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MEETING MINUTES
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
December 21, 2020 8:30 AM
Highway Facility - Baldwin
Highway Facility - Baldwin - 300 Oak Ridge Parkway,
Baldwin, Wisconsin
DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS-COVID19 PANDEMIC, COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAFF
ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE MEETING VIA THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
UTILIZING THE ZOOM PLATFORM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived
Ed Schachtner St. Croix County Vice-Chair Present
Tim Hall St. Croix County Supervisor Remote
Richard Ottino St. Croix County Supervisor Remote
Dave Ostness St. Croix County Supervisor Present
William Peavey St. Croix County Chair Present
Also present for all or part of the meeting: David Peterson, County Board Chair; Ken
Witt, Interim County Administrator; Adam Kastonek, Public Information Officer; Rob
Krejci, Highway Commissioner; Todd Rehnelt, Assistant Highway Commissioner; Leah
Simington, Interim Finance Director
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Transportation Committee – Regular Meeting – November 16, 2020 8:30 AM
RESULT: ACCEPTED
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Monthly Financial Report
Rob Krejci reviewed the Financial Report.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
2. Highway Department Report
Removal of I-94 Hudson to Roberts from WisDOT’s Major Project List - State of
Wisconsin Transportation Projects Commission (TPC) December 2020-The Wisconsin
Department of Transportation modified the State's major construction study and plans.
“Major Projects” are defined by state statute based on estimated project cost and impact.
WisDOT still is planning improvement projects along the corridor, but these do not meet
the “major project” definition.
June 2020 County Highway Flood Damage Reimbursement - The Highway Department
has received the final payment of Disaster Aid funding from the State of Wisconsin.
Winter maintenance - Emergency Planning meeting summary - County wide Municipal
Entities met and discussed mutual aid assistance options.
Drive through COVID19-Pandemic testing- The National Guard is scheduled to
administer free drive through testing from November to March at the Baldwin
Highway Facility.
Speed humps-Staff reviewed the use of speed humps in rural and urban areas. Krejci
discussed that speed humps were an effective traffic calming method under certain
traffic conditions, but that when large volumes of traffic and heavy truck volumes are
present speed humps often are not a good solution.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
3. Resolution Supporting the Creation of the Chippewa - St. Croix Rail Commission with
Counties and Municipalities
Motion by Ostness/Schachtner to approve the Supporting Rail Commission resolution.
Motion carried.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1] Next: 1/5/2021 8:30 AM
MOVER: Dave Ostness, Supervisor
SECONDER: Ed Schachtner, Vice-Chair
AYES: Ed Schachtner, Tim Hall, Dave Ostness, William Peavey
NAYS: Richard Ottino
4. Discuss/Consider request from Administrative Committee to review Utility Right-of-
Way Accommodation Policies and Examine for Opportunities to Streamline the
Permit Review Process for Broadband Expansion Projects.
The committee discussed the request from the Administration Committee’s request to
review and examine ways to streamline permitting broadband expansion projects
throughout the County. Discussion entailed details of the State of Wisconsin’s Public
Service Commission’s (PSC) model ordinance, and current policies of St. Croix County.
Many of the requirements of the PSC’s model ordinance are captured in existing St. Croix
County policies. The committee was interested in the Community Development
Committee’s response on the issues in relation to private property wireless tower siting
requirements. The committee agreed to continue discussion on this topic.
RESULT: NO ACTION Next: 1/18/2021 8:30 AM
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Discuss & Consider Utility Right Of Way accommodation
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE
Proposed plan on County Road H turtle crossing mitigation using private funding.
