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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-14-LBAC-min APPROVED MEETING MINUTES Committee Name: Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee Date, Time and Location of Meeting: October 14, 2010- 7 pm, Room 111, Town Office Building Members Present: Peggy Enders (Chair), Stew Kennedy, John Frey, Marita Hartshorn, George Gagliardi, Laurel Carpenter, Jerry Van Hook, Richard Canale, (Planning Board Liaison), Bob Hausslein (FoLB Chair), Others Present: Luis Melendez Members Absent: Mike Tabaczynski, Peter Kelley (Selectmen’s Liaison), Sandra Shaw (Recreation Committee Liaison) Minutes : The September minutes were accepted as corrected. Subcommittee on Streets and Roads Heavily Traveled: A report from this group was tabled until the subcommittee meets. Hartwell Avenue Area Traffic Mitigation Plan Update: Richard Canale reported on the Hartwell Avenue traffic Mitigation Plan. A draft is on the Planning Board’s web site. Bicycle accommodations will be provided on: Wood Street, Hartwell Avenue, Bedford Street and at the roundabouts. The Maguire Road roundabout may offset the Bikeway crossing at Hartwell Avenue. The connection with the West Lexington Greenway is undetermined. The WLG has CPA funding and representation from various committees; however, its oversight group might benefit from having a more official status. The next public hearing on the Hartwell Avenue plan is Wednesday, October 27. MAPC Bike Rack Program: Marita reported that Dave Pinsonneault will order nine “U” shaped racks and three 6’ triton racks. Two of the tritons will be located at the town pool and in Hastings Park. The other nine will be at various Lexington Center locations as approved by the HDC. DCR Proposal: We are in the process of working with colleagues in Arlington and Bedford to apply for a grant from the DCR for a map, improved signage, and information kiosks along the entire length of the Bikeway. Volunteers will be needed to help with needs assessment. Peggy distributed the preliminary first page of the proposal. Bikeway Plowing: We decided to continue to raise funds for Bikeway plowing since the plowing was done so efficiently last year. Bikeway Usage Guidelines: George distributed a draft of suggested Bikeway guidelines to help the committee when considering requests for use of the Bikeway (e.g., for large events, to post signs, etc.). He outlined the most important factors in making a decision on Bikeway use. We determined that safety should be the overriding factor. Jerry suggested that any special use “should not disrupt general use of the Bikeway.” Closing off any section of the Bikeway for special events might jeopardize safety. It was also agreed that “requests need to include a plan for dealing with traffic….” George solicited additional comments and will incorporate our suggestions in the next draft. We discussed whether the guidelines would be an internal document or part of the town’s policy manual. Stew stated that the town already has some policy guidelines: when an individual or group asks to use the Bikeway, the Town Manager’s office consults the LBAC and the police. Peggy mentioned that Norm Cohen has reached out to get help developing policies to guide the Selectmen; George will attend the meeting with her on November 3. Adams Art Grant: We agreed to be one of the sponsors of the Adams Art Grant, which the Tourism Committee is seeking to underwrite a “cultural tourism” program. Some of the money from the grant would be used to publish a bike and walking map to various cultural sites in and around Lexington. Laurel will try to attend the October 21 meeting that Dawn has called. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm. Record of the Discussions of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways Treasury: Bob Hausslein reported a balance of $6,192.67, which includes a $1,000 contribution from Shire (for two earlier road races) and a $25 donation from Amy Weinstock. Moving Together 2010 Conference: Laurel, Peggy and Bob Hausslein attended the meeting. Both perceived a gap between the state DOT administrators and what is actually happening on the local level. The State apparently sometimes violates its own standards for road widths and has narrowed road lanes to 10 feet 6 inches. The new Massachusetts drivers’ manual will have more information about road rules for bicyclists. Bike Corral: Peggy reported that the Farmers’ Market would like to have corrals once a month next season. We thanked Steven Kruse for designing our new banner. We will get an additional banner from VistaPrint. Bikes-Not-Ride: About 30 people came to our booth at the First Parish Bike Not Ride event. There was a kids’ obstacle course and bike repair information. The event was significant in that it gave cyclists an opportunity to interact. Bike Co-op: In the process of planning the 10-10-10 "bike not drive" work party, First Parish cyclists proposed starting a bike co-op. It will be a vehicle for cyclists to get together and share information and parts. Later they may expand to bike donations and sponsored rides. We encourage them in this endeavor Potluck Supper: We are planning a potluck supper at Follen Church before Christmas. We will ask Richard Friese to speak. Laurel will look into securing Follen Church. …Next LBAC/FoLB meeting is Thursday, November 18, 2010, 7:00 p.m. in Room G15. Items distributed: Unapproved Minutes Meeting Agenda Draft of Bikeway Guidelines DCR grant proposal draft (first page only) Marita Hartshorn: Recorder Peggy Enders: Editor