BURNETT CO. HIGHWAY SAFETY COMMISSION
May 18, 2004

The Burnett County Traffic Commission Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Tammy Chell at 1:30 p.m. on May 18, 2004. Present were: Jeanette Olson-WAWHSL, Bob Morehouse-Burnett Co. Highway Commissioner, Chris Sybers-Chief of Police, Village of Siren, Dean Roland-Sheriff, Greg Mattson-Wi DOT D8 Superior, Jeff Schinzing-Chief of Police, Village of Grantsburg and Dennis Johnson-DOT/BOTS.

The minutes from the February meeting were approved as written on a motion by Bob and second by Chief Sybers. Motion made and carried.

Greg reported that the new message boards have been received that were purchased thru grant money. There were a total of seven (7) boards purchased with one (1) being located in Superior and Spooner and the rest in the Madison area. They are having problems with programming them yet but the problem is getting worked out. They are battery and solar operated boards. These will be available if a county should have a need to use it.

Discussion was held on the 35/70 intersection north, reference the markings and if they will be getting fresh paint on them. Greg doesn't think this is in this year's budget plan but he will check on it and let them know of the concerns here. Bob feels they need to look into getting some better paint for this area and he feels this should be budgeted to be repainted every year. Recent accidents at this location were discussed as citizens have concerns about this area. The lack of lighting at this intersection was discussed and how the raised markers have made a difference in seeing the center lines on this stretch of roadway. Discussion was held on how we could get a study done on this area to see if something different could be done to help aid in highway safety.

Greg reported on a grant regarding signing and marking that will be coming out in June. This is a 75/25 match grant, but the 25% has to be put up front. Bob stated it would be a good grant to be able to apply for but coming up with the 25% up front is hard to obtain.

Discussion was held on the cell phone use by drivers and the push to have a law put in place to ban usage while driving.

Jeanette stated her concerns on the Child Passenger Seat Program and how the number of people trained is very low. She stated that there is a training that can be done here if we could get people to attend. It was discussed that maybe the Health Department along with Carol Larson's assistance could get something set up in our area. This will be checked into further.

Jeanette reported that she will be doing a seat belt survey with UW Whitewater in June which will cover five (5) counties.

Bob reported that the county had 5 new bridges replaced and all have had some type of defects, discussion held. The bridge by Oak Grove is not level, the bridge on Highway 48 is sinking and the county has had to put in loads of fill and jacked it up. He has informed DOT about this and nothing has been addressed yet. He also has concerns with the number of accidents at the 35/70 north intersection since it has been redone.

Chief Sybers informed the committee that the crosswalks in the Village of Siren were repainted.

Discussion was held on the parades and if the Villages all have obtained their permits. Detours were discussed for Highway 70 west as this parade lasts at least 20-30 minutes.

Greg informed the committee that any over sized / weight permits will be forwarded to the county so everyone is aware they have been issued and when they will take place. Most permits Greg explained are set for 2 am - 6 am, unless utilities are going to have to be addressed. Discussion held on this issue.

Greg stated that the memorials that are placed along roadsides after a fatal accident have been being discussed. They are trying to get the families/friends to adopt a stretch of highway in honor of the individual verses the placing of flowers, balloons, etc. along the roadside as this has become a traffic hazard with people looking at these while driving by.

Bob also stated that he needs to have accidents that involve signs down or damaged as the State is going after those responsible for the costs of repairs or replacement.

Chief Schinzing brought up the GDL licenses and how enforcement is being done in this issue, discussion held.

Dennis reported that as of 5/17/04 there were 236 fatalities compared to 279 last year and 239 five (5) years ago. The fatal count for 2003 was 836.

A discussion was held on the seat belt law which died once again, OWI arrests, and Wisconsin being the #1 binge drinking state.

Laws of the months were: March - Child Safety Restraints Enforcement, April - Work Zone Enforcement, maps of construction areas handed out, May - Absolute Sobriety Law Enforcement.

Chief Sybers informed the Committee that they held a bike rodeo for the kids in the Village of Siren. They fixed bikes, gave out information on bike safety and they licensed 30 bikes at the rodeo. Dennis informed Chief Sybers to check helmetsrus.net to get information on obtaining helmets at a reduced rate.

August 24, 2004 at 1:30 pm will be the next committee meeting.

Chief Schinzing made a motion to adjourn and Sheriff Roland seconds it. Motion made and carried at 3:15 pm, meeting adjourned.

Tammy Chell