Burnett County Highway Dept. Committee Meeting
February 15, 2006

The regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee convened on Wednesday, February 15, 2006. Larry Main called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Also present were Bert Lund Jr., Commissioner Morehouse, Jeff Scanlon, Sheila Bristol, and Todd Beckmann (Sentinel).

There were no other appearances by the public.

Chairman Main amended the January minutes to read: Motion by Main/Lund to purchase the new power broom from Roland, have Steve Washkuhn review specs on the crack sealant applicator and pressure washer and proceed accordingly, and compare specs and prices on foreman's truck with the state bids. The amended minutes of the January regular meeting were approved on a Main/Lund motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner Morehouse reviewed last month's bid results for the following items of equipment:

Power Broom was purchased through Roland Machinery. The unit from Johnson Supply was used and had no warranty.

Crack Sealer bid was awarded to Sherwin and has been ordered.

Pressure Washer was purchased from McKenzie and was delivered this past week.

Construction Foreman's Truck bid comparison is noted below:

The Commissioner also shared the following truck operating facts with the committee. A 2002 Ford 1-Ton 4WD (7.3 L Diesel) averaged 17.1 mpg for the last 4 months. A 2005 Ford 1-Ton 2WD (6.0 L Diesel) averaged 12.5 mpg for the last four months. Motion by Lund/Main, to go with the Commissioner's recommendation to purchase the Chevy for the construction foreman's truck. Motion carried.

As the Commissioner is anticipating an early start to the construction season he requested authorization to bid both grinding and culverts. He informed the committee that an extension of the current culvert contract had been authorized over the past few years. However with an increase of 25% expected it would justify the need to advertise for bids. Motion to approve the soliciting of bids for both grinding and culverts and have bid opening at the next meeting in March. Motion carried.

The Commissioner met with Duane Wiberg yesterday to verify the surveyed gravel pit boundaries. A purchaser's agreement was dispersed and reviewed. The purchasing price is $80,000, $4000 per acre for 20 acres. The Commissioner stated that monies for this purchase are available through the 2006 gravel pit account. Motion by Chairman Main, seconded by Bert Lund Jr., to approve the purchase of the Wiberg Pit and transfer the monies needed for payment from the 2006 gravel pit account. Motion carried.

The Commissioner reviewed the request to designate a smoking area at the highway site to conform with the tentative County Tobacco Use Policy. He recommended establishing a non-smoking area instead of a smoking area. His proposal stated no smoking would be observed in the office, lunchroom, fueling and welding areas. He had no problem with smoking anywhere else on the grounds. Motion by Lund/Main to approve the Commissioner's recommendation to establish non-smoking areas in the following sites: office, lunchroom, fueling stations and welding areas. Motion carried.

The Commissioner requested the need to recruit part-time college students for summer employment. He anticipates two of the students returning from last year. Motion by Main/Lund to approve the recruitment of four part-time college students for summer employment. Motion carried.

The Commissioner presented a State Discretionary Maintenance Agreement (DMA) for traffic signing. The department will receive an additional $8,800 for this service. Motion by Lund/Main to approve and sign the State DMA for Traffic signing. Motion carried.

An Open Project Status Report for February was reviewed see below:

State Projects

· Repair curbs, Danbury, Siren, Grantsburg.
· STH 35 - CTH A to south bridge Danbury (reconstruct).
· STH 35 - CTH X to North Bridge (rut pavement repair includes milling and paving 24' wide).

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 Lane to Curry Road.

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

· No significant breakdowns and only regularly scheduled maintenance required.
· Shop has been busy with Township work.

February invoices in the amount of $149,046.52 were presented to the committee. There was a motion by Lund/Main to authorize and confirm all invoices processed in February and those presented for payment. Motion carried.

The next regular meeting of the Burnett County Highway Committee will be held on Wednesday March 15, 2006 at 8:00 a.m.

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