2012-06-04-WALKS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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I Lexington Sidewalk Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 4, 2012, 9 AM Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building Present: Judy Crocker, John Davies, Jill Hai, Bettina McGimsey, Francine Stieglitz, Jerry van Hook; Liaisons: Elaine Celi (Transportation), Hank Manz (Board of Selectmen), Wendy Manz (Planning Board), Marc Valenti (DPW); Guests: BijanAfshartous, Michael McGuirk, Winston (Pat) Flynn, Mike Barber The meeting of the Sidewalk Committee (SWC) was called to order at 9:05 AM. 1. Visitors'Issues: Michael McGuirk presented a memo to the SWC regarding safety concerns on Watertown Street where the lack of a sidewalk for neighborhood residents to reach the bus stops is critical. Also noted were the need for crosswalks, reduced speed limits, and the need to trim tree limbs. Jerry van Hook noted that, while the SWC is sympathetic to other issues, all that it can address are sidewalk issues. Engineering issues need to go to Bill Hadley of DPW. Crosswalk and speed limit issues need to go before the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC). Mark Valenti noted that DPW could deal with cutting back the trees. Pat Flynn, of 32 Watertown Street, noted that because of the overgrown trees and bushes along the route and near the bus stop, buses actually drop passengers off at his driveway. Mr. van Hook asked him if he would support a sidewalk along Watertown Street, and he agreed. Mr. van Hook noted that this is an example of the type of busy road in Lexington that needs to have a sidewalk. 2. Review of the May 2012 minutes: The May meeting minutes were approved with changes. 3. Lexington Transportation meeting on June 6: Jerry van Hook noted that said meeting would take place. Judy Crocker, Mr. van Hook, and Wendy Manz all planned to attend. 4. Lucy's farewell on June 6 at 7 pm: Long -time member of the SWC Lucy Fletcher -Jones has resigned as she is moving out of the area. A farewell party was to be held on June 6. 5. Correspondence log: Francine Stieglitz reported on a variety of requests. The first was from Mary Ann Lazarus to cut down branches, which Ms. Stieglitz forwarded to Mark Valenti at DPW. The second request regarded a petition for a new sidewalk on Mass Ave. between Jean and Audubon from residents in the area. Mr. Valenti noted that DPW was aware of this request, and they were investigating the right of way for a sidewalk. If possible, they will try to include the sidewalk into the road reconstruction that is currently being done on Mass Ave. This petition had also requested a crosswalk at Cedar and Mass. Ave. Ms. Stieglitz redirected the residents to TSAC to address the crosswalk. The third request was from Mike Barber, 288 Marrett Road, regarding a sidewalk on Prospect Hill Road from Marrett to Middleby. This is a heavily traveled route by students at Bridge Elementary and Clarke Middle School. Jill Hai noted that this had been discussed at Town Meeting a few years ago, and she would investigate what had happened. Ms. Stieglitz also noted that it was raised at the SWC 3 -4 years ago, but DPW had said it could not be done due to the lack of budgeted funds. Mike Barber noted that it is not an easy place to put a sidewalk due to many trees and retaining walls. That said, it is heavily used and dangerous