The regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee convened on Wednesday, March 16, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 8 a.m. by Chairman, Larry Main. Also present were Bert Lund Jr., Commissioner Morehouse, Jeff Scanlon, Cathy Ingalls, and Chet Newman (Burnett County Sentinel).

There were no additions or changes to the agenda.

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

Commissioner Morehouse reviewed a contract from Bergman Companies for line painting. He stated that Bergman has agreed to extend to us last year's price of $.03/linear foot, which is cheaper than what they bid to other counties this year. Commissioner Morehouse also stated that Bergman has agreed to do our line painting in June rather than wait till the end of summer. Motion by Lund/Main to approve the contract extension with Bergman Companies. Motion carried.

Commissioner Morehouse reviewed a Beaver Management Contract for 2005. Our portion of the cost is $3,000, but the Commissioner feels this is reasonable due to the fact that the USDA handles the rest of the program. He also stated that Federal funding for this program is being pulled in 2006 and encouraged the Committee members to contact their legislators in opposition of this proposal. Motion by Main/Lund to approve the Contract for 2005.

The Committee/Commissioner Conference to be held May 5, 2005 in Hayward was discussed. Commissioner Morehouse reported that the Secretary of Transportation is scheduled to be there and encouraged our Committee members to attend.

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

State Projects

· Several projects have been added for the upcoming season.

Townships Projects

· Five Township construction projects are planned for the upcoming season.
· Commissioner Morehouse will be meeting with Blaine Township on April 12th to discuss the jurisdictional transfer of Riverside Cutoff.

County Projects

· CTH U- A preconstruction meeting is scheduled for March 22nd at 9:00 here at the Highway Dept. office.
· Winter Maintenance-57% of the budget has been spent since January 1st. Commissioner Morehouse reported that we would most likely be over budget on this item again this year.

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

· Unit #186 - the water tank has yet to be purchased.
· All other pieces of equipment have either been ordered or delivered. The tandem-axle is scheduled to arrive in August, the single-axle in May.
· Unit #173 was rear-ended by another vehicle on CTH-A resulting in minimal damage to our truck, but considerable damage to the other vehicle.
· A claim has been denied by our insurance carrier for an incident in Grantsburg in February. A driver claimed the paint on her car was chipped by salt coming off one of our trucks.

Commissioner Morehouse shared plans for the 2005 Summer Highway Conference, which will be held in June. Speakers have been lined up and some excellent breakout sessions are planned. Commissioner Morehouse feels this will be a very worthwhile conference.

Motion by Lund/Main to go into Closed Session to discuss employee performance and compensation pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c). Motion carried.

Motion by Main/Lund to reconvene to Open Session. Motion carried.

Motion by Main/Lund to approve Richard Dutcher for permanent full-time status. Motion carried.

March vouchers in the amount of $33,596.16 were presented for payment. There was a motion by Main/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, April 12, 2005 at 8:00 a.m.

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