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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-11-LBAC-min APPROVED MEETING MINUTES Committee Name: Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee Date, Time and Location of Meeting: Thursday, August 11, 7 pm, Lexington Community Center Members Present : Peggy Enders (Chair), Marita Hartshorn, Laurel Carpenter, Carolyn Levi, John Frey, Bob Dangel, Richard Canale (Planning Board Liaison), Sandra Shaw (Recreation Committee Liaison) Members Absent: Bob Hausslein, Mike Tabaczynski, George Gagliardi Others Present: Jennifer Melot, Alice Meade, Elaine Ashton, Todd Burger The June 2016 meeting minutes were approved as amended. Public Comment : Alice Meade expressed concern about the surface of the Bikeway behind Sherwin Williams. Bob Dangel explained that this area underwent repairs to culverts under the trail and will be improved as part of Bikeway repaving between Bedford and Hancock Streets scheduled for this season. Minuteman Bikeway Signage Plan (update): Peggy reported that in late June she, Bob D, Richard C. and David Kucharsky took a ride on the Bikeway with the new Toole Design Group design team. In advance of that meeting Peggy, Richard, and Bob met to review the current plan and submit additional suggestions for paring the number of signs being proposed. Interpretive signs will be included as part of the sign plan; the company to oversee those has not yet been identified. Peggy mentioned that the Board of Selectmen approved the Committee’s request to post the red Burma Shave signs again this year. Bob Hausslein installed those remaining from last year, but they were vandalized. George will order new sets to be used for the rest of the season. Letter to the Board of Selectmen : The Committee reviewed and made minor edits to Peggy’s draft letter to the Selectmen regarding bike accommodations on town streets. She will present her letter at a Board of Selectmen meeting soon.She said that the draft plan for Complete Streets funding includes requests for bike racks at parks and conservation lands as well as funds to repaint some existing bicycle accommodations. Budget Request: Peggy will draft a letter to the Town Manager and/or the Board of Selectmen asking for funds to contribute to the support of a number of Bike Committee initiatives including bicycle education and safety information (e.g., regular town-wide mailings), bicycle safety programs (e.g., during Bike Walk ‘n Bus Week but ideally expanding beyond that); and funding for the training of a resident League of American Bicyclists certified instructor. Liaison Reports/Other Business: Richard Canale said the owners of the buildings adjacent to Grain Mill Alley are seeking a zoning change. They hope to acquire parking spaces along the Bikeway from the Historical Society and expand the green space. He said that the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen will meet in early September and hopes that progress can be made on the idea of a master plan for transportation. Peggy said that the Town is continuing to pursue the possibility of a modest bike share pilot through Zagster. Another conference call with the company is scheduled for early September. Resident Todd Burger and his neighbors are concerned about pedestrian and bike safety on Lincoln Street between Marrett Road and Mill Street. They have met with the Transportation Safety Group to request a sidewalk. The Committee will invite them to meet for a longer discussion at a future meeting. Jennifer Merlot is concerned about the grooves in the Hartwell Avenue bike lanes. She has already contacted the town and will do so again; Peggy suggested she email Marc Valenti, the new DPW Manager of Operations, directly. Marita reported that the bike rack in front of Lexx has been loosened and is about to come off. She also said the bike racks behind the mews have not been reinstalled since the winter of 2015. Marita said she has reported this; Peggy suggested she email Marc Valenti directly. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm. Record of the Discussions of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways No Treasurer’s Report, as Bob Hausslein is on vacation Jennifer Merlot is planning to raise funds to provide free lights and reflective tape to Bikeway users. She has set up a crowdfunding website (https://www.razoo.com/us/story/Wdz9ef). The Friends enthusiastically support her project. Bike to Market Corrals: Peggy coordinated the event in August; the turnout was good. Marita and Sandra distributed all the helmets available to them in June, but Peggy has more a few more at home. Meetings adjourned: 8:40 p.m. Recorder: Marita Hartshorn; Editor: Peggy Enders