The regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee convened on Tuesday, February 15, 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, Jeff Scanlon, Steve Washkuhn, Sheila Bristol, and Chet Newman (Burnett County Sentinel).

There were two additions to the agenda:

1) Request to add grinding and pulverizing to bid authorization.
2) CDL changes.

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

Equipment bids for truck box and hydraulics were received and opened by Chairman Main. See attached copy of bid results. Motion by Main/Freese to accept bids as presented, and have Steve Washkuhn review bid specifications and report back. Motion carried.

Commissioner Morehouse reviewed a memo of understanding with Barron County for a WI Intelligent Transportation Systems upgrade. This project will focus on improving a regional two-way radio system to improve safety and efficiency of our transportation system. It will benefit all highway maintenance and public safety agencies with Barron and surrounding counties. This MOU is not a legal binding contract it just states the cooperation that is needed between counties to be effective.

The Commissioner requested authorization to advertise for asphalt, grinding and pulverizing bid openings in April. He felt it was important to hold off and see what prices will do. Motion by Main/Lund to solicit for asphalt, grinding and pulverizing with bid opening in April. Motion carried.

Commissioner Morehouse reported on his recent meeting with Randy Surbaugh, Village of Siren Administrator and Cheryl Flor PE representing SEH. They discussed the future planning for city sewer and water at the department's present site. The village is in the process of writing for grants to fund future development and we may be able to be included, which could mean a cost savings. The Commissioner is awaiting further cost and planning information from both parties and will report back at the next meeting.

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

State Projects

· None in the county for this season.
· STH 35 Danbury to Webster project is still on for 2006. The State is in the process of obtaining right-of-way.

Townships Projects

· Five Township construction projects are planned for the upcoming season.

County Projects

· CTH U- still on with a projected completion date of July 4th.
· Winter Maintenance-2004 increased costs related to salt purchases to fill new salt shed.

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

· Unit #199 State Truck needed fuel system repairs.
· Unit #308 Grader has arrived and is in operation.
· Unit #220 Loader has arrived and the scale system has been installed.
· Unit #508D Blade for the Dozer was purchased from Jackson Township and installed.

The Commissioner informed the committee of last week's meeting with the Burnett County Law Enforcement Committee. Dean Roland, Burnett County Sheriff was concerned that future vehicle maintenance costs could double their budget. The Commissioner reviewed recent billings and the detail that supported these costs. He explained how our service department could show potential cost savings. He stated in general they were complimentary on the timeliness of servicing and overall quality of work we preformed.

Commissioner Morehouse shared plans for the 2005 Summer Highway Conference, which will be held in June. The District 8 Highway Departments will be hosting this event in the Wisconsin Dells. The commissioners are in the process of obtaining speakers, adding new exciting topics and fun family activities for the conference. They want the conference to portray an Up North flavor including entertainment & regional foods.

The Burnett County Highway Department recently received an honorable mention safety award. The Commissioner clarified the honorable mention criteria which meant our claims are less than 5% of the total premium. The award was presented by County Mutual representatives at their annual assembly held in conjunction with the WCA Annual Conference and WCHA Winter Conference..

Upcoming CDL (Commercial Drivers License) changes were reviewed by the Commissioner. In September new regulations and clarifications of present Federal Law will be in effect. These changes affect counties and townships as well as anyone operating a snowplow or truck weighing over 26,000 lbs. Several penalties and standards will become stricter. The Commissioner stated that drivers can not drink any alcohol four hours before operating a CMV. Special or occupational CDL licenses will no longer be issued when a license is revoked, suspended or cancelled. This could effect an employee's position as that is a condition of his employment.

February vouchers in the amount of $315,916.50 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 Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 8:00 a.m.

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