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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-07-2020ECON-min.pdf Lexington 2020 Vision Committee June 7, 2007 Meeting Minutes 7:45 am—Selectmen's Meeting Room Members Present: Fernando Quezada, Mollie Garberg, Stacey Hamilton, Ann Redmon, George Burnell, Charles Hornig Others: Candy McLaughlin, Susan Yanofsky Fernando called the meeting to order at 7:50 a.m. The minutes from the May 10 meeting were approved. Candy introduced the Town's new Economic Development Officer, Susan Yanofsky. Task Force Updates. Mollie indicated that the RFP for consulting services needs to be completed before the end of June. The Economic Development Task Force has scheduled a presentation to the Business Round Table and a meeting with the Planning Board, and will schedule a join meeting with the Sustainability Task Force. Candy reported that the Town has applied for membership in the Cities for Climate Protection program. The draft charge for a new Climate Action Committee will go to the Selectmen on June 18. Once the committee is established the Selectmen will review people who are interested in participating and make appointments. Demographic Change. Fernando distributed a list of parameters and questions to begin framing the discussion of demographic change in Lexington. George emphasized the need to look at least 20 years out because all other Town organizations by nature have to focus on short-term issues. Mollie identified the importance of understanding Lexington's current population and historic trends as well as future projections, since a long-term view of demographic change could drive the decision when to revisit the vision and goals. Stacey pointed out that although her"baby bust" generation is smaller than the "baby boom" generation, they may be attracted to Lexington for good schools. George suggested that funding for new schools is the largest capital expenditure facing the Town, and this could make Lexington less affordable for families. Charles pointed out that Lexington is a small cog in the larger Boston machine. We need to consider regional issues as the Town plans for providing services in the future. He used the example of where Lexington residents work- ensuring local jobs for all Lexington residents does not seem to have been a previous goal, but the community's desires may change depending on what happens around us. Susan stated that jobs growth was what pushed Lexington's population growth and asked if local employment may become a future value as the community addresses issues of sustainability. Consensus was reached that the best way to address these important issues would be to establish a Task Force, for several reasons. First, these discussions will require significantly more time than monthly committee meetings. Second, obtaining new and varied perspectives will raise useful questions that have not been identified yet. Finally, enlisting knowledgeable residents will expand the group's resources and facilitate gathering the necessary information. Input to Selectmen's Goal Setting Process. The Board of Selectmen has scheduled their annual Goal Setting meeting for July 10, and in a May 18 memo to boards and committees requested input on"key areas of concern, need and opportunity that the Town should consider addressing over the next two years (FY08—FY09)." Fernando asked Candy to schedule a Process Subcommittee meeting for Monday, June 18 at 7:45 am. The objective will be to compile a thoughtful response from the perspective of 2020 Vision. Any interested committee members are welcome to attend. Library Strategic Planning. Candy attended the first meeting of the Cary Library Strategic Planning Committee. The Library would welcome input from the long-range 2020 Vision perspective. Future meeting dates will be June 19, September 25, and October 23, all Tuesdays from 3-5 pm at the Library. Connection with Schools. Fernando will follow up with Tom Diaz regarding a School Committee liaison to the 2020 Vision Committee, and also identify the opportunity for 2020 Vision to inform their annual goal setting process. Mollie and Ann will issue an open invitation to Superintendent Paul Ash and his staff to attend committee meetings, since education is one of several fundamental goals of the vision. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 am. Future Meetings: • Thursday, July 26 at 7:45 am in the Selectmen's Meeting Room • Thursday, September 6 same time and place