HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-08-2020-min
2020 Vision Implementation Committee
th
Thursday December 8, 2005
Meeting Minutes
7:45 a.m. Selectman’s Meeting Room
Members Present:
Fernando Quezada, Marian Cohen, Ann Redmon, Peter Enrich,
Richard Pagett
Others:
Candy McLauhlin, Tom Watkins
Call To Order
Fernando began the meeting by first reviewing the minutes from the group’s previous
meeting. The meeting minutes from the Joint Meeting (10/17/05) with members from the
elected Boards were then unanimously approved.
Town Report
The group reviewed and provided comments on a draft submission for the annual Town
Report. Candy will revise and submit the document. A photographer took the
committee’s picture for the report.
Economic Development Task Force and Sustainable Lexington Task Forces
The group first asked themselves how and when they should proceed with putting
together two task forces: Economic Development and Sustainable Lexington. This
question opened the door for much discussion on the matter of the Economic
Development Task Force. The group would like to invite Mary Jo Bohart, Executive
Director to the Chamber of Commerce, to a meeting because she has expressed much
interest and enthusiasm and knows many pro-business people in Town whom she thinks
would be a valuable asset to such a Task Force. It was also mentioned that the Planning
Board, as well as members of the Planning staff are in favor of the Economic
Development Task Force. Richard Pagett stated that the Board of Selectmen are
enthusiastic about reviving the position of the Economic Development Officer but such a
position will have to be put forth in an operating override. Fernando raised the idea of
possibly posting the position of an economic development staff liaison as an internship
for a college student. Marian Cohen added that Framingham State currently has planning
interns that may be able to participate.
Peter Enrich identified two challenges facing any new Task Forces:
1. Not enough clarity in focus of the Task Force. The 2020 committee needs to
figure out the focus of each Task Force – for example, whether the focus of a new
Economic Development Task Force should just be in the Center, on Hartwell and
Hayden Avenues, or on the entire Town.
2. The 2020 Vision Implementation Committee has very thin membership itself.
How fast should the group move in creating both the Economic Development and
Budget Task Forces? Candy reported that Town Manager Carl Valente was
reluctant to commit staff time to new initiatives at this point.
Fernando reiterated that he is very interested in the topic and the group should be very
specific about the duties of the two task forces as well as the role of the committee
liaisons. Fernando suggested a scoping exercise for both the new Task Forces.
In moving forward with these Task Forces, Peter would like to first build upon the
membership of the 2020 committee. Subsequently, he would like to see a focus created
for the two Task Forces as well as membership recruitment between now and June of
2006. Candy also suggested holding one committee meeting around each Task Force
topic and inviting potential members to the meeting.
Richard suggested inviting many of the Town’s group/committees, who have an invested
interest in the Town’s planning for economic development, to a meeting of the 2020
Committee in hopes of strengthening each other and helping to centralize a focus. Such a
meeting would also help to structure these groups. Peter suggested that a longer meeting
time would need to be scheduled in order to conduct such a meeting.
Progress Report
Candy stated that she would need to put a budget request in if the group wants funding
for FY2007 the Progress Report. The group currently has no funding. Candy said she
would research how much money was used in previous years.
Committee members stated they would appreciate assistance from consultant Wendy
Rundle to help form the Progress Report. It was also agreed to by the group to keep in
the forefront the original 27 goals of the 2020 Committee. Candy will take a look at the
website and give a report to the group at their next meeting. She went on to suggest
putting a “goal of the month” for the 2020 Committee on the website.
Recruitment Strategy
Mariann asked if there was something wrong with the recruitment strategy of the 2020
Committee. Fernando stated that membership is usually higher when there are tangible
interests on the forefront. Peter mentioned that outreach by the group has not been that
aggressive. The group agreed that they struggling to recruit new members into 2020 and
reiterated that they are still an open group.
Marian suggested having an article in the Minuteman with follow up phone calls. Peter
also suggested have a mini progress report available at Town Meeting in order to raise
awareness and interest in what 2020 does and has accomplished. Fernando agreed to
reach out to the Chair of the Town’s Clergy Association and also mentioned that it would
be helpful to recruit someone from the Chamber of Commerce.
Meeting Adjourns:
9:10 a.m.
th
Next Meeting:
Thursday, January 5