1999-09-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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61-409 Selectmen's Meeting - September 27, 1999 We expect the Ecumenical Committee to institute this reduced time period on a trial basis. This reflects the understanding of the Lexington Clergy Association (LCA) and the Board of Selectmen that the permit of 5 November 1973, held by the Ecumenical Committee, is still valid. The members of LCA will be asked to undertake an active program within their respective congregations and within the community to promote the understanding of religious liberty, religious tolerance, and respect for the religious beliefs of all persons. As part of this effort, the Ecumenical Committee will prepare a statement of their involvement with this crèche. The LCA will seek the support of the Board of Selectmen to reconvene this committee to review this proposal in February of the year 2000. The Ecumenical Committee which is comprised of individuals who are members of either the Lexington Council #94, Knights of Columbus or Simon W. Robinson Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, fraternal orders of Lexington, have agreed to voluntarily reduce the display of the crèche on the Green during the 1999 Christmas Season to a shorter period of three weeks. There was much discussion and questions from the following individuals concerning the length of the display, religious expression versus display of an "unattended structure", whether the display is allowed or not under the Constitution and use of another location in the proximity of the Green: Marilyn Mairson, David Kanter, Ken Reisch, David Kaufman, Michelle Abramson, Judy Boxer, Nancy Sofen, Julian Bussgang, Jane Sutton, Bruce Lynn, Gail Liebhaber, Charles Hornig, Stephen Tauber, Stephe Tripi, Rod Baltz, Geza Szonyi, Dr. Maddoff, Susan Elberger, Stephen McKenna, Frederick Trimhold, John Davies, Lynn Lees, Doris Traficante. Mr. Enrich expressed the appreciation of the Board to those who came to speak on what is a very difficult and painful issue. Mr. Enrich asked Board members whether they preferred to come to a decision tonight or have time to deliberate and postpone a decision to the next meeting. Board members agreed that they would like to discuss it more and make a decision at the next meeting. Public Comments Mrs. McKenna mentioned that she had received a call from some of the residents of Middlebury Road who were concerned about traffic. The matter has been forwarded to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Mrs. McKenna also mentioned she had occasion to fill out a customer service card for work done by a Public Works crew. She thought it might be nice for all departments to use this approach to let them know how citizens feel they are doing.