HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-24-VISION2021-min Town of Lexington
Vision for Lexington Committee Meeting
September 24,2021
Remote Meeting
7:45 a.m.—9:00 a.m.
Members Present: Fernando Quezada, Dan Krupka, Margaret Coppe,Joe Pato, Bhumip Khasnabish,
Samita Mandelia,Weidong Wang, Rina Kodendera,Andrew Dixon, Robert Peters and Kathleen Lenihan
Members Absent: Daniel Joyner, Peter Lee and Alan Wrigley
Guests:
Professional Staff Present: Katharine Labrecque, Management Analyst
The meeting was called to order: 7:48am
The Remote Meeting Opening Script was read by the Chair, Fernando Quezada.
Minutes:
• Minutes from the August 27, 2021 meeting were unanimously approved with Mark Manasas
abstaining as he was not present.
Handouts/Documents Shared on Zoom Screen:
Action Items Summary:
• Margaret will work on drafting a charge for the scoping group.
Meeting Highlights:
Committee Membership Update
Fernando asked Margaret to provide an update on the committee membership. Margaret responded that
we will soon have three openings on the committee. Margaret continued that we do have applications on
file, but the question to the committee is do we open it up or do we go to what is on file.Joe made a
slight correction to Margaret's comment saying that it will be the Select Board who refers to the
applications on file, not VFL.Joe mentioned that the board has been working on its goal to review town
boards and committees and consider how we broaden participation. Unfortunately,the review was not
completed in time for this round of appointments. But by January 1St,the board hopes to establish a new
process for advertising and filling committee slots. Margaret mentioned a survey that was disseminated
from the Select Board and encouraged everyone to complete it. Fernando commented that he, Alan and
Dan will not be renewing their membership on the committee.
Review of the Town-wide Survey Preparations
Mark commented that we are at the final stages of survey preparation. Marian and Ruth have nearly
completed that data collection instrument. Mark continued that the group ran through the draft data
1
collection instrument and has already made some tweaks, and will continue to do so at the next meeting.
From there,the survey will be sent out to VFL, the Select Board, Planning Board and School Committee
for beta testing next week. Margaret asked how long the window will be for people to take the survey.
Mark responded two weeks. Mark discussed resident feedback and changes that were made to the
survey. Mark added that he thinks this process should be tied to the comprehensive plan process
(LexingtonNEXT).Joe commented that the comprehensive plan happens every 10-20 years, so it's not a
standing activity.
Plans for Verification of Contact Information for Local Community Groups
Weidong commented that the working group has not made much progress and will have an update at the
next meeting.
Committee Input for Select Board Goal Setting
Margaret asked if anyone from this committee had any input that they would like to include in the Select
Board Goal Setting. Dan asked if we should push for the development of a Townwide communication
plan. Margaret agreed that should be included.Joe agreed, and added that it would be good to make it
clear that you want communications from committees.Joe added that Sean has this as one of his tasks.
Consideration of Local Voter Participation as a Scoping Group Topic
Margaret commented that she has not done a ton of research yet because she is in the process of
moving. Margaret noted that Dan suggested previously that we pick some towns and look at their 20
years of voting records. In addition, she mentioned a few potential factors and resources we can refer to
during this process. Margaret also suggested some phone calls to the League of Women Voters in some
of these towns because of their influence. Bob commented that municipalities vote on different days of
the week, and that might be a factor worth exploring. Margaret agreed, and commented that what she
imagines will come out of this group is a list of recommendations that can be brought to the Town. Dan
suggested drafting a charter for this group so you are clear on your tasks and objectives.
Update on New Committee Logo
Andrew commented that he already received submissions from Minuteman Tech. Andrew has not heard
from LHS yet, but Kathleen offered to help. Andrew asked the group when we need to have the logo
finalized by and the process we want to use to select the logo. Andrew mentioned that we can do a poll
or use a third party site that freelance designers use to put a call out for submissions.There was
consensus to use the designs from the students.
Draft Annual Town Report Submission
The report will be sent following the photo taken at the end of the meeting.
Newly Established State Demographic Data
Dan discussed that past demographic work that has been completed by this committee and the Center
for Social Research. Dan commented that despite the fact that many Asian residents are now involved in
or serving on boards and committees,there is little evidence of sustained social interactions between
members of the Asian community and the town. Consequently,we are not benefiting as much as we
could from each other's cultures. Dan referred back to his previous presentation where he showed the
population trend of Asian residents and suggested that within 15 years, Lexington would likely be a
2
majority Asian community. Dan asked again if civic leaders have the responsibility to plan strategically for
this development or just deal with it as it happens. Mark thanked Dan for all his work. Mark commented
that as a member of the Stone Building Committee,which is charged with looking at possible future uses
of the Stone Building. Mark that one of the possibilities is an intercultural center to encourage cross-
pollination. Margaret commented that Mark Sandeen recently was quoted in an article in the Colonial
Times that encouraged block parties and alike.Joe mentioned that the Town does provide a lot of
resources and logistical things like tables and saw horses to block the street for block parties. What would
be also helpful is to have a table set up to disseminate town information at these.There was discussion
about the importance of providing resources to residents. Dan commented that we need to come up
with a way to measure if things like block parties are working to get the community together. Weidong
suggested that the Town should identify a space or facility where people or groups can organize, similar
to a block party,when the weather is not ideal. Kathleen commented that we need to be mindful of the
costs associated with using school buildings.
Dan, Fernando and Alan were recognized for all their work and dedication to the committee and the
community.
Next Meeting Date
• TBD
Meeting ended at 8:58 a.m.
Minutes submitted by Management Analyst, Katharine Labrecque
3