HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-19-TAC-minTAC Minutes
Meeting Date: October 19, 2005
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Bill Levison, Hank Manz, Francine Stieglitz,
and Gail Wagner
Battle Green Inn (BGI) Zoning Conditions
Richard Canale of the Planning Committee reviewed public transit terms requested of BGI in relation to
their application for a special zoning permit. The terms remain as presented at Town Meeting last
spring; BGI condo association will be required to purchase on an annual basis $2,000 of Lexpress passes
and /or tickets. Gail feels strongly that the developer as the proponent of smart growth has the onus of
financial support of public transit rather than the condo association. Gail anticipates that annual
arrangements with the condo association to be tenuous. Richard stated that the Planning Committee's
public transit condition was not open to modification.
TAC Meeting with Town Manager
Sara, Bill and Hank met with Carl Valente. Carl appeared eager to learn about Lexpress and its history.
Carl inquired about rider surveys and the expiration date of the MBTA subsidy (June 30, 2008).
Lexpress Rider Survey
A Lexpress rider survey was last conducted in 2002. Information obtained was very positive and used
for marketing purposes. Bill raised the issue of a new survey to determine why former pass holders did
not renew. The 2002 survey results will be distributed to TAC.
Lexpress Ad Policy
TAC will develop an ad policy. It was agreed that religious, political, sexual, alcohol or tobacco topics
were unacceptable. Interpretation of ad content must be made with recognition that children comprise
the largest segment of Lexpress riders. Based on recent ads, the MBTA does not have an acceptable
model. Gail will distribute the ad statement included in the Anastas Advertising proposal distributed last
spring. It was suggested that Carl Valente might be a source of information.
Rider Promotion
In an effort to attract new riders, a $.25 per ride promotion will be initiated on the first Friday of
upcoming months. A $.25 Lexpress 26th anniversary promotion was held on September 30.
Exterior Bus Design
Exterior bus design plans were scaled back as the outcome of M & L Transit's introduction of a 2003
document signed by the Town Manager. This document defines the Lexpress fleet as two buses with one
back up bus. The contract was not updated to reflect restoration of full service in 2004. Based of this
document, legal counsel advised that M & L's proposal to paint a third bus blue and the Town provide
lettering should be accepted. Lettering options were reviewed; decals are estimated to cost $700 and
shrink wrap $2,500. Gail will pursue decals with Gaffney Ads.
M & L Transit's Fuel Request
Given escalating fuel costs, M & L Transit has asked for compensation beyond the contract, which has
no fuel escalation clause. It was suggested that gas prices could be contained through purchase of fuel at
the DPW Operations facility. Hank and Gail felt use of the Town pumps would be difficult due to
volume required and payment issues. Gail will speak with Bill Hadley.
FY07 Budget
Staff is responsible for budget development. It is hoped that personnel costs will be split between
Lexpress and Parking to reflect diversified duties. TAC's budget role is to lobby for the restoration of
parking funds and explore support for a LHS student parking policy. Hank will investigate.
FY08 New Bus Contract
Bill will start researching vehicles. Don Graham was identified as an important source of information.
Next TAC meeting: November 30, 7 pm, Room 111