HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-04-WALKS-minSidewalk Committee
April 4, 2011
Present
Members: Jerry Van Hook, Lucy Fletcher- Jones, Judy Crocker, Jeanne Krieger;
Liaisons: Elaine Celi (School Administration), Richard Canale (Planning Board)
Staff: Marc Valenti, John Livsey
The meeting was called to order at 11:04
The minutes of the March 7, 2011 meeting were accepted.
Resident Guidelines for Requesting New Sidewalk Installations
Judy Crocker will incorporate the edits, recommended last meeting, and circulate a Draft 3 for review and
comment prior to presentation to the Selectmen.
Update in the Master List
Marc Valenti circulated an updated Master List and solicited suggestions for prioritizing FY12 sidewalk repair
work. He recommends that the FY 12 $200,000 appropriation be used to promote continuity and take advantage of
ongoing projects. Accordingly, he recommends the following:
Sidewalk installation at the intersection of Marrett Rd. and Lincoln St. in conjunction with the Lincoln St
resurfacing projects and the recently completed School St. sidewalk installation. Committee members suggested
that sidewalks across curb cuts at commercial establishments be clearly marked.
Phillip Rd. sidewalk repair connecting the SRTS project ending at Lantern Lane with the Bowman School
Driveway. This project will complete sidewalk repairs on the full length of Phillip Rd.
Upgrades of handicapped ramps on Massachusetts Avenue between Woburn St and Pleasant St to insure
crosswalks are accessible to all users. This project would involve reevaluating and correcting the position of
some crosswalks. Installation of a handicapped ramp costs between $1,500 and $2,500.
Repair of path connecting Middleby Rd. and Worthen Rd. The scope of work is undefined, but this much used
path is in dire need of repair.
Marc will circulate a PDF of the Master list, sorted by School District, showing only the Repair projects. Input will be
sought from the SRTS Committee to prioritize the Repair projects < $50,000, with the understanding that just because a
project rates a high ranking, does not mean that it will be completed in FY12. Comments from the School Bus Survey will
be scanned for potential projects as well.
Other projects John Livsey reported on the status of major sidewalk projects
Concord Avenue from Waltham St. to Spring St. —The firm to conduct the feasibility study has been selected.
The first community meeting will be held in a couple of months.
Hayden Avenue - Design is underway; construction will be completed in 2 years using state funds
Bowman SRTS project another project funded by the State which will begin construction this summer
Pedestrian crossing on Waltham St near Brookhaven — funding approved at this Town Meeting. Construction will
start after July 1.
Worthen Rd. near Bedford St. Consultants - have been engaged to recommend safety improvements, specifically
location of crosswalks and lighting upgrades.
Signal inventory A study has been conducted to examine traffic signal compliance at all major intersections.
Among the first to be upgraded will be the Worthen Rd and Mass Ave. intersection. New pedestrian crossing
heads will be installed. The signal will operate on sensors that are volume sensitive, rather than mechanical
timers. New camera techniques for sensing traffic flow are being considered.
FY11 Road paving Major street reconstruction will occur on Lincoln St., Shade St., Worthen Rd. and Weston St.
As an indication of how many handicapped ramps will have to be installed throughout the town, 54 are included
in these projects. The Shade St. Traffic Calming Study is underway. Additional traffic counts will be conducted in
the vicinity.
Safe Routes to School
School Bus Survey 1300 replies have been received, about a 30% response rate, including 650 or so written
comments. Elaine Celi and Judy Crocker are tabulating the responses which will be reviewed by Traffic Manager
Gail Wagner and Assistant Deputy School Superintendent for Finance Mary Ellen Dunn. The intent is to complete
the review and publicize the results prior to the deadline of May 27 for signing -up for school bus use.
School Bus Policy. Fees are $550 per student, with a family cap of $1600. An annual Lexpress pass is $350. 150
or students purchase Lexpress passes; more purchase monthly ticket packets. School bus fees can only be
reduced by increasing ridership, particularly at the high school.
Article 42 Annual Town Meeting Jerry Van Hook spoke at Town Meeting in support of the Town acquiring a
sidewalk easement to Fiske School.
No Idling Signs Judy Crocker is working with Health Director Jerry Cody to restore anti - idling signs removed from
the front of most public school buildings last summer when the new fire lane signage was installed.
Fines for dumping snow
Changes to Chapter 100.38, the Town bylaw governing snow and water discharge, to strengthen enforcement
will require Town Meeting action. Prior to next year's annual Town Meeting there should be a program to educate
residents of the scope of the Town's jurisdiction regarding discharge onto public areas and the advantages of
enforcement. Most residents are not aware that they cannot discharge directly into the storm system without a permit
from the Conservation Commission.
Other Business - Recent Meetings
Battle Road Scenic Byways, March 31, 2011 - defined elements of a corridor management plan which include insuring
pedestrian access along corridor
LVW Voters First Friday, April 1, 2011 featuring Complete Streets, the notion that streets should provide access to all
modes of transportation.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:50
Respectfully submitted
Jeanne Krieger