Highway

Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting November 18, 2025 Taylor County Highway Department Call Meeting to Order: Rod Adams called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Hansen, and Thompson Members Absent: Gebauer and Zenner Other Attendees: County Board Chairman Jim Metz, Brian Wilson from the Star News, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfle y, Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Hansen/Thompson and carried to approve the minutes of the September 16, 2025 meeting. Motion by Thompson/Hansen and carried to approve the agenda with 9 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Hansen/Thompson and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $913,061.79 and journal vouchers totaling $349,587.48. Commissioner Stanfley presented a bridge aid from the Town of Maplehurst for a culvert replacement on Sunnyside Road (.72 miles E Flowage Drive). Motion by Thompson/Hansen and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $33,816 ($16,908/County, $16,908/Town). Commissioner Stanfley informed the committee of the upcoming WCHA Winter Road School to be held January 13-15, 2026, in La Crosse. Jim Metz, Tim Hansen, and Commissioner Stanfley will represent Taylor County. Commissioner Stanfley presented the 2026 State Routine Maintenance Agreement in the amount of $917,400. Motion by Thompson/Hansen and carried to approve the 2026 State Routine Maintenance Agreement. Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • Budget: The annual budget remains on track for 2025. • Forest Service Partnership: Three culvert projects were successfully completed in collaboration with the Forest Service. • Fall Maintenance: The unseasonably warm fall weather enabled significant progress on maintenance activities, including crackfilling, ditching, signage updates, guardrail improvements and woody vegetation management. • CTH A Bridge: The CTH A bridge is scheduled to open on Thursday, with the final walkthrough planned for today. • 2026 Project Update: The CTH Q project exceeded the original application budget by $271,016. Change management measures are being pursued to address the funding shortfall. • Town Bridges: A total of $3.5 million in funding applications has been submitted for bridge projects in Deer Creek, Medford, Goodrich and Little Black. • Funding Applications: A $4.3 million Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) application has been submitted for CTH D. Additional applications for CTH C (Trout Ave to STH 102) and CTH F (Lublin to STH 64), in the amount of $8.6 million. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Hansen/Thompson and carried to adjourn at 9:23 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting September 16, 2025 Taylor County Highway Department Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Gebauer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Hansen, Gebauer, and Zenner Members Absent: Thompson Other Attendees: Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley, Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2025 meeting. Motion by Hansen/Zenner and carried to approve the agenda with 8 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $1,004,747.42 and journal vouchers totaling $182,839.52. Commissioner Stanfley presented a bridge aid from the Town of Holway for a culvert replacement on Wren Drive (0.78 miles N CTH A). Motion by Hansen/Zenner and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $20,444 ($10,222/County, $10,222/Town). The Amended 2025 Bridge Aid Resolution was presented to the committee. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the Amended 2025 Bridge Aid Resolution in the amount of $113,299 and forward the resolution to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • State DMA: The DMA chip sealing project on STH 64, from Gilman to the Chippewa County line, has been completed and came in under budget. We currently have a DMA for Roadway Maintenance to use before year -end, which can be applied to either spray patching or crack filling. • State LFA: We have two State LFA culvert replacements scheduled – one on STH 64 and another on STH 73. • State Budget: We currently have approximately $120,000 remaining in our RMA budget for the remainder of the year, with three months still to go. • Fall Work: The crew will be wrapping up mowing, crack filling, shouldering, and completing some asphalt patching on culvert projects. • A & E: The A & E intersection will be converted to a four-way stop by the end of the day, September 16, 2025. Rumble strips have been installed on CTH A, and signage is being placed. • 2026 Hwy Budget Update: The County Board has approved a 0% increase for 2026 highway budget. