HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-10-TAC-min TAC Minutes
Meeting Date: January 10, 2005
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Don Graham, Eric Eid-Reiner, Francine Stieglitz,
Gail Wagner
Belmont Traffic Calming Forum , 2/10/05, Belmont Citizens Forum
TAC will join the list of sponsoring groups from neighboring towns: Arlington, Belmont, Waltham, and
Watertown. TAC and TSAC join Lexington Conservation and South Lexington Civic Association.
Lexington Bike Committee will be alerted. Elaine will notify TMMA. Gail will submit event PR to
Minuteman.
Planning Board Meeting, 1/5/05
Elaine gave a report on the Planning Board's report to the Selectmen on Planning issues from the
Selectmen's Priority list established in 9/04 (Full list on Town Website).
Lengthy discussion on children"getting out of cars" and sidewalks.
Topics mentioned: Connectivity, Center Parking, Parking Lot, parking on side streets.
Elaine felt TAC could be involved with the following issues: Hanscom AFB possible closing (traffic),
public housing, TDM funds, Town renovations (library, Depot Square) resulting in reduced parking
spaces.
Planning Board issues and those raised by Center Committee give strength to "Mobility Partnership"
concept. Don Graham will develop a brief description (paragraph) on Mobility Partnership. Sara Arnold
will respond to Sidewalk Committee.
Selectmen Election
Candidate Hank Manz has given public support to Lexpress and need for public financing.
Lexpress Budget
DPW presents budget to Selectmen on 1/12/05. It must be a level funded budget(same service as last
fiscal year). This means only 4 routes for July and August.
Program Improvement Recommendation will be presented with budget to reinstate 6 routes in July and
Aug (cost$23,143). TDM funds in gift account could cover this expense if not budgeted. Parking funds
will be requested to offset tax levy funding.
FY06 budget will again be very tight and Gail Wagner expressed concerns that Lexpress service could
again be in jeopardy.
Lexpress Ridership
Lexpress ridership has not achieved pre-override levels. No mention of Lexpress as a transportation
option in the school's Annual transportation packet sent to all parents was noted as a contributing factor.
Holiday ads in Minuteman didn't increase sales of passes or ticket books. Library is noting Free
Lexpress rides to preschool events in their PR releases. Smart Tripper needs promotion. Minuteman
coverage remains excellent.
Lexpress Back Up Bus Detailing
Estimates for minimal and full detailing on back up bus are being solicited. Complaints have not been
received by lack of Lexpress identification on the back up bus.
COA
COA is interested in participating with Lexpress in the Patriot's Parade.
As for promoting Lexpress, COA staff has show little interest although social worker acknowledged loss
of Lexpress resulted in many calls to the senior Center. COA staff seems most interested in initiating a
COA van. Current Social Worker is leaving Lexington.
Next TAC Meeting: February 28,2005