HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-30-VISION2025-minTown of Lexington
Vision for Lexington Committee Meeting
June 30, 2023
Remote Meeting
7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Members Present: Andrew Dixon, Kathleen Lenihan, John Giudice, Bhumip Khasnabish, Margaret
Coppe, Carol Marine, Min Zhou, Marian Cohen, Mark Sandeen, Shannon Murtagh, Weidong Wang,
Robert Peters
Guests: None
Staff Present: James Robinson
Absent: Mark Manasas, Daniel Joyner, Samita Mandelia
The meeting was called to order: 7:49 am
The Remote Meeting Script was read by Margaret Coppe
Minutes:
Minutes from 6/2/2023 were unanimously approved.
Meeting Highlights:
VFL Website Report on Emails
This item was postponed to the next meeting.
Review of Open Meeting Law and Public Records
Margaret Coppe reviewed the Open Meeting Law training and highlighted meeting notice and meeting
minutes requirements. Margaret Coppe also shared that public bodies must be wary of discussing
business in the presence of a quorum outside of a public meeting, such as at a social event or over
digital media communications.
Mark Sandeen discussed the Enhancing Communication in Lexington (ECIL) Subcommittee and sought
confirmation on whether the group needs to be dissolved because it does not meet anymore since the
completion of its work.
Membership Review
Margaret Coppe introduced Carol Marine as the newest member of the Vision for Lexington Committee.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity
Marian Cohen shared that the Chief Equity Officer will be joining an upcoming meeting with the
Subcommittee on Local Election Voter Participation.
Margaret Coppe also shared that the Commission on Disability should also be invited to a future
meeting.
Update on Subcommittee on Voter Participation in Lexington
Marian Cohen gave an update on the Subcommittee’s work on formulating a presentation with
background facts, statistics, and contemporary literature regarding voter participation.
Margaret Coppe shared interest in how the community can provide information to the community
regarding candidates.
John Giudice noted that it would likely require utilizing multiple communications channels to reach the
most people in the community.
Mark Sandeen asked if there were additional ideas for increasing voter participation.
John Giudice included that signage in town, listings in the LexObserver & Boston Globe, and postings at
the Community Center. Carol Marine mentioned utilizing social media and faith-based organizations.
Marian Cohen discussed the limitations of sharing communications channels with the schools. Kathleen
Lenihan noted that they would check on the possibility of sending information out with students.
Shannon Murtagh noted that PTOs have shared reminders to vote in the past.
Min Zhou shared that K-Lex sends reminders to their membership.
Kathleen Lenihan shared concerns over the number of uncontested elections in Lexington precincts.
Andrew Dixon highlighted Discovery Day as an opportunity for the Vision for Lexington Committee to
share information and encourage participation.
Weidong Wang noted the importance of timing in regards to the sharing of notices and planning of
activities for voter participation in elections.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Next Meeting: July 28, 2023 @ 7:45am
Adjourn: 8:37 am