PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

Monday, July 9, 2007

Administrative Center – Room 3220

4:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Charles Spiker, Leon Pfaff, Ralph Geary, Andrea Richmond, Jai Johnson, Jeff Schroeder, Jim Berns (arr @4:03)    

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  None   

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None      

STAFF & GUESTS:  Dennis Osgood, Keith Back, Jim Speropulos, Mary Kaufmann, Brian Tippetts, Steve O’Malley, Bryan Jostad, James & Darlene Guinn, Cheryl Stephen   

CALL TO ORDER

Committee Chair Charles Spiker called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Richmond/Johnson to approve minutes of June 11, 2007.  Motion carried unanimously; Berns absent.

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION by Pfaff/Schroeder to receive and place on file the following Consent Agenda items:

• Economic Development Fund Minutes of June 7, 2007
• Solid Waste Policy Board Minutes of June 6, 2007
• Reports from Attendees at the Summer Highway Conference
• Public Informational Meeting re CTH “B” Bridge Replacement – July 11, 2007

Questions asked about the Solid Waste Policy Board minutes whereby the board approved the hiring of a full-time Regional Public Education, Communications & Marketing position.  Brian Tippetts answered various questions.  Supervisor Spiker expressed concern of over paying for this position at a time when the state may increase taxes on waste disposal. Supervisor Geary questioned the need because waste flows to the waste-to-energy facility are strong and a desire to not market increased use of the County landfill. Tippetts explained the position would be part of the 2008 budget process and that primary funding for the position will come from $1 per ton surcharge on the waste-to-energy fee estimated at approximately $75,000/year and paid by users within the region.  Tippetts stated that regional staffing in the area of recycling/solid waste is shrinking, and will likely continue to shrink, and this position will help fill a growing local and regional need. Other counties having somewhat similar positions are Brown and Winnebago.  Supervisor Richmond suggested using free intern(s) vs. hiring new position.

Committee Chair Spiker noted Supervisors Schroeder, Pfaff and Berns attended the Summer Highway Conference and gave their report at the June County Board meeting.  He asked for additional comments.  Supervisor Pfaff noted portable flagger machine available vs. using personnel.  Denny noted this may work for bridge work but not feasible for highway projects as it would take too much time to move and setup during the day.  Supervisor Berns commented on use of bio-fuel and per legislative update, the spending of $1 on highway projects brings back $3 in economic development.  Supervisor Schroeder noted safety concerns for highway maintenance crews; he also encouraged attendance at the upcoming Day at the Capitol relating to transportation legislative items.

Motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested. 

RESOLUTION RE APPROVAL OF EXTENSION OF LEASE WITH VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK CONCESSIONAIRE

Jim Speropulos reviewed, noting the current concessionaire for the Veterans Memorial Park has been there since 1998, and this resolution is requesting an extension to their contact for another five (5) years ending December 31, 2012.  MOTION by Geary/Schroeder to approve the resolution.  Discussion followed.  Questions asked regarding the 5 year extension, why the increase in commission on seasonal campers (from $50 to $65 per year), and the offering of a seasonal camping site at half price rate.  Jim noted there are only 12 seasonal campers; there’s not been a seasonal camper commission increase for over 10 years, and the $65 commission is comparable to the Goose Island Park contract.  MOTION by Berns/Richmond to amend the motion by offering the half price seasonal site for two (2) years.    James and Darlene Guinn were asked to give comment in which they expressed no concerns.    Motion on the amendment carried on 6 to 1 vote; Schroeder-no.  Original motion as amended carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION TO LEASE LAND TO NELSON HARDWOODS FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOGGING LAND ADJACENT TO COUNTY PROPERTY

Jim reviewed.  The 2 acres of County-owned land is in the Town of Onalaska off of County Road “S”; Director of Emergency Services has no concerns as this is on a communications tower site.  The limited term lease to Nelson Hardwoods is for access to privately owned property to the south for logging operations as well as using the County land as a staging area.  The lease will also require that they repair the parcel to its existing condition at the end of the project.  Question asked if Land Conservation Dept. was aware of the logging project.  Noted that a logging permit is required from the Land Conservation Dept.  Suggestion to check with Land Conservation Dept. prior to the County Board meeting.  MOTION by Pfaff/Richmond to approve the resolution.  Motion carried unanimously. 

