Chairperson Tammy Chell called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Present were Bob Morehouse-Highway Commissioner, Dean Roland-Sheriff, Tim Smith-Wisconsin State Patrol, Morrie Luke-WI DOT NW Region, Marc Bowker-WI DOT NW Region, Dennis Johnson-WI DOT / BOTS, Carol Larson-Public Health Supervisor, Chris Sybers-Siren Chief of Police and Jeff Schinzing-Grantsburg Chief of Police.

Bob made a motion to approve the minutes from the August meeting as presented, Dean second it. Motion made and carried.

Discussion was held on the 35/70 Committee meeting. Marc presented information on the possible contributing factors involving the crashes at the intersection and he also presented data to the committee review. They will be holding meetings in the upcoming months reference this problem.

Bob reported that the new loops at the stoplights at the 35/70 south intersections are still not set up right, discussion held.

Greg reported that the left turn lane for County Rd. B has been approved and will be done soon.

Discussion was held on the ATV's ripping up the ditches and shoulders of the roads along Highway 35 from Danbury to the Fishbowl. At this time Bob said he had no money in his budget to fix these damages. The ATV clubs are going to try and help control this problem.

Bob stated that the roadwork from Webster to Danbury is still planned to proceed next spring, discussion held.

The speed limit from Oak Lake Inn to east end of Oak Lake was discussed, as they wanted it lowered to 35 mph.

Dennis reported the following:

693 fatal accidents 2005 / 680 2004.
5 year average / 692 fatal accidents.

Legislative -

Amber lights for slow vehicles.
Older driver testing.
Cell phone use.
Over weight vehicles.

Safety Issues- The question was asked if 16 year olds are too young to get their drivers licenses. Some States are looking at this issue, as they tend to make bad decisions, as their brains are not fully developed.

Click-It Surveys -

73.3 % used seat belts.
96% 0-4 yr. olds seat belted.

Deer / car crashes are up as the deer are moving more from 4 to midnight. Discussion on informing driver's especially young drivers not to swerve to miss the deer. Sheriff Roland asked how many Public Service Announcements Wisconsin has, as we do not get any coverage in our area.
Burnett County had 48 reported deer crashes in 2004.

Discussion was held on driver fatigue being the cause of many crashes. Drivers need to get plenty of rest and the need to realize that caffeine takes 30 minutes to kick in, so it's not a quick fix if your tired.

September Law of the Month: Move over law - move over for any emergency vehicle. $243.00 fine can be assessed, when there are 4 lanes - move over to the other lane of travel and 2 lanes - move over if possible and slow down.

October Law of the Month: Headlights should be on when foggy or raining and drivers need to dim lights at least one city block when meeting another vehicle.

November Law of the Month: Obey Stop Signs / Safety at Intersections is a big concern, as there have been to many crashes at these locations.

Dennis handed out winter driving safety tips to review. He also handed out information on snow plowing and ice control guidelines for State maintained highways, discussion held.

Discussion on some possible grants that maybe come available thru the Click It Program for 2006, Dennis will keep us posted.

The 2006 meeting dates are as follows: February 14, May 16, August 15 and November 14, all beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Carol had nothing new for the committee.

Chief Sybers reported that the Village of Siren would be getting two portable signs for pedestrian crossing/yield for pedestrians. These signs are double sided and will be used at the crosswalks in the Village. The Lions Clubs purchased these signs to help promote safety in the community.

It was reported that some of the manhole covers got fixed, but the rest will be done in the spring.

Traffic counts were done at 35/70 south, more information to follow.

Discussion on drug searches for motor carriers can be done, Sgt Tim Wyberg - Motor Carrier Division is the contact person thru State Patrol.

Discussion was held on obtaining the Vision Goggles for the Driver's Education classes. The State Patrol can be contacted to set up a time to use them.

The repainting of 48/87 Intersection was completed.

Bob made a motion and second by Sheriff Roland to adjourn the meeting at 2:20 p.m. Motion made and carried.

Tammy Chell
Acting Secretary