2005-11-07-WALKS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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SIDEWALK COMMITTEE Minutes of November 7, 2005 Meeting The Lexington¹s Sidewalk Committee meeting was convened by Chairman Craig Weeks at 11:12 AM in the Selectman¹s Meeting Room. Minutes of the September meeting produced by the chairman were accepted without correction. Two issues on term of membership for the Sidewalk Committee were discussed. First was the question of staggered terms for regular members and the second was the status of committee liaison positions when the individual was no longer a member of the group being represented. A stagger mechanism which would call for reelection of one -third of all members each year, given we had agreed to serve 3 years was deemed desirable but it was decided to put this method off for the 3 year start up period and begin to apply it for renewals and/or for new members in the years to follow. Concerning the liaisons, Jeanne suggested that the group being represented could decide to put forward either a sitting member of their group or a member who was not active or elected but was willing to continue as liaison on their behalf. New membership in the Sidewalk Committee by interested citizens is always encouraged but prospective candidates should complete the standard form and attend one or two meetings before nomination by the Selectmen for membership on this committee. A quorum not being present, these recommendations of those present will be voted upon at the next meeting. Judy Crocker reported on meetings with PTA groups to ask whether there was interest in other Lexington schools for developing similar safe routes to school (SRTS) programs as was being done at Bridge ES. Sue-Ellen speaking for Fiske ES, emphasized the need to first contact the principal to get their support before dealing with PTA and citizen groups. Bowman school has shown strong interest in such a program whereas schools like Harrington and Fiske may have issues to deal with before SRTS programs can be started. Lisa Baci said she hoped that the SRTS program could be started at Clarke MS, a sentiment echoed by Laura Cecere. The subcommittee on SRTS thought that the program should start with the elementary schools because they were able to obtain lists of potential volunteers from the completed surveys. Marianne L. said that crosswalks, signage, and recommended routes must be in place before new schools are brought on. Wayne B. said signage and crosswalk painting could be done on short notice if needed. Judy presented the brochure of the Anti-idling committee, asking parked cars, buses, and delivery trucks to shut off engines, particularly near schools, in compliance with MA general law Chap. 9() Sect. 16A which prohibits idling beyond 5 minutes as an educational campaign. She asked for an endorsement from the SWC. Since too few members were present to make a quorum, it was decided to poll the committee by email to obtain the necessary votes for endorsement. Nine voting members (of 20 total) were