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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-03-STAS-minAd Hoc School Transportation and Safety Study Committee January 3, 2013 at gam Conference Room, Central Administration Blg Meeting Minutes 1. Attending Crocker, Elaine Celi (LPS Transportation), Elaine Dratch (TAC), MaryEllen Dunn (Asst Superintendent), Sharon Kendall, Jessie Steigerwald (SC) Guest: Superintendent Ash, Bonnie Brown, Shannon Maloney 2. Discussion of FY14 School Transportation Improvements with Dr. Ash Using the two attached handouts as its basis, namely School Bus Ridership FY13 vs FY12 and the draft Proposed School Transportation Fees, the Committee gave Dr. Ash an update that included bus registration improvements and late fee schedule, the Flexpass program, and the elementary after - school destination program. It was stressed how the Committee feels strongly that the Superintendent, SC, schools and parents all need to be part of the traffic safety solution. FY14 Bus registration will include a new registration online form and an updated FAQ page. Areas to be addressed include a late registration fee, improved outreach to distance eligible students, infrastructure improvements to accommodate the increased quantity of buses, improved school staff communication, school bus cameras, approving police jurisdiction on school property, funding new school zone signage, and reaching the goals as listed on the STS SIP template. Dr. Ash affirmed that he would like the school bus fee to remain at $300 /student and he would be making that recommendation to the SC on Jan 8. The LPS budget is voted by the SC prior to Feb 15. The fee structure for the Flexpass is dependent on the TAC Lexpress price, which would not be known until January 7. If possible, the Committee would like to maintain the Flexpass cost of $50 /student with the annual bus pass. Ms. Dunn suggested that LPS support and split any difference that TAC agrees on over $50. She expressed that LPS needs to be in lockstep with TAC for this partnership to be mutually beneficial. While looking for a commitment from bus riders, in the spirit of parent accountability and knowing that the bus will never be self - supporting, Ms. Steigerwald suggested that the bus fee should be $325 /student. The Committee opposed this and considered that the lower bus ridership price point should not change so soon into the ridership campaign. Instead, it was agreed to suggest an elementary after - school destination fee of $60 /student. The price is slightly higher than the Flexpass fee for the former program is much more labor intensive. This service was offered at no cost for FY13. The revenue from this new fee could possibly finance transportation captains at the elementary level. A colored registration information card was also discussed. Other topics included school start times at the elementary level. Ms. Steigerwald inquired when the school calendar would be voted on and that the topic needs included in its discussion. Student tardiness, dual -exit schools and the lack of using it to an advantage with bus transportation at Diamond, and the LHS X -Block population were also mentioned. Dr. Ash did express some concern about the elementary after - school destination program. He would like to investigate having a private company separate from LPS become involved. Ms. Steigerwald suggested a possible summit or meeting to strategize the options with Ms. Dunn, Ms. Mauger, Mr. Valenti, and herself. The Committee understands that while the service provides more than the required school -to -home transportation, it believes that LPS has set its own precedent by engaging in this same practice with Hayden since 1989. Ms. Maloney would like to receive feedback on the newly instituted discipline report bus books. She reported that the drivers receive anti - bullying training that includes discipline and bus pass protocol as well as communication elements. It is important to stress to middle school students who arrive to school late because of their bus to first report to their front office before going to their lockers. 3. Evaluations and Recommendation of School Zones This Committee made a goal recommendation to the Board of Selectmenin June 2012 that included working to clearly delineate school zones with appropriate, consistent, and up -to -date signage. To this end, Marc Valenti of DPW has been planning on using DPW monies this spring to hire an outside consultant to evaluate the current signage and pavement markings at Lexington's 8 public school zones. However, Safe Routes has been informed of a Metropolitan Area Planning Council mini -grant which may cover the roughly $7000 expense. Safe Routes will apply for the grant and seek letters of support from LPS administration, principals, and others. 3. School Grounds as Public ways • Present Lexington Town Codes do not give the police jurisdiction on school property except for handicap and fire lane parking violations and disturbing the peace. With the help of Selectman Norman Cohen, it was learned that this is legally stated in two areas of the Town Code. Both should be incorporated if crafting a by -law. o Act 96 of the Town Manager's Act in the Municipal Code states that the Town Manager is responsible for and the maintenance of all Town property except for that regulated by the SC. This is in effect unless the SC specifies otherwise. • Chapter 100 states that obstruction is not allowed on public ways. It involves the use of streets, sidewalks, and public places in discussing traffic. An example is a vehicle on a sidewalk. • Ms. Mauger inquired with the Town Manager on these points. Mr. Valenti replied that the SC can vote that their school grounds be seen as public ways. TSAC is investigating whether codifying signs on school property would provide the same advantages as a town by -law for enforcing posted traffic rules on school property. The STS warrant placeholder for the Annual Town Meeting was made in late December. Mr. Cohen needs feedback from STS on whether or not to continue on this path and what language it would like to pursue in crafting the article for early January. The Committee decided to move forward with the by -law. S. Lexington Bike Walk Bike Week The Planning Dept. along with ACROSS Lexington, the Bicycle Committee, and Safe Routes to School are collaborating on promoting pedestrian, bicycle and mass transit as alternative transportation options during the first week of May. This week will coincide with National Bike Walk Week, National Ride your Bike Day, and the Massachusetts Safe Routes Walk To School Day. It also overlaps with Lexington's Revolutionary Revelry Month. Having the designated school bus registration period end on the last day of this week would ensure additional press. 6. Review of minutes of December 6, 2012 Meeting minutes were not available for review. 7. 2013 Meeting Calendar The 2013 monthly meeting calendar for the Committee was re- distributed with corrections. 8. New Business a) In the December edition of the e- newsletter for the National Association for Pupil Transportation, the Committee had a December Minuteman article re- printed. The topic was the new "Middle School Balancing Act." b) On December 11, the Committee requested time on the SC and BoS agendas during the period of Feb -March 2013 in order to present a formal update of proposed improvements to the FY14 LPS school transportation services. The presentation is expected to include: • school bus registration including overall process, service promotion, and late fees • update on the Flexpass program • update on the elementary after - school destination program including program management and fees • proposed 2013 Town Meeting articles • school infrastructure proposals c) A January meeting with the elementary after - school programs is being proposed. It will cover the expectations from the schools, parent, and enrichment programs. Feedback is needed from the programs. Issues to date include when to have a student snack time and reasonable program start times. d) Due to the volume of work facing the Committee, it was decided to meet again on January 17. Our next meeting will be January 17, 2013 at gam in the Conference Room at Central Administration. Respectively submitted, Judy Crocker