HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-07-27 (date uncertain)-SNOW-min.pdf Snow/Standards Sub-Committee of Sidewalk Committee
Next Meeting: Wednesday,August 31, 10 am Selectmen's Conference Room
Present: Lisa Baci, Marianne Lazarus, Francine Stieglitz, Wayne Brooks,Jeanne Krieger
Near Term Objective–FY 2006 Educate public and promote current programs
and policies
The Town plows routes to schools, agreed upon with school administration. New
snow-blowing equipment will be used for the 2005-6 season. Residents can expect
improved plowing but that will still be problem areas, some are caused by design
problems e.g. trees, walls,lack of setback. Other problems arise from resident practices.
Only limited new street/paths will be added to the plow list.These will be
recommended though the Safe-Routes to School Program. Additionally,there is interest
from the cyclist community in plowing the Minuteman Bike Trail.
Our job is to publicize the current program and encourage residents to help the
Town maintain the sidewalks that are cleared. Additionally we should get agreements to
re-route sidewalks over private land where trees prevent the passage of snow removal
equipment; involve neighborhood associations in making snow removal plans and
strategies.
Longer Term Considerations
Sidewalk Maintenance–DPW will seek funding up to$150K annually to
maintain and improve existing sidewalks. We will need a master plan to get Town
Meeting acceptance
Sidewalk Construction—Town planning documents describe a recommended
hierarchy for sidewalk construction. We need to determine feasibility , recommend a
prioritization mechanism and define design standards. Any new construction is now
initiated because of concerted resident appeal. For example,the south side of Marrett Rd,
from Bridge St,to Waltham St. will be completed this fall because the residents have
been very vocal.This stretch is also part of the Bridge School Safe Routes to School pilot
program.
Assignments
• Assess practices of neighboring communities—Marianne and Lisa will prepare a
questionnaire
• Understand the regulations now in place
• Sidewalk Regulations related to maintenance are attached and were
forward by Craig in an August 9 email to the whole Committee
• Lisa has begun to collect Planning Board regulations about
placement
• Prepare an outline and/or draft of an article about snow clearing practices and
resident responsibility—Francine