2018-05-07 BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Selectmen – May 7, 2018 Page 2 of 13 Committee. The HRC is currently working on several items of note which will would come before the Board at a later date. Town Managers Report Mr. Valente reported that Lexington’s Human Services department has received two grants from the Dana Home Foundation. One grant is for $12,100, to be used to purchase equipment to create a mobile computer lab for technology instruction. This initiative includes pilot technology to enable outreach to homebound caregivers. The second grant is for $12,500 to partially fund staff support for a dietician, a volunteer coordinator, and free or reduced-fee transportation for seniors. The awards will be officially bestowed in a public ceremony on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at the Community Center. Mr. Valente cited the Dana Home Foundation as a regular and valuable source of support for Human Services department efforts. Review of Farmers’ Market 2017 and Preview of 2018 Farmers’ Market th Ashley Wenger, Lexington Farmers’ Market (LFM) Manager reviewed the successful 13 Summer Market season, noting that the 31 participating farmers/vendors reported very positive sales last year. The length of the Summer Market season is 22 weeks, starting at the end of May and ending at the end of October. The Small Yet Mighty Winter Market, held at the Waldorf School from January-April, concluded its 3rd year on April 28, 2018. The LFM Thanksgiving FEASTival was again held on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at Seasons Four for an 8th year. Some highlights of the 2017 season included: filing for 501 (c) (3) non-profit status; more than doubling the number served by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and “Close the Gap” programs; holding the first Seniors Day in conjunction with a variety of sponsors including Lexpress and Town Health and Human Services departments; extending the Winter Market season to nine weeks; improving educational programming; hosting a number of special events; and showcasing a variety of musical performers. Ms. Wenger noted that the spectrum of ethnic diversity of customers grew last year, creating the need for multi-lingual signage and volunteers with world language fluencies to provide communication support. The 2018 summer season will begin on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. Ms. Wenger invited the Board and Mr. Valente to ring the official bell that day to open the market. Eleven new vendors, including two new farms, will participate this year. An expanded list of special events and educational programs is planned. Ms. Wenger thanked Town staff and the Board for supporting the market and for help with parking solutions. Ms. Barry asked Town staff to keep LFM in the loop about Police Station construction plans which are projected to impact the 2019 summer season. A new market location may be needed for the period that will cover the Police Station construction. Ms. Ciccolo said she is impressed with the growth of the SNAP program and asked residents to consider contributing to fundraising