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Town of Lexington Lexington 2020 Vision Committee Minutes of Meeting of November 15, 2013 2020 Vision Committee A meeting of the was held on Friday, November 15 at 7:45 a.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room in the Town Office Building at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue. Members Present: Fernando Quezada, Bhumip Khasnabish, Dan Krupka, Alan Wrigley, Joe Pato, Marian Cohen, Peter Enrich, Peter Lee, Jane Warren Others: Candy McLaughlin, Melissa Jones, Carroll Ann Bottino, George Burnell Members Absent: Andrew Dixon, Greg Zurlo, Margaret Coppe Action Items: Make final edits to Demographic Change Subcommittee report (Dan) Circulate Andrew’s notes on revising the Committee charge (Candy) Future agenda item: Discuss revised Committee charge and ideas for recruitment The meeting was called to order at 7:50 a.m. and acted on the following items: Approved the minutes from October 18, 2013. Discussed draft Demographic Change Subcommittee report (Dan): Dan said that the recommendations outlined in the report are aimed at specific bodies (Board of Selectmen, PTO/PTA, CAAL, IAL). He said that while the community has a general awareness of the change in demographics, people do not realize how much of an opportunity it is. He hopes that this report will start the conversation. The Committee discussed the difference between perception and reality, such as a misconception that young Asian families move into Town, take advantage of the school system, and then leave. Marian noted that in general, newcomers are not welcomed because they challenge stability. She said that the reality needs to be communicated to the broader community. Peter Lee said that this works both ways, so if we are working to educate the broader community, educating the Asian community is in order. Bhumip noted that cultural awareness takes time. Peter Enrich suggested directing the report’s recommendations to all appointing authorities, not just the Board of Selectmen. The Committee discussed the tone of the report, and agreed that using the word “should” is appropriate when recommending action items. Dan will make the final revisions to the report and send to the Committee approval at the December meeting. The entire subcommittee will be present at that meeting. The Committee will then present the report to the Board of Selectmen. The Committee discussed the possibility of presenting the report to the School Committee and the Planning Board as well. Reviewed next steps on community survey analysis (Marian): Marian said that she met with Candy, Carl Valente, Deb Mauger, Margaret Coppe, and Greg Zurlo to discuss the survey analysis. She said she received concrete suggestions from Carl and Deb, but that she does not feel that she will get much more feedback from the Boards, as there is a lot of data and it is difficult to think in the abstract. Marian said that it is hard to drill down because every topic is important in some way. She also noted that we will probably need new data in about five years. The group decided that a short interpretive report would be best for the final product, and that the goal for completion date will be February or March. Peter Enrich and Dan suggested that the report highlight what the Town does well, as well as what it needs to work on. Discussed revised Committee charge and ideas for recruitment: This agenda item was postponed until the next Committee meeting. Candy will re-circulate the outline that Andrew passed out at the last meeting. Identify next steps on planning mini-citizens’ academy: The Committee discussed the best time of year to hold a mini-citizens’ academy. Based on the calendar for the budget process and the timing of Town Meeting, the Committee tentatively decided on May. Meeting Adjourned: 9:05 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Melissa Jones, Scribe Next meeting: Friday, December 18 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room