2012-02-06-WALKS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Lexington Sidewalk Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, February 6, 2012, 9 AM Room G 15, Town Office Building Present: Judy Crocker, Lucy Fletcher- Jones, Bettina McGimsey, Francine Stieglitz, Jerry Van Hook (Chair); Liaisons: Elaine Cell (Transportation), Hank Manz (Board of Selectmen), Wendy Manz (Planning Board), Marc Valenti (DPW) The meeting of the Sidewalk Committee (SWC) was called to order at 9:08 AM. 1. Review of SWC position concerning Center Streetscape plan in light of LBAC's position: Jerry Van Hook asked that the SWC consider whether or not there should be a traffic study of the Town Center before it is determined whether there should one or two lanes of traffic in either direction. He noted that earlier the SWC had agreed that members liked the Center Streetscape plan but that they had never had a vote as to whether such a study was needed. In light of the LBAC's vote to ask for such a study, he asked members to consider their position on such a study. No second to his motion was made, so no vote was taken. 2. Mr. Van Hook raised the issue of MBTA proposed cuts to bus routes that serve Lexington. He presented a letter to Jon Davis of the MBTA opposing said route eliminations as well as the MBTA subsidy for Lexington's Lexpress minibus service. This letter was approved by the SWC. 3. The January minutes were approved as amended. 4. Update on Safe Routes program: Judy Crocker noted that the art and slogan contest to promote bus ridership will be rolled out this week with an article in the Minuteman. 5. Update on the Estabrook School Transportation task force: Ms. Crocker noted that the DPW, the Police Department, and the Fire Department are making public safety recommendations for a sidewalk on Robinson Road from its intersection with Turning Mill Road to its end at the edge of the Estabrook School property. Hank Manz noted that the Board of Selectmen find it a priority to include a sidewalk on Robinson Road as well. 6. Update on the Lexington School Transportation and Safety study group: Ms. Crocker noted that the school bus contract request has just been sent out for bid. The study group will also do a survey of parents to determine their reactions to adjusted service parameters. She noted that the study group had discussed the importance of improving "school zone" signage. Marc Valenti noted that sign placement follows codes from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. He also noted that DPW will do a sign inventory in the near future and that the department has been upgrading signs around town, including the pedestrian crosswalk signs. 7. Correspondence log on sidewalk issues: There has been no correspondence this month. 8. Progress on Winthrop Road proposed sidewalk project: Francine Stieglitz will contact Jill Hai to determine where the Winthrop project is in the process in terms of meeting with the Board of Selectmen and abutters.