Strategic Planning and Implementation Group

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Board of Selectmen (continued) Bikeway Committ( Strategic Planning Committee A resolution passed at the 1993 Town Meeting proposed that the selectmen schedule ".... a program of community discussions in cooperation with civic, religious, business, school and other community organizations, to debate and clarify core values and program priorities to guide the town's budgeting process." It was hoped that input would be received from residents not normally vocal in town matters. The information gatheled at these meetings could then be used to assist in the budget planning process. Following the close of Town Meeting, an ad hoc group was assembled and the selectmen requested that the group provide advice as to the process which should be followed to implement the resolution. This group, first known as "The Steering Wheel," then as the "Strategic Planning and Implementation Group," met Thursday mornings through the summer. It recommended a series of ten community gatherings held at various locations around town, with volunteer professional facilitators leading the sessions. The meetings were held in the Fall, and the results judged to be rewarding. It became evident there were wide ranging differences among residents as to what was most important. Comments were heard concerning the difficulty some people are having keeping their homes in the face of rising taxes. Others were concerned that the quality of life in Lexington could well deteriorate if sufficient funds were not made available. Others were very concerned that the level of excellence in the schools be maintained; a myriad other equally important thoughts were expressed. A report summarizing these gatherings was prepared, and public hearings held relating to the report. It was generally thought the gathering provided beneficial information and were worthwhile. It is now envisioned that focus groups will be assembled to identify and discuss values thought to be most important. After the results of' these discussions have been assembled, a survey will be sent to about 1,000 residents, selected at random, to get a more detailed analysis of core values. Selectmen envision that all the information developed through these efforts will be made available to interested committees and all residents and will bi useful in toth long and short range budget considerations. The advisory group which organized this effort included20 people from several major boards and committees, the schools; League of Women Voters, TMMA,and one "interested citizen." Another 10 volunteer facilitators ran the input meetings. The town has benefited greatly from the work of the many volunteers who staff our committees. The work of these groups is invaluable; without their efforts the level and quality of service now being provided could not be maintained. William J. Dailey , Jr., Chairman Minuteman Commuter Bikeway Committee: 'Front Charman Tom Fortman, Sandra Shaw and Mike Sacco. Rear. Selectman Liaison Betty Eddison, Marita Hansom; Richard Canoe, Bob Sawyer and John Frey. Not shown, Jerry VanHook and Angela Frick. Photo: Ray Barnes. Town of Lexington ANNUAI[REPORT 1993 — P age The highlight of the year was the official e on May 30 of the Minuteman Commuter Bi After nearly 20 years of planning and wnsb the Lexington portion of the bikewa dedicated to the memory of Jack Eddison Jack had been one of the bikeway's sti advocates add spent much of his ti chairman of the Minuteman Commuter B: Committee (MCBC) while a selectman. Eddison accepted a plaque at the dedi naming the Lexington portion the "1: Eddison Memorial Bikeway." The MCBC managed several other 2 plishments in 1993. It published a br featuring historic and current points of i along the route. Twenty thousand topic printed and are available at the Visitors' A Rules of the Road committee met oft: the Lexington Bicycle Safety Commitb citizens from Bedford and Arlington and on rules, now posted on signs along the The next project: guidelines for bike% by outside organizations. The Lexington Friends of the Minu Commuter Bikeway was established and discussing with the MCBC bikeway exte through Bedford, Concord, and Cambri well as amenities along the route. Of primary importance at the end of 199: proposal by the state to replace three r bridges along the route with concre culverts. The committee strongly oppo: proposal; it believes safety to the users be greatly compromised, and plans to wo the state on alternatives. MCBC advises selectmen on all matters t to the bikeway to serve the best interest town, its citizens and neighboring comm: This includes monitoring completion, op: maintenance and security as well as :pro harmonious useby.a variety of users. Members: Tom:Fortmann, chairman Veil -fools; . Manta Hartshorn;' Sandra Recreation Committee representative Frey; Richard Canale, Planning Board red tative; Angela Frick, Conservation COME representative; BoliSawyer, Michael Sac Betty Eddison, selectmen's liaison.