2012-04-02-WALKS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 7. Update on the Lexington School Transportation and Safety (STS)study group: In March of 2012, the STS conducted a survey of parents regarding their children's use of the school bus. The primary goal was to gather opinions of potential improvements and proposed changes to the bus program. One third of public school parents took the survey. All in all, parents approved of the proposed changes. Regarding staggered dismissal (having walkers and busers leave at 3:15, with children who are picked up in cars leaving later), 60% approved. To implement this policy, the schools would have to have standard arrival and dismissal times. Jill Hai suggested that Estabrook be used as a pilot for this. Ms. Crocker responded that we do not need a pilot school; each school just needs to follow the rules. It was noted that this policy would need to be condoned and clearly stated by school administration. In terms of bus registration, Elaine Cell noted that global connect and a mailing to all LPS families will be used to register students. Further discussion was had regarding the use of school buses and Lexpress to potentially meet the needs of middle school students in the afternoon. 8. Town Meeting Articles: The vote on Article 4, which addresses funds for Estabrook busing, was to take place April 2, with the vote on Article 17 on either April 5 or April 9. Article 17 addresses the school bus subsidy for all Lexington students. The subsidy would defray some of the cost of the parent fees. A three -child cap would continue to be in place. Per the March 2012 survey discussed above, 85% of respondents noted that they would take the bus if the price were $300 or less, while 80% approved of neighborhood bus stops. It was noted that there has been no discussion of "walking zone" (area where the bus would not be available - children would be expected to walk to school) as part of this policy. 9. Correspondence log on sidewalk issues: Francine Stieglitz noted that middle school students have sent letters to the SWC as part of a school civics project regarding the need for social change. Richard Adams of the West Lexington Green way will attend next month's SWC meeting. Ms. Stieglitz has emailed the Pleasant Street residents interested in a sidewalk to connect them with Mr. Afshartous. 10. New business: The League of Women Voters is holding a Transportation Forum on April 13. The Common Carbon Challenge C3 will have a brainstorming session on April 3. Mark Valenti noted that he has put a preliminary request to the Conservation Commission regarding erosion control on the pathway between Worthen and Middleby. Jill Hai noted that Bridge should be informed when construction starts. Mr. Valenti noted that DPW will be working on the following areas in the Spring: Pleasant Street /Mass Ave rotary, crosswalk at Taft Avenue /Bow Street, Bloomfield and Mass Ave. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM. The next meeting will take place at 9 AM on May 7, 2012, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 9 AM. Respectfully submitted, Bettina Mc Gims ey