HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-26-TAC-min DRAFT--Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes
August 26, 2019
7.00 p.m. Lexington Community Center, Room 245
Members Present: Hank Manz, Co-Chair; Andra, Bennett, Co-Chair; Sara Arnold,
Sally Castleman; Vinita Verma
Member Absent: Elaine Dratch
Liaisons: Mark Sandeen, Select Board; Bob Creech, Planning Board; Sudhir Jain, COA
Staff: Susan Barrett
Guests,- Todd Rhodes, Vice-Chair, Sustainable Lexington Committee
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.
Pub ie Comments. Mr. Rhodes reported on the Sustainable Action Plan developed by the
Sustainable Lexington Committee a year ago. His Committee will be presenting its first annual
report on this plan to the Select Board in November. The Plan includes 10 sectors for ,
consideration, each of which has criteria. Criteria include things such as the impact and
likelihood of success for an idea that would address a particular sector. Mr. Rhodes is meeting
with multiple committees to solicit input, including -his Committee for ideas that would address
the transportation sector.
Mr. Sandeen suggested that reducing vehicle miles traveled by residents could be a
transportation-related goal, It was noted that bus shelters or service to a transportation hub,
such as the Anderson Transportation Center in Woburn, might be considered; State
Representative Michelle Ciccolo has received funding for a study to look at service between
Hanscom Air Force Base and the Anderson Transportation Center. It was agreed to hold the
next TAC meeting on September 9 to further discuss ideas. Mr. Rhodes offered to send Ms.
Barrett material about the Sustainable Action Plan =or distribution and plans attend the next TAC
meeting.
During the discussion, Ms. Barrett noted that if funaing is needed for a project, staff must submit
operating budget requests by mid-October for consideration in the FY21 budget.
ib/Minutes. Ms. Verma requested a spelling correction, andMs. Barrett recommended a
clarification for the July 8, 2019 TAC Minutes. A mcJon was made and seconded to approve
said Minutes, as revised. VOTE,- 5-0
Ann uM 'T'oinin Report. Ms. Barrett reported that the photo Of this Committee must be^taken by
October 19. She suggested we have a photo taken at the September 21St 401h
Anniversary event. She will contact the photographer to make arrangements. She also offered
'9 Lexpress
to begin keeping a list of monthly things that might c3 into future annual reports.
Committee Membership, Liaisons, and Charge,", Nis. Barrett reported that both Ms.
Castleman's and Ms. Bennett's memberships are up for renewal. Ms. Castleman agreed to
serve for another three years. Ms. Bennett reported that she has decided she cannot renew her
membership. Regrets and best wishes by those in attendance were expressed. It was noted
that there are currently only five members and two onenings. In an effort to identify new
members, this Committee Supported several ideas siggested by Ms. Barrett, which included her
contacting Sean Dugan, the new Public Information Officer for Lexington and pursuing
publication in electronic newsletters. She noted that back-to-school nights, which she or TAC
members attend, are approaching, and she will also -each out to the Parent Teacher
Organizations. It was suggested that the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee may have
interested members. She commented that she has three potential student ambassadors for
(_.express.
Mr, Sandeen, Mr. Manz, and Ms. Barrett suggested that Lexington needs a holistic approach to
transportation and updating this Committee's charge to include a more holistic view might get a
diverse set of new members with different needs :vho might work together using a variety of
resources to solve problems, Mr. Manz agreed to look at TAC's charge and consider changes
to recommend. It was agreed that this should be discussed at a future meeting.
Mr. Manz agreed to continue as Chair of this Committee. He will work with Ms. Barrett to create
and post the agenda for the next meeting.
Route 2 Access to Alewife MBTA StaJon.- Ms. Barrett reported that the Congestion in the
Commonwealth report that was published this month, noted excessive traffic accessing the
Alewife station, which delays the MBTA buses. She suggested that Lexington coordinate with
Arlington to request a dedicated bus lane. She agreed to draft a letter to Mass DOT. Mark
Sandeen suggested it have CCs to legislators and the Base Commander at Hanscom Air Force
Base, It was suggested that the Economic Development Committee be asked to support the
effort, too.
Upcoming Events. Ms. Barrett reported that there are three events on September 21 St:
* Lexpress 40th Anniversary Party in Emery ::'ark (Lexington Community Center if it rains)
from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Efforts to arrange for music are being pursued. Jim Malloy, Town
Manager, and Scott Hamwey, M3TA, are being asked to speak. Lexpress will operate
for free.
* Transportation Options Open Hcuse: 1-3 p m. in Emery Park (Lexington Community
Center if it rains). I
* Chamber of Commerce Arts and Crafts Fair: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Merriam Street
parking lot.
1"ranspartalljon Update. Ms. Barrett reported the following:
In W Novner has been hired as the new municipal assistant that helps with transportation.
They starts on September I 01h, and it appears that they will be an enthusiastic addition.
i-he 28 hours per week position has been funded in the past by Transportation Services,
although the employee has assisted with a variety of Human Services tasks that
increasingly have not related to t-ansportatkxi., The Human Services Director has agreed
that going forward, she will aim to have the person provide 21 hours per week to
Transportation related tasks.,
The MBTA is soliciting ideas for MBTA sery ce changes, requesting a first round of ideas
by September 15 avid a second round of proposals in November, Ms. Barrett is.
suggesting, in coordination wi].-h Lexington's Economic Development Office, that
Lexington request an extension of the MBTA Route #77 into Lexington during evenings
and weekends when Lexington's service is limited or doesn't exist. Normally that route
operates between Harvard Square and Arlirgton Heights.
Lexington is holding a Senior Charlie Card event on September 1St" for senior citizens
who need a card for the first time. This has been a popular event in the past.
Department budgets are due in mid-October. It was agreed to meet on October 7th to
allow time for this Committee to review the t-ansportation budget before it is submitted.
In response to a question, Ms. Barrett noted that: a previous effort by drivers to use tablets to
record ridership was determined, for a variety of reasons, to be impractical. There may be other
mechanisms that would improve ridership data collection, and these are being explored.
Ne)d TAC meetings are scheduled for Septernber 9th and October 7th.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM
Respectfully Submitted, Sara Arnold
Approved
RflaterWs presented at.the meeting.,
* Agenda for meeting
* Lexington Town Report Instructions, FYI 9
* Transportation Advisory Committee positions for re-appointment
a Transportation Advisory Committee Charge as adopted by the Lexington Select Board
Top Five Most Severe Occurrences of Congestion, Boston area
Lexpress Summary Report Ridership/Revenue for July 2019