The regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee convened on Wednesday, December 14, 2005. Vice-chairman Eldon Freese called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. Also present were Bert Lund Jr., Commissioner Morehouse, Jeff Scanlon, Sheila Bristol and Todd Beckmann (Sentinel).

There were no appearances by the public.

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

Commissioner Morehouse presented the Bid results as follows:

Monroe was awarded the bid for both box/hydraulics and truck conveyor. The chainsaw bid was awarded to The Main Store. All items have been ordered.

The Sign Truck, purchased from the Washburn County Highway Department, was delivered this week. The 2000 Ford 550 truck is equipped with an auger; lift system, and storage area for signs. The truck will be used on both state and county sign projects and other applications such as tree trimming. The Commissioner added that this unit will be able to generate additional revenue through a TMA (sign contract) with the State.

Commissioner Morehouse requested the need to advertise for the follow 2006 budgeted items of equipment: power broom, crack sealer, pressure washer and construction foreman's truck. Motion by Eldon Freese, seconded by Bert Lund Jr. to solicit bids for the power broom, crack sealer, pressure washer and foreman's truck and have the opening at next month's meeting. Motion carried.

The Commissioner reported on completing the Non-metallic Mining Permit for 2006. The annual fee of $650 is charged to the department's gravel pit account. A Storm Water Discharge Permit has been completed for the county-owned gravel pits as well.

Commissioner Morehouse reported on the Wisconsin State Statute 346.57 governing local road speed limits. He stated he has no authority over local roads, the individual townships do. They are authorized to reduce a speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph if certain criteria exist. Some of the criteria included multiple driveways for business, industrial or residential purposes averaging less than 150 ft. apart within 1,000 feet of roadway. The Town must also have the necessary ordinances and posted signs to give adequate warning.

Attendance to the Winter Commissioner/Committee Conference was discussed. The conference is scheduled for January 23-25 in the Dells. The Commissioner stated that the agenda looked weak and he is considering not attending, however is reconsidering it because of being on the State Safety/Training Committee.

An Open Project Status Report for November was reviewed.

State Projects

· Repair curbs, Danbury, Siren, Grantsburg.
· STH 35 - CTH A to south bridge Danbury (reconstruct).
· STH 35 - Stop a Sec north to Webster bridge (rut pavement repair)

Township Projects

· Webb Lake - Namekagon Trail.
· Webb Lake - River Road.
· Siren - Lonestar Road.
· Siren - Gordon Road or Burnikel Road.

County Projects-Construction

· CTH F - Foxes Landing to Nordstrom Ln 1.75 miles.
· CTH H - STH 77 to Burls Trail 1.8 miles. (if funded)

County Projects-Maintenance

· CTH B - Thompson Rd to Cranberry Marsh Rd 4 miles.
· CTH F - Nordstrom Land to Curry Road.

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

· No significant breakdowns and only regularly scheduled maintenance required.

December invoices in the amount of $206,149.23 were presented to the committee. There was a motion by Freese/Main to authorize and confirm all invoices processed in December and those presented for payment. Motion carried.

The next regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee will be held on Wednesday January 11, 2005 at 8:00 a.m.

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