HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-13-2020ECON-min.pdf Lexington 2020 Vision Committee
July 13, 2006 Meeting Minutes
7:45 a.m. Selectmen's Meeting Room
Members present: Peter Enrich, Mollie Garberg, Stacey Hamilton, Charles Hornig, Richard
Pagett, Fernando Quezada, Ann Redmon, Ravi Sakhuja
Others: Carl Valente, Candy McLaughlin
Fernando called the meeting to order at 7:50 am. The minutes from the June 8 meeting were
approved.
Economic Development. The scoping group held its second meeting on July 11, and there was
very productive discussion. They focused on issues of the balance between the commercial and
residential tax base, since the Center Committee is already doing significant work regarding the
retail sector. Greg Zurlo from the Planning Board is chairing the group, and has identified the
Comprehensive Plan as important background information. After their final currently scheduled
meeting on August 22 the scoping group plans to refine a draft charge for the Task Force. They
anticipate the focus will be on taking a comprehensive look at the commercial sector, and
developing a formal communication mechanism for community input regarding issues of
developing the commercial tax base. This draft charge could be circulated to the wider original
stakeholder group. The scoping group also plans to provide suggestions for recruiting Task
Force members.
The question of timing for recruiting an Economic Development Officer was raised. The Town
Manager responded that beginning recruitment soon after Labor Day does not seem feasible,
since many different groups have a vision for what they would like the position to be and the
combined scope is too broad for one person to accomplish. He suggested that using some of the
funds for consulting support to help the Task Force to complete their work could help in
determining the most appropriate functions for an Economic Development Officer.
Sustainable Lexington. This scoping group also met on July 11, and focused on energy
conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, primarily in the public sector. It may also
be desirable to provide educational resources and foster development of a community
consciousness, rather than taking a regulatory approach to the private sector. In response to a
question about whether the Planning Board considers energy conservation, Charles said the
Zoning Bylaw does not control anything inside a building where most of the energy is used. The
Board's experience is that developers have a market orientation and generally aren't interested in
experimental technologies. It was noted that there are "green" standards for public buildings,
and there was a question whether similar standards exist for private development and what
regulatory tools might be available. The scoping group plans to meet again on August 22 to
refine the Task Force charge and identify potential members.
The question of different perspectives was raised, since the current scoping group members are
primarily advocates for sustainability initiatives. Providing the missing balance would not only
ensure a better product by testing assumptions, but also increase community acceptance of any
recommendations. Possible additions to the scoping group include a builder/developer, a
pragmatist/fiscal conservative, a skeptic, and a representative of the Town Meeting Members
Association. It was also noted that the scoping group should coordinate with the Energy
Conservation Committee.
Committee recruitment. Mollie Garberg was introduced as a new member, and Jerry Lacey
has just been appointed. Mike Kennealy has decided to join the Appropriation Committee.
Outreach continues to the Clergy Association, TMMA, and political conservatives.
Peter identified the need for broad community invitation to join the Task Forces that are
expected to begin work in the fall. Basic steps include correspondence with 2020 alumni and
TMMA, items in the newspapers, and something on the website. An outreach meeting, like the
fall convention that kicked off the previous Task Forces, would be ideal but is not currently
feasible. The Operations Subcommittee will meet in August to develop a Task Force recruitment
plan.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 am. Future meeting schedule:
- Thursday, September 14
- Thursday, October 12
- Thursday,November 9
- Thursday, December 14