HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-12-18-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
Meeting Date: December 18, 2006
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Pat Goddard, Hank Manz, Francine
Stieglitz, Eric Eid-Reiner, Richard Canale, Gail Wagner
TAC Recruitment of New Members
Sara has put a lot of effort recruiting new members. Members with children are especially
desirable given the composition of Lexpress ridership. Sara is working to create a consistent
meeting schedule and surveyed those present as to availability.
Route 3 @ 7:10 am
Ridership is growing on this route and to ensure on-time arrival at LHS, the drivers eliminated
the Solomon Pierce loop on two days in recent weeks. The drivers report no riders on Solomon
Pierce for the first route. Eric, Route 3 rider, confirmed this assessment. The drivers have been
instructed to track ridership throughout the day on Solomon Pierce to document. With growing
LHS AM ridership and an anticipated cost increase in school bus service next year, Gail asked
that added thought be given to delay of Lexpress start time to eliminate exclusive LHS AM
service. Gail asked that a decision be made on this proposal by early-April.
Stabilization and Enterprise Funds
TAC submitted questions and received answers from the Town Manager subsequent to his
November presentation. Added technical questions were raised at the meeting and Rob
Addelson, Town's chief financial officer,joined the discussion. It was confirmed that a
Stabilization Fund allows interest to accrue (estimated rate 4.8% to 5.3% annually) and that
funds are carried over year to year. Revenues are estimated and that Town Meeting does not
appropriate revenues, but does appropriate funds. Money must be in a fund at the time of the
appropriation. Rob Addelson recommended the Stabilization Fund to address the future TDM
payments to Lexpress. This was voted and approved by TAC who will put forth two Articles
before Town Meeting: establishment of a Stabilization Fund for Lexpress or a comparable
system and appropriation of funds to this account. Gail will alert the Selectmen's Office and
confirm Article procedures.
Traffic Mitigation Group (TMG)
The Planning Board is currently evaluating TDM as a Special Zoning requirement. Richard
Canale of the Planning Board was in attendance. He provided guidance for TAC in formulating a
transit policy statement for this document. Richard felt it should be a philosophical overview
similar to what TAC developed in proposing Lexpress service in 1979.
Lexpress Contract Award
The award announcement scheduled for December 6 has been postponed until January 8.
Next Meeting: January 8, 2007, Town Hall, G-15
Prepared by Gail Wagner