The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Tammy Chell at 1:00 p.m. Present were Greg Mattson-WI DOT D8-Superior, State Trooper Destefano, Bob Morehouse-Highway Commissioner, Jeanette Olson-WAWHSL, Dennis Johnson-DOT/BOTS, Carol Larson-Burnett Co. Health & Human Services and Chris Sybers-Chief of Police, Village of Siren.

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

Discussion was held on the 35/70 north intersection involving the way it is set up and the number of crashes/citations being issued here. Greg stated that the DOT is looking at this and they have been compiling data. Greg stated that he will be doing a traffic count at this location in the spring and they will be four hour checks. Greg handed out information on the number of crashes, injuries and locations of crashes at this intersection, discussion held. Greg will report back to us with the counts at the next committee meeting.

Jeanette informed the committee that WINS program offers training on child seat installation and how to properly secure the children in them. They have a four day training you can take to become certified in this. Jeanette gave a telephone number of #1-866-511-9467 to call to see when the next training would be held. It was discussed that maybe a short demonstration could be given to the Officers at a Department meeting also.

Greg handed out the year end stats for crashes and traffic fatalities, discussion held. It appeared that the summer months seem to be higher with the increase of traffic in the months of June, July and August.

Greg wanted to remind the Officers that DOT needs to have the road names on the traffic accident reports and not to use fire numbers alone. Greg stated that the DOT is going to be charging people replacement costs for signs or guard rails due to traffic accidents, so they need to have this noted on the accident reports as well when there is damage done.

Dennis reported that the number of fatalities is 68 today compared to 78 last year and it has been six days without a fatal accident. Burnett County has had two fatalities this year so far.

Dennis reported on the Click It or Ticket campaign that will be going on this summer and there will be grant money available for those that qualify. There is an Alcohol program set up - If you drink, you drive, you lose. Discussion held on the train laws, child passenger programs and the primary seat belt law.

The Law of the Month for February: Drivers can not be within 200' of a snow plow. The fine is $156.00 and the loss of 3 points and the second offense in the same year being $193.40 / 3 pts.

January Law: Driving to fast for conditions $193.40 / 4 pts, second offense $243.00 / 4 pts.

December Law: Drunk Driving Enforcement.

Dennis handed out information to the committee reference a Bike Safety Class that will be held in Eau Claire, WI April 9, 2005.

Dennis gave the legal updates, discussion held.

Discussion was held on Officers video taping at traffic stops and what a good tool this is when the case goes to court.

Chief Sybers informed the committee that he will be setting up a bike safety program this spring at the Siren Schools. Carol stated that there maybe money available thru the D.S.S. Healthy Family program to help purchase helmets.

Chief Sybers asked if anyone knew of any funding for solar flashing lights for the crosswalks in the Village of Siren. Dennis and Bob stated that they were not aware of any at this time. The Village would like to put them at the school crossings and at the Crooked Lake Park crossing from the Lodge to the park. Greg said he would check with the DOT to see if they can be put on State Highways.

Tammy reported that Chief Schinzing is working on having a seat belt check at the Grantsburg School and the working with the Chief of Siren and Webster Police to do the same at their schools this spring. Chief Sybers stated that he has gift certificates from the Dairy Queen that could be used to reward those wearing seat belts. Tammy stated that Chief Schinzing has been working with local business to get certificates also for free pop to hand out also. This will be a combined effort before school is done for the year.

Bob made a motion to adjourn at 3:00 p.m. and second by Jeanette. Motion made and carried.

Next meetings will be May 17th, August 23rd and November 15th, 2005.

Tammy Chell
Acting Secretary