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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport on the Community Conversations 1994-01-SPAIG-rpt.pdf Report on the Community Conversations Prepared by Cindy Boecker January 1994 Adopted by the Board of Selectmen January 31, 1994 I. Introduction During the 1993 Annual Town Meeting, a resolution amending Article Four proposed the development of a "budget-planning process," to include, among other things, "a program of community discussions in cooperation with civic, religious, business, school, and other community organizations, to debate and clarify core values and program priorities to guide the town's budgeting process." The primary responsibility for implementing the resolution rested with the Board of Selectmen which enthusiastically embraced the idea and appointed the Strategic Planning and Implementation Group (SPAIG). II. Planning and Implementation The members of SPAIG met Thursday mornings from May through September in order to determine the manner in which the resolution would be implemented. As a result of these meetings this group sponsored, with the support of the Board of Selectmen, public hearings aimed at obtaining public input on the core values, long-term goals and program priorities which would be appropriate for Lexington in the 1990's. The group had no expectations concerning the outcome of this planned public process; rather, it was envisioned as an experiment and a beginning point in identifying community values and priorities. The schedule of and locations for each of the public hearings was planned in such a manner that almost anyone who resides in Lexington would have the ability to attend and have input. There were six evening sessions, one afternoon session, two Saturday sessions and a call-in session sponsored by Cablevision. Meetings were scheduled in locations throughout the town in order to make attendance easier for a large part of the population. Locations for the hearings included: the Senior Center, East Lexington Library, Clarke Middle School, St. Brigid's Parish Hall, Estabrook School, Temple Isaiah Social Hall, Hayden Recreation Center, Heritage Hall, and Diamond Middle School. An additional afternoon session was held at Lexington High School in an effort to involve the student population of the community Volunteer facilitators helping with the planning and implementation of the process were: Nariman Behravesh, Lionel Fray, Peter Kreisky, Robin Libson, Alex Nedzel, Larry Prusak, Linda Roemer, Barbara Shafer, Burton Woolf, and Phyllis Yale. Recorders for the sessions were Rebekka Hoskin and Cindy Boecker In total, approximately 300 people attended one or more of the public hearings. Such a small sample of the population as a whole cannot be considered statistically valid, but can provide some insight into the concerns the Town may be facing currently or may face in the future. During each session, those present had an opportunity to express their views regarding core values, long-term goals and program priorities. For the purposes of the planning process, core values were defined as "What are the principles that should guide policy and budget decisions?" Long-term goals were defined as where those in attendance would like to see Lexington in five to ten years. Program priorities were defined as those town services which should have first call on the town's resources. At the close of the sessions, those attending were given the opportunity to chose the three most important (the "must haves") for each of these categories as well as three others (the "nice to haves"). The responses were tallied and the following observations are the result of those tabulations. Public Meetings Page 2 III. General Observations from Feedback Several consistent comments regarding core values arose out of the meetings. The most frequently mentioned, not necessarily in priority order, include: •a strong sense of community; •high quality public safety; •a focus on diversity in the community, including a diversity of ethnic, economic, and age representation in Lexington; *high quality schools; •tax stability; and •green space issues, primarily relating to the maintenance and preservation of conservation land and open space. Other values often mentioned during the process include: the presence of high quality libraries; efficiency and accessibility of Town government; tax stability; a willingness to pay for services; a pride in the aesthetic or physical appearance of the community; high quality recreation programming; a pro-business atmosphere; a special concern for the youth and elderly of the community; and a sensitivity to the historical significance and heritage of the community Comments regarding long-term goals also focused on schools and