Coordinator Tammy Chell called the meeting to order at 1:30. Present were Sheriff Dean Roland, Highway Commissioner Bob Morehouse, Attorney George Benson, Burnett Co. Health Supervisor Carol Larson, WI DOT D8 Representative Greg Mattson, Regional Program Manager Dennis Johnson and Chris Sybers-Siren Chief of Police.

Minutes from the November meeting were approved as written on a motion by Bob and second by Dennis. Motion made and carried.

Discussion was held on the Homeland Security Grant; Bob reported that the money will be awarded this month.

Greg reported that the ITS Grant which is a 50/50 match has been awarded. There will be a portable-changeable board which will be housed at the Highway Department to use in case of an emergency and a repeater for the Grantsburg Tower that will be coming out of this grant. Greg informed the committee that the State will also be donating a portable board to the county thru this grant.

Discussion was held on the State lifting the money freeze for road maintenance. The Highway Department has done a good job with our roads this winter and Bob reported that they have used approximately 60% of the winter road maintenance money thus far.

Discussion was held on the 35/70 north intersection, reference blowing the stop sign after coming off of highway 70 and entering the south bound lanes. Greg asked if anyone had any ideas how to prevent this from happening, discussion held. Bob stated that the State will also need to repaint the markings on the roadways this spring in this area and the entrance into the government center since they filled in the turn lane to Co. Rd. K.

It has been discussed that a new entrance by the movie theater maybe put in. Bob stated that he hasn't been notified of anything as of yet, but has read about it in the papers. His understanding is that people could enter from both north and south bound lanes, but when they leave the theater they would only be able to go south bound. Greg stated he hasn't heard anything on this change as of yet either.

Bob informed Greg that the manhole covers in the Village of Siren are getting to be a problem, as there is at least a 3" drop around the covers. The change in the road has made the traffic flow travel over them and evidently this could be a dangerous problem this spring. Bob will talk to Bruce with District 8 reference replacing these.

Carol handed out the summary of the Burnett County Community Health Needs Assessment survey her department has completed, discussion held. This survey covered many different areas from population, economics, health issues and needs, traffic safety issues involving seat belt usage, drinking and driving, accident data and other findings. The full report is on file and accessible to the public. It is a very good survey, with good information pertaining to our Highway Safety Committee as well.

Discussion was held on child passenger seats and if students in the driver education classes are being taught the proper way to install a car seat and properly buckle up a child. Carol stated that there is a 5 day class that trains individuals on child restraints and she wondered if anyone in the county is trained in this. Sheriff Roland stated that he thought the Tribal Police or Health Services maybe have some people trained in this area. We will check into this, as it would be good to have a day when people can come in and have their seats checked over and see that they are properly installed in their vehicles. Carol reported that the life of a car seat is 5 to 6 six years, but if they are involved in an accident they should be thrown immediately.

Greg asked if Siren was going to be applying for a parade permit for the St. Patrick's Parade and Chief Sybers stated he is getting it ready and will be putting it in the mail to him in the next week.

Greg handed out the District 8 fact sheets for 1988-2003, discussion held. Burnett County has had a total of 49 fatalities on State Roads during this time period. The graphs also show the month, day and time of day of the crashes. Total number of crashes/fatalities was 842 which is high and our district was lower in 2003 with 22 fatalities to 25 in 2002.

Dennis reported that as of February 16 there were 91 fatalities in Wisconsin compared to 84 last year. This is the third worst number in the states history and the five year average is 72 fatalities. Burnett County had 8 fatalities last year on all county and state roads which is the highest in 5 years.

The Legislation Update:

The new hit and run bill is up to change the fine to be the same as hit and run while driving while intoxicated.

AB-462 Bill: Prohibits a person operating a motor vehicle under an instruction permit (e.g., motor vehicle, motorcycle)while using a cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunications device, except to report an emergency.
This bill has good support and should pass.

AB-58 Bill: Prohibits drivers from using cell phones or other mobile telephone devices, except to report an emergency. This bill doesn't have very good support at this time.

AB-90 Bill: Standard Enforcement Seat Belt Bill. Allows a law enforcement officer to stop or inspect a vehicle solely to determine compliance with safety belt use requirements. The bill has passed one committee; the State has lost funding because they have chosen not to raise the fine for not wearing your seat belt.

AB-575 Bill: Shortens license renewal cycle for driver's age 75 to 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 test and a skills test each year. This bill is getting attention and should be one passing.

Dennis reported that the number of fatal motorcycle accidents is high, with 75% of victims not wearing helmets.

In November of 2003 Governor Doyle passed a drugged drivers bill which has the same penalties as if you were arrested for drunk driving.

Law of the month:

January law: Following to close carries a fine of $181.00.

February law: Attention on getting drunk/drugged drivers off of the roads, also enforcement towards people using ATVs, snowmobiles, boats and firearms while using alcohol or drugs.

Sheriff Roland asked if a survey should be done to see what Burnett County residents feel about traffic safety issues in the county. A questionnaire could be sent out or put in the paper and see what responses we could get. Carol stated that she would get together with Sheriff Roland as the Health Department was going to run something too and they could possibly put the two surveys together.

Next meeting will be May 18th at 1:30 p.m.

There was no more business before the commission, therefore Sheriff Roland made a motion to adjourn and a second by Carol it. Motion made and carried at 3:00 p.m.

Tammy Chell
Highway Safety Coordinator