Chairperson Tammy Chell called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. at the Burnett Co. Sheriff's Department. Present were: Bob Morehouse-Burnett Co. Highway Commissioner, Dean Roland-Burnett Co. Sheriff, Greg Mattson-WI DOT D8 Superior, Dan Wald-Grantsburg Police Department, Dennis Johnson-Program Manager, Transportation Safety, Jeanette Olson-WAWHSL, Michelle Bailey-Burnett Co. Health Dept., and Andy Savage-Siren Police Department.

Bob made a motion to approve the minutes from the August Committee meeting and Jeanette second. Motion made and carried.

Discussion was held reference Burnett General Hospital not having a car seat program set up at this time; the Health Services Department will check with them on this.

It was reported that the construction on Co. Rd A has been completed, Bob reported on the changes.

Discussion was held on the number of accidents that have been occurring with drivers between the ages of 16-18. The accidents have been due to swerving for deer and speeds. Officer Wald stated he has talked at the Grantsburg School during the driver's education classes and has touched on not swerving for deer. Also, discussed were the GDL licenses and the laws pertaining to them. The Officers have written citations for to many passengers in the vehicle with drivers holding a GDL license.

There were questions reference individuals holding driver licenses that have reached 80 plus years of age. It was brought to our attention that AB575 will shorten license renewal cycle for driver's age 75-94 years old to two years. At the time of renewal, the person must take a knowledge test. If the person commits a moving violation, an on-road skills test is required. For those 95 and older, each person must pass both an eye and skills test each year. If Law Enforcement Officers have concerns about an elderly driver, they can be referred to the State for retest.

Greg discussed the blow by lane in Grantsburg on highway 70 by the IGA Store. There is no way to put in a 4-lane in this area, as there are too many entrances on to the highway. A 3-lane would work but that would be at the Villages expense and this would have to be a reconstruction job. Greg stated that there is a land owner that opposes this reconstruction.

The speed limit was dropped in Hertel to 50 mph past the Hertel Turtle Express.

Greg informed the committee of the State cutting the funding for winter maintenance on the State roads, discussion held. He also stated at this time sign maintenance is being done by the Spooner personnel but they won't be doing it much longer. The trucks are being put up for sale. Bob informed the committee that either Washburn or Polk Counties will be doing the signing in our county as we can not afford to get a truck for Burnett County.

There have been pedestrian crossing lights put in on highway 35/70 to cross over to the new facility from Best Western.

Bob stated that there is money available thru the Homeland Security Grant to purchase a sign board that would put out messages to the public if there would be a bridge out, tornado warning, and any problem that would arise that the public should be aware of. Greg stated that the State has signs available also, if we would need them during a disaster.

Greg stated that there is money available thru an ITS grant that Obey has obtained but it is a 50-50 match grant. Michelle asked if the ITS grant could be used for the Health Department to obtain a GPS system and they will check into this. Greg handed out the information on the ITS money that's available, this way anyone interested can check into the funding available.

Greg reported that there were no fatals on State Highways but there were three on the county roads. There have been 744 fatal accidents as of 11-18-03, with 19 in District 8 on the State Roads. Burnett County has had 8 fatalities thus far and last year we had 7 fatalities. The 5 year average is 665 fatalities.

Dennis handed out the legislature updates, discussion held. The change in the BAC .08 was the only thing that passed last session, discussion was held on what else is coming up. Doyle signed the hit and run bill, which would have the same penalty as when you are drunk and involved in a hit & run accident.

Changes in laws to be aware of: Clear view while driving - fine $156.20, don't use your cruise control in the winter months, the new .08 bac for drunk driving passed, make sure headlights and tail lights are in working order, fine $143.80.

Dennis handed out information on TCC tips and winter emergency supply kit list that everyone should carry in their vehicles, discussion held.

March 31, 2004 there will be a district meeting in Rice Lake at Dana's at noon.

Next years meeting dates are as follows: February 17, May 18, August 17 and November 16.

Discussion was held on the number of crashes at the intersection of highway 35/70 north, also the painting and markings are hard to see on 70 E., Greg will be checking on this.

Sheriff Roland made a motion to adjourn and Bob second it at 3:00 p.m. Motion made and carried.