HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-07-11-2020-min
2020 Vision Committee Meeting
Friday, July 11, 2008
7:45 - 9:00 a.m. in Room G-15
In attendance:
Fernando Quezada (Chair), George Burnell, Margaret Coppe, Peter Enrich,
Mollie Garberg, Candy McLaughlin
The minutes from the June 3 meeting were approved.
Report on Selectmen’s Goal Setting:
Candy reported that there were two long-term, big
picture issues on the Selectmen’s list of suggested goal areas: These included (1) the need to
consider regional resources and services including water and (2) transportation issues.
Fernando suggested that even if water scarcity is not an issue at this time, he feels that it may
be desirable to reframe the cultural issues and attitudes associated with water usage by the
community. He also pointed out that the topic is relevant to economic development given
occasional manufacturing tenant needs for certain quality of water. George and Margaret
commented that we are part of a regional organization (MWRA) and water is not a major
issue for the Town by itself.
In contrast, there are few mechanisms for regional transportation solutions and the issues are
becoming critical, for example the high cost and declining supplies of oil. Background
information is available in the original Transportation Working Group report and the
Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
Mollie asked about energy issues within the Selectmen’s goal setting, and Candy said that
energy issues on the potential goals list were related to public buildings. The Climate Action
Plan Committee will include energy-related considerations in its future report.
Demographic Change Task Force update:
Candy reported that this Task Force has met
twice. Bebe Fallick chairs the group, and Town Manager Carl Valente is an active
participant. Recently Holly St. Clair of the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission
(MAPC) presented information about the Metro Boston Data Common
(www.metrobostondatacommon.org). Although the current six members (plus Marian Cohen
as 2020 liaison) bring diverse skills and backgrounds to the Task Force, Peter considered that
there still may be a need for some demographic technical expertise. Peter suggested that the
Task Force might be able to obtain graduate student assistance for a defined project.
Fernando agreed to provide Candy with the contact details of Harold Toro, a fellow at the
Kennedy School of Government who has training in demographic analysis.
Economic Development Task Force update:
Mollie reported that the goal is to wrap up
the consultant’s and Task Force’s reports and complete their work by the end of the month.
The EDTF has already been passing along relevant information to those who can use it,
including the Planning Board. Peter referred to the notion of “rolling out” the report in a
way that would enlist broad base support. He reminded the group of the need to keep people
engaged between now and Town Meeting, and the idea of a summit was suggested. George
stated a concern about the permanent Economic Development Advisory Committee, which
will support the Economic Development Officer in generating new commercial development.
The importance of including larger issues such as sustainability, transportation impacts and
other community concerns in this process was discussed. Early collaboration might prevent
adversarial relationships from developing e.g. with the Transportation Advisory Committee.
Administrative:
Recruitment of additional committee members is needed to maintain a
fresh perspective, and everyone was asked to think of people who might be interested.
The first fall committee meeting will be held on Friday, September 5 at 7:45 am in the
Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Subsequent meetings will be scheduled once members’ fall
schedules are known.