HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-06-WALKS-min
SIDEWALK COMMITTEE
Minutes of the February 6, 2006 Meeting
Chairman Weeks opened the official meeting of the Sidewalk Committee
(SWC) at 12 noon. Ten committee members were present plus Officer Jenkins
and liaisons Krieger and Wagner. Liaison Guttag was present to offer
comments beforehand but could not stay for the meeting. Minutes of the
January 3 meeting were approved without change.
Chairman Weeks began by showing a large map of Lexington where he had
colored in roadways and footpaths that he considered critical. The map also
showed in color the routes that other members of the SWC individually felt
were critical. Mr. Van Hook then reported on the results of a group of four
from the inventory subcommittee who had worked together to generate a list
of sidewalk and crosswalk projects using the sidewalk inventory map. The
rationale was to be a systematic approach on pedestrian conditions on all
major roadways, addressed in descending order of vehicular density and
speed, assuming the busier roads without proper sidewalks and crosswalks
would more likely be unsafe safe for pedestrians. The group began looking
at roadways which they believed had the most traffic, coloring them red and
then looking for deficiencies in pedestrian facilities. They then
identified the secondary roads that link areas of commerce or public
gathering in blue and plan to generate a similar list. Finally, the plan is
to study those neighborhood streets that have higher foot and vehicular
traffic (green) and to produce another list of needed improvements. These
lists, together with improvements submitted by individual members, will
hopefully form the basis of sidewalk projects in the future.
Ch. Weeks said that a list of long term new construction projects was
useful but the immediate need was for a short term list that could be
matched with repair list items in the DPW proposal for this fiscal year. He
asked members to submit their priority lists of sidewalk repair projects
selected from the DPW proposed list.. He said that estimated expense should
be a guiding factor because the $300 K budget to be proposed for this year’s
town meeting had already been exceeded and there would have to be some
deletions from the DPW proposed list to bring it in line. He also
emphasized that sidewalk improvements for SRTS is an important element of
the program and should be considered for a higher priority over those of a
more general nature if we are to meet the goal of supporting programs for
better access to the five elementary schools, one that began last fall and
the others that will begin this spring..
There were reports of vandalism of some of the signs placed at
crosswalks and at bus stops for school children.
Ms. Krieger reported that the subcommittee on snow removal policies has
met. Ms.Baci is looking into town policies on snow removal in commercial
and residential areas. There are some bylaws arising from the 1981 Master
Plan. The issue now is to find any gaps in the bylaws and take appropriate
action. Another need is for an up to date inventory of paths throughout
conservation lands. The goal is a system of by laws and of pathways that
will encourage walking and bicycling throughout Lexington.
On the question of snow removal for safety at school bus stops, Ms.
Cecere had a meeting with Mr. Brooks after discussions with school
administrators and John Henry, the bussing coordinator, where they
identified about 50 bus stops where special attention to plowing will be
needed. Not only is standing room for children needed, but snow piles that
impede visibility must be avoided. Mr. Brooks will alert his workers on the
specifics with Ms. Cecere keeping the committee informed. Signs will be
placed at assigned places on the bus routes. This plan for snow removal at
the designated bus stops and installation of signage was voted on and
approved unanimously
There is presently a rather informal arrangement on vehicular traffic
control on school grounds since uniformed crossing guards are not involved
and designated people are hard to identify. This present arrangement needs
to be formalized, with orange vests or other insignia for assigned people to
avoid confusion and accidents. The committee recommends that the police
department officer, Mark Corr should be contacted first about unsafe
conditions and that Ann Giombetti from the school administration office be
informed so that coordinated action can be taken.
Victoria Buckley, representing the Disability Commission, circulated by
e-mail a report on the sidewalk safety requirements of the disabled, both
snow removal and sidewalk condition. The report was referred to Mr. Brooks
for implementation.
Judy Crocker reported on the excellent progress made for programs this
spring in Hastings, Harrington, Estabrook, and Bowman elementary schools to
encourage Safe Routes to School (SRTS). All of the school principals have
been brought on board, the PTA’s are aware, and a series of school
activities promoting the program are planned, culminating with Walk week in
May 1-5. The Colonial Times will publicize the program and car counts will
be made before and after, as at Bridge, to determine the degree of parental
cooperation.
Francine Steigletz made available an information sheet on the proposed
Community Preservation Act and asked members of the SWC to consider
individual support for this worthy cause.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:15 PM. The next SWC meeting will be on
Monday, March 13 at 11 AM in the Selectman’s meeting room.
Jerry Van Hook