ADJOURN
DATE OF NEXT MEETING TBD DUE TO HOLIDAY
MEETING MINUTES
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
November 16, 2020 8:30 AM
Highway Facility - Baldwin
Highway Facility - Baldwin - 300 Oak Ridge Parkway,
Baldwin, Wisconsin
DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS-COVID 19 PANDEMIC, COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND
STAFF ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE MEETING VIA THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
UTILIZING THE ZOOM PLATFORM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived
Ed Schachtner St. Croix County Vice-Chair Present
Tim Hall St. Croix County Supervisor Absent
Richard Ottino St. Croix County Supervisor Remote
Dave Ostness St. Croix County Supervisor Present
William Peavey St. Croix County Chair Present
Also present for all or part of the meeting: Ken Witt, Interim County Administrator; Adam
Kastonek, Public Information Office; Leah Simington, Interim Finance Director; Rob Krejci,
Highway Commissioner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from September 21, 2020 were accepted.
PUBLIC COMMENT
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Monthly Financial Report
Leah Simington reviewed the Financial Report
RESULT: DISCUSSED
2. Highway Department Report
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Wisconsin County Highway Association Road School Update-The 2021 Winter Road
School has been cancelled.
2020 Flood Synopsis-The flood damaged areas have been repaired. St. Croix
County's cost is approximately $225,000 on the County highway system. The
majority will be reimbursed 75% of the cost of repairs by the Wisconsin Department
of Transportation through the Disaster Damage Aids program.
2020 Construction Project Update-The first lift of asphalt was completed on County
Road SS. The final lift is scheduled for 2021. Supervisor Ottino commented on the
excellent work the Highway Department completed on County Road N from Hillary
Farm Road to State Highway 65.
Winter Maintenance Readiness Update-The Highway Department added another
operator to Interstate 94 system due to the increase in traffic and lane additions in the
Hudson area.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
3. Discuss/Consider St. Croix County Winter Maintenance Policy
Motion made by Dave Ostness/Ed Schachtner to adopt the updated Winter Maintenance
Policy regarding snow removal methods, training guidelines and add the
recommendation to change the material application on high volume County highways.
Motion carried.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Ed Schachtner, Richard Ottino, Dave Ostness, William Peavey
ABSENT: Tim Hall
4. Update on County Wide Emergency Winter Maintenance Planning
Staff has developed an Emergency Work Plan which revises work and safety protocols for
the Highway Department staff. The Highway Department has scheduled a Zoom
meeting, on Thursday, November 19 with the local Public Works Departments regarding
mutual aid assistance throughout the County. The Wisconsin Department of
Transportation has requested all Counties to also provide mutual aid in the event that a
County has reduced staffing levels.
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RESULT: DISCUSSED
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE
The Highway Department recognized the 2020 retirees with a combined total of 142 years
of experience:
Tim Gregg-30 years of service
Al Baukol-29 years of service
Ed Lawson-29 years of service
Tom Casey-20 years of service
Joe Schorn-18 years of service
Scott Oehlke-16 years of service
The Transportation Committee extended their appreciation to the retirees.
Dave Ostness announced he has stepped down from the Wisconsin County Highway
Association Board of Directors.
ADJOURN
DATE OF NEXT MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2020 8:30 AM
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Bringing Passenger Rail Service
to West Central Wisconsin What’s being planned
Lay the groundwork to start passenger train service to Stillwater, Hudson/River Falls, Baldwin, Menomonie and Eau
Claire/Chippewa Falls. Initial service could begin with the route envisioned in the Minnesota Rail Plan:
Four trains daily each way between Eau Claire and St. Paul Union Depot, with car-competitive travel times and fares.
(And further in the future, the route would be extended to Minneapolis, Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago.)
Travel time Eau Claire to St Paul would be about 1:20-1:30, with fares ranging from $20-$35.
Connections to ride-sharing, cabs, buses and other transit would be available at station sites, providing those areas
with significant economic development potential. As they become transportation hubs, our local stations will generate
new economic development activity.
Why people ride trains
For many trips, trains are more convenient and reliable than driving,
especially to larger cities with traffic congestion and expensive
parking.
Time aboard the train can be productive or relaxing vs. time wasted
driving.
Trains will feature comfortable seating, power outlets and Wi-Fi,
with food and beverages available.
