1982-02-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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- r - Minuteman The Board met with proponents and opponents of the proposed Minuteman Commuter C ommuter Bikeway. several residents who are abutter's to the railrDad were Bikeway in attendance and expressed opposition due to loss of privacy in their back yards, annoyance from the lighting, vandalism, noise from motorized bikes and loss of the area for cress country skiing, horseback riding and mature walks. Opposition was expressed for the use of fends for this purpose instead of being used for improving public safety hazards. Q uestions were posed rela- tive to the policing and mainentance of the area. The Manager stated that he felt that the concept for a bikeway was good, but the plan posed some "real policy questions" that rust be considered. He cited the need to appropriate funds to maintain the path, including snow re- moval, and the security problems. He stated that he felt that the plan should not be endors by the Board if the Town would be required to fund the main- tenance casts. He stated that the Town gees not plow any of the bikepaths we now have and felt that there was an argument for not putting in lighting due to costs. The Director of Public works agreed with the Manager and also pointed out the Town's potential liability in case of accidents if funds are not available to properly maintain the path in winter. Mr. Thomas Fortmann, Member of the Bikeway Committee, stated that the Town's expenditure to maintain lighting would be approximately $4,000. He informed the Board that a local contractor had volunteered to help remove the railroad ties along the mute "at cost". Mr. Fortmann staters that approx- imately 15,000 bicyclists were expected to use the entire eleven miles of the route, but dirk not have specific figures of how many are expected to pass through Lexington. He stated that the estimated cost for the maintenance, including snaw plowing, cutting machines etc., would be $4,000, or half of the total cost. Mr. Busa pointed out that under the Municipal bidding lows, individual groups could not go out and negotiate their own "deals" for contracting, such as removing the railroad tracks and ties. Mr. Fortmann stated that he knew that the contract would have to go out for bid, but the contractor had the equipment and said he would do if for it cost" and would bid that way, and if someone bid lower, they would get the job. Mrs. Battin asked if the Board could submit the proposal as drafter and then work out the level of maintenance with the other four terns so that there is a unanimity and have it part of the memorandum of understanding. The Manager stated that it was his understanding that it could be done, but felt that the Board should assume that there will be the "full load" because from the cost standpoint, that is the worst case situation. He stated he felt that the issue here is whether or not to go forward and the issue of lighting etc. would have to be like any other project aht would have to be resolved as the proj ect goes forward. The degree of the cost is unknown. Mrs. Battin s tataed that it was her understanding that by a. Grote tonight, the Board would not be committed to any level of intensity of lighting or maintenance costs. She asked if there was a time limit on the decision.