HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-10-WALKS-min
Sidewalk Committee Minutes 7/10/06
The meeting was opened by Chairman Weeks at 11:25 AM. Since a quorum of
members was not present, acceptance of the minutes of the June meeting was
deferred.
As part of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) in the Bowman school
district, a parent from the area near the Pleasant St./Watertown St.
intersection asked the committee to consider an off-road pathway for
children that would include passage through Bowman Park at the intersection.
Such a path might need access through private properties in the Briggs
Rd./Green Ln. areas to allow children walking with parents to avoid the busy
vehicular intersection. Crosswalks and crossing guards might also be
needed. Sue Ellen and Jeanne said they will look into the possibilities.
The SRTS program throughout town will need a uniform system for
recognizable sign shape, wording and placement. With input from Mr. Weeks
and Mrs. Herbert who were involved in the Bridge pilot program, the policy
committee will look into various aspects of signage, including availability,
cost, and recommendations on positioning at crosswalks and other locations
in the school districts. Signage at Oak St. and Charles St. in East
Lexington was mentioned as examples of well-engineered, town-installed
signs. An arrow indicating the exact location of cross walks was stressed
as desirable. Ms Krieger said her policy group will explore state
guidelines on signage for both town and state-controlled roadways, the
signage on Marrett Rd. crosswalks being an example of the latter.
As clarification, of responsibilities of town committees, Ms. Krieger
said that the basic responsibility of TSAC was the approval of new signage
and cross walks that could be implemented without too much controversy
whereas that of the Transportation Mitigation Group (TMG) was to recommend
actions of more complex, larger scale and sometimes more controversial
projects. As chair of TSAC, Ms. Wagner said she would make the staff in
town aware of input from the Bridge ES pilot project to expedite
installation of the needed signage.Signage within Bridge School grounds
will be worked out separately with administration and PTA approval.
Ms. Krieger brought up her recent email to all members where the need
exists to
1) prioritize repairs on existing sidewalks, especially in SRTS zones, 2)
to make a similar priority listing of new sidewalk needs with particular
attention to level of use, safety concerns and connectivity 3) set
guidelines for sidewalk materials and construction, 4) do cost analysis
and, 5) make recommendations for snow removal policies.
Karen Marks and Francine Steigletz will put together an article on
sidewalk etiquette including shrub trimming, avoidance of sidewalk obstacles
such as toys, bikes, trash barrels and snow removal, especially at driveway
entrances.
Craig Weeks will contact Dave Cannon to resolve questions the committee
has raised about bulk contracts and cost efficiency.
Several members agreed to examine streets and contact residents within
the six school districts to begin the priority list for future sidewalk
construction/repair. Tracy Herbert-Bridge , Sue Ellen and Lucy at Bowman,
Sharon McKenzie at Hastings, Judy Crocker at Estabrook and Harrington, and
Sue Bruce at Fiske were those volunteering and/or recommended in absentia
for this task.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30.. The next meeting of the SWC will
be at 11 AM on Monday, September 11, 2006 , no August meeting being
planned.
Jerry Van Hook, secretary