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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-05-WALKS-minLexington Sidewalk Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, January 5, 2015 Selectmen's Meeting Room Present: Jeanne Canale, Judy Crocker, Francine Steiglitz, Craig Weeks, Mary Hosmer Fanucci, Liaisons Present: Michelle Ciccolo, Elaine Celi Public Present: Sarah Chamberlain 1) Public Comment: Comments and concerns from the community Prospect Hill Rd — Sarah McSweeney et al Sarah Chamberlain attended the meeting to discuss the Prospect Hill sidewalk project. She wanted to know about the feasibility study and survey. Have they been done? The discussion was focused on how to address Town Meeting when the time comes. It is important to be up to date on the process to follow when requesting a sidewalk. Details are located on the SWC website, http: / /ci.lexington.ma.us /committees /sidewalk.cfin. Craig wanted to know the process for updating the SWC website. Jeanne is going to speak with Lynne Pease to find out. New guidelines for the process to request a new sidewalk were distributed. According to Craig, steps 1 — 6 had been followed thus far for Prospect Street. Michelle indicated there had been a survey but no engineering report on the project. Michelle will be attending the December 15 Selectmen's meeting. She said it is not clear to her that there is bandwidth or funding for a sidewalk on Prospect Hill. Information for the 12/15 meeting includes drawings, grade, etc for the project. A survey reflects existing conditions. An engineering study shows what improvements would be. Judy talked about TSAC and the divide between municipal and school jurisdiction. She suggested that Mary Ellen Dunn may be unaware of the SWC protocol for sidewalks. Prospect Hill is a route to school for many walkers. Craig indicated that last month's meeting was rather disorderly. He suggested finding out the status of the feasibility study for this project. The SWC needs to find out the status of step 7 and report back to Sarah Chamberlain. When is a hearing scheduled? Michelle told Sarah she needs to get design information and be ready for the Selectmen's meeting. It is important to have as much detail as possible and make a strong presentation. She also wanted to know the percentage of people for and against this project. Judy and Michelle mentioned that many neighbors are interested in getting traffic calming measures in place. Is volume more an issue? What are the counter - arguments? Jeanne said it is crucial to get neighbors on board and generate positive momentum for the project. Sarah said that there are 5 neighbors opposed at the moment. 3 of them are not on the side that would most likely be affected by a new sidewalk. 2 neighbors would like more information before deciding. Craig said that the having one point of contact is a good idea. Craig said an open meeting on the Prospect Hill sidewalk project needs to be scheduled. Judy said that the SWC thought last month that the study had been completed by the DPW. Has it? There is one side of the road for the sidewalk. Judy said that is the information that is needed, plus a map. Craig said there are no grade issues on the south side. The issue would be losing front yardage in some locations. Francine said that John Livsey and Dave Cannon spoke directly with residents on Winthrop Road. Once those residents heard the specific plans, their concerns were addressed and they changed their minds about the sidewalk in their neighborhood. 2) DPW Update — there was no update 3) Planning Board Update - there was no update 4) LPS Transportation Update — Elaine said there are 3200 riders out of a population of 6900 students. Judy said there have been complaints about some buses idling. Elaine will speak with them about it. 5) Safe Routes to School Update - 6) Correspondence Log — Tom Shiple contacted the SWC to raise awareness of muddy conditions on the paved path between Worthen Road and Lincoln Field. 7) Review of Sidewalk Committee charge Feedback from Board of Selectman Liaison Craig asked for feedback on the draft letter he wrote outlining Sidewalk Committee charter. He said there are two issues. One is to inform the public of our responsibilities and what we have accomplished. The second is to set expectations as to what we are able to do. The impetus is that currently there is no clear understanding regarding public space. What do homeowners really own? The right of way doesn't belong to the homeowner. Jeanne asked the question; How does the SWC fit into the process? What is our charge? What is the town's responsibility? How do we work cooperatively and collaboratively? How does the Complete Streets program work here? Jeanne wanted to be sure that the document we submit for publication is positive in tone. Craig suggested that she rewrite it to reflect her suggestions. Francine wanted to know if this letter is the best way to get information out to the residents. She suggested that maybe the information could be included as a flyer in the tax bill mailings. All agreed that it should be educational without being Draconian. Craig said it is difficult to put all the information in 600 words, which is the limit for submitting to the newspaper. Michelle said she had some minor suggestions. She said teaching people that the width of the existing road is not necessarily the width of road the town owns. Michelle said the Board of Selectmen may urge the town to start moving forward with Complete Streets. She asked us to stay tuned for more information. She also said the Board needs to review the Sidewalk Committee's charge. There was confusion as to whether the new guidelines established in April had been approved by the Board of Selectmen. Michelle was unclear as to whether there had been a vote. Judy said we need to reevaluate. There are many ways to arrive at the same spot with regard to sidewalks. There seems to be a lot of overlap and lack of communication. It is confusing for the public. Michelle wants a more formal and clear role for the Sidewalk Committee. She wondered if perhaps the SWC becomes an educational body. Judy said that the SWC is a clearinghouse. She also mentioned that TSAC's involvement is problematic. 8) Review of October and December minutes — Francine suggested that the meeting notes follow the same format each month. Mary indicated she would correct the October notes, which she had done incorrectly. She will resubmit them to the committee for review. December minutes were approved. 9) Membership — A quick review of membership status was discussed. Members currently on the SWC include Craig Weeks, Chairman, Jeanne Canale, Francine Steiglitz, Judy Crocker, Mary Hosmer Fanucci and Sean Osborne. Adjourn. The next meeting will be held on Feb 2, 2015 at 9 AM in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of Town Hall.