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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-10-NAC-min MEETING MINUTES Article 40 ad hoc Committee February 10, 2006 A duly posted meeting of the Article 40 ad hoc Committee held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by Acting Chairman Ingrid Klimoff with members Judy Crocker, Tom Diaz, Derek Fullerton, Jeanne Krieger, Sheryl Mason, Jim Sheehy, Jim Wilson, and Tony Galaitsis (initially scheduled to be absent from the meeting), and citizen David Eagle present. Acting chair Ingrid Klimoff called for a round of introductions for the benefit of Ann Kelly. The 1/12/06 minutes were reviewed, and accepted after minor corrections. The meeting continued with a brief discussion of the state law and a short review of the items voted during the 1/12/06 meeting. ?? Ann Kelley commented on the need for clarification of the word “unnecessary [idling]” and on a clear definition of what and when certain operations should be exempted from the state law or a town by-law. She suggested that the Committee contact Arlington because they may already have such a bylaw. Derek Fullerton indicated that he did not think any town had an anti-idling by-law. Jeanne Krieger said that this issue may be addressed over the next year, when the Committee considers whether to bring a bylaw to the 2007 Town Meeting. ?? Ann Kelly also touched upon the current 5-minute idling limit, commenting that some call for a 10-min limit, many states already have a 3-minute limit, and there are discussions (by whom?) about a 1-minute limit. She added that in all cases the police can have some lee-way in interpreting the law. Jeanne Krieger emphasized the need for clarity in the event of a bylaw. ?? Ingrid Klimoff reiterated the committee’s position that violations of any future anti- idling by-law, if any, will be handled as civil rather than criminal offenses, and asked for clarification of the difference between civil and criminal offenses. Derek Fullerton cited vehicular speeding as an example of a civil offense. Sheryl Mason cited driving without a license as an example of a criminal offense. ?? Ingrid Klimoff reiterated that the committee will consider the wording for such a bylaw, if any, next year. The committee concurred. A discussion of the engine-idling surveys conducted by high school students followed. ?? Tom Diaz reported that the measurements were conducted by 8 students, and suggested they should acknowledged, in addition to receiving community service points for their work. Some students had surveyed for 4 weeks some still had some hours to go. Tom Diaz said that Hastings, Bridge, Bowman and Estabrook offered good environments for the surveys; Harrington and Fiske not deemed typical because 1 of temporary measures. Elementary school students get out at 3:15 pm, and many are driven home by parents. Typically, about 200 cars arrive, 30-40 of them idle, and about 20 idle more than 5 minutes. Most idle on coldest days, however, other times they idle and talk on the phone. ?? Several committee members felt that a program encouraging an increased school bus ridership or student walking would be beneficial in reducing engine idling of private cars. Judy Crocker that she had surveyed PTAs in the past to identify means for increased bus ridership; apparently, bus ridership went down when the bus fees went up. Tom Diaz agreed that bus ridership would not increase unless the school bus fees go down. Sheryl Mason added that busing takes time and often interferes with post school activities, which also discourages school bus usage. ?? School bus idling also discussed. Tom Diaz said that school bus idling should be reduced once the students start leafleting the drivers. Ann Kelly (or was it someone else?? Not sure) was pleased with the leafleting of drivers at schools and felt that leaflets distributed by high school students will be very effective. Tom suggested that students present their findings to the Town Meeting. A discussion of the anti-idling signs followed. ?? Judy Crocker reported that the Lexington Preschool director, was very interested in having signs right outside school. ?? Derek Fullerton reported that the DEP workshop he attended concluded that the best results are achieved with signs. He showed the committee 3 examples of anti-idling signs, as well as bumper stickers and decals. Estimates were about $24 per sign; good Lexington blue yellow colors. He cited estimates of about $750 for 20 signs but not including installation labor. He cited a cost for town-wide signage of $5500 for 74(public)+82(private)=156 signs based on an estimate by Atlantic. He said that he has used up $1,500 of available funds to date, and has an additional $3,000 available from the Arlex and CW gift. Jim Sheehy suggested getting a firm estimate to stay within the Committee’s budget. The committee expressed interest in an estimate for a total of 200-250 signs. Derek will get a firmer estimate and then send a note to the committee. ?? According to Judy Crocker schools offered their custodians for the installation of signs on existing poles. For new signs principals will designate spots for installation. Jeanne Krieger said that installation of signs on the Battle Green would require Selectmen approval. ?? Decals will require some adjustments because: decals for business windows face out towards parked cars; decals for cars face in, since they are intended for the drivers and occupants. The committee agreed that the grant monies should be used for signage first. In the future, further information about vehicle decals could be explored ?? Derek asked for approval to spend $750 for the purchase of the first 20 signs. ?? Tom Diaz moved that Derek be authorized to spend the requested $750 from the DEP Grant for the first 31 signs and be authorized for to use an additional $2000 from the idling reduction account to purchase additional signage (approximately 83 more signs). 2 Derek expressed that the Ad-hoc committee deserves a pat on back because we are forging forward with this campaign. Other towns, including Lenox, have had many road blocks along the way to implement a town wide campaign. Other towns are already approaching Lexington and asking for advice on how to implement a program like ours. He also reported that future town street maps that are free and available to town bus drivers and the public from places like the Chamber of Commerce and the Fire Department could be labeled with Idle-Free Lexington information. He has seen such maps in the fire department although he did not know where they come from. It was reported that low emissions legislation would be coming in the near future. The committee wondered how such legislation would impact CW contracts? Would they help? Would they increase cost? Ann Kelly said a company in Boston has information on this Tom suggested again that high school students make part of presentation. The committee concurred. Jeanne will check with Marge about timing. A discussion on the nature of the anti-idling leaflets/tickets followed. ?? Sample tickets made by elementary school students were reviewed. One example showed a picture of an idling car with a dead plant nearby. Another student was making a picture with the minuteman statue coughing. Pictures will be selected through a contest that has been advertised. ?? It was suggested that copies of these pictures be delivered to businesses. It was also suggested that some of these tickets be made in bigger (poster) sizes for potential sale at about $25. Some businesses might buy them and hang them in their premises. Derek Fullerton will explore the feasibility of this possibility with the Chamber of Commerce. ?? Ingrid Klimoff said that the Waldorf school did not wish to distribute paper work. But they will accept e-forms to e-mail and put on their websites. She will is looking into contacting private schools next, and then Lexington religious establishments. She has already contacted Follen and Trinity churches. Anne Kelly added that idling does not happen in churches, but churches can spread the word in general. ?? Ingrid Klimoff and Ann Kelly requested and received the Committee’s approval to use the anti-idling logo from the brochure for the anti-idling campaign on Cable. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 a.m. Minutes e-mailed by: Tony Galaitsis 3