HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-12-12-DAC-min.pdf MEETING NOTES
Lexington Design Advisory Committee
December 12 , 1989
Attending: John Frey, Chairman; Betsy Whitman, Clerk; Kerry
Brandin, Rick Bechtel , Barbara Hulsizer, John Vinton; Peg
Reed, South Lexington Civic Association; Jack Eddison,
Selectman; notes by John Vinton
1 . Peg Reed was welcomed to attendance at the DAC as the New
South Lexington Civic Association Representative . Ms . Reed
will be added to the DAC mailing list, replacing Betty Flynn
the former Representative .
2. Minutes of the l act meeting were discussed and approved
with minor ammendments.
3 . DAC members were reminded to pick up the Design Guidelines
final draft after 6 PM Thursday December 14 . A joint meeting
with the LCC is being convened on Thursday January 11th at
Noon to review comments.
4 . In reviewing DAC charge for Directory of Committees and
Boards, the DAC members requested that the following
modification be made :
Add "and individuals" following the word "organizations"
in the last sentence of the charge.
5. Sign Bylaw revision possibilities were discussed. The DAC
is interested in working with the Planning Board to review
and suggest modifications if any are needed for consideration
of the 1991 Town Meeting. It was stressed that this is a
complex task involving many different Town Boards and groups ,
and is to be undertaken with sufficient time and effort to
thoroughly consider all the issues. Tom Coffman and John
Vinton will coordinate with the Planning Board the initiation
of DAC involvement. This is likely to begin after this years
Town Meeting.
Martha Wood indicated that the Planning Board will consider
offering a special article this year that would offer
permission to the "Crafty Yankee" to fly a banner at the
exterior of the shop. This would provide an exception to the
Bylaw which does not allow exterior banners.
6 . Friendly' s awning/cupola: DAC members had noted since last
time the illumination of the drive-up awning at Friendly' s on
Bedford Street opposite Busa Liquors. Although not
technically an illuminated sign, the awning is very brightly
lit. Illuminated signs are allowed only by special permit,
and must conform to a limit of 150 foot lamberts. Follow up
with the Town Office was suggested to determine whether a
special permit was granted for this sign. Rick Bechtel will
pursue .
Situations such as this would be a good issue for the DAC
sign subcommittee.
7 . Gulf Station at Marrett Road and Waltham Street: the DAC
is interested in pursuing improvements to the intersection
such as the landscaping and curb cut upgrades now being
installed at the Mobil Station. There appears to be Town land
at the periphery of the Gulf Station property such that
combined Town/ Gas Station Owner upgrades would be possible
on the Gulf side of the street. John Vinton will pursue .
8 . Traffic Island at Minuteman Statue: Although generally
pleased with the island as an experiment in much needed
car/pedestrian traffic control , the committee expresa d
concern at the proliferation of signs situated on the island.
The three or four signs placed on this quite small island
present a visual distraction from the otherwise gracious
and expansive approach to the green. They are probably not
all necessary. This is another example of the need for an
ongoing signage guidelines effort.
The yellow painted curbs were also noted as being visually
strident, but probably wise in the interest of safety.
9. Trash receptacles on the Green: Tom Coffman verified that
the receptacles requested by the DAC continue to be
available . John Frey will follow up with the Town to
determine why a substitute (not preferred by the DAC) was
purchased instead.
Jack Eddison noted that follow-up may be appropriate by the
DAC in issues like this since Town departments although
willing and open to suggestions by the DAC are not yet
accustomed to incorporating design suggestions and may need
assistance and reminders . Friendly persuasion to effect
incremental change .
10 . Public Trusts may be available to fund some of the public
improvements identified by the DAC, such as the marginal cost
of purchasing the specified trash receptacle rather than a
substitute.
11 . The Design Advisory Committee Summary for the 1989 Town
Report was reviewed and approved with minor revisions .
12 . John Frey will verify the Associate Member roster ,
particularly whether Norma Bogen will be serving in that
capacity for 1990 .
NEXT MEETING: January 9 , 1990 @ 8 PM
January 11 , 1990 @ Noon Joint meeting w/ LCC
( Selectmen' s Meeting Room)