the preservation of a quality educational system in Lexington. Other issues frequently mentioned as important long term goals for the community include: a well maintained infrastructure, the use of local volunteers, and an awareness of environmental issues (including recycling, water usage, and open space issues). Affordable housing, open communications on the part of the Town government, enhanced cultural activities, an improved transportation system, pollution and traffic control, and a concern for the maintenance of a healthy, vibrant center offering a variety of services were all also mentioned a number of times as goals for which to strive in Lexington. Controlling expansion at Hanscom Air Base and the reopening of Hastings school were the most frequently cited issues to be addressed as program priorities. A long-term goal of openness is reflected in the suggestion that regular discussions of issues in Town become a program priority Other priorities arising out of the sessions include: discussion of the possibility of closing the East Lexington Fire Station; a discussion of the issues of the widening of 2A, a focus on the possible uses for the Metropolitan State Hospital land; a maintenance of the LEXPRESS transportation system; and a recognition of the importance of regional relationships. A complete accounting of the discussion of each session is attached as an addendum to this report to allow readers the ability to see the wide variety of issues and comments made at the various public sessions. IV Conclusion The feedback obtained from the strategic planning public hearings, while valuable and very useful, is not statistically valid and should not be taken to be representative of the values, priorities, and goals of the community as a whole. This information reflects the views of a small sample of the population of the Town of Lexington and should be judged as a sample of Public Meetings Page 3 what a larger effort should entail. It can, however, be used as critical information in the continuing efforts of the Board of Selectmen to implement the resolution attached to Article Four A continuation of these hearings, albeit more structured, focus groups, surveys and other participative planning efforts should use the data collected in this preliminary process as a starting point for further information gathering. Addendum Members of the Selectmen's Strategic Planning Advisory and Implementation Group (SPAIG) which organized the conversations are listed below along with the group association on the basis of which each was selected. Nancy Adler League of Women Voters Neal Boyle LEXACT Nancy Cannalonga Town Meeting Member Bill Daley Board of Selectmen Chris Coughlin Appropriation Committee Karen Dooks Capital Expenditures Committee Betty Eddison Board of Selectmen Peter Enrich TMMA Dan Fenn Board of Selectmen Andy Friedlich Coalition of Neighborhood Associations Paul Hamburger Capital Expenditures Committee Donna Hooper Human Services Committee Jay Kaufman Lexington Coalition Paul Keane Interested Citizen Gerald McLeod Police Manual Committee James Nicoloro Lexington Senior Citizen's Club John Oberteuffer School Committee Jane Pagett Appropriation Committee Rick White Town Manager David Williams Planning Board Strategic Planning - 9/28/93 Senior Center Core Values • Limit expenses - no more overrides • Develop/encourage a pro-business atmosphere • Make center more friendly for customers (parking issue) • Reduction of regulation - town & school side (admin. restraints on workers) • Focus on the needs of the older population — health —' homes —, taxes • Scrutinize school administration costs/positions • Improve efficiency/performance of town government • Improve quality of life • Affordable housing • More clear cut public safety priorities • Honesty • Sincerity Lona-Term Goals • Limit growth (population) • Stabilize property tax • Limit growth in school budget • Open all union negotiations (public information) • Preserve green space Program Priorities • Improved snow/ice removal in public areas • Salary freeze: reduce payroll by 10% reduce budget by 15% • Limit user fees • Downsizing • Reduce vocational ed. costs/capital • Concentrate on academics in classrooms • Increase class size • Performance reviews/merit compensation v standards • Limit Hanscom growth • Minuteman junction (safety) • Bikeway safety/awareness • Use more interns • Utilize local talent for studies, etc. (instead of outside consultants) 1 • Reinstate zoning officer • Increase zoning enforcement • Improve enforcement of safety laws • Improve information availability • Fountain in Depot Square • Be more aggressive in utilization of local talent as volunteers in the schools • Regular discussion of issues in Town • Board of Selectmen feedback: Report