HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-28-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
Meeting Date: February 28, 2006
Attendees Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Richard Canale, Elaine Dratch, Hank Manz, Francine
Stieglitz, Gail Wagner
Selectmen Candidates George Burnell and Peter Kelley
Candidates asked questions of TAC regarding Lexpress non-tax levy funding sources, ridership,
and non-Lexpress transportation efforts Mr Kelley expressed interest in combining school bus
and public transit service under one contract. Unifying contracts has been researched by TAC in
the past and will be held in mind for future planning. Dissimilarity of equipment and service, as
well as past disinterest of the school bus contractor, were stated as impediments Mr Kelley felt
that town budget constraints anticipated for the foreseeable future will continue to decrease
Lexpress tax levy funding. Mr Burnell felt the concept of a town transportation coalition similar
to the recently formed Fair Housing Coalition would promote public transit Newly formed
public interest groups such as Global Warming Action Committee, Sidewalk Committee, Anti-
Idling and Safe Routes to School were identified as having common interests with TAC Don
Graham's effort to launch such a coalition and the need for public officials to champion the
cause was noted. Issues raised by TAC included transportation staff exclusively funded in the
Lexpress budget, loss of Parking Meter funds, and LHS student parking on Worthen Road.
FY06 Lexpress Budget
$50,000 from the Lexpress budget is on At Risk List pending Selectmen approval. Reduction of
service hours will bridge the budget gap Service options will be reviewed and decided on by
TAC It is anticipated that Lexpress reduction of service will be incorporated into a town
override vote
Sheraton Hotel Traffic Mitigation
Richard Canale of the Planning Board and transportation advocate discussed the proposal to
expand the hotel operations at the current Sheraton Hotel site on Marrett Road. Expansion will
require special zoning permits and is scheduled to go before Town Meeting. To date, the traffic
evaluation and mitigation measures presented are vague The newly formed Traffic Mitigation
Group has not commented to date Richard felt traffic and transportation clarifications need to
take place prior to a Town Meeting presentation. Sara will initiate a meeting between TAC and
the developer
Traffic Mitigation Group (TMG)
In light of the pending Sheraton expansion proposal, it was felt that the Traffic Mitigation Group
(TMG) should be spearheading the transportation effort As an ancillary member, Elaine was
dismayed that the first meeting was conducted without notification of ancillary members Gail
said that she would voice this concern to the TMG staff coordinator and that the group has held
only one organizational meting to date Standing members of TMG are Selectmen Chair,
Planning Board Chair, Zoning Board of Appeals Chair, Assistant Planning Director, Assistant
Town Engineer and Transportation Coordinator Ancillary members representatives are TAC,
Traffic Safety Advisory, Bike Advisory and Sidewalk Committee
Next TAC Meeting. March 15, 5pm
Prepared by Gail Wagner