MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 3, 2008
Meeting was called to order at 8:15 a.m.
Present were: Carol Dobek, Bob Donahoe, Kathy Herrick, Dave Maynard, Don Ouellette, Judy Parmelee, Ron Rencurrel, and Lois Roth-Johnson
Visitor Ed Harnett, Chairperson from the Historic Commission, presented a proposal to put up 3 signs along the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Eastham. A sign at each end of the bike trail will note that the rider is entering Eastham and will show dates that Eastham was incorporated and settled. Another larger sign with historic data would be placed where the bike trail crosses Samoset Road (the site is where the Eastham train station was located). The Bikeways Committee agreed with the initial plan presented but we asked to see mock-ups of the proposed signs and specific plans for there they would be placed as his efforts proceed. We also advised him that he must gain approval of the plan from DCR since they oversee the CCRT.
The minutes from the August 7th meeting were approved.
Old Business
BOS Liaison: The new Board of Selectmen liaison is Aimee Eckman.
Bikeways Committee Size: Kathy received a note from Aimee Eckman advising us to forward our August 8th letter to the BOS onto the Search Committee for consideration.
Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) Recap: Bob’s document was well done and sent to proper channels. Allan Eyden, PMC Road Coordinator, has already contacted Kathy and Bob to meet about next year’s PMC and that meeting will be scheduled.
CCRT Ordinance: Chief Hedlund suggested that Bob wait to pursue action on this to allow the Chief time to look into the matter further regarding mandating bikers to comply with stop signs along the trail.
CCRT Brush Cutting: Bikeways Committee members will set a date within the next two weeks to do some brush cutting along the trail. There was discussion about cutting the grass along the trail since it is in need of cutting. Kathy will send a note to Jon Petersen (cc to Dan O’Brian) concerning this issue.
Harbor to the Bay Charity Ride: Kathy received a notice this morning from the Town Administrator’s office and was asked to respond back with any input regarding this ride on Saturday, September 20th (350 riders traveling along CCRT in Eastham from 1-5 p.m. with a water stop at Brackett Road). The Committee decided that no action needed to be taken but will respond back that the water stop needs to be placed in an area to not create further congestion at the Brackett Road intersection.
Bike Helmets: Dave gave input that the fire station does have children size helmets available but that it is not common knowledge that these are available for free. Discussion took place as to whether helmets should be included in the bike rental fees offered by local bike shops and whether we as a committee should encourage this action.
National Seashore: Judy reported on the transportation planning efforts. We did not attend the first meeting. She reported that there will be other planning sessions regarding transportation on the outer cape and that we expect to be included so that our concerns about biking and bike safety can be heard. Judy reported that the money for the Provincetown improvement of the bike trail is a separate piece and will take place.
Healthy Motion Award: The committee discussed the fact that the paperwork requirements for the award could be too broad and we may not have the means or manpower to pursue. Kathy will check if the award still exists this year. The topic will be revisited next month.
Roadwork: Kathy will compose a letter to be sent to DPW Manager Neil Andres to go on record that the Bikeways Committee would like any new roadwork or road improvements in Eastham to include proper road width for bike lanes to enhance biker safety.
New Business
Bikeways Committee Roster: Don will update the roster for the next meeting.
Bikeways/Walkways: Orleans Bikeways Committee includes bikers and walkers since they share many of the same concerns about safety and access. Should we expand our charge to include walkways as well as bikeways or does another town committee already include walkways this as part of their responsibilities? Carol will check on this issue for next month.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m. The next meeting will be on October 1st at 8:15 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol-Ann Dobek
Secretary
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