HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-12-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes
August 12, 2013
Members Present: Bill Levison, Co- chair; Francine Stieglitz; Sara Arnold; Sally Castleman
Members Absent: Peter Levy, Co- Chair; Mike Boudett; Elaine Dratch; Larry Link (honorary
member)
Liaisons Present: Nancy Adler, COA Board Chair
Staff Present: Jeanette Rebecchi, Transportation Coordinator
1. Minutes: The July 22, 2013 Minutes were unanimously approved as amended.
2. Transportation Services Update
Ms. Rebecchi provided a monthly Division update:
• Since the beginning of FY13, there have been several occasions where
seniors have fallen out of their seats while riding the Lexpress bus. Seatbelts
have been installed on all four buses at a cost of $2,470. An educational
campaign will be introduced to encourage usage. Wearing a seatbelt on
Lexpress is not legally required.
• The next Community Center Task Force meeting will occur on August 16 to
introduce the architect firm. Town staff will hold a presentation on
anticipated facility and programming needs.
3. Healthy Communities Project Transportation Meeting
Ms. Castleman and Ms. Rebecchi reported what was discussed at the meeting. Noting:
• How do we create a paradigm shift where the public sees "alternative"
transportation as just another mainstream mobility option?
• Committee members should lead by example and walk /bike /carpool /bus to
meetings.
• A Town Meeting messaging campaign is needed.
• A charismatic speaker such as Mark Fenton should be invited to speak as part
of the Cary Hall Lecture Series. Key leadership in the Town should attend.
• How does this grant funded project relate to the new Climate Action Plan,
and 20/20 Committee? It was noted that Mr. Levison and Mr. Levy are being
interviewed by the Climate Action Plan interns as they prepare the
transportation component of the plan.
4. Town Report
Mr. Levison presented a draft copy of the FY13 TAC Report. The edits discussed will be
incorporated before submitting the final version.
5. TAC Activity Log
Mr. Levison reviewed outstanding items on the TAC Activity Log to determine their
status and plans for completion:
• Generic TAC email Address
Mr. Levison reported that Candy M. will provide a status update in September.
• Joint TAC /COA /FISH Forum
Ms. Adler supports the suggestion that the Human Services Department host a
joint forum on Senior Transportation. It has been several years since one has
been held. Ms. Rebecchi will meet with Charlotte Rodgers, Human Services
Director to discuss implementation.
• Alewife - Hartwell Shuttle
The suggestion that the general public access 128 Business Council Shuttles has
been met with a cool response from the 12813C. They do not appear interested in
accommodating Lexington residents on their return trips to Alewife. Commuter
parking is also a major obstacle.
• Real -time GPS Tracking
After meeting with the School Dept to discuss their GPS systems, Ms. Rebecchi
found that the vendor and hardware used is too expensive and not appropriate
for Lexpress needs. Another vendor, Ride Systems, can provide monthly GPS
tracking software for a total estimated cost of $4020 per year for all three buses.
There is a $900 one -time hardware cost as well.
Ms. Rebecchi will explore possible grant funding for the first year or two of
service. If grant funding is not identified, A FY15 Program Improvement Request
will need to be prepared this fall. Legal counsel will need to be consulted to
address Ms. Arnold's concerns about speed tracking and liability.
• Human Services Department Technology Goals
The IT Department has been working with Ms. Rebecchi to upgrade the Google
Transit software relevant to Lexpress. The new Webmaster, Kathy Santos, is
working on a new Human Services Department website, which will include
updates to the Lexpress and Transportation pages.
• Student Representative
It was discussed that there hasn't been a high school student representative in
some time. Outreach is needed to recruit a new LHS student liaison.
Materials Used at the Meeting:
Agenda
Meeting Minutes, July 22, 2013
Draft 2013 TAC Town Report
Healthy Communities Project meeting handouts
Potential FY14 TAC Goals
TAC Activities, FY13