HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-22-LEX250-minSemiquincentennial Commission (Lex250)
June 22,2022 Meeting Minutes
Pursuant to notice duly filed with the Town Clerk,the Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250)
convened in a meeting via Zoom video conference on Wednesday,June 22,2022 at
3:33 pm as allowed by legislation (S.2475)extending the suspension of certain provisions of the
Massachusetts Open Meeting Law.
Present:Steve Conners (Reenactment Community),Cerise Jalelian (Town Celebrations Committee
Representative),Julie O’Leary (Civic Representative),Mona Roy (Community Representative),Jillian
Tung (Music &Arts Representative,left meeting at 4:30 pm),Steve Cole (Community Representative),
Paul O’Shaughnessy (Historical Organization Representative),Bebe Fallick (Tourism Committee
Representative),Barry Cunha (Business Representative),Suzie Barry (Select Board Member),and
Martha Duffield (Guest,Chief Equity Officer,Town of Lexington)
1.The meeting was called to order at 3:33 pm by Ms.Barry.
2.A motion by Mr.Cunha to accept the minutes from the June 8,2022 meeting was seconded by
Ms.Barry and approved by roll call vote.
3.Ms.Duffield described her role as Chief Equity Officer for the Town of Lexington and discussed
ways in which she could provide guidance to the Lex 250 Commission.
a.Her roles are internal and community-facing.
b.Internally:She works on talent management,removing bias from job descriptions and
hiring,and on data and metrics.
c.She also works with town organizations including the police department and some town
committees and participates in an equity officers institute.
4.Ms.Barry provided the background of the committee's charge and emphasized that we want to
make opportunities open to all,showcase well-known events as well as some lesser-known
components.
a.The Commission includes representatives of different parts of the community and
comprises 5 working groups to manage different aspects of Lex 250 -related events.The
group discussed ways in which volunteers can be recruited that are inclusive and
welcoming.
b.The marquis weekend coincides with Easter and Passover.Ms.Barry has met with
interfaith leaders about how best to coordinate activities while being mindful of the
holidays.
c.Ms.Duffield talked about the seat group with which she works,which is inclusive of
different communities.They are streamlining how information is reviewed.Information
will be given to Ms.Duffield,then distributed to the seat group.She encouraged Lex 250
members to join the seat group meetings.
d.Ms.Barry shared that Shields will provide a playbook to guide publicity and that funding
for the website could potentially come out of ARPA funding.
e.Ms.Barry reminded the group that after July 15,we would need to have a quorum of
members and the Chair physically present to hold a meeting.Other members could
participate remotely if those conditions are met.
5.Penny machine update
a.We are waiting for feedback from Visitors Center staff regarding logistics and designs.
b.Ms.O’Leary noted that teenagers have traffic through there and noted the need for
change for the penny machine (Visitors Center).
c.The group discussed funding for the machine and who would receive the revenue from it.
d.Ms.Barry made a motion to use up to $7000 from state grant to fund a penny machine in
the Visitor Centers;money received will be deposited into a gift account through
December of 2026.The motion was approved by roll call vote.
6.Financial update
a.Outstanding expenses,including the Visitors Center monitor and carpentry,publicity and
promotional items,were reviewed.
7.Working groups
a.Agendas should be posted.No Select Board approval needed,no open meeting law
issues,all decisions would have to be approved by the larger Lex250 commission.
b.Mr.Cunha suggested doing individual outreach.Ms.Barry suggested using a form.Ms.
Fallick suggested that Shields could have some ideas on how to use technology to assist
with recruiting efforts.Ms.Roy suggested meeting with Shields .
c.The group reviewed a draft of a volunteer form created by Ms.Tung.Mr.Connors
suggested a little more structure or detail to the form.
d.Ms.Barry will consult with Town Counsel and with Ms.Duffield regarding best practices
for recruitment,including avoidance of conflict of interest among potential volunteers.
8.Need to think about engaging Homeland Security for 2025 Patriots Day events.
9.Outreach Meeting
a.Wednesday,October 12,2022
b.Two events:morning and evening,Cary library
c.Will reach out to community stakeholders and publicize event broadly.
10.Email Update –lex250@lexingtonma.gov
11.Next meeting:July 6,to be conducted remotely
12.Motion was made by Ms.Fallick to adjourn at 5:50 pm,seconded by Mr.Cole,and accepted by
roll call vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Jillian Tung (additional notes provided by Mona Roy)