Trains even benefit those who don’t use them because they can take
thousands of vehicles off the highways at the busiest travel times.
National and regional trends favor passenger rail
Passenger train and transit ridership throughout the US has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching the
highest levels in over 50 years.
Demographics point to an acceleration of these trends as demand increases for alternatives to cars as baby boomers
age and millennials and gen-Zers prefer other modes.
Successful passenger train and transit expansion projects have been completed or are moving forward in places like
Maine, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, California and
Washington State.
Rail will become critical to our ability to attract and retain qualified staff, as we increasingly compete with
metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities, Milwaukee and Chicago.
There is significant traffic and commerce between Eau Claire and the Twin Cities, plus there are three UW System
schools (Eau Claire, River Falls, Stout) and two technical colleges that would provide significant ridership.
The existing Union Pacific line – from St. Paul to Hudson, Menomonie, Eau Claire and to the east – can support
viable passenger rail service with reasonable capacity upgrades.
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Economic benefits: Pursuing a public-private partnership
Public-private partnerships (PPP) are becoming an increasingly successful
tool to leverage limited public investment to gain greater economic and
public benefits. The Confluence Project in Eau Claire is an example.
Innovative approaches to financing and operating passenger
trains, including private investment and PPPs, are being seen in places
like Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Maine, California, and Minnesota.
Rail projects have created significant economic benefits in communities with
passenger rail stops. Example: Normal, Illinois utilized a combination of federal funding, local taxes and tax-
increment financing to build a transportation center that generated $220 million in related private economic
development.
The FAST Act surface transportation law includes provisions encouraging development of new rail services through
private competition, and public-private partnerships are expected to be encouraged to leverage scarce resources.
Next Steps: Business Plan
The current model calls for using the existing Union Pacific tracks, and securing a private developer to operate the
service. A minimum of four daily trains in each direction will allow revenues and ridership to cover direct operational
costs. Value-capture from economic activity and private business growth at station sites will sustain the service.
(Details on value capture: http://tinyurl.com/railvcapture )
The Rail Coalition is currently in discussions with a Corridor Rail Development, a Chicago-based firm with expertise
in providing and financing rolling stock. It is interested in being our private sector partner. A Memorandum of
Understanding is nearing completion.
The Union Pacific Railroad is willing to consider leasing their tracks. They've asked us to do an engineering study to
determine the operating requirements and capital costs that may be involved. Corridor Rail Development has offered
to fund the study.
Another key steps to moving the project toward implementation is determining the appropriate entity to represent the
public side of the partnership in order to be in a position to accept potential grant funding, coordinate planning and
regulatory issues among public entities, etc.
What you can do
Stay informed: Follow us on Facebook https://tinyurl.com/y5dtphad and Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/yyqekl4q
Join as a member: $10 individuals, $25 organizations. Sign up online at: https://tinyurl.com/y53jj7bg
Contact us: [email protected] or West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition, P.O. Box 1294, Eau Claire WI
54702. The Coalition is a 501c3 educational organization.
West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition
Mission: The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition provides leadership and coordination to develop passenger rail
service through West Central Wisconsin as part of a regional strategy to ensure a balanced transportation system for long
term sustainable economic growth. Updated 0720
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The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalitionprovides leadership and coordination to develop passenger rail service through West Central Wisconsin as part of a regional strategy to ensure a balanced transportation system for long term sustainable economic growth.
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2004 WisDOT Rail issues & Opportunities Report
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2013 Gateway Corridor Study
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Vision: Attract/retain talent through enhanced connectivity
“A passenger rail system would help make the area a destination, and not just a drive-by, for attracting new businesses and the talent needed to sustain them.”
Royal Credit Union
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Vision: Attract/retain talent through enhanced connectivity
Challenge:
• Look forward, not backward
• Apply innovations and develop new ideas
• PPPs, collaboration, financing innovations
• Establish business-led Organizing Council
• Start with Eau Claire-St. Paul Corridor
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Vision: Attract/retain talent through enhanced connectivityAction:
• Develop Business Plan to establish self-sustaining Twin Cities-Eau Claire conventional passenger rail service 4x daily
– Public Private Partnership with private developer/operator and marketer
– Market rate access for host railroad
– Pursue Value Capture Transit Oriented Development concepts
– Determine governance structure – potential multi-county commission
– Eligibility for federal programs; R&E, CRISI, and other grants
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Service Outline• Auto-competitive, reliable travel time, Eau Claire-St. Paul: 1 Hr, 20/30 Min.
• Four round trips/day to provide sufficient convenience
• Push-pull trainsets with rebuilt equipment (ADA compliant)
• Tentative stations: Eau Claire, Menomonie, Baldwin, Hudson/River Falls, Stillwater, St. Paul
• On-board amenities; food, drink, Wi-Fi, bicycle racks
• Transit connections and shared ticketing
• Fares: $25-35 full route; group, commuters, student, business class
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Vision: Attract/retain talent through enhanced connectivityNext steps:
• Complete financial due diligence and confirm MOU with private operator (Corridor Rail Development)
• Complete engineering study
• Establish local governance body
• Chippewa St. Croix Rail Commission
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[email protected]/westcentralwisconsinrailtwitter.com/WestWisRail
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Utility Accommodations Utility companies provide essential public services that are necessary to accommodate existing and future development throughout St. Croix County. Utilities are frequently located within the public right-of-way and as such impact the maintenance and operation of County Highway system. The coordination between utility companies, contractors, and the Highway Department is essential if public services are to be provided in an effective and efficient manner. All utilities must follow guidelines illustrated in the St. Croix County Utility Accommodation Policy Manual and permit, which is available at the County Highway office.
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to outline the policies and procedures that are to be met by any utility whose facility currently occupies, or will occupy in the future, any highway right-of-way or bridge over which the St. Croix County Highway Department has jurisdiction.
Utility Accommodations Requirements
The Highway Department regulates the use, occupation, and utility accommodation of the county trunk highway system under Wisconsin §86.07(2), §86.16, and §182.017. These policies apply to all existing utility facilities retained, relocated, replaced, or altered, and to new utility facilities installed within the highway right-of-way. While the St. Croix County Highway Department strives to accommodate utilities whenever possible, the permitted use and occupancy of highway right-of-way for non-highway purposes is subordinate to the primary interests and safety of the traveling public. Traffic controls (e.g. lighting, traffic signals, etc.) and other facilities maintained and operated by the Highway Department for the purpose of ensuring motorist safety shall not be bound by the policies and procedures contained within this section.
Utility Permit
An application for a utility permit must be completed and submitted to the St. Croix County Highway Department through an online process available on the St. Croix County website. Applicants will be required to complete the online permit detailing the utility installation and specific location, a map outlining the county road in which the utility will be located is to be provided and a schematic of the proposed work with a profile view of the bore if applicable. Coordination with Planned Improvements
The St. Croix County Highway Department encourages the coordination of utility repairs and installations to be completed in conjunction with planned roadway maintenance and reconstruction. Combining the installation of utilities with road repairs is the most efficient and effective way to accommodate utilities and in the long run is better in terms of providing a sound, well maintained travel way for the public. This is of importance when new roadways are being constructed, as it is the goal of the Highway Department to avoid unnecessary open cuts on new or nearly new roadways within the County. Any open cut utility work, regardless of how well the road is repaired, has the potential to compromise the integrity of the pavement surface, the base, and sub-base materials which can lead to significant maintenance problems and potentially shorten the life of the roadway segment.
Utility Handbooks by Region: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library
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Preferred Utility Accommodations
The St. Croix County Highway Department encourages the use of boring as the preferred method to bury utility lines within the public right-of-way. The following sections outline specific actions for boring and open cut utility accommodations. Boring
Boring is the preferred method to accommodate utilities under any County highway. Boring is a well-established trench-less method that is widely used for the installation of steel pipes and casings, especially under railways and road embankments. This method can be used advantageously to reduce damage to pavements and disruptions to traffic. For successful execution of boring projects, the utility should survey the site conditions for surface features, subsurface geotechnical conditions and utility data should be gathered and incorporated in the early stages of design process. Any contractor or utility that plans on boring within the roadway right-of-way is required to obtain permission from the Highway Department. A permit fee is required for all boring procedures. These fees are located on the online permit website. Open Cut Policy
If boring is not an option, and an open cut utility accommodation is necessary, the utility company is to notify the Highway Department of this request. The Highway Department will review the proposed utility work and will discuss potential options and repair requirements. The decision to allow an open cut will be made by the Highway Department. Permit Conditions
Permission to access the County highway right-of-way is granted through the utility permit fee structure that has been adopted by the St. Croix County Highway Department. The Highway Department reserves the right to waive or modify the fees if it can be shown that the roadway has deteriorated to a
lower pavement rating from current pavement rating. All expenses associated with the open cut accommodation will be the responsibility of the utility or contractor. Pursuant to Wisconsin §86.07(2 and other regulations noted earlier, the St. Croix County Transportation Committee authorizes the County Highway Department to issue a permit for the following activities on County Trunk Highway (CTH) right of way. In addition, the following permit fees shall be assessed by the County Highway Department to offset the cost of reviewing an application for a permit. The St. Croix County Highway Department shall issue utility permits for the construction or alteration of utility facilities on CTH right-of-way. Any person installing a utility without a permit may be billed the actual costs incurred by the St. Croix County Highway Department associated with issuing a permit subsequent to the installation of the utility. The St. Croix County Highway Department shall assess fees for utility permits according to the following schedule: Utility Permit Fees FEE Standard service line/single jack bore connection Crossing the right-of-way: $ 50.00 Lateral installation parallel to the highway up to 500 feet in total length or numerous road bores (up to 4): $100.00 Major installations of 500 feet or more in length or Numerous road bores (4 or more), accompanied with open cut utilities: $200.00
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Installation and Repair Requirements
All utility work within the public right-of-way is subject to review and approval by the Highway Department personnel. The preferred utility accommodation, boring, is the least intrusive technique, in particular to the roadway surface. In the long term, boring will have the least impact on the integrity of the roadway surface. Prior to Beginning Work
Before commencing any work on St. Croix County roads or within the County right-of-way, the utility or contractor shall notify the Highway Department of the approximate time that work will begin. This notice shall be at least three (3) days prior to commencing any work. On-Site Requirements
Traffic control devices (i.e. signs, cones, etc.) must be used in compliance to the MUTCD manual when work is being performed in the public right-of-way. The utility or contractor should make every effort to minimize the disruption of traffic when working within the public right-of-way. General Requirements
1. Any utility lines should be installed as near as practical to the outside limits of the public right-of-way. This is also to include above ground installation and the setting of utility poles.
2. Contractors should use care when loading and
unloading equipment within the public right-of-way. No ditching machinery shall be operated upon the crown of any roadway unless specifically permitted by the Highway Department. The Contractor shall pay for any damage to the roadway or right-of-way.
3. The applicant will remove and relocate its utility lines should it become necessary in order to accommodate widening, realigning, and/or improving County roads at no cost to St. Croix County.
4. The applicant shall, from the commencement of the
installation of utility lines and thereafter for a period of twelve (12) months from the date the installation is completed and accepted, assume all responsibility for damages resulting to the landowner or to any other person caused by the installation of the utility lines and shall hold St. Croix County harmless from any obligation or claim for damages that may be alleged or result from such utility construction or operation.
5. The applicant will be responsible to reimburse the
Highway Department if the Department must repair any work performed by the utility or contractor during a twelve (12) month period following completion of the utility installation.
6. The Utility Company is to maintain their facilities within
the right-of-way including making them visible and maintaining vegetation around them. One of the permit provisions is that a marker shall be attached on extending a minimum of four feet 4’ above the highest point on the structure. The Highway Department is not responsible for any inadvertent damage done to utility facilities by highway workers due to overgrowth of vegetation and or under-maintenance of the utility facility.
7. Utilities will use the form to fill out a “Utility Completion
Certificate” that notes that the utility work has been completed according to the plans submitted with the permit with all exceptions noted on it to serve as the required “as-built-plans”.
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Open Cut Repair Requirements
The Highway Department has the authority to require more extensive repairs of open cut utility accommodations, especially if the open cut is allowed on new or nearly new roadways. These repairs may be required in order to preserve the long-term integrity of the roadway surface, base and sub-base. Specific repairs will be identified and approved by the St. Croix County Highway Department on a case-by-case basis. As a minimum standard, at all points where excavations are made in the public right-of-way, the applicant will replace and re-compact the base and sub-base and will restore the roadway section to the same or better condition as existed prior to the excavation.
Authority to Enforce Policy
The Highway Commissioner, or designee of the St. Croix County Highway Department, has the authority to enforce the Utility Accommodation Policy and the specific requirements of an individual utility permit. All utilities, including all consultants, contractors and subcontractors working for utilities are required to abide by the policy and the specific provisions related to individual utility permits.
Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with the Utility Accommodation Policy will result in corrective actions and/or monetary penalties against the Utility. At the Highway Department’s option, the following measures may be taken if a Utility fails to comply with the policy or specific permit provisions. 1. Verbal Request for Corrective Action – The request shall include:
a) The reason(s) why the present or completed operation is (was) not in compliance with the Policy or the permit provisions,
b) What steps shall be taken to correct the situation, and
c) What additional action may be taken if step b is disregarded (items that follow).
2. Written Reprimand – A written reprimand shall be sent to the utility for violating the Policy or its permit provisions when the utility does not comply with the verbal request. The written reprimand shall contain the same information as the verbal request and shall serve as documentation for the violation. The St. Croix County Highway Department shall be responsible for writing and sending this reprimand. 3. Suspension of Work Activities – If a responsible person of an inspected work site fails to comply with a verbal request, the inspector may order the suspension of all work activities at the site. If this occurs, the St. Croix County Highway Commissioner shall be informed of the situation. The Highway Department shall then contact an authority of the utility to explain why the operation was suspended and what action needs to be taken before work can resume. 4. Removal of Installed Facilities – Any facility installed by a utility shall be in the location shown on the approved permit. If such a facility is discovered in an unacceptable location, and the utility is notified, the utility is given two weeks response time to decide on its corrective action. If the utility fails to take corrective action, the Department will need to take action to have that facility relocated or removed at the utility’s expense. The permittee shall remove the improperly placed facility and put it in an approved location. If the utility fails to relocate its facility the Department will need to have the facility removed and bill the permittee for such work. 5. Permit Revocation – If a utility continues to be in noncompliance with the policy or specific permit provisions, the Highway Department may revoke the utility’s permit. The utility may reapply for a permit to the Highway Department when it can demonstrate a good faith effort to comply.
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6. Public Service Commission (PSC) Notification – Continued violations by a utility of the Policy or its permit provisions may cause the Department to notify the PSC and request its assistance in correcting the situation. 7. Withholding Approval of Future Permits – Continued violations by a utility of the Policy or its permit provisions may cause the Department to withhold approval of permit applications for that utility until the violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the Department. The severity and number of written reprimands against a utility may serve as a guide in determining future permit approval. 8. Fee and Penalties – Any utility that violates the County’s utility accommodation policy may be subject to the following:
a) Cost of the permit. b) Penalty. c) Costs of Corrective Actions – The utility will be
responsible for all costs associated with repairs or additional work.
d) An additional after the fact permit.
9. Appeal Process – The utility must first appeal to the permit reviewer, then to the Highway Commissioner, then to the Transportation Committee with assistance of Corporation Counsel. See the County Utility Accommodation Policy on the Highway Department page of the St. Croix County website.
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