HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-02-2020-min (Implementation Committee)
2020 Vision Implementation Committee
May 2, 2003 – Meeting Minutes
7:45 a.m. Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members Present
: Peter Enrich (Acting Chair), Chuck Benson, Tom Harden , Elaine
Sterzin, Nancy Wilson, Helen Cohen, Jerome Smith, Ellie Epp, John Bartenstein
Others:
Rick White, Candy McLaughlin, Michael Young, and Wendy Rundle
Administrative Matters:
The minutes from the April 11, Implementation Committee
was presented for approval. The minutes were unanimously approved.
Planning for May Public Meeting.
Candy led off with a review of plans for the May
th
15 public meeting Remaining needs include the writing of an opinion piece for the
thth
Lexington Minuteman to appear in both the Thursday May 8 and Thursday May 15
sections. John suggested that the publicity for this meeting include utilizing the town
website and the box downstairs for deposit of questionnaires. Peter stated that turnout
was essential for this meeting to be successful.
Committee Reports:
Operations Subcommittee:
Peter began by stating that the goal of the public meeting is to begin laying the
groundwork for the next iteration. This next stage in the development of the project
would require committee members to dig in and increase their participation. The next
iteration should also focus on the development of measures and creating priorities. A
major goal of these efforts should first be to review new and existing goals. Another goal
should be to reach out and involve fresh minds and ideas to the process. Yet another goal
should be to reestablish a cyclical pattern of involvement involving the Board of
Selectmen, the School Committee, and the Planning Board.
The operations subcommittee believed a good place to start would be the formation of
three subcommittees – a process planning subcommittee, an outreach (to existing
institutions and organized constituencies) subcommittee and a public relations / publicity
subcommittee. Support from external boards will be essential for success. Peter believed
that there were three things to talk about further: whether or not the next steps as outlined
by the operations subcommittee were okay, second, if the process was alright and third
how best to get up and running. Tom wanted to see concrete steps – where do we fit, who
are accountable, etc. Jerome stated that the goals must be measurable – we need ground
rules. Another issue is how the Implementation Committee will measure its own success.
The following individuals volunteered to staff the subcommittees:
Outreach:
Chair: Alan Lazarus
Members: Nancy Wilson, Elaine Sterzin
Process:
Chair: Chuck Benson
2020 Vision Implementation Committee 1 May 2, 2003
Members: John Bartenstein, Peter Enrich
Publicity:
Chair:
Members: Jerome Smith
Next Iteration:
Peter suggested three items necessary for the next iteration: measurable
goals, identifiable networks for accomplishment, and prioritization. We need to
determine what the “priority goals” are in the medium term and we must find a way to
narrow the big goals to sub goals. Jerome believed that establishing priority of goals
should not mandate pitting one goal against another. He believed it is rather a case of
advocacy versus goals versus actions. Our combined vision ought to be an amalgamation
of different views. Chuck believed that for 2020 Vision to be an advocacy group would
be a violation of the charter. Instead, he believed the focus should be on identifying
issues and communicating & informing the public about them. Peter agreed, that it
should be the elected officials’ and community’s job to advocate positions.
Rick focused the group by pointing out that the committee was focusing on traditional
measurements for a non-traditional program. Politics of the day inhibit the long-term
view. Rick reminded the group that they were the gatekeepers of the long-term vision and
reminders of how to achieve that vision in a responsible way. (i.e. Mansionization – 2020
brought the issue to the forefront, which everyone acknowledged was important). The
Implementation Committee’s task is to determine how to nurture and encourage
leadership for the vision. 2020 Vision must develop ideas and make it safe for elected
officials to take action.
Candy stated that the next steps are to schedule the review sessions with members of the
Board of Selectmen. Listening discussions are very important. Jerome suggested
simplifying the discussions by focusing those discussions on three simple points:
providing background, identifying needs and soliciting support. Nancy also said a clear
understanding of the committee’s role is important. All three boards must buy into the
2020 Vision process for it to be successful.
Upcoming dates:
5/15 – Public meeting
5/16 – Process Subcommittee
5/30 – Implementation Committee
Meeting adjourned at 8:57 am.
2020 Vision Implementation Committee 2 May 2, 2003