2003 Final List of Goals - Laserfiche WebLink

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6. Goal: Increase protected open space (Theme III, Goal 2) • Private land conservation trust/CPA • More narrowly define "open space" - what will we do with the space, involve as many constituents as possible, conservation/environmental vs. recreation - move beyond a "winner take all" mentality, examine the roles of the Planning Board and the Design Advisory Board and make connections with constituents, is it possible to maintain open space given smaller budgets and the maintenance needs of the infrastructure? 7. Goal: Limit traffic, noise and pollution from Hanscom Civilian Air Field (Theme III, Goal 5) 8. Goal: Enhance citizen involvement • Provide approaches to inspire the uninvolved of all ages to become involved (Theme IV, Goal 2) • Strengthen and support existing democratic processes for town decision-making (Theme V, Goal 5) • strengthen democratic process for involvement • Some decisions made without participation and communication - get information out to the public, ie., costs, impact on town • Feeling of powerlessness in town. Nice to talk but do we really have any power? • Address distrust/dislike for government; foster sense of community and involve those who aren't involved; Greater integrity of public discourse • Represent a wide range of all demographics in public processes • How to get our ideas realized, to be more concrete • Improve communications to ensure citizen understanding of issues/proposals • Reach out to all citizens and allow them to participate with dignity 9. Goal: Strengthen fiscal process • Encourage increased resident participation in and understanding of the fiscal process (Theme W, Goal 4) • Enhance and refine the fiscal process to make it useful and accessible (Theme V, Goal 1) • Creative non -tax based revenue sources (e.g., municipal electric utility) • Radically promote commercial development throughout Town to increase revenue, balanced with the character of the Town • Comprehensive plan for long-term fiscal stability (that recognizes "override exhaustion") including non -tax options • Lexington to explore making a commitment to integrating fiscal and environmental stability, eg. more energy efficiency • Ways to expand revenue base without going only to property taxes or fees -- find unique sources of revenue such as tourism • Plan for fiscal stability • Balance between public vs. private funding • Develop a tax capability that is equitable and appropriate to incomes • Fees vs. taxes and planning thereof • Dealing with the cyclical nature of budget - how to deal with revenue fluctuations