2007-06-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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64-459 Selectmen’s Meeting June 4, 2007 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, June 4, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz, Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were present. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports Mr. Cohen responded to an election postcard that stated Lexington’s officials have not done their jobs, saying he has great confidence in the work the Town Manager and Financial Department do. Mr. Manz thanked and praised Ann Redmon for the terrific job she did on putting together the 2006 Annual Town Report. Mr. Manz attended the LABBB Olympics as did other Selectmen and it was a great event. Town Manager Report Mr. Valente introduced the new Economic Development Officer, Susan Yanofsky. She was previously the Economic Development Officer in Westwood and resides in Carlisle and was previously a member of the Carlisle Planning Board. Economic Target Area Application Mr. Valente explained that the Town has had preliminary discussions with SHIRE, a bio- pharma firm which is considering moving/expanding its manufacturing facilities from Cambridge to Lexington. SHIRE will be presenting its proposed plan to the Selectmen on June 18. SHIRE will be evaluating the State and local tax incentives that may be available in Lexington. In order to receive State tax incentives a firm must add new jobs and receive local tax incentives. In order for Lexington to offer a local tax incentive, we must receive a designation from the State as an Economic Target Area (ETA). This designation does not bind the Town to offer a tax incentive. Being an ETA allows the Town to apply for certain State funding for infrastructure improvements necessary to support business development in the ETA. The staff is recommending that the portions of Lexington commercially zoned (three census tracks) be designated as an ETA. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town of Lexington’s application to the Massachusetts Economic Development Assistance Coordinating council designating census tracks 3583, 3584 and 3586 as an Economic Target Area.