2005-12-08-2020-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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2020 Vision Implementation Committee th Thursday December 8, 2005 Meeting Minutes 7:45 a.m. Selectman’s Meeting Room Members Present: Fernando Quezada, Marian Cohen, Ann Redmon, Peter Enrich, Richard Pagett Others: Candy McLauhlin, Tom Watkins Call To Order Fernando began the meeting by first reviewing the minutes from the group’s previous meeting. The meeting minutes from the Joint Meeting (10/17/05) with members from the elected Boards were then unanimously approved. Town Report The group reviewed and provided comments on a draft submission for the annual Town Report. Candy will revise and submit the document. A photographer took the committee’s picture for the report. Economic Development Task Force and Sustainable Lexington Task Forces The group first asked themselves how and when they should proceed with putting together two task forces: Economic Development and Sustainable Lexington. This question opened the door for much discussion on the matter of the Economic Development Task Force. The group would like to invite Mary Jo Bohart, Executive Director to the Chamber of Commerce, to a meeting because she has expressed much interest and enthusiasm and knows many pro-business people in Town whom she thinks would be a valuable asset to such a Task Force. It was also mentioned that the Planning Board, as well as members of the Planning staff are in favor of the Economic Development Task Force. Richard Pagett stated that the Board of Selectmen are enthusiastic about reviving the position of the Economic Development Officer but such a position will have to be put forth in an operating override. Fernando raised the idea of possibly posting the position of an economic development staff liaison as an internship for a college student. Marian Cohen added that Framingham State currently has planning interns that may be able to participate. Peter Enrich identified two challenges facing any new Task Forces: 1. Not enough clarity in focus of the Task Force. The 2020 committee needs to figure out the focus of each Task Force – for example, whether the focus of a new Economic Development Task Force should just be in the Center, on Hartwell and Hayden Avenues, or on the entire Town. 2. The 2020 Vision Implementation Committee has very thin membership itself. How fast should the group move in creating both the Economic Development and Budget Task Forces? Candy reported that Town Manager Carl Valente was reluctant to commit staff time to new initiatives at this point.