2022-05-27-VISION2025-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Select Board. Three public presentations will be held to share the findings to the Select Board, Planning Board, School Committee, League of Women Voters, and a Cary Hall public presentation. Dates will be brainstormed and finalized. Subcommittee on Voter participation in Lexington Ms. Rina Kodendera provided an update. The subcommittee discussed literature and strategy for increasing voter participation in the Town, such as posting on storefronts, reaching broad demographics and political parties, and working with Citizens Academy to improve participation and registration among Lexington residents. Civics curriculum was also discussed. The next subcommittee meeting will discuss reaching different demographics, the dates and times of voting availability, and providing information regarding the details of the substance and impact of given elections. Ms. Margaret Coppe mentioned that holding local elections on a Saturday has been considered. Mr. Joe Pato noted that it would require Select Board approval and a change in the Town Charter. Ms. Margaret Coppe referenced the importance of civic education and communications. Ms. Margaret Coppe asked Mr. Joe Pato if the Town website is permitted to post election and candidate-related materials. Mr. Joe Pato will look into it but mentioned that a sample ballot is posted, but it may be possible to list the candidates. Ms. Margaret Coppe also entertained the idea of Australia’s mandated voting, but noted its lack of feasibility. Mr. Weidong Wang noted that it would be beneficial to have a more complete list of the candidates that are running for office through the Town Clerk’s office. Ms. Margaret Coppe recommended interviewing other Town Clerks regarding their strategies for voter participation. Ms. Kathleen Lenihan noted that Lexington is unique in how numerous the candidate forums are in comparison to other Towns or Cities in the Commonwealth. Ms. Rina Kodendera reiterated that the decisions being made by the committee must be connected to increasing voter participation. Ellen Stone Building Mr. Mark Manasas explained that the final report has been delivered to the Select Board and the Library Trustees, and highlighted the historic significance of the structure. Mr. Mark Manasas noted that the building could be utilized as an incubator for a nonprofit, and that Community Preservation Act funding is appropriate for this type of restoration project. Mr. Joe Pato included that the Town Manager is expected to provide an update regarding possible paths forward for the Ellen Stone Building, and that the Library Trustees have no reservations at the moment. Mr. Joe Pato noted that a program coordinator would be desirable due to the hesitancy surrounding renovating the building without a preexisting programming plan. Ms. Margaret Coppe sought clarity surrounding the Historic District Committee’s role. Mr. Joe Pato explained that the building is within a historic district, and all plans would need to provide a certificate of appropriateness. Public Comment