HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-26-GCC-min Greenways Corridor Committee
Meeting Minutes
August 26 2021
3:30 — 5:30 pm via Zoom Conference
Members Present: Mal Crawford, Alex Dohan, Eileen Entin, Peggy Enders, Bob
Hausslein, Susan Kenyon, Keith Ohmart, Stephen Perkins, Mike Tabaczynski
Other Attendees: Bob Creech (Planning Board Liaison), Christian Boutwell (Interim Rec
Committee Liaison), Mark Sandeen (Select Board Liaison),
Votes: Meeting minutes of 3 June 2021: Approved
Reports/Updates:
• The GCC will lose its two nonresident committee members (Susan and Mike) in the
upcoming year because the Select Board is reluctant to reappoint nonresidents to
town committees. To fill their positions, Keith indicated he has a list of potential
candidates for the committee whom he will interview. We are exploring with the
Select Board ways in which our nonresident members can be appointed as nonvoting
honorary members.
• In connection with the discussion about committee membership, Keith suggested that,
as a group, the committee look at, create, and archive a list of our goals and
objectives for the future. As a start, Keith will send around a spreadsheet and map of
proposed trail options, which committee members can review. Members can send to
Keith other items and objectives for the list. What is eventually put together can be
put into the open space and rec plan.
• The committee welcomed Christian Boutwell, who will serve as interim Rec
Committee liaison. Christian said that as a rec committee member he is interested in
opportunities for recreation in green space and way in which the rec committee can
support outdoor recreation activities for Lexington residents.
• The committee agreed to hold its October meeting by Zoom. Peggy took a screen
shot of all the members on Zoom to serve as the annual photo.
• Regarding the Jefferson Drive Trail Connector, the North Shore development
engineer is updating the paperwork for the Burlington and Lexington Conservation
Committee meetings. The meeting in Burlington is set for Sept. 9, with a default of the
Oct 14 meeting if this topic isn't covered in September. Mike felt this would be
adequate timing to gather volunteers for Oct 16 and 23. We will need to touch base
with the Lexington Conservation Commission regarding trail development and the
Burlington Conservation Commission for permission to put up signs. It is also
expected that the Burlington Conservation Commission will require that we go before
the Burlington Select Board.
• On the Wayfinding Sign Project, Stephen and Bob installed 12 posts for the signs.
The DPW will install 2 metal posts as requested by the Historical Commission. Mike
submitted one sign to the vendor, who said he will charge about $75/sign. Mike will
send all the signs to the committee members for a final accuracy check and then send
them to the printer.
• 2023 PIR Budget Request: Keith indicated the only expense foreseen is reprinting the
brochures. Keith will work with Susan on a budget. In terms of the printed brochures,
Susan advocates for digital maps in the future. Mal noted that the Commonwealth is
willing to have sponsors pay for the cost of printing materials, with the sponsors' logos
added. Bob suggested we could issue a paper map when we have a final version of
the ACROSS system. Alex asked about the possibility of adding interpretive signage
on the routes if there are no paper maps. Keith noted that CLC has started working
with Karen and Amber on educational/interpretive signs for conservation properties
and the GCC could consider this when CLC's effort gets off the ground in the next
year or two. Mark noted that the Select Board has just started working on budgeting,
and Keith indicate he will work on a request.
• Bridge School Boardwalk Update: Mal reported that the first workday will be next
Monday. The scouts will work until project is completed. They expect to be done by
Thanksgiving.
New Business:
• Planning Board hearing for 475 Bedford St.: Concerning this proposed development,
the GCC should request a trail easement to connect to the jug handle in order to bring
down a new trail along the power line corridor. This is critical for development of the
greenbelt on the west side of town. This development may be on the addenda of the
Planning Board's Sept 9 meeting. Bob Creech will check the agenda and confirm.
Eileen will attend the Sept. 9 meeting if a discussion of the 475 Bedford St
development is included.
• The committee discussed a proposal from Susan Barrett suggesting a letter to the
Select Board for creating a Lexington Ped/Bike plan. Peggy pointed out that the idea
of a bike plan goes back to 2003, but while the town seems to think this is a good idea
no concrete actions have resulted. Keith will draft a statement with Peggy's help to be
sent to the Select Board and Amanda Loomis for the comprehensive plan, with a copy
to the bike committee. The letter will request that a bike/ped plan should be part of
the comprehensive plan. Mal suggested that the letter should emphasize that we
want to see easements incorporated into plans for new development.
Pending Items:
• Discussion with Kathy Sandos regarding updates to website
• Trail Apps discussion/moving beyond paper maps
- Skills required to upload ACROSS routes
- Synching with continued maintenance of Town website map
- Synching with Wayfinding maps
- What becomes of Points of Interest
• History project update (Larry McCray)
• Archive options for maintaining copies of ACROSS artwork, etc.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 pm.
Next Meeting: 7 Oct 2021, 4:00-5:30pm, via Zoom Conference
Future meeting dates: Nov 4, Dec 2
Respectfully Submitted by
Eileen Entin, Interim Secretary