Chairperson Tammy Chell called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. at the Burnett Co. Government Center.

Present were: Bobbi Sichta-Burnett Co. Emergency Management, Bob Morehouse-Burnett Highway Commissioner, Greg Mattson-Wi DOT D8, Dennis Johnson-Bureau of Transportation Safety, Dean Roland-Sheriff Burnett Co., Chris Sybers, Chief of Police-Village of Siren and Jeff Schinzing, Chief of Police-Village of Grantsburg.

Minutes from the August meeting were approved as written on a motion by Bob and second by Sheriff Roland. Motion made and carried.

Citizens Concerns:

There has been a request that a crosswalk be made by Olsen & Son Drug Store. Greg stated that the Village would have to write to DOT for permission to have the crosswalk put in place, discussion held. Chief Sybers also stated that the crosswalks will be repainted this spring in the Village.

Old Business:

35/70 intersection was discussed. The painting that was done this fall seems to be helping people at the intersection. Traffic lights were discussed as this would help the traffic flow at this intersection but Bob believes that they can't be put in due to FAA regulations. Greg also stated that if lights were put in there would have to be reconstruction done at the intersection, he will do a study of the accidents at this location for the next meeting. Bob stated that he will be contacting DOT reference the problems at the intersection and Sheriff Roland stated that the department will try and do more traffic enforcement.

Discussion was held on the south intersection reference the adding of a turn lane when heading south on 35 and turning on Co. Rd. B. Greg stated that there is not enough traffic to warrant a left turn lane at this time. Bob and Greg will be checking further into this problem and Bob will talk to Mike reference a possible light change there.

Greg stated that the repainting in the Village of Grantsburg was done and it looks good. The only problem with the repainting was that they did it on the week-end and this caused some problems with the traffic. The stop strips will be re-done next spring.

Discussion was held on training for child seats, and the committee feels that training should be done here at the county. We will be checking into who could do the training and try and get a date set up this spring.

New Business:

Discussion was held on having a seat belt check at the local High Schools and Chief Schinzing stated that he would be willing to work on this project.

Bobbi informed the committee of a study that she was involved in which she had received $8,000.00 grant to do here in Burnett Co. The project was to check on Hazardous Materials that were being hauled thru Burnett Co. by Semi Trucks. This was a week long survey and the trucks were viewed to see what placards were on the truck to show what they were hauling. The surveyors were at the five (5) intersections in the county, at various times of the day. Bobbi has the information available as to what trucks went thru and it appeared that petroleum based products were one of the highest product coming thru the county. There were many trucks that came thru that were not marked and most trucks traveled from the north to the south. Sheriff Roland stated that he would like to work with State Patrol and do a more extensive check on the trucks next spring. State Patrol had done a truck inspection this past fall and many were stopped because they had failed the inspections. Discussion was held on having a joint enforcement with the County, State and Villages next spring.

Bob reported that the road crews have been fixing road cracks, the material they are using is working real good. Greg stated that they will be doing rut paving on highway 70 next summer. Bob stated that he was informed that when they redo Danbury and Webster they will do rut paving down to Siren at that time.

Oversize/Overweight permits were discussed and Greg stated that the permits have to list mile markers when the parties apply for the permits. Bob had concerns when he issues the permits, whether he is doing them correctly or not. He also wondered if there is training available on writing permits.

Greg reported that there has been five (5) fatals since our last meeting, all were alcohol related.

Discussion was held on the message boards that Burnett County was supposed to receive, Bob will be checking into this as we have not gotten ours yet. Greg stated that they are still in the process of getting them to the counties, as fifty three (53) counties were to receive a board. Bobbi wondered if we should be checking with Obey's office as that is were the funding came out of to purchase them.

Bobbi reported that there are nine (9) counties that are working on a grant to do a study that would enable the counties to talk to each other during a disaster situation. Minnesota would also be involved in this study as they are going to be changing frequencies in the future. The counties that are involved with the study will be eligible to receive Homeland Security money later to upgrade radios, etc., discussion held.

Dennis reported that as of November 16, 2004 there have been 677 fatalities as to 745 in 2003, with a 687 - 5 year average. It was reported that Seat Belt use was up 2.8%. Dennis handed out information on motorized scooters, discussion was held on what needs to be licensed and who needs operators license to drive them.

The .08 law is going really well, less drunk driving crashes, injuries and deaths. Deer crashes are up at an all time high.

Discussion was held on the winter driving and the challenges that go along with it. November brings the concerns with the snow plows being on the roads and drivers being more aware of the road conditions.

October law: Who has the right away when merging on the highways, fine can be $156.20 / 3 pts, if you do not yield.

September law: Stopping for buses with the flashing arm out, fine can be $305 / 4 pts and if the driver reports you it is $305.00 with no loss of points.

Discussion was held on political signs and the signs can stay up if they are not on the road right away.

Next meeting will be held February 15, 2005 at 1:30 p.m.

Motion by Dennis and second by Chief Sybers to adjourn at 3:10 p.m. Motion made and carried.

Tammy Chell
Highway Safety Coordinator