of info. gleaned from this process Other • Golf Course Enterprise - Funds should not go to Recreation Fund • Limit town venture into private enterprise • Control non-resident student population (why increase school capacity when bringing in outsiders?) • LEXPRESS bus service Priorities Arising out of 9/28/93 Session The following priorities were cited most fequently as the most important issues discussed at this session. Number of Responses • Limit expenses - no more overrides 11 • Scrutinize school administration costs/positions 8 • Stabilize property taxes 8 • Limit growth in school budget 8 • Open union negotiations 6 • Affordable housing 5 • Focus on problems of the older population 5 • Limit growth 5 • Concentrate on academics 5 Sixteen response cards were returned at this session. Additional comments from response cards. • Extend LEXPRESS service to end of North Lexington, Pine Knoll Road • "From Town Manager on down, we have always had hard working and proficient town employees. I think this is the result of unionization and the adversarial position of town labor " • "Please keep LEXPRESS so that we may keep our independence." 2 Strategic Planning - 9/29/93 East Lexington Library Core Values • Ethical, open, clear decisions • Diversity • Citizen involvement • Welfare of the majority of the residents • Accountability for expenditures • Better education does not necessarily mean higher cost > quality without higher cost • Vibrant town center Long-Term Goals • Keeping and maintaining open space • Safety (want to feel and be as safe as I can be) • High quality educational system • High quality libraries • Preservation of historical significance of town (importance of) • Affordability for young • Affordability for old • Government outreach to citizens • Citizen education • Examine use of consultants more closely • Increase grant applications • Look for other revenue sources • Play a growing leadership role in M.W.R.A. funding • Increased voter turnout Program Priorities • Center crossing study (safety issue) • Stabilize the tax rate - no overrides • Better evaluation of the educational system (literacy issue was raised). • Decrease expenditures • Better control over unions (particularly school negotiations) • More skilled negotiators within the town (bargaining on our behalf) • Open/public negotiations with unions - Selectmen ownership of process • Improved access to town records - "more open town hall" • Less aggressive ticketing - parking • Lower fees (especially parking tickets) • More efficient government • Share results of this process with town/citizens • More lead time in presenting budget issues 1 • Return to annual tax collection • Awareness of state and federal mandates • Examine details of town vs. mandated expenditures • More aggressive approach to negotiating with town employees Priorities Arising Out of 9/29/93 Session. The following priorities were cited most frequently as the most important issues dicussed at this session. Number of Responses • Stabilization of the tax rate (no more overrides) 13 • Accountability for expenditures 11 • Better control over unions g • More efficient government 6 • Citizen involvement 5 • Affordability 5 • Better evaluation of the educational system 5 • Decrease in expenditures 5 Seventeen response cards were returned at this session. Additional comments from response cards: • Do not open Hastings School • Increase alienated citizens feelings at being heard and informed in town decisions. • Importance of looking for other revenue sources and accountability 2 Strategic Planning - 10/9/93 Clarke Middle School Core Values • Quality School/Educational System - ed. excellence and opportunity - spanning all students, gifted and otherwise • Citizen participation (as expressed in Town Meeting form of government) • Stability of the community • Strong history /heritage of the Town • Livability • Citizens as shareholders v customers or employer • Consistency in management, especially in evaluations of top managers. (Clear performance measures should be developed and used.) • Public Transportation (For various purposes: young, elderly, conservation of energy ) • Preservation of management and financial stability (Town has been well run historically, want to keep it that way ) • Support for diversity, broadening of the diversity base - ethnic, economic, etc. • Outreach for citizen involvement/input • Friendly service delivery • Affordable housing • Appearance of the Town -- well kept roads and aesthetics • Maintenance of property values • Public safety • Keep East Lexington Fire Department open • Planning for goal attainment (think about things to make them successful.) • Services should meet the needs of citizens • Affordability/Tax Stability Long Term Goals • Broaden educational opportunities • Preservation of the residential nature of the Town -- low commercial encroachment • Enhancement of business base; more productive commercial tax base, encourage commercial health • State/Federal government should bear larger portion of school costs. • Keeping spending under control • No more overrides • Schools should stay within budget • Citizens/Town Meeting should have more participation in key policy decisions affecting core values • Preservation of open space • Low to moderate population growth (keep under control) • Utilize state hospital land - determine use -- open space or as revenue source. • Town meeting control, or improved communication regarding union negotiations 1 • More efficient traffic control • Use of overrides as a last resort - exhaustion of all alternatives should come first • Share resources, etc. with other communities to capture economies of scale. • Incentives for more efficient government ("Revolutionization of Town Government") • Maintenance of services • Zero based budgeting • Objective review of the educational system - in order to review financing • Citizenship education for children in the schools/the teaching of values • Long term planning • Evaluate spending in terms of "in place of what?" • Town effort in influencing state and federal decisions Program Priorities • Maintenance/improved library services • Endowment plan for maintenance of open space • Maintenance of police/fire funding • Establish a more sustainable commercial revenue base • Long term planning Other • Unions are out of control/More effective negotiations with unions • Get control over school expenditures • Good management (Don't necessarily always have to throw money at problems.) • Disincentives for poor management • Control over school union negotiations Priorities Arising Out of 10/9/93 Session. The following priorities were cited most frequently as the most important issues discussed at this session Number of Responses • Quality Schools 12 • Public Safety 9 • Preservation of Open Space 7 • Affordability/Tax Stability 5 • Good Libraries 5 • Traffic control 3 • Diversity 3 • No more overrides 2 • Zero based budgeting 2 2 j Twenty-three response cards were returned at this session. Additional comments from response cards: • The capping of tax increases to protect fixed moderate income residents • NO Priorities! Focusing only on the issue of "priorities" ignores some very stark and unfortunately NOT WIDELY Known realities. • Re-opening Hastings School at this time -- could as a Minimum be postponed one year The need for a whole additional school to accommodate the current increase in pupils does not justify its opening. • Eliminate 1/2 school administration in White House • Revamp first three grades, RE. phonetics, reading, writing and arithmetic • Encourage equal access • Encourage use of existing commercial real estate • Make Lexington litter free • Maintain infrastructure • Waste in Town government must be addressed • Schools should stress the basics - tone down the social engineering and valueless teaching • Continuation of present level of all services • Well satisfied with generally how town is run • Assessment of programs and whether we have met our goals • Opportunity for public involvement • Reduce administrative costs • Human services for all citizens • Control costs as much as possible • Seek more state and federal support financially • Preserve historical heritage • Quality services at affordable costs • Managers and elected officials must run government with the citizen in mind, not precedence, not adversaries. • Override must be line-item oriented • Maintain good schools guided by prudent spending • Cutting school budgets • Town Manager revaluated • Cutting LEXPRESS out -- too costly • Town control of schools (vs. State) • Reasonable tax levels • Efficient town government 3 Strategic Planning - 10/12/93 Cablevision Call-In Core Values • Quality of life • Investment in children • Facilities • Diversity • Citizen participation • Non exclusion • Support for schools Proeram Priorities • LEXPRESS - Good Transportation System • Quality education • Development in the Hanscom area • Affordable housing • Keep litter under control • Diversity in educational system (teachers) • Diversity/openness in celebrations • Contact East Boston communities regarding their experiences with airport expansion Lone Term Goals • Affordability • Maintain center • Maintain schools • Limit Hanscom growth/development • Met State land as recreation area • Maintain school sports • Bikeway refreshments as money maker • Different approach to school negotiations • Continue to offer superior services (especially in schools) Strategic Planning October 14, 1993 Robert Kennedy School (St. Brigid's) Core Values Must Have Nice to Have • School Excellence 14 3 • Public Safety 9 6 • Conservative Fiscal Policies 7 1 • Stay Within Prop. 2-1/2 (no overrides) 7 2 • Diversity 5 2 • Preserve Town's Reputation for Quality 5 2 • Affordability for Seniors 5 4 • Environmental Principles 5 4 • Maintain Surburban Community 4 7 • Preserve Open Space 4 3 • Maintain Historical Character 4 6 • Fair & Open Assessing Process 3 5 • Excellent Library 2 4 • Equal Service to All Neighborhoods 2 - • Promote Employment Opportunities 1 3 • Beautification 1 7 • Public Transportation 1 6 • Discourage Population Growth 1 2 • Support Maturing Population 1 5 • More Parking - 7 Lone-Term Goals Must Have Nice to Have • Restrain Hanscom Growth 13 3 • Stabilize Tax Rate 12 3 • Improve School System 11 3 • Preserve Conservation Lands 8 6 • Government Accountability 7 3 • Master Plan(s) (ex. streets) 5 8 • Tax Reduction 5 3 • Balanced Zoning 4 6 • Encourage Employment Opportunities 3 8 • Housing for Younger People 3 5 • Improve Downtown Parking 3 7 • Increase Property Values 3 4 • Standardize Street Lighting 1 4 • Rid Ourselves of State & Federal Mandates 1 2 Program Priorities Must Have Nice to Have • Overall School Quality 12 4 • Public Safety 9 9 • Control Unions 7 2 • Restrain Hanscom Growth 6 6 • Retain Current Teacher:Student Ratio 5 2 • Keep E. Lex. Fire Station & Ambulance 5 2 • Lower Water Rates 5 3 • Attract Business/Employment 5 1 • Healthy Downtown 4 4 • Support Populations at Risk 3 1 • Paving Roads 2 2 • Restrain Bedford St. Traffic 2 2 • Oppose Waltham Post Office Expansion 2 - • Maintain Recreation Programs & Facilities 2 6 • Maintain Zoning 2 5 • Maintain Open Space 2 4 • Building Moratorium 2 - • Crosstown Public Transportation 1 3 • Street Lighting 1 7 • Restrain Widening of 2A 1 2 • Met State 1 2 • Police Coverage for Traffic at Center 1 1 • Weekly Recycling Collection 1 2 • More Parking - 3 • Sell Golf Course - 2 • Improve Crosswalk Lighting - - • Support Bike Path - 2 Other Comments: • "Attitude of Town employees, as well as School administration, should be improved. Questions asked about school expenses and success of programs are ignored." • "A salary list should be available re: all Town and school personnel, including additional stipends and health insurance, showing portions contributed by State and Federal Govrnment." • "Firm control over excessive school spending and irrelevent programs for certain ego reasons." • "Some of us are willing to nay for good schools." Strategic Planning - 10/19/93 Estabrook School Core Values Must Have Nice to Have • Excellent schools 24 2 • Preservation of public safety 18 4 • Sense of community (over individual interests) 12 3 • Maintain and Respect Diversity 7 5 • Stable taxes 5 3 • Responsive Town government 4 7 • Maintenance of infrastructure 4 6 • Preservation of open space 4 4 • Attractiveness of community 4 3 • Accountability to taxpayers 4 1 • Affordability 3 2 • Maintenance of libraries 2 18 • Attractiveness of center 1 8 • Good public transportation 1 6 • Strong support for local business environment 1 4 • Balanced and responsible development 1 1 • Recreational opportunities 1 1 • Accountability to children - 2 • Preservation of historical heritage - 2 • Cultural opportunities - - Other comments: • "More gathering space" • "Fiscal responsibility" • "Efficient Town government" Long-Term Goals Must Have Nice to Have • Maintain and improve educational experience of children 13 1 • Continued sense of community 9 8 • Maintain quality services 8 1 • Stable tax rate 8 - • Public safety 7 4 • Open space/Natural resources 6 3 • Responsive government 4 2 • Maintain safety 4 1 • Prevent turf issues (fragmentation) 3 5 • External recognition of quality of schools 3 2 • Fiscal responsibility 3 2 • Limit Hanscom expansion 3 2 • Emphasis on children 3 - I Must Have Nice to Have • Use of available human resources in town (volunteers) 2 9 • Innovative use of resources 2 6 • Maintain heterogeneity of Town 2 4 • Informed planning (use of demographics) 2 2 • Work for more efficient use of resources 2 1 • Encourage more conservation space 2 1 • Encourage a diverse population 2 - • Reexamine use of finances 2 - • Increase affordable housing stock for elderly 1 4 • Limit class size 1 3 • Attract more diverse groups by making them feel welcome here 1 2 • Air space 1 2 • Maintain LEXPRESS 1 - • Balanced development 1 - • Revision of school budget process - 3 • Minimize air and vehicular traffic - 3 • More gathering space - 2 • Hang-out place for teens - 2 • Enhance base to attract tourist dollars - 2 • Affordability - 1 • Increase class size where very low - 1 • No more trees destroyed in favor of roads - 1 • Encourage increased public participation - 1 • Return to twice a year tax payment - 1 • Business retention in center - 1 • Use of consultants (especially as career counsellors) - 1 • Possibility of participation - - • Maintain sports opportunities in schools - - • Technology enhancement - - • Encourage white collar business to enhance tax base - - • Pension funding - - • Health care costs Other comments: • "Improved services for elderly" • "Library system" • 'Open Hastings" • "Keep one good library" • "Business retention in the center" • "Increase efficiency and accountability of Town government" Proaram Priorities Must Have Nice to Have • Maintain quality schools 16 - • Protect trees and open space 8 6 • Open Hastings school 8 - • Limit Hanscom expansion 7 4 • Use of Town resources for basics 7 2 • Support education in Lexington 6 2 • Maintenancd of infrastructure/public works 6 2 • Way to measure all services/programs 5 4 • Accountability as a way to judge the quality of schools 5 3 • Open/improved presentation of budget 4 - • Libraries 3 9 • Feasibility study of the cost of closing the East Lexington Fire Station 3 - • Use of volunteers 2 3 • Limit widening of 2A 2 1 • Maintain LEXPRESS 1 5 • Expanded recreation facilities for elderly 1 3 • Public meeting space for special needs population 1 3 • Expand extended day programs/school year 1 3 • Safety for children 1 2 • Evaluation of schools/all services by users 1 2 • Rewrite zoning laws to be more friendly to small business 1 2 • Assessability of all public buildings 1 1 • Think ahead regarding future trash and recycling needs - 3 • Encourage widening of 2A - 2 • Clear/understandable assessing process - 2 • Privately owned driving range - 1 • Innovation - 1 • Maintain counseling programs (ie: REPLACE) - 1 • Help for those with special needs - 1 • Give attention to funding of pensions - 1 • Fund Hanscom committee - 1 • Address 2A issue - - Other comments: • "Study budget: more efficiency" • "Recreational facilities for young people" • "Services for elderly/children" • "Public safety" • "Maintain class size" • "Budget accountability" Other • Line item vote when override is necessary • Keep override issues "bundled" Strategic Planning - 10/21/93 Temple Isaiah Nice Core Values Must Have To Have • Great Schools 26 - • Personal Security/Public Safety 9 3 • Good Public education (not just for college bound) 8 - • Population diversity 7 2 • Environmental consciousness 6 8 • Residential character 6 6 • Safe Environment (for all) 6 1 • Respect for the rights of all 4 4 • Services for seniors & youth 4 3 • Appropriate recreational facilities 4 3 • Commitment to pay for services (even if this means higher taxes) 4 - • Libraries 3 6 • No more expansion at Hanscom 3 5 • Cultural opportunities 2 3 • Awareness of necessary human services 2 2 • Encourage business growth 2 - • Commercial Development consistent with character of community 1 4 • Great learning opportunities for all groups 1 2 • Openness to new ideas 1 2 • More openness and detail relative to service costs 1 2 • Government accountability on all spending (audits) 1 1 • Lower taxes 1 - • Maintain/increase conservation land - 6 • Health awareness/education- 3 • Minimum of air and noise pollution - 2 • Adequate transportation links (to Boston and within Lexington) - 2 • Support for unemployed - 1 • Manage traffic and parking - 1 • Enhanced tourism - maintain historical character of town - 1 • Churches - - • Community Spirit/Involvement - - Other Comments • "Excellent quality of learning and leisure and recreation for all ages" • "Health and social services addressed and acted upon with effective programs" • "Religious tolerance" • "Civility (Community Relationships)" • "No override of 2 1/2" • "Safe and Clean" 1 • "Human Services - all age groups, but particularly families" Jon Term Goals • Best schools in the country (Open Hastings) 29 2 • More willingness to pay for services 8 3 • Appropriate ratio of open space (no less) 7 4 • Mature, educated youth from schools 7 1 • Emphasis on diversity 6 6 • No more 2 1/2 6 4 • No more development like on Waltham Street (overcrowding) 6 1 • Limit overcrowding in high school 5 1 • Maintain sense of personal security 4 5 • Focus on future/long-range at Hanscom 4 4 • Focus on sending students to public schools, rather than private ones 4 4 • Lexington in the future better than now 4 - • Better coordination between school and town (reduction of overlaps) 3 4 • Budgetary control "creativeness" 3 1 • Maintain premium property values (Understanding of what drives the Lexington market--what do we offer) 2 6 • More debate to reach consensus on goals with more action resulting 2 5 • Keep 2 1/2 2 2 • Improved transportation (direct link) to downtown Boston 2 2 • More regional planning and regionalization of services where possible 1 4 • Coordination of volunteers 1 2 • Recognize the commercial potential of State