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3 <br /> <br />39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />will be needed since this will not be an official Committee meeting). It is anticipated that the <br />second meeting will be held in February. The intent of these meetings is for there to be no <br />surprises and so people fully understand what is being proposed. It will be important to hear <br />feedback from the community and then tailor something similar to the Town Meeting Members <br />Association (TMMA) informational sessions. Claire Sheth thought it would be worthwhile to <br />reach out to Tom Shiple and other members of Light Up Lincoln to see if they would be able to <br />attend. Mr. Shiple could assist with messaging based on what worked well during the Light Up <br />Lincoln campaign and Ms. Sheth said she would reach out to him. Lisa O’Brien thought it would <br />be great to have a representative from the Lexington Public Schools at the meeting. Mr. Boutwell <br />said that a wide net will be cast among the stakeholders since there will be huge impacts if <br />improvements are not made or if the fields are converted back to natural grass. Outreach will <br />include the Sports Advisory Council, Lexington Public Schools through LHS Athletics, School <br />Committee liaisons, and individual school PTAs/PTOs, Town-wide list, TMMA list, and specific <br />communication with abutters. Melissa Battite stated that if the Lincoln field improvements <br />project is not funded, Lincoln #1 would come offline completely as the field is coming to the end <br />of its warranty and maintenance is getting costly. As a result, Ms. Battite indicated that Dr. Julie <br />Hackett, Superintendent of the Lexington Public Schools, is in support of this project moving <br />forward. <br /> <br /> <br />7. Bike Pump Track Discussion – Christian Boutwell <br />The Committee spent some time discussing the proposed bike pump track that would abut <br />Kinneens Park. Christian Boutwell said that no new information has become available over the <br />past month and this item will be reviewed by the Select Board at its January 9th meeting. Lisa <br />O’Brien indicated that a support letter from the Ghost Riders, which has approximately 100 <br />participants, was emailed to the Committee. A couple of neighbors also emailed the Committee, <br />one in support and one not in support due to noise concerns. Melissa Battite stated that she had <br />received over a dozen emails during the past two months, including messages from the Great <br />Boston chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association and the owner of a bike store in <br />East Lexington. A few abutters are against this moving forward due to safety, access limitations <br />when there are injuries, and concerns about the current use. The proponents applied for ARPA <br />funding through the participatory budget process. A total of 138 requests were received. The <br />Select Board narrowed the list down to 25 items and this project was not included. The house <br />that abuts the pump track will be sold in early spring as the owner has delayed selling their home <br />in an attempt to give land with the bike park to the Town and sell the house to a new owner. <br /> <br />Members of the Committee had the opportunity to ask questions and express their thoughts and <br />any concerns. While there would be no additional insurance liability to the Town, Ms. Battite <br />indicated that it is more about maintenance, especially as departments are being asked to cut <br />budgets for FY24. If the Town acquired this property, Renen Bassik asked whose responsibility <br />would it be between the owner transfer and when it would be able to be used. Claire Sheth <br />expressed her concerns about vehicular access and the potential impact on the neighborhood. She <br />thought it would be unreasonably optimistic to think that people would park at the Diamond <br />Middle School and then walk to the bike track. Ms. O’Brien asked who would have oversight <br />and while there are stewards and volunteer groups in town, Ms. Battite indicated this is different <br />since it would involve inspectional and safety matters. Ms. Sheth also questioned if there was an <br />accreditation/compliant process and Ms. Battite responded that one concern shared by the <br />department and DPW is that the bike track can be changed by current users. <br /> <br />Suzie Barry suggested that the Committee write a memo that expresses its concerns and states its <br />position on this item prior to the Select Board meeting on January 9th. Mr. Boutwell reiterated <br />that the Committee has numerous questions remaining, such as timing of transfer/ownership,