Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Road Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sawyer County highway staff report reimbursements, road work; resident urges better roadside warnings for crews
Summary
Highway Commissioner Bill Pinnell reported recent brushing, mastic and micro-seal work, and receipt of about $335,000 in LRIP reimbursement. During public comment, a long‑time attendee urged the county to continue risk management and ensure visible warnings for road crews.
Highway Commissioner Pinnell told the Sawyer County Public Works Committee on Oct. 8 that crews continued large‑scale brushing projects along County W, County M South and State Highway 77 and that two mastic projects with subsequent micro‑seals on State Highway 77 and State Highway 27 North are complete. Pinnell said the county received roughly $335,000 in LRIP reimbursement for County W, including a recent payment of about $108,000.
The commissioner said winter equipment is calibrated, frost tubes checked, and salt‑sand sheds were readied for winter. He also reported that the county submitted seven bridge funding applications (one for the county and the rest for towns) and that a recent small bridge project (CC Bridal) opened with a minor change order for riprap of roughly $3,400.
During public comment earlier in the meeting, Edgewater property owner Linda Zollmer recounted a history of county risk‑management challenges and urged continued emphasis on safety training and visible warnings for roadside crews. "Please, guys, be safe," Zollmer said, citing instances when motorists come upon crews with little or no warning signs.
Pinnell also noted ongoing operational reviews with a consultant, work to categorize equipment and backlog, and that a safety day at the highway shop is scheduled for Nov. 12 to replace the regular monthly training. He said one driver/operator position in Hayward remains open and that interviews are scheduled.
The committee did not take formal action on new highway policy during the meeting; Pinnell said staff are working with county leadership on strategic planning and potential efficiencies in operations and facility placement.
