HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-31-VISION2025-minTown of Lexington
Vision for Lexington Committee Meeting
March 31, 2023
Remote Meeting
7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Members Present: Margaret Coppe, Mark Manasas, Bhumip Khasnabish, Kathleen Lenihan, Bob Peters,
Marian Cohen, John Giudice, Mark Sandeen, Min Zhou, Andrew Dixon, Shannon Murtagh, Daniel Joyner,
Samita Mandelia
Guests: None
Staff Present: James Robinson
Absent: Weidong Wang
The meeting was called to order: 7:49 am
The Remote Meeting Script was read by Margaret Coppe. An update was given regarding the status of
remote meetings, which have been extended for two additional years.
Minutes:
Minutes from 2/24/2023 were unanimously approved with minor revisions
Action Items:
Develop Action Items from the most recent survey results (Daniel Joyner, John Giudice, Marian
Cohen, Mark Manasas, Min Zhou)
Meeting Highlights:
VFL Website Report on Emails
Daniel Joyner gave an update that work on the Town’s communications audit is still underway by the
Communications Director; and there were no new emails or messages for the VFL Committee.
Membership Review
Margaret Coppe shared that there is still one opening on the VFL Committee and that there is an item
on the Select Board Agenda for committee recruitments. Mark Sandeen confirmed.
Daniel Joyner asked about student and youth participation on committees and internships available in
the town. James Robinson shared information on some current practices of student and youth
participation in the Town and highlighted the Valente Internship.
Robert Peters shared that the School Committee has a student member. Shannon Murtagh highlighted
student engagement on the Transportation Committee, and Robert Peters included that there is also
engagement on the Sustainable Lexington Committee. Mark Sandeen shared the current protocol for
student liaisons for the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Update
Daniel Joyner noted the utility of encouraging student and youth engagement in raising overall levels of
participation.
Mark Manasas highlighted that a future use for the Stone Building could serve as a possible venue for
DEI-related efforts.
Margaret Coppe shared the recent designation of Lexington’s new Cultural District.
Update on Subcommittee on Voter Participation in Lexington
Marian Cohen gave an update on the VFL Subcommittee on Local Voter Participation, specifically that
the subcommittee has been reviewing relevant literature, hearing from experts and members of other
communities, identifying levels of participation in Lexington, and developing suggestions and a report
for the Select Board.
Margaret Coppe shared items related to ranked-choice voting and the possibility of non-citizen
residents’ eligibility in voting in local elections.
Daniel Joyner suggested making improvements to the advertisement of relevant information in running
for public positions and sharing important ballot deadlines.
Samita Mandelia highlighted issues arising from rotating polling locations.
Robert Peters encouraged developing clarity surrounding the suggestion of a “none of the above”
option on ballots.
Next Steps: Discussion of new study; Review of recommendations of previous studies
Robert Peters shared that the VFL Surveys help inform the Comprehensive Plan because the plan is on a
10-year basis and the surveys are on a 5-year basis, noting that this provides the opportunity for the
surveys to test the assumptions of the current plan.
Mark Manassas suggested developing a strategy to stagger the surveys in such a way to best benefit and
inform the development of the Comprehensive Plan.
John Giudice suggested shortening the surveys to target individual priorities.
Marian Cohen shared that it could hinder engagement if there were too many surveys, and that having a
solidified schedule could help consolidate efforts.
Mark Sandeen noted that certain planning efforts are required to conduct surveys.
Robert Peters mention that the Planning Board will be determining a work plan for the next year, where
survey-outcome areas can be highlighted and incorporated into the priorities of the Planning Board’s
plan of action.
Marian Cohen suggested that the VFL Committee disseminate survey results more comprehensively.
Mark Sandeen agreed and suggested that the VFL Committee create a list of action items from the
survey results.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Next Meeting: April 28, 2023 @ 7:45am
Adjourn: 8:53am