HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-07-TAC-min TAC Minutes
Meeting Date: September 7, 2005
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Eric Eid-Reiner, Bill Levison,
Hank Manz, Ravi Sakhuja, Francine Stieglitz, Gail Wagner
M & L Transit Meeting, Sept 21
M & L Transit will meet with Town staff members to discuss contract issues. Staff
includes Bill Hadley, DPW Director, Linda Vine, Asst Town Manager, Jim McLaughlin,
Contracts, and Gail Wagner, Transportation Services Coordinator. Primary issues are
bus maintenance, uniformity of exterior bus design, and dramatic increase in fuel costs
(contract has no escalator clause).
Exterior Bus Designs
Most favored design is blue and gold with Lexpress logo and Large L in the rear on both
sides. Second choice would be blue/gold without L. Third choice is a royal blue bus with
white logo and Large L on both sides. Fourth choice is royal blue bus without L.
Board of Selectmen's Goal Setting Meeting, Sept 14
The agenda for the Selectmen's Goal Setting includes the re-evaluation of Lexpress based
on Ravi Sakhuja's Town Meeting statements. As requested by Bill Hadley, Gail has
submitted background information. Hank will confirm if TAC should submit any
materials.
Ravi Sakhuja's Alternative Transportation Plan
Ravi feels strongly that Lexpress is too expensive and the buses are both too big and too
polluting. Objections to Lexpress were Ravi's primary motivation for pursuing the
elected office of Town Meeting member.
Ravi has presented Arlington's Dial A Ride as an alternative system. Differences
between Arlington and Lexington in terms of federal funding eligibility and MBTA
routes were raised. Ravi does not feel Arlington is the only model. However, he is
adamant that any system should not include transportation to and from public schools
since the Lexington School Department provides a more cost effective program.
Several issues raised illustrated basic differences regarding TAC's principles and Ravi's
concepts for designing a new system. These include ADA federal compliance, funding,
rider eligibility, and formulas for determining cost per ride. To further discussion,
attendees were asked to develop a list of questions regarding the models presented for a
future TAC meeting.
Temporary TAC Chair
Bill Levison will serve as TAC Chair until his winter departure to Florida.
New Town Manager
TAC intends to request a meeting with the new Town Manager, Carl Valente. Topics
raised may include FY07 budget including allocation of Parking Revenues.
Next TAC meeting: October 19, 7 pm.