HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-17-2020-min
2020 Vision Committee Meeting
Friday, October 17, 2008
7:45 - 9:00 a.m. in Selectmen’s Meeting Room
In attendance:
Fernando Quezada (Chair), Peter Enrich, Mollie Garberg, Ann Redmon, Greg
Zurlo, Candy McLaughlin, Carl Valente
The minutes from the September 5 meeting were approved.
Debrief from Economic Development Forum:
There was good attendance at the October 4
forum, a total of about 50 people. Candy asked for guidance on editing the tape for broadcast on
LexMedia. The consensus was that we want to make the discussion available to the public
essentially as it happened, but it’s OK to edit out dead time or back and forth between a question
and the final response. Candy will ask LexMedia to make the tape available for viewing on
demand, and will post the table notes on the 2020 Vision website.
Mollie said that overall the forum went well. She wondered if anyone could have anticipated the
air of belligerence from residents near Hartwell Avenue; the discussion about whether it was a
posted meeting could have derailed the discussion. She also said more in-depth scenarios would
have been helpful for the small group discussions. Carl said the discussion at his table was
excellent. Greg agreed that the forum accomplished its purpose. While he would have liked
more detailed scenarios, the Planning Department has limited resources and this may be a
concern going forward. Mollie commented that when the five groups reported out, all indicated
support for some increase in the FAR in the Hartwell Avenue area.
2020 Vision has now formally transmitted responsibility for action on economic development to
the Planning Board, especially what they prepare for the spring Town Meeting, the Economic
Development Officer, and the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Fernando will send
a letter of thanks to ED Task Force members for their participation. It was agreed that any
questions or follow-up to the forum should be addressed to the Planning Board.
Collaboration with TMMA:
The Town Meeting Members Association Executive Board was
largely in favor of co-sponsoring the forum with 2020 Vision, but decided not to out of concern
that this might imply support for the recommendations. However, Edith Sandy did a fantastic
job of publicizing the event. Regarding the potential for future collaboration, Peter commented
that back in 2003 the TMMA co-sponsored precinct meetings for getting input on goals; these
did not involve any formal substantive discussions. Mollie wondered if precinct meetings might
be appropriate now; Fernando remembered that the attendance varied tremendously but if it were
a routine part of Town government we might be able to improve over time. Peter noted that
there are several robust neighborhood groups, though these ebb and flow. Fernando agreed to
ask Edith Sandy if 2020 Vision could be on the agenda for a TMMA Executive Committee
meeting to discuss these ideas.
Demographic Change Task Force:
Carl reviewed his concern that government is good at
being reactive, and he wants to be able to respond more effectively by anticipating future needs
and informing policy makers. He reported that the Task Force has held three meetings. The first
was organizational and the next was a presentation from the Metropolitan Area Planning
Commission about their data bank. At the most recent meeting the Police and Fire Chiefs talked
about changes in the community that they see as affecting the services they provide. The Social
Services and Health Directors will attend the next meeting. The Task Force is still struggling
with how to get more concrete data, but does not think that additional participants are needed
since we have MAPC resources available and Marian can provide support on data questions.
There was discussion of the effect recent large apartment developments are having on the
community. Renters moving in may not understand how to find information or get involved, and
when families with school age children move mid-year this causes disruption in the schools.
Committee members agreed that the Task Force should look at school enrollment data. Mollie
and Ann said they would talk with Superintendent Ash about School Department participation.
Peter suggested asking the Task Force to develop a work plan with a projected time frame for an
interim report. We may want to invite Task Force Chair Bebe Fallick to attend a future 2020
Vision Committee meeting.
Future Meetings:
- Friday, November 14 at 7:45 am in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room
- Friday, December 5, same time and place