Chairperson Tammy Chell called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. at the Burnett Co. Government Center. Present were: Greg Mattson-Wi. DOT Superior, Dennis Johnson-DOT/BOTS, Carol Larson-Public Health Nurse, Bob Morehouse-Burnett Co. Highway Commissioner, Chris Sybers-Siren, Chief of Police, Dean Roland-Sheriff, Bobbi Sichta-Emergency Management and Jeff Schinzing-Grantsburg, Chief of Police.

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

Discussion was held on the ATV trails in Swiss Township. The State gave a limited easement to travel 26 Lake Rd to Log Cabin Store, to the Gandy along Hwy. 35/77 from the Log Cabin Store.

The north intersection of Hwy 35 / 70 east was discussed as we have had four accidents since the last meeting. There will be new painting done to mark the lanes better and a sign to have people stay in the left lane when turning south. Chief Sybers has spoken to the State Engineer when they were out marking the road and they maybe moving the lanes in the future also.

Discussion was held on the crosswalks in the Village of Siren. They are looking at putting in sidewalks on the east side of the highway by Auto Stop going to the Park and crosswalks by Crooked Lake crossing the highway.

Chief Sybers stated that they are going to try and get pedestrian crossing signs by Bradley Street before school starts, discussion held.

Bob reported that they would be milling Highway 70 east from the intersection of 35/70 to Viola Lake. Also, they are doing overlaying from Highway 70 to Webster and south of 35/70 in the Village of Siren.

Greg informed Bob that the light loops in the Village of Siren should be fixed this fall. A left arrow going south on County Road B is being looked at in the near future for the 35/70 south intersections.

Carol reported that Burnett County has received a grant for safe and stable families. This will help with purchasing infant child car seats for families. They are working on a policy and procedure manual for the program. Kathy Olson is being trained for the proper procedures for installing child restraints in vehicles and safety inspections. She will be able to train Officers and any others interested in this program. Car seats will be available thru the grant for any time frame and for anyone in need of a seat. This program will be replacing the one Jeanette had started years ago.

Chief Schinzing reported on the Seat Belt check that was done at all three schools in the County. The survey showed 619 belted and 165 unbelted subjects. Those belted were given gift certificates, t-shirts and other goodies. Those not belted were talked to and given information on the importance of buckling up.

Chief Schinzing stated that business in Grantsburg would like to have double yellow lines from the Stop a Sec past he Truck Center west of Grantsburg. There have been a number of accidents in this area. Greg will bring it back to Superior to review.

Chief Schinzing asked if the lights on Highway 48/87 could be stopped when they have parades that go thru the intersection. He didn't know if this would hurt the light system or if it could even be done. Greg will check into this for him. Discussion was held on the parade route. Bob stated that he would give them no shoulder signs to put up if the Village crew could put them up for him.

Discussion was talked about Skog Road in Grantsburg Township, as they do not have shoulders on the roadways. Bob stated that they have talked to them and they need to have signing if they are not going to have shoulders.

Highway 77 is still closed, the bridge is done and they should have it opened by October.
Highway 35 from Webster to Danbury will be closed next spring thru most of the summer. The Highway Department has been working on all the county roads to get them ready for this major project.

Bob stated that the speed changed from Highway 35 to Little Yellow Lake Road. Discussion was held on the speeds on County Rd. B. There needs to be more patrol done as the speeds are in excess on County Rd. B.

Dennis reported that there have been 480 fatal accidents, which is 3 less then last year. The five-year average is 488 fatal accidents. 40% are alcohol related crashes, which is down hopefully due to the .08 blood alcohol content.

Legislation is in recess right now and the Governor did sign Act 38.

May Law: Gross weight vehicles 26,000 or more have to have a rotating light when backing up.

You drink, you drive, you lose campaign is going on now thru Labor Day.

June Law: Speeding isn't worth it. 34% of fatalities are due to speed.

July Law: Please give driving your undivided attention. Cell phone use is getting to be a big problem.

August Law: Motorcycle muffler modification enforcement, $165.00 fine.

The Click it Seat Belt Campaign was held and there were 10,700 citations issued for no seat belts, 262 citations for child seat violations. There was a 73% usage rate thru out the campaign period.

Greg reported that Highway 87 is being worked on along with Highway 48 from Frederic.

ICE: program your cell phones number to this to call in case of an emergency.

Mark Bowker is working out of the District 7, Spooner office now.

The next meeting will be held November 15, 2005 at 1:30 p.m.

Chief Sybers made a motion to adjourn and second by Chief Schinzing at 3:08 p.m. Motion made and carried.

Tammy Chell

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