2006-02-10-NAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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of temporary measures. Elementary school students get out at 3:15 pm, and many are driven home by parents. Typically, about 200 cars arrive, 30-40 of them idle, and about 20 idle more than 5 minutes. Most idle on coldest days, however, other times they idle and talk on the phone. ?? Several committee members felt that a program encouraging an increased school bus ridership or student walking would be beneficial in reducing engine idling of private cars. Judy Crocker that she had surveyed PTAs in the past to identify means for increased bus ridership; apparently, bus ridership went down when the bus fees went up. Tom Diaz agreed that bus ridership would not increase unless the school bus fees go down. Sheryl Mason added that busing takes time and often interferes with post school activities, which also discourages school bus usage. ?? School bus idling also discussed. Tom Diaz said that school bus idling should be reduced once the students start leafleting the drivers. Ann Kelly (or was it someone else?? Not sure) was pleased with the leafleting of drivers at schools and felt that leaflets distributed by high school students will be very effective. Tom suggested that students present their findings to the Town Meeting. A discussion of the anti-idling signs followed. ?? Judy Crocker reported that the Lexington Preschool director, was very interested in having signs right outside school. ?? Derek Fullerton reported that the DEP workshop he attended concluded that the best results are achieved with signs. He showed the committee 3 examples of anti-idling signs, as well as bumper stickers and decals. Estimates were about $24 per sign; good Lexington blue yellow colors. He cited estimates of about $750 for 20 signs but not including installation labor. He cited a cost for town-wide signage of $5500 for 74(public)+82(private)=156 signs based on an estimate by Atlantic. He said that he has used up $1,500 of available funds to date, and has an additional $3,000 available from the Arlex and CW gift. Jim Sheehy suggested getting a firm estimate to stay within the Committee’s budget. The committee expressed interest in an estimate for a total of 200-250 signs. Derek will get a firmer estimate and then send a note to the committee. ?? According to Judy Crocker schools offered their custodians for the installation of signs on existing poles. For new signs principals will designate spots for installation. Jeanne Krieger said that installation of signs on the Battle Green would require Selectmen approval. ?? Decals will require some adjustments because: decals for business windows face out towards parked cars; decals for cars face in, since they are intended for the drivers and occupants. The committee agreed that the grant monies should be used for signage first. In the future, further information about vehicle decals could be explored ?? Derek asked for approval to spend $750 for the purchase of the first 20 signs. ?? Tom Diaz moved that Derek be authorized to spend the requested $750 from the DEP Grant for the first 31 signs and be authorized for to use an additional $2000 from the idling reduction account to purchase additional signage (approximately 83 more signs). 2