HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-05-WALKS-MINLexington Sidewalk Committee Minutes
January 5, 2009 11:00 a.m.
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Hall
Present: Jerry Van Hook, Judy Crocker, Suzie Barry, Francine Stieglitz, Meg Lotz,
Lucy Fletcher-Jones, Jeanne Krieger-Selectman Liaison, Wayne Brooks-DPW,
Bill Hadley-DPW Director
Guests: Susan Yanofsky-Town Economic Development Officer
John Livsey, Town Engineer
Dave Cannon-Assistant Town Engineer
Bill McGrath, Consultant BETA Group, Inc.
December 2008 Minutes:
Review of December 2008 Minutes was postponed until the February 2009 meeting.
Spring Street Sidewalk:
Susan Yanofsky, Economic Development Officer for the Town, John Livsey, Town Engineer,
Dave Cannon, Assistant Town Engineer and Bill McGrath, Consultant from BETA Group, Inc.,
presented three options for the Spring Street sidewalk:
Option # 1:
• East Side of Spring Street from Marrett Road to Grassland Street
• West Side of Spring Street from Marrett Road to the Shire Property
Option # 2:
• East Side of Spring Street from Marrett Road to Underwood Road
• West side of Spring Street from Underwood Road to the Shire property.
• West Side of Spring Street from Marrett Road to Grassland Street
Option # 3-
• East Side of Spring Street from Marrett Road to Hudson Road
• West Side of Spring Street from Hudson Road to the Shire Property.
• West Side of Spring Street from Marrett Road to Grassland Street
Concerns were raised concerning: connectivity to the neighborhoods, traffic calming measures,
and possible right of way issues. DPW asked for as much of a grass strip as possible to assist
with plowing. Meetings with Bridge School-Safe Routes to School program and the Spring
Street neighborhoods were to be scheduled.
The Committee voted unanimously to support Option #3.
Sidewalk Plowing:
Wayne Brooks reviewed the equipment/manpower/timing issues associated with sidewalk
plowing. There are over 60 miles of sidewalk broken down into 6 routes. Equipment breakdown
is the biggest issue followed by sidewalks being plowed back in by homeowners contractors and
then overall sidewalk condition. Bill Hadley indicated the equipment breakdown issue should
see some resolution when the new DPW facility opens in May 2009 with a maintenance shop.
Concerns were raised regarding the plowing of the Grove Street & Mass Ave bridge sidewalks.
Wayne stated those are done in off hours due to potential for snow to fall below.
Lexington Sidewalk Committee Minutes-01/05/09 Page 2
Other Plowing/Snow Issues:
Judy Crocker asked that the plow drivers be made aware of the yellow "School Bus Stop" signs
and not to pile snow in those locations. Jerry Van Hook raised concerns regarding the plowing of
the bikeway and wondered if there might be a way to use a truck similar to what Arlington does
instead of a sidewalk plow.
Sidewalk Proiect List:
The Bowman and Estabrook lists have been updated. Bridge, Fiske, Harrington and Hastings
still need to be updated and returned to Wayne.
Town Report•
Jerry distributed a draft of the Sidewalk Committee's report for the Annual Town Report that he
had put together. Due to a tight deadline he asked members to get edits to him by the end of the
week.
Old/New Business:
• Roosevelt Road Sidewalk: Wayne indicated he has received a quote from Verizon should
the telephone pole need to be moved. He is still speaking with the residents on options.
The School Department was not in favor of the sidewalk entering the Hastings School
property from the paper street as it would bisect the active pick-up line of vehicles.
• Bowman State Grant: There has been no update from the State.
• Lexington Gardens Redevelopment: The Planning Board already had one hearing; the
developer was not in favor of mitigation issues dealing with sidewalks or the Hancock
Rotary. It was discussed that an easement for a walking path to Diamond Middle School
should be requested from the Developer.
• Marrett Road Development: Members asked for more specific information on the issue.
Jerry stated he would follow up with John Davies. Jeanne Krieger indicated she would
speak to DPW about the steep path.
• Website: Jerry noted the new town web page only has the committee charge and no
minutes. Lucy Fletcher-Jones indicated minutes are still on the old committee website
and will work on updating it.
Meeting adjourned: 1:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Monday, February 2, 2009, 11:00 a.m.
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Hall
Respectfully submitted,
Suzie Barry