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for October 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to adjourn at 09:19 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting August 20, 2025 Taylor County Courthouse, Regular Meeting Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Gebauer called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Hansen, Gebauer, and Thompson Members Absent: Zenner Other Attendees: Brian Wilson from the Star News, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley, Accountant Ashley Harder, Administrative Coordinator/Human Resource Manager Nicole Hager, Craig Cahoon, Peni Cahoon, Fawn Syzdel, Josh Syzdel, Maggie Szydel, Neena Szydel, Linda Schilling Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2025 meeting. Motion by Thompson/Hansen and carried to approve the agenda with 14 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $1,216,550.93 and journal vouchers totaling $425,746.06. Commissioner Stanfley presented accident statistics and highlighted safety concerns regarding the intersection of CTH A and CTH E. Community members voiced similar concerns, describing the intersection as dangerous. In response to a recent traffic incident at the location, there was a strong push for safety measures. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recommended the installation of a four -way stop at the intersection. Motion by Thompson/Adams and carried to approve the installation of a four way stop at the intersection of CTH A and CTH E. Commissioner Stanfley presented a bridge aid from the Town of Holway for a culvert replacement on Pine Ave (250’ E Water Dr). Motion by Hansen/Thompson and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $30,938 ($15,469/County, $15,469/Town). The 2025 Bridge Aid Resolution was presented to the committee. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the 2025 Bridge Aid Resolution in the amount of $103,077 and forward the resolution to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stanfley presented the proposed 2026 Highway Budget. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the 2026 Highway Budget and forward to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stanfley presented the proposed 2026 Equipment Resolution. Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to approve the 2026 Equipment Resolution in the amount of $619,500 and forward the resolution to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stanfley requested authorization to purchase rollers in accordance with the 2026 Equipment Resolution, taking advantage of end of year discounts. Motion by Thompson/Hansen and carried to approve the authorization to purchase rollers. Commissioner Stanfley presented the proposed 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan for the Medford and Gilman building locations. The plan outlines necessary updates and improvements to be addressed over the coming years. Motion by Thompson/Adams and carried to approve the 5 Year Capital Improvement plan as presented. Commissioner Stanfley presented information regarding the use of GPS tracking devices on patrol trucks and pickup trucks. As outlined in the Employee Handbook, the oversight committee is required to review departmental policies annually by September 1. Motion by Adams/Thompson and carried to approve the existing GPS tracking policy for the Highway Department. Oppose: Hansen Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • Chipseal: Chip sealing has been completed on CTH MM, CTH H, CTH V, CTH C, and CTH F. Final cost figures are pending receipt of invoices for chipseal rock. • Culvert Replacement: The crew is scheduled to begin work on larger culvert replacements along CTH S in the coming weeks. • State: State Chip sealing is scheduled to begin west of STH 64, from Gilman to the Chippewa County line in September. • Forest Service: The Forest Service agreement has been finalized, providing $125,000 in funding to support six culvert replacements. • Grant Applications: Work is underway on a Forest Service grant for CTH D, as well as STP-Rural and STP-Local grant applications for CTH C and CTH F. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for September 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Adams/Thompson and carried to adjourn at 10:09 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting June 17, 2025 Taylor County Highway Department Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Gebauer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Hansen via Zoom, Gebauer, Thompson and Zenner Members Absent: None Other Attendees: County Board Chairman Jim Metz, Brian Wilson from the Star News, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley, Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2025 meeting. Motion by Adams/Thompson and carried to approve the agenda with 11 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $1,207,503.50 and journal vouchers totaling $187,544.06. Commissioner Stanfley presented a bridge aid from the Town of Ford for a culvert replacement on Polley Lane (.41 miles E CTH B). Motion by Adams/Zenner and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $21,348 ($10,674/County, $10,674/Town). Commissioner Stanfley presented a bridge aid from the Town of Grover for a culvert replacement on Grover Dr (.18 miles N of STH 64). Motion by Thompson/Hansen and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $150,204 ($120,204/Forest Service, $15,000/County, $15,000/Town). Commissioner Stanfley presented a bridge aid from the Town of Molitor for a culvert replacement on Mondeaux Ave (.50 miles E Lake 19 Rd). Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $21,562 ($10,781/Forest Service, $5,391/County, $5,391/Town). Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • CTH Q: The project has been completed, and preliminary numbers look good. However, issues with electronics on the paver caused some problems with the finished roads surface feature. We will monitor the road through the summer and winter and re - evaluate in the spring of 2026. • Forestry Department & Rustic Road: This week, we began hauling gravel on Fawn Ave for the Forestry Department, with additional work on Emil Drive and North Loop Road. We have also been hauling gravel on Rustic Road. • Upcoming: Culvert projects will commence next week, along with ditch mowing. • Dust Control: We currently have a high demand for dust control for towns. There is potential for acquiring additional tanks to store more dust control here in the future. However, our supplier has cut us off for a few weeks due to the shortage. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to move into close session at 9:15 a.m. Roll call vote: Yes - Adams, Gebauer, Hansen, Metz, Thompson, Zenner. No-none. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to move into open session at 9:34. No action needed on closed session. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for July 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Thompson/Adams and carried to adjourn at 9:35 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting May 20, 2025 Taylor County Highway Department Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Gebauer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Hansen, Gebauer, Thompson and Zenner Members Absent: None Other Attendees: County Board Chairman Jim Metz, Brian Wilson from the Star News, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley, Accountant Ashley Harder, Rick Dowden, Jon Bauer and Bob Burns (at 9:50 a.m.) Motion by Adams/Zenner and carried to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2025 meeting. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the agenda with 17 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $913,915.70 and journal vouchers totaling $770,249.39. Commissioner Stanfley informed the committee of the upcoming WCHA Summer Road School held on June 2 -4, 2025, in Wisconsin Dells. Commissioner Stanfley and County Board Chairman Jim Metz will represent. Commissioner Stanfley presented two bridge aid requests for culvert replacements, from the town of Deer Creek. The first request on Ruby Drive (.66 miles N CTH A) in the amount of $20,370 ($10,185/County, $10,185/Town). The second request on Pine Ave (1.27 miles E Hwy 13) in the amount of $7,676 ($3,838/County, $3,838/Town). Motion by Adams/Zenner and carried to approve the replacement of the first and second bridge aid request. Commissioner Stanfley presented a bridge aid from the Town of Medford for a culvert replacement on Perkinstown Ave (.32 miles E Sunset Rd). Motion by Hansen/Zenner and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $19,748 ($9,874/County, $9,874/Town). Commissioner Stanfley presented a bridge aid from the Town of Rib Lake for a culvert replacement on Wood Lake Ave (.33 miles W of Blank Rd). Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $22,572 ($11,286/County, $11,286/Town). Commissioner Stanfley presented a bridge aid from the Town of Taft for a culvert replacement on Pinewood Dr (.20 miles E School Rd). Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $18,660 ($9,330/County, $9,330/Town). Commissioner Stanfley announced that the LRIP Pilot Program seeks to sign a new two -year contract. Motion by Thompson/Hansen to approve signing the LRIP Pilot Program agreement. Commissioner Stanfley requested permission to hire two patrolmen due to a recent resignation and a recent retirement. Motion by Adams/Zenner and carried to fill the positions. A resolution honoring retiree Don Koerner was presented to the committee. Motion by Hansen/Thompson and carried to approve the resolution as presented. Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • Winter Maintenance: Due to the weather in February and March, the spring of 2025 has resulted in an overspend of $42,000 compared to averages. • Salt: The county opted to transport its own salt instead of using the contract that the state utilizes. This decision has led to significant savings. Specifically, the county saved over $23,000.00 in salt costs for the year. Additionally, by utilizing county -owned equipment for transportation, the county generated $13,000.00 in equipment revenue. • Bridge Aid: An increase in requests for bridge aids may arise due to the 20ft inspections being conducted. Four bridges have been posted and are under structural review. • Mill & Pave CTH Q: The milling project started a week earlier than planned. However, due to plant issues and weather conditions, the project won’t be completed until after Memorial Day. • Spraying weeds: The spraying of unwanted vegetation has begun. • Budget Update: The budget is currently looking positive for the year, with the exception of a $50,000 shortfall in GTA revenue. • GPS Tracking: The highway has invested in some GPS tracking devices to be used for highway property. This investment has already proven valuable, as it enabled the retrieval of a stolen piece of highway property. Meeting recessed at 9:40 a.m. Rick Dowden, Jon Bauer, and Bob Burns joined the meeting. Meeting reconvened at 9:50 a.m. at Bauer Trucking Property. Committee members were given a tour of the Bauer Trucking Property by Jon & Bob. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for June 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Gebauer/Zenner and carried to adjourn at 10:42 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting February 18, 2025 Taylor County Highway Department Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Gebauer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Hansen, Gebauer, Thompson and Zenner Members Absent: None Other Attendees: Brian Wilson from the Star News, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley and Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Adams/Zenner and carried to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2025 meeting. Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to approve the agenda with 8 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Hansen/Zenner and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $342,342.11 and journal vouchers totaling $182,888.72. Commissioner Stanfley presented the bids for the Depot Building and the Medford Lean -To building. Charles Kegerreis Home Improvements LLC was awarded the bid for the steel roof on the Depot Building at $6,500.00 and replace the wood siding with tin on the Medford Lean-to at $20,000, any water damage will be time and materials at $45/hour additionally. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the bids by Charles Kegerreis Home Improvements LLC. Commissioner Stanfley also presented his recommendations for accepting quotations received on various construction materials, including the low bid hot mix asphalt quotation from American Asphalt for CTH Q (STH 64 to CTH M). Motion by Thompson/Adams and carried to approve the quotations as recommended by Highway Commissioner Stanfley. See the attached Quotation Tabulation for details. Commissioner Stanfley provided the committee with the following updates: • Winter Maintenance : January 2025 budget numbers are slightly below the 6 -year average at $153,000. February 2025 budget numbers are just above January at $156,000.00 with a week and a half left in February. • State DMA: The crew has finished tree and brush cutting on STH 64 in Gilman by the railroad tracks. • Sand Sheds: Last week, the crew worked on hauling sand to fill up the three sand/salt sheds. • GTA Funds: Highway Dept is receiving $50,000.00 less in GTA funds from the state for 2025. • Rustic Road: Continued discussions will take place with the town of Rib Lake, regarding the possible takeover of Rustic Road. Commissioner will present to town at their April or May meeting. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for March 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Zenner/Thompson and carried to adjourn at 9:35 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting January 21, 2025 Taylor County Highway Department Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Gebauer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Hansen, Gebauer, Thompson and Zenner Members Absent: None Other Attendees: Brian Wilson from the Star News, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley and Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2024 meeting. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the agenda with 9 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $488,730.41 and journal vouchers totaling $364,185.43. Commissioner Stanfley presented Chapter 27.13 Speed Limit Update. The ordinance changes aim to consolidate speed limit zones into a single section of the county code, simplifying the process of modifying speed limits and ensuring consistency across different areas. The update includes reducing speed limits to 15 mph in school zones when children are present. Additionally, the speed limits in the villages of Lublin, Stetsonville, and Gilman will be set to 25 mph withing village limits and 35 mph outside. The motion by Hansen and Thompson to approve Chapter 27.13 Speed Limit changes was carried and forwarded to the County Board. Commissioner Stanfley provided the committee with the following updates: • Winter Maintenance 2024 : The budget has been significantly under since 2015. The savings from the winter budget were utilized to purchase culverts for county projects. • Building Improvements : Getting bids for Medford Lean -To building to replace wood siding with tin and replace roof on the depot building. Motion by Hansen/Zenner and carried to move into close session at 9:13 a.m. Roll call vote: Yes – Adams, Hansen, Gebauer, Thompson, Zenner. No – none. Motion by Hansen/Thompson and carried to move into open session at 9:30 a.m. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for February 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Hansen/Thompson and carried to adjourn at 9:34 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant