The regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee convened on Monday, August 22, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Chairman, Larry Main. Also present were Eldon Freese, Bert Lund Jr., Commissioner Morehouse, Jeff Scanlon, Sheila Bristol and a representative from the Sentinel.

There were no appearances by the public.

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

Copies of the proposed 2006 Budget were dispersed and reviewed by Commissioner Morehouse.
He described the difficulty in projecting accurate budget figures. He shared concern over rising costs outside the department's control such as salary, fringe, fuel and salt costs. He stated that to make this budget work there was no other choice than cut maintenance and eliminate road projects. He reminded the committee that roadways are depreciating faster than we can maintain them. Annual maintenance projects such as seal-coating and painting of fog lines were eliminated. The only road construction project will be 3.1 miles on CTH-F at approximately $350,000. Need for a new sewer and water system was discussed and $250,000 was appropriated for these expenses. Carryover revenues from the department's capital improvement fund of $188,000 were applied to offset these increased expenses and lower the levy to 2%. The over-all budget increased by $34,183 over last year. The committee approved the budget on a Lund/Freese motion. Motion carried.

The Commissioner reported on the gravel content at Duane Wiberg's gravel pit. Six out of the nine test holes dug revealed good gravel. Pope Construction estimated the useful life to be approximately 29 yrs. A purchase price of $4,000/acre for twenty acres was discussed.
The Commissioner will hold off on his recommendation until boundaries can be clarified by Mr. Wiberg. He felt it is a very good asset for the county however is not sure where the money would come from.

An update was given on the speed limit proposal affecting CTH-A (from Oak Lake to Banach Road). The Commissioner has contacted the WI DOT Traffic Safety Engineer regarding doing a traffic study. He stated the State may not be able to complete the study do to the reorganization. Township would then be responsible for hiring a private firm at a much higher cost. The Commissioner is awaiting the State's decision.

The Commissioner reported he had recently attended a Town meeting regarding the jurisdictional transfer of the Riverside cutoff from the Swiss and Blaine Townships to the County. The Commissioner is in the process of obtaining a written proposal from both Townships stating what they are willing to contribute toward the project, and then proceed.

The Commissioner reported that interviews and a roster for the next year had been established for an equipment operator. He reviewed the need to fill the vacancy left by Gene Cummings. He reminded the committee that this was a replacement of an existing position with monies already budgeted. He stated that his workforce is already down with one man being out on workers compensation most of the year. He reminded the committee that his staff is designed around snowplowing and needs this position. With recent budget constraints in mind the committee suggested he make a case for the position to present to Personnel. Motion to continue persuing filling this vacancy made on a Lund/Freese motion. Motion carried.

County bridge inspection results were reviewed by the Commissioner. A cement bridge on CTH-B needs to be resurfaced. He is planning to use a new surfacing technique which leaves a black surface that attracts light.

Based on reduced maintenance funding seasonal weight limits will need to be considered to preserve county roads and make them last longer. The Commissioner plans on posting sections or all of the following county roads: A, H, D, F and W. He will install frost tubes to accurately forecast county frost levels.

The Commissioner plans on implementing a new user fee in 2006 for moving permits on county roads. He stated most counties have this in place and it would generate new revenues. He plans to have the permitting similar to the department's driveway permits. A single trip fee of $50/trip was suggested. Motion by Freese/Lund to proceed with the new user fee for moving permits. Motion carried.

Annual safety program awards were reviewed by the Commissioner. Twenty-three employees met the policy criteria for the annual t-shirt awards, which will be funded out of the small tools account. Three employees qualified for the jacket award. The Commissioner places a high priority on safety and is pleased with the department's record.

Both Jeff Scanlon and Jay Staples plan to attend the Annual WI County Highway Superintendent's and Foreman's Convention. It will be held on October 5-7 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Sheila Bristol reported she is anticipating the transfer of carryover from 2004 into a newly created Capital Improvement Program account. She is awaiting confirmation from Burnett County's Financial Manager.

The following Facility Updates were discussed by the Commissioner:

Water and Sewer Process
Cost to run system to present Highway site has been budgeted in the 2006 budget. It does not include connecting into the Highway system, as the Commissioner feels it will take place over several years. He is still pursuing annexation.

Telephone System
Burnett County Government Center Maintenance Supervisor Faught is assisting the department with the modernization of present system. He has purchased the necessary equipment and phones and is in the process of installation and testing.

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

State Projects

· We may be seeing an additional $35,000 in projects for this year.
· A substantial increase can be expected in 2006.

Township Projects

· Lincoln Township has extended their Perida Road project and is in process.

County Projects-Construction

· CTH U-complete.
· CTH X-complete.
· CTH C-CANCELED LACK OF FUNDS.

County Projects-Maintenance

· CTH-C: STH 35 to CTH-U, CANCELED LACK OF FUNDS.

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

· Unit #186-water tank has been delivered and is working well.
· Unit #202-dozer starter went out and needed replacement.
· Chassis have been ordered for next year's trucks taking delivery in 2006.

August vouchers in the amount of $145,407.63 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 September 14, 2005 at 8:00 a.m.

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