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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.