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