Highway

Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting December 19, 2024 Taylor County Highway Department Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Gebauer called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Hansen, Gebauer and Thompson Members Absent: Zenner Other Attendees: County Board Chairman Jim Metz, 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 November 19, 2024, meeting. Motion by Thompson/Adams and carried to approve the agenda with 11 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Hansen/Thompson and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $561,873.41 and journal vouchers totaling $133,169.54. Commissioner Stanfley presented a petition for bridge aid from the Town of Roosevelt for two separate culvert replacements on Elm Dr (.10 miles E 7 th Ave) & 8 ½ Ave (.28 miles N Pinewood Dr). Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the replacement for Elm Dr in the amount of $12,030 ($6,015/County, $6015/Town) and 8 ½ Ave in the amount of $12,030 ($6,015/County, $6015/Town). Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the Railroad Crossing Lighting on CTH B. Motion by Adams/Thompson and carried to approve the installation of three lights at the crossing for $8,500. Commissioner Stanfley presented the Clear Lake Dam Emergency Action Plan to the committee, explaining that the lake district had taken over ownership, necessitating an updated handbook that required a signature. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the signature for the Clear Lake Dam Emergency Action Plan. Commissioner Stanfley presented the 2025 State TMA in the amount of $776,000.00 Motion by Thompson/Adams and carried to approve the 2025 State TMA. Chapter 27.13 Speed Limit Update resulted in a Motion by Adams/Hansen to table this topic until further information is obtained. Commissioner Stanfley provided the committee with the following updates: • November 2024 Winter Maintenance : This has been the lowest since 2017, coming in $10,000 less than last year at this time. • December 2024 Winter Maintenance: Currently $10,000 more than last year at this time. • Woody Vegetation Work: Crews have been working on state roads, including STH 64 west (brushing and removing dead trees), STH 73 by Jump River, and STH 102 Rib Lake (clearing up the right-of-way). • 2025 Projects: Plans for county culvert projects are being organized for next year, utilizing the savings from the 2024 winter budget. • Culvert Rankings: There are 54 culverts in Taylor County that the county is responsible for, ranked 1 or 2. A ranking of 1 indicates a replacement is needed. Out of the 54 culverts, 20 are ranked 1 and 34 are ranked 2. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for January 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to adjourn at 11:32 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting November 19, 2024 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 and Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2024, meeting. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the agenda with 10 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $2,233,924.95 and journal vouchers totaling $602,117.72. Commissioner Stanfley informed the committee of the upcoming WCHA Winter Road School to be held January 13 -15, 2025, in Wisconsin Dells. Jim Metz and Commissioner Stanfley will represent Taylor County. If anyone else wishes to attend, they should contact Ashley by December 6, 2024. Commissioner Stanfley presented the 2025 State Routine Maintenance Agreement in the amount of $878,200.00 Motion by Hansen/Zenner and carried to approve the 2025 State Routine Maintenance Agreement. Commissioner Stanfley informed the committee that the Town of Grover has requested a speed reduction petition on CTH M in Perkinstown. No motion was made regarding this request. The GPS Policy for Highway Department vehicles will cover 19 patrol trucks and 2 pickup trucks. A motion by Zenner/Gebauer carried to approve the GPS Policy for Highway Department vehicles. A voice vote resulted in three (3) votes in favor and two (2) against (Adams, Hansen). Zenner left the meeting at 9:27 a.m. Commissioner Stanfley provided the committee with the following updates: • The CTH F bridge has been completed and is now open to traffic, 100% fully funded by Federal funds. • The State Hwy 64 rutwedge/crackfill DMA projects are finished, although costs slightly exceeded the DMA budget, requiring the remaining expenses to be covered by the RMA. • The culvert on Clear Lake Road in the town of Hammel has been installed, marking a significant pipe installation. • A recent culvert installation was completed for the Forest Service on Sawyer Ave. • For CTH Q & Center Ave, the substrate has been adjusted for consistency, and an unnecessary old pipe was found and removed. • Crews are actively working on crackfilling county roads. • Stream Profiles for the 2025 DNR permit culvert replacement project are underway. • There are ongoing signing updates being made. • The third pass of ditching/mowing is nearing completion. • Pavement marking will include some retracing scheduled for 2025 in Chippewa County, which was not completed in 2024. However, delays have occurred due to truck repairs and weather conditions. • For the 2025 bridge projects, there are six projects totaling $3.4 million, with the county responsible for only 20% of the costs for one project, CTH A. Each project will be managed by a different contractor. • The design for CTH C has been expedited to 2025, as the DOT has received funding to advance this, although it is not included in the 2025 budget. • A Chapter 27.3 Speed Ordinance review is underway, and affected villages have been contacted with recommendations. • 6-20’ inventory/inspections are nearly complete, with some HIS uploads remaining. • We have already received two of the patrol trucks for 2025 and saved an additional $1,200.00 on each truck. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for December 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to adjourn at 09:41 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting August 20, 2024 Taylor County Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Gebauer called the meeting to order at 10:08 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 and Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2024, meeting. Motion by Zenner/Thompson and carried to approve the agenda with 12 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $1,740,594.37 and journal vouchers totaling $402,148.31. Commissioner Stanfley presented a petition for bridge aid from the Town of Holway for a culvert replacement on Oak Drive. Motion by Adams/Zenner and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $39,234 ($19,617/County, $19,617/Town). Commission Stanfley presented a petition for bridge aid from the Town of Holway for a culvert replacement on Pine Ave. Motion by Hansen/Zenner and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $13,720 ($6,860/County, $6,860/Town). The 2024 Bridge Aid Resolution was presented to the committee. Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to approve the 2024 Bridge Aid Resolution in the amount of $117,169 and forward the resolution to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stanfley presented the proposed 2025 Equipment Resolution. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the 2025 Equipment Resolution in the amount of $797,000 and forward the resolution to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stanfley requested approval to commit to 2025 Equipment Schedule for two single axle patrol trucks to benefit from purchase price discounts. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the commitment to the two single axle patrol trucks. Commissioner Stanfley presented the proposed 2025 Highway Budget. Motion by Hansen/Adams and carried to approve the 2025 Highway Budget and forward to the Finance Committee, with potential changes due to the GPS policy and completion of the current wage study. Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • WCHA West Central District Fall Commissioners & Committee Members meeting will be held at Marilyn’s in Medford on October 1st, 2024 @ 8:45 a.m. • CTH D is complete and came in 4% below 2023 costs. • Last week we completed chipsealing 22 miles of road. They are working on sweeping the road and will soon paint traffic lines and markings to finish the project. • Rustic Road: Graveling & Grading of Rustic Road has been completed. • State Work: Recent shouldering work has been completed on STH 13, starting north of Medford and extending to CTH M to the east. The LFA Culvert Replacement on STH 13, south of Stetsonville, has also been finished. However, the Rutwedge and Crackfilling projects on STH 64 are pending due to the location of the asphalt plant. • Railroad Crossing Lighting: Continuing to collaborate with Excel Energy on this project. • Radio Repeaters: In 2022, we requested ARPA funds to purchase radio repeaters for the Bellinger and Perkinstown towers to improve coverage and signal. These two repeaters are now nearing completion. • Future Work Preparations: We will be addressing the winter heaving issues at the intersection of CTH Q and Center Ave by digging it out. This work will be completed before the resurfacing of CTH Q in 2025. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for September 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Zenner/Hansen and carried to adjourn at 10:56 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Ashley Harder Accountant Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting June 18, 2024 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 and Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2024, meeting. Motion by Adams/Thompson 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 $1,488,428.16 and journal vouchers totaling $165,819.48. Commissioner Stanfley presented a petition for bridge aid from the Town of Roosevelt for a culvert replacement on 8 th Ave (0.27 m S STH 64). Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $17,912 ($8,956/County, $8,956/Town) A resolution honoring retiree Randy Lewan was presented to the committee. Motion by Hansen/Zenner and carried to approve the resolution as presented. Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • Patrolman: New Patrolman has been hired for the Gilman shop • CTH D Update: Paving was completed last week. Shouldering work will be completed this week and then traffic lines, lane markings to be painted on the road to complete the project. • Upcoming Work: Dust Control, Culvert Projects, Shouldering STH 13 North of Medford, Graveling Rustic Road • Railroad Crossing Lighting: Working with Mead & Hunt and Xcel Energy to plan the lighting of the Railroad crossing on CTH B • Finance: The finance committee amended the revised equipment resolution to allocate $15,000 for the purchase of a truck from the Sheriff’s Department. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for July 23, 2024, following County Board at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Hansen/Zenner and carried to adjourn at 09:21 a.m. Secretary: Ashley Harder Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting May 21, 2024 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, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley and Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Thompson/Adams and carried to approve the amended minutes of the April 16, 2024, meeting. Motion by Adams/Thompson and carried to approve the agenda with 14 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $526,069.49 and journal vouchers totaling $228,911.47. Commissioner Stanfley presented two bridge aid requests, for culvert replacements, from the town of Browning. The first request on Hall Dr. in the amount of $39,000 ($19,500/County, $19,500/Town). Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the first request. The second request on Unrau Ave. in the amount of $25,344 ($12,672/County, $12,672/Town). Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the second request. Commissioner Stanfley presented two bridge aid requests, for culvert replacements, from the town of Greenwood. The first request on Evergreen Dr. in the amount of $17,850 ($8,925/County, $8,925/Town. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the first request. The second request on River Rd. in the amount of $16,910 ($8,455/County, $8,455/Town). Motion by Zenner/Hansen and carried to approve the second request. Commissioner Stanfley informed the committee of the upcoming WCHA Summer Road School held on June 3 -5, 2024, in Wisconsin Dells. Commissioner Stanfley and County Board Chairman Jim Metz will represent. Commissioner Stanfley requested permission to hire a patrolman due to a recent resignation. Motion by Adams/Thompson and carried to fill the position. Motion by Zenner/Thompson and carried to renew the Gilman Crop Land Lease to L. Romanowski Corp. at $100/acre for the next 5 years. Commissioner Stanfley presented the WisDOT Surface Transportation Program and Local Bridge Program Funding for three grants awarded to Taylor County. To complete these projects, an additional $1.3 million in borrowing over the next five years is required. WisDOT will grant 80% of the funds for each project, with Taylor County responsible for the remaining 20%. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve the WisDOT Surface Transportation Program and Local Bridge Program Funding and forward the resolution to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • Paving Schedule: Paving is set to begin after Memorial Day weekend. • Weed Killer: Spraying been completed on right-of-way (ROW), and guardrail spraying is in progress. • Road Maintenance: Crew are spray patching and crack filling roads. • Culvert Replacement: DNR culvert replacement permits have been submitted. • Bridge Inspection: Underwater profiles are due every 96 months. • Forest Service: The Forest Service has contacted us regarding a project on Sawyer Ave. • Workday Savings: 4 – 10-hour workdays instead of 5 – 8-hour workdays during the winter season resulted in savings of over $9,000. Only 2 Fridays were worked during the 2023 - 2024 winter season. • Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for June 18, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Adams/Thompson and carried to adjourn at 09:30 a.m. Secretary: Ashley Harder Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting April 16, 2024 Taylor County Highway Department Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Gebauer called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Members Present: Adams, Hansen, Gebauer, Thompson and Zenner Members Absent: None Other Attendees: County Board Chairman Jim Metz, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley and Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2024, meeting. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the agenda with 10 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Adams/Hansen and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $502,829.45 and journal vouchers totaling $172,028.99. Commissioner Stanfley presented the US Forest Service Cooperative Forest Road Agreement. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to approve the Agreement with the US Forest Service Cooperative Forest Road. Commissioner Stanfley presented a petition for bridge aid from the Town of Little Black for a culvert replacement on County Line Road, pending statute requirements. Motion by Adams/Thompson and carried to approve the replacement per pending statue requirements in the amount of $16,200 ($4,050/Clark County, $4,050/Mayville, $4,050/Taylor County, $4,050/Town) Commissioner Stanfley presented a petition for bridge aid from the Town of Roosevelt for a culvert replacement on Elm Dr. Motion by Zenner/Hansen and carried to approve the replacement in the amount of $16,670 ($8,335/County, $8,335/Town) Commissioner Stanfley presented a Revised 2024 Equipment Fund Resolution. Motion by Thompson/Zenner and carried to approve the Revised 2024 Equipment Fund Resolution in the amount of $926,887 and forward the resolution to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • 6’-20’ Bridge Inventory has been completed. • April 2024 – 55 Bridges alone have been inspected. • County culvert projects are getting prepped to start. • Construction season will begin May 1 with hauling and pulverizing. • MSHA training was held last week, along with Hearing Tests. This week we have Chainsaw Safety training. • Commissioner is working on an annual schedule requested by Finance Department • Railroad requested signage updated on CTH B railroad crossing last September. Work has been completed as required. DOT is stating that the standards are met, but the Railroad is now requesting it to be illuminated. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for May 21, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Adams/Thompson and carried to adjourn at 01:45 p.m. Secretary: Ashley Harder Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting Taylor County Highway Department March 20, 2024 Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Soper called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Brooks, Gebauer, Soper and Zenner Members Absent: None Other Attendees: County Board Chairman Jim Metz, Brian Wilson from the Star News, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley and Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Gebauer/ Adams and carried to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2024, meeting. Motion by Zenner/Brooks and carried to approve the agenda with 8 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Brooks/Gebauer and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $174,643.47 and journal vouchers totaling $120,476.72. Commissioner Stanfley requested permission to hire a patrolman due to a recent retirement. Motion by Gebauer/ Adams and carried to fill the position. Commissioner Stanfley presented his recommendations for bid quotations received on various construction materials, including asphalt for CTH D (CHI-S) and CTH D (CHI-D). Motion by Gebauer/Zenner and carried to approve the hot mix asphalt low bid from American Asphalt for CTH D (CHI-S) and CTH D (CHI-D) and all other bids as recommended by the highway commissioner. See attached for the Quotation Tabulation. Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • 2024 winter costs are down $85,000-$110,000 over the last 3 years, and Routine Maintenance is up $20,000-$30,000, due to the mild winter. • 6'-20' Bridge Inventory has almost been completed • SNBI National Bridge Inspection Training refresher has just been completed by the Highway Commission and Operations Manager • Road Construction will have a later start this year due to the location of plants. • Carlson Dettman JDQ's have been completed by staff. • Weight restrictions may be lifted at the end of March, no specific date set. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for April 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Adams/Gebauer and carried to adjourn at 09:37 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Taylor County Highway Committee, Regular Meeting Taylor County Highway Department February 20, 2024 Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Soper called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Members Present: Adams, Brooks, Gebauer, Soper and Zenner Members Absent: None Other Attendees: Brian Wilson from the Star News, Highway Commissioner Ben Stanfley and Accountant Ashley Harder Motion by Gebauer/Adams and carried to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2023, meeting. Motion by Gebauer/Brooks and carried to approve the agenda with 9 items. Cash vouchers and journal vouchers were audited. Motion by Brooks/Adams and carried to approve cash vouchers totaling $660,720.10 and journal vouchers totaling $596,649.88. Commissioner Stanfley requested permission to do the inspections for the new 6' -20' WI DOT Bridge Program and to be compensated for any additional workload incurred to complete inspections. Motion by Adams/Gebauer and carried to approve doing the Bridge Inspections for the new 6' -20' WI Dot Bridge Program and to allow additional compensation for the Highway Commissioner and Operations Manager, to complete the inspections. Commissioner Stanfley updated the committee on the following: • 2024 winter costs were slightly below average for the month of January, with February numbers coming in well below average. • Weight limit bans on County Highways were posted on February 5, 2024, and temporarily unpasted on February 16, 2024. Re -evaluation of frost tubes are checked daily for frost/thaw for weight limits bans to be posted again. • Paint truck is needing major repairs done to the paint carts, bead carts, gauges. • Issues with Crack filler machine will need to be addressed, cost for new $100,000 or fixing wire for $12,000 to help aid the issues with the machine. • Medford Hwy Shop is having some issues with water leaks from the roof. A new roof estimate could cost up to $125,000. • Working to correct radio interface and receive better radio signal throughout the entire county. Motion by Zenner/Adams and carried to move into close session at 9:31 a.m. Roll call vote: Yes - Adams, Brooks, Gebauer, Soper, Zenner. No-none. Motion by Zenner/Gebauer and carried to move into open session at 9:46 a.m. Next Committee Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Taylor County Highway Committee will be scheduled for March 20, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at the Taylor County Highway Department. Adjournment: Motion by Gebauer/Adams and carried to adjourn at 09:47 a.m. Respectfully submitted: