HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-14-2020-min (Steering Committee)
Meeting Notes
Steering Committee Ï May 14, 1999
Members Present: Peter Enrich, Peter Lee, Paul Mammola, Todd Burger, Helen Cohen, Alan Lazarus,
Robin DiGiammarino, Margorie Platt, Clark Cohen, Chuck Benson,
Staff Present: Candy McLaughlin, Rick White, Michael Baker, Beth Anne Sobieszczyk
Call to order
Peter Enrich announced that there is a Visioning process for next Saturday.
Review minutes of previous meeting
Approved the last meeting minutes
Draft of Task 1
Joe Brevard gave us an overview of his thoughts on Task I (dated May 5, 1999).
The Steering
Committee provided him with feedback:
A.We want a process that revitalizes the civic life of the town. We want it to be a continuing part of
the process of the townwide governance.
B.Institutionalizing Public Involvement Ï This process looks to extend our circle of influence beyond
the normal body of active citizens. It is a framework for addressing change and problems. It can
energize Town Meeting but not replace it.
C.Vocabulary Ï We may be looking for a better word than ÑinstitutionÒ, the SC wants a less formal
context on which to frame this process.
D.There is a section of the Thoughts that mentions Ñby Town DepartmentÒ. A better option would be
Ñby key issue areaÒ.
E.#3 on the last page Ï add that the actions need to be taken transcend the managerial structure.
Discussion:
Margorie asked what type of measurement will we use to see if we met our goal in the end? Rick
answered that in his original proposal to the Board of Selectmen, he proposed the creation of an
Implementation Committee to ensure that the process continues.
At itÔs first meeting, the IC decided that the Vision would be created by us asking ÑWhat do we want
Lexington to look like in 20 yearsÒ and work backwards from there. We knew that we had to develop a
process and a way to successfully execute the process. We want a concrete community model so we
know what we will end up with.
Chuck believes that we can simplify Task I into two broad concepts: 1. A continuous, repeatable
process (items 1 and 4), and 2. An implementable strategic plan (items 2 and 3).
We need: 1. An educational chart which defines what the repeatable, continuous process is and a
graphic which clearly shows the community model we intend to use to make decisions. The
community model will help us identify issues. If an issue is not included, the model isnÔt sufficient or
the issue doesnÔt belong. The community model should include the following:
how the community operates
who the town players are
values
functions
key to understanding issues
how to communicate with the public at large
Meeting Decisions:
1.get written feedback to Candy by Monday. Operations subcommittee can work with PC to
refine it
2.Dates Ï put them off until the second week in June Ï dates are now 8, 9, 10 and 12
3.The group of 220 - invite them each to a specific
4.Underrepresented Groups that need to be included and who is doing outreach:
a.Youth Ï Robin, Helen
b.Town Employees Ï Candy and Rick
c.Ethnic Minorities Ï Peter Lee, Gerrie
d.Former Activists Ï Peter Enrich, Clark
e.Angry/Those who are distrustful of government, Peter Enrich
5.Next meeting Agenda Items: June Workshops, Subcommittee Updates
Adjourn