warranties and specifications were reviewed before these purchasing decisions were made. The Commissioner stated that these items have been ordered. The grader and loader will be delivered sometime next month, while the trucks take considerably longer.

The Commissioner reported on the replacement of the office furnace, which after numerous problems had finally failed. He stated that the new heating system is natural gas and the cost was approximately $2,600. The Commissioner informed the committee that during the furnace failure several pieces of office equipment were damaged by soot. Four computer monitors and two printers needed to be replaced. Professional cleaning of the copier and fax were also required, as well as carpet cleaning services. All of these items and services will be submitted to our insurance carrier for reimbursement.

The Commissioner reported problems with the overhead doors on the new Coverall Building. He stated that a representative from the company had been out and plans to repair the doors.

Commissioner Morehouse discussed the need to advertise for truck box and hydraulic bid openings at next month's meeting. Motion by Freese/Lund to solicit for truck box and hydraulic bids and have opening at February's meeting. Motion carried.

The Commissioner requested the need to advertise for part-time summer college recruitment. Motion by Freese/Lund to recruit four summer college employees. Motion carried. The Commissioner will inform the Administration Office of this action.

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

The Commissioner informed the committee that two additional road jobs were secured and if they know of any township projects for next season they need to get them locked in.

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

· Unit # 15 (Shop Foreman's Truck) Front end replaced.
· Unit # 198 (State Truck) Box hydraulics repaired.
· Unit # 195 (State Truck) Fuel pump replaced.

The Commissioner reported on an accident on Tuesday, January 11 involving one of our county trucks. He stated our truck was rear ended by a Suburban, while it was pulled over along a county road. He stated our damage was limited involving the sander. The Commissioner has not received a copy of the Sheriff's report as of this meeting.

Updated agendas were dispersed for the Winter Highway Conference. It will be held on January 24-26, 2005 in the Wisconsin Dells. Larry Main, Eldon Freese and the Commissioner plan to attend.

Commissioner Morehouse requested approval to meet with the Village of Siren president regarding future planning for city sewer and water at the department's present site. He informed the committee that the village is writing for grants to fund such projects and we need to see if we can be included as a cost saving measure. Motion by Lund/Freese to meet with the Village of Siren to discuss future sewer and water planning for the department. Motion carried.

Chairman Main dispersed a copy of an article in which the Burnett County Highway Department received an honorable mention safety award. Honorable mention awards go to the county departments that have 5% or less loss ratio. The awards were presented by County Mutual representatives at their annual assembly held in conjunction with the WCA Annual Conference.

January vouchers in the amount of $96,804.72 were presented for payment. There was a motion by Freese/Lund to authorize and confirm all vouchers presented for payment. Motion carried.

The next regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at 8:00 a.m.

Motion to adjourn the meeting by Lund/Freese. Motion carried.