APPROVE FIVE (5) DISCRETIONARY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS WITH WI DOT

Dennis Osgood noted these are DOT funds are that are earmarked for specific projects; these projects are over and above the County’s routine highway maintenance projects; he requested for approval.  MOTION by Richmond/Johnson to approve the following discretionary maintenance agreements with Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation as follows:

·        Rut filling on various state highways - $40,000

·        Shouldering various state highways - $20,000

·        Shouldering I-90 - $30,000

·        Replace pipes, improve drainage on various state highways - $45,000

·        Bridge deck crack sealing I-90 - $15,000

Motion carried unanimously.

APPROVE APPLICATION FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HSIP) FUNDS FOR SECTIONS OF CTH “OA”

Dennis reviewed noting grant funds are available on 90/10 share cost for years 2008-2011; federal at 90% and local at 10%.  He would like to submit an application for HSIP funds to assist in redoing a

portion of County Road OA from Barre Mills to the foot of the hill to FO; there are S curves and two 90 degree curves that need to be redone; there’s been a lot of accidents and a fatality in this area.  If approved at the state/federal level, the County funds would come from future budgets – not 2008.  MOTION by Richmond/Berns to approve the Highway Commissioner to submit an application for Highway Safety Improvement Program funds for years 2008-2011 to be used for sections of County Road OA.  Motion carried unanimously.   

APPROVE ALTERNATE ENTRANCE TO HIGHWAY FACILITY

Dennis reviewed.  He noted the committee had previously approved the project with the understanding that the Fair Association would pay a portion of the curb and gutter on the north side as the road is on a portion of their land.  Since committee approval, the Fair Board has decided not to contribute as they are giving up more land than originally anticipated; total share of their land is .32 and .09 acres.  Discussion followed.  Noted that the Fair Board is not against the project; the road would also add value to their property.  Dennis noted couple of options could be lifetime lease or quit claim to the County.  General agreement by the committee members to authorize Highway Commissioner to continue discussions with the Fair Board and bring back to the committee at a future meeting.

APPROVE RFP TO PURCHASE UP TO SIX (6) QUAD-AXLE DUMP TRUCK CHASSIS, DUMP BOXES, AXLES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT

MOTION by Richmond/Berns to approve the purchase of six (6) quad-axle dump trucks, including dump boxes and related equipment per the recommendation as sent with the agenda, that being 3 trucks from DeBauche Truck & Diesel at a cost of $260,192, plus 3 Mack trucks from La Crosse Truck Center at a cost of $257,879.50, plus boxes and equipment from Michael’s Truck & Equipment at a cost of $197,322.06, minus anticipated sale revenue of existing trucks at $139,650.00.  Motion carried unanimously.  Noted this is a total of $575,743.56 from the Machinery Fund budget of which $600,000 was budgeted in 2007.  Other proposal details:  all of the submitted proposals were evaluated on specifications, service/parts/warranty, delivery and cost.  (Bid/proposal summary attached.)

APPROVE CHECK REQUISITIONS/PURCHASE ORDERS OVER $20,000

Copies of check requisitions to be paid in July, 2007, were distributed; these also included the two as approved for the purchase of six (6) quad-axle dump trucks as approved above.  MOTION by Pfaff/Richmond to approve the following check requisitions:

·        Mathy Construction                  $519,054.09

·        Milestone Materials                      35,414.65

·        Venture Fuels LLC                        21,399.47

·        DeBauche Truck & Diesel             260,192.00

·        La Crosse Truck Center               257,879.50

Motion carried unanimously.

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

• Written report from the Highway Commissioner re equipment damage while on job site in Jackson County.
• Possible resolution or discussion re State Budget as it relates to Highway Fund.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Schroeder/Johnson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 4:53 p.m.

Disclaimer:  The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder