2014-09-08-WALKS-min (DRAFT) - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT-DRAFT-DRAFT • Lexington Sidewalk Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, September 8,2014, 9 AM Selectmen's Meeting Room Present: Jeanne Canale,Judy Crocker,Mary Fanucci,Bettina McGimsey, Francine Stieglitz,Craig Weeks; Liaisons present: Elaine Celi,Michelle Ciccolo,Tim Dunn, Marc Valenti; Visitors: Bonnie Brown,John Livsey,Hank Manz,Tom Shipple,Karin Travers Judy Crocker called the meeting of the Sidewalk Committee(SWC)to order at 9:05 AM. 1. Public Comment • Karin Travers of 10 Flintlock Road spoke to the SWC regarding the crosswalk at Burlington Street and Simonds Road. She reported that it is difficult to see the crosswalk when one is driving northward on Burlington Street. She requested that the site be evaluated with safety issues in mind. A flashing sign or perhaps an electronic speed board would be helpful. John Livsey asked whether this request had been sent to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee(TSAC). It was noted that a request had gone to TSAC a number of years ago. Mr. Livsey said he would find out what was happening. Francine Stieglitz requested that the SWC should get a response from TSAC when the SWC forwards them a request. • Tom Shipple of 18 Phinney Road raised a maintenance issue regarding the sidewalk at 10 Phinney Road. Dirt has accumulated there and narrowed the sidewalk. He would appreciate if the sidewalk could be exposed to the intended 5 feet. He also mentioned that grading might be needed. Marc Valenti noted that the sidewalk on Phinney Road has more issues than debris. The sidewalk itself is the issue,as it is beyond its useful life. Mr. Valenti noted that his team would address this once the sidewalk inventory is completed in October in terms of prioritization. Mr. Shipple noted that in his opinion the sidewalk does have a useful life. Mr. Valenti noted that he would take care of the debris in the short term. Mr. Shipple also thanked DPW/Mr. Valenti for the work on the path from Lincoln Park to Middleby. He asked whether there were plans to continue the path from Middleby to Marrett. Mr.Valenti said he would look into this for the future. The fence along the path by the Old Res would remain standing. 2. Engineering Update John Livsey reported on the following projects: • Hancock Rotary has been completed. Still needs to complete signage installation. It appears that students are following the walkways. Diamond principal did a great job sending out information about the fact that the rotary was changing. There have been some concerns that as people go through the rotary too quickly they might flip a car if they hit the curb. Signs will be going up to note that a rotary is coming up to facilitate drivers slowing down as they enter the rotary. • Robinson Road is under construction. Has a lot of drainage,hydrant, and utility work. As they've been working,they've hit a lot of ledge, leading to a lot of excavation work. The hope is that it will be finished during the fall,but most likely it will be finalized in the spring. • Bedford Street-most obtrusive work was done at night. The majority of the sidewalks are being replaced and should be done by some point in October. • Concord Avenue is currently in the permitting stage. The project has issues with drainage and a lot of tree removal. Mr. Livsey needs to meet with the direct abutters to address both the healthy and unhealthy trees. Based on those conversations, he will determine if the design works or if a redesign is needed. Once done,the trees will be posted for a Shade Tree hearing. • Bikeway had two parts repaved. Work on this will continue. They are improving crossings to be more in line with current standards. Two culverts need to be replaced which will cause bikeway closure. • As of next year the Bedford jug handle will have a sidewalk along Hartwell Avenue that will continue past the hospital with a bus stop. A safe pedestrian crossing will also be built. Town of Bedford is doing sewer work along Bedford Street so will not work on these projects until that is done. Lexington is paying for this entire sidewalk and crosswalk work at the Bedford jug handle.