2017-04-24-CEC-ATM-STM1-rpt (incl Updates Errata)

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM&STM 2017-1 (with Updates&Errata) band. The Stantec survey recommendation was that it would require $750,000 to maintain current conditions, but would require $825,000 on sidewalks and ramps to ensure both quantity and quality. The proposed DPW sidewalk replacement program is based upon the priority list developed in conjunction with the survey. The FY2017 update to that survey reported that in December, 2016, Stantec completed a 20% re-survey of the TAR's sidewalk network and found the average, area-based, Sidewalk Network SCI was 68.8 (i.e., only marginally better than the 2014 value.) It also reported that the percentage of non-compliant ramps was 63%; a modest improvement from the 67% in 2014, and that the current backlog of outstanding repairs for sidewalks and ramps is $7,527,990 (an increase of about$500,000 from the 2014 amount). In regard to that backlog, the update says: The backlog has however increased from sidewalks deteriorating into more expensive repair bands. As can be seen from the distribution of SCI by sidewalk area, the Town is trending in the right direction with the majority of the network in the "Do Nothing" treatment band. The Town should continue to follow the previous budget recommendations of spending $750k annually for its sidewalk and ramp network. The Town should remain diligent when inspecting work that gets done, to ensure both sidewalks and ramps are completed in accordance with MAAB/ADA regulations. In October 2015, the BoS assigned what had been the responsibility of the Sidewalk Committee (now inactive) to the Transportation Safety Group (TSG): The Transportation Safety Group is a Town Manager appointed Working Group which meets monthly to evaluate issues and concerns relative to traffic, transit,pedestrian,bicycle and parking safety. Recommendations are made to the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager. The working group includes citizens and representatives of the Police, Public Works, Planning and School Departments. Liaisons from the Transportation Advisory, Bicycle Advisory, and Safe Routes to School committees as well as the Commission on Disability also participate. (http://www.lexingtonma.gov/transportation-safety-group) With regard to the sidewalk network, including ramps, DPW maintains the primary responsibility for both the maintenance and capital projects of the existing sidewalk network while the TSG's focus is with the need for new sidewalks and pedestrian ramps, and with ensuring safety-related concerns about the existing network are brought to the attention of DPW. Sidewalk replacement and extension are costly initiatives. Imbedded in these costs are sidewalk- construction obstructions, easement issues, and negotiations with residents. The DPW and TSG overall policy has been to develop a prioritized sidewalk-construction plan focusing on the "Safe Routes to School Program", other high-pedestrian-traffic routes, and high—walking-hazard streets. All reconstructed/new sidewalks and their pedestrian ramps are designed and constructed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)." This Committee is pleased that funding requests for center-business-district (CBD) sidewalks are presented separately from those for residential sidewalks and that there are now three sidewalk categories for restoration: residential, CBD, and non-CBD business; and, further, that requests for entirely new or extended sidewalks would be presented separately than requests for restoration. The new Prospect Hill sidewalk that was an FY2016 authorization is completed. The FY2017 sidewalk- funding request will allow the completion of residential projects outside the CBD. FY2018 requests for sidewalk work can be found in Articles 12(h) &(w). Townwide Signal Improvements Many of the Town signals are outdated, with sometimes failing equipment, and limited ADA accessibility. An Engineering Division study, funded with Traffic Mitigation funds, using signalized level of service (LOS) has identified and prioritized those locations in need of improvement, after assessment of conditions, signal timing, delays, ADA requirements, etc. As recommended, the Town has adopted a 21