HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-09-LBAC-min
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
Committee Name: Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
Date, Time and Location of Meeting:
Thursday, December 9, 2010, 7 pm,
Room G15, Town Office Building
Members Present:
Peggy Enders (Chair), Stew Kennedy, Marita Hartshorn,
Jerry Van Hook, Laurel Carpenter, Bob Hausslein (Chair, FoLB), Mike
Tabaczynski, Richard Canale (Planning Board Liaison)
Others Present:
Richard Spencer
Members Absent:
George Gagliardi, Peter Kelley, (Selectmen’s Liaison),
Sandra Shaw (Recreation Committee Liaison), John Frey
Minutes
: The November 2010 minutes were accepted as corrected.
Lexington Police
: Peggy mentioned that Sgt Paul Callahan is our new liaison to
the police department. We understand that the police are planning on increasing
bike patrols in Lexington.
2011 Meetings:
The 2011 LBAC Meeting Schedule was distributed.
Plowing
: Peggy reported that she met with Carl Valente earlier in the month; he
said that the police department agreed to allow certain gates to remain open
during the winter season – i.e., one side of one or more at Fletcher, Hancock,
Fottler, and Bow Streets. The DPW will place barrels with reflective tape at these
intersections. Jerry was asked to continue hand shoveling at Merriam Street.
The Town of Bedford may plow their section this winter.
Subcommittee on Streets and Roads Heavily Traveled
: The subcommittee
will meet before the next LBAC meeting. Peggy distributed the Federal Highway
Administration report on “Evaluation of Shared Lane Markings” which contained
the most recent study of sharrows. The report concludes that sharrows are
effective; in the test cities, motorists seem to be more aware of sharing the road
with cyclists. In a discussion about the problem with too many signs on Spring
Street, we recommend that sharrows be painted on the road to eliminate the
need for “share the road” signage. The speed limit on Spring Street has been
increased from 30 to 35 mph because of a 1958 bylaw; there is a petition to the
Selectmen to have it returned to 30 mph.
Annual Report:
Peggy is writing the LBAC contribution to the Town’s annual
report. Stew and Mike will contribute information on the Minuteman Connector
section.
Bike Racks
: Dave Pinnsoneault resubmitted our bike rack request to the MAPC.
Hartwell Avenue:
Jeff Roth requested that we ask the town to repaint the biker
image on the bike lanes on Hartwell Avenue before winter. The town has a
repainting schedule and will likely get to this next spring. John Livsey is looking
into new thermoplastic road markings for crosswalks, and would like help from
members of the bike committee to ensure they are not too slippery when wet.
Sidewalks
: It was reported that Marc Valenti is going to assume more
responsibility for sidewalk safety.
Other business
: Richard Canale talked about the plans for the Spring
Street/Hayden Avenue area that is at the 25 per cent design stage. He will
recommend a bike lane on the bridge over Route 2 at Spring Street.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.
Record of the Discussions of FoLB:
Treasurer’s Report:
Bob Hausslein reported a balance of $6036.51.
:
Potluck Supper on December 10
Laurel distributed an outline of the agenda
and duties of committee members. About 40 people are expected. Nametags
are essential. Following the meal Peggy, Bob, Stew, Mike, Laurel, Terry
Gleason, and Richard C. will speak briefly and then the meeting will be opened to
comments and questions. We will do our best to keep discussion on a positive
note. Marita will record.
Snow Plowing:
Peggy solicited volunteers to write letters to the Minuteman
requesting donations. Peggy will write the first one. Stew, Laurel, and Bob will
write future letters.
Plantings:
The trees recently cut down behind Lexington Toyota and now being
replaced. Six new blue spruces have been planted at the Grant Street Park
beside the Bikeway; Peggy will ask Dave Pinsonneault who planted them.
501(C)3:
Keith Ohmart will help Bob apply for 501(C)3 status.
Night Riders:
Peggy reported that Arlington’s bikeway committee plans to
present a warrant article to change their town bylaw that the Bikeway is open
only from dawn to dusk. She said that the Town of Lexington has no such bylaw.
Other Business
: Peggy reported that Joey Glushko is eager to publish a
temporary Bikeway map, using GIS maps that the town has, Since the DCR
Grant decision will take some time. The Town’s MIS department has graciously
offered their help, and may agree to help with a draft version.
…Next LBAC/FoLB meeting is Thursday, January 13, 2011, 7:00 pm in the Ellen
Stone Room.
Marita Hartshorn: Recorder
Peggy Enders: Editor
Handouts:
November 2010 Minutes and December 2010 agenda
Announcements:
…LBAC/FoLB Potluck and Bicycling Forum, December 10, 2010, at Follen
Church.
…Arlington BAC Annual Winter Social is February 17, Whittemore Robbins
House. Craig Della Penna, East Coast Greenway will be the guest speaker.