TS Minutes 04-01-26

MARQUETTE COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 1, 2026 Marquette County Public Safety Room Montello, WI Members present: Mike Kowalski, Joe Konrath, Aaron Williams, Trace Frost, Tony Kemnitz, Dave Benson, Mike Raddatz, Judi Nigbor, Jeff Lautenslager, Glen Bubolz, Karen Wampler, Matt Strickland, Sarah Jensen, Joel Spoehr, John Bitsky, Michael Kohnke, Ron Barger, Russ Simonis, Mike Marine, John Campbell and Stephanie Warren. Virtual – Jarrad Jungenberg, John Flannery, Rob Lulling, Jeremy Fritz, and Amanda Thoma. The Traffic Safety Committee meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mike Kowalski at 9:00 a.m. Introductions were made. Moved by Mike Raddatz and seconded by Ron Barger to approve the agenda as presented. All approved. Motion carried. Moved by Mike Raddatz and seconded by Karen Wampler to approve the minutes of the January 7, 2026, meeting. All approved. Motion carried. Citizen Concerns – None. Old Business 1. The speed trailer will be deployed starting this week. 2. A full-scale school bus exercise will be on May 9th, 2026. 3. No new information regarding DOT/BOT traffic grant opportunities for 2026. 4. TSC Chairperson & Vice Chairperson terms will remain the same. New Business 1. Members from the Marquette County ATV/UTV Club are requesting to raise the ATV/UTV speed limit from 35 mph to 45 mph on county roads. 20 out of 22 counties that have made this request have increased the speed limit. Newer machines are better equipped to handle this speed, although there is no way to ban older machines from going at this increased speed. Statistics show the number one cause of accidents is speed and alcohol. Statewide the speed limit varies with most counties maintaining the 35-mph speed limit. Surrounding counties of Sauk, Dodge, and Adams currently have a 45-mph limit. Would like data on if the increased speed limit increased or decreased ATV/UTV accidents. Any decision to increase the speed limit would have to start with the Highway Committee. Mike Raddatz made a motion to send a letter of support from the Traffic Safety Committee to the Highway Committee to increase the speed limit from 35-mph to 45- mph with Ron Barger seconding that motion. After discussion, Ron Barger withdrew his second motion. With no one else seconding the motion, motion failed. The ATV/UTV Club members were advised to be put on the agenda for the Highway Committee. 2. Brushing on town roads is done by the highway department on different levels depending on the town. Some have highway do all work while others only specific items. If patrol finds a certain hazard involving trees/brush, they should be forwarded to the town first and they will contact the highway department if they want them to proceed. There are also DNR time regulations to limit impact to endangered and threatened species as well as disease prevention with no tree clearing from April 1 to October 31. If there is an imminent safety concern, they are able to address the issue in the least disturbing measure possible. Crash Review So far in 2026 there have been a total of 70 crashes with 16 injuries and 1 fatality in Marquette County. The fatality occurred in January on STH 82 at 4th Drive and was medical related. Transportation Safety Report and Highway Safety Input Trace Frost advised there were 541 fatalities in the State of Wisconsin in 2025, which is still preliminary and may change. So far in 2026 there have been 72 fatalities statewide. The Governors Conference will be at the Kalahari in WI Dells on August 24 & 25, 2026. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Highway Construction Update I39 SB lanes from Fawn Court to Columbia County line. 12+ miles of resurfacing will begin in May and run through most of October 2026. Ramps will be closed and a work zone speed limit of 55 mph is planned. The SB rest area will be closed from July 4 to Labor Day. To receive construction updates, call 511 County Road E from Westfield to State Highway 22 to 20th Ave. 5-mile pavement improvement project starting in August will provide a wider pavement to mitigate motorists driving on gravel shoulder area. Also adding rumble strips and warning signs. County Road P from CTH A to STH 23 will be completed by highway crews. Drainage will be completed in April and May with paving beginning in July/August. A high number of crashes at State Road 22 and County Road J could qualify for HSIP funding to improve that intersection. Any approval would not happen until after 2031. Other Business Aaron Williams announced the heavy weight restriction will be lifted on all county roads Monday, April 6, 2026. During the blizzard/snow storm a tow ban was enforced and it worked well. A Weather Spotter Class will be held on April 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Public Safety Room. Has been attending Amish schools, along with another deputy, for buggy operation safety classes. Sarah Jensen advised a recent survey conducted at the Westfield High School showed 25 out of 100 students not wearing seatbelts. Mike Kohnke stated he has not received any information from the DNR yet for the project set for Krakow Park in May. Advised contacting Pat Kilbey. Mike Kowalski advised letting him know of 4 th of July events or any other events happening this summer. The meeting was adjourned at 10:32 a.m. The next meeting was set for July 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Submitted by Stephanie Warren