HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-29-VISION2025-minTown of Lexington
Vision for Lexington Committee Meeting
September 29, 2023
Remote Meeting
7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Members Present: Margaret Coppe, Jill Hai, Dan Joyner, John Giudice, Min Zhou, Kathleen Lenihan,
Bhumip Khasnabish, Bob Peters, Marian Cohen, Weidong Wang, Andrew Dixon
Guests: Tom Shiple, Jyotsna Kakullavarapu
Staff Present: James Robinson (absent)
Absent: Mark Manasas, Samita Mandelia, Carol Marine, Shannon Murtaugh
The meeting was called to order: 7:49 am
The Remote Meeting Script was read by Margaret Coppe
Minutes:
The approval of minutes from 8/25/2023 was postponed to the next meeting.
Meeting Highlights:
VFL Website Report on Emails
Dan Joyner shared that there were no new emails from residents.
Reappointments to VFL:
Andrew Dixon, Jill Hai, Daniel Joyner, Carol Marine, and Weidong Wang were reappointed to the Vision
for Lexington Committee. The terms of Mark Manasas and Samita Mandelia are expiring at the end of
September, and the Select Board will be guiding the process for filling the two upcoming vacancies.
Approve Entry for 2023 Town Report
Final updates and revisions to the VFL Section of the Annual Town Report were approved and will be
submitted to the Select Board.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
Margaret Coppe shared that the Chief Equity Officer met with the VFL Subcommittee on Local Election
Voter Participation.
Update on interviews for Town Communications Director
There was a brief update that interviews for the Communication Director position have continued.
Update on Subcommittee on Voter Participation in Lexington
Marian Cohen shared that the DEI Officer had an in-depth conversation with the subcommittee on
identifying barriers to voting in Lexington. The subcommittee has been reviewing an outline for
disseminating the subcommittee’s work. Dan Joyner and Margaret Coppe discussed topics regarding
transportation to the polls. Margaret Coppe shared that the subcommittee’s report will come sometime
after the municipal elections in March, and that there will be an article at Special Town Meeting
regarding the implementation of Ranked-choice Voting. Weidong Wang suggested that the
subcommittee discuss possible recommendations regarding the Town Meeting article.
Update on Subcommittee for Sharing Survey Information
John Giudice provided an update on the subcommittee work, which has recently focused on topics of
housing, and the composition of community groups that assist in housing. John Giudice shared that a
presentation slide deck will be drafted and shown to VFL and to community groups.
Discussion of Future Studies – Establish Exploratory Community Advisory Board for the Police
Department
Dan Joyner and Tom Shiple presented ideas related to the establishment of a study committee to
provide recommendations on implementing a standing board to advise the Police Department. Tom
Shiple shared that this is the result of community initiatives interested in reimagining public safety and
policing. They have been working with community members and staff to review data on policing. Tom
Shiple noted that an end goal would include the creation of a Community Advisory Board. Dan Joyner
posed that the VFL could establish a working group or subcommittee to gather data and
recommendations for possible courses of action.
Public Comment
Jyotsna Kakullavarapu from the Council on Aging shared that they would be interested in providing
information on some work being conducted by the COA.
Next Meeting: October 20th, 2023 @ 7:45am
Adjourn: 8:55am