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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 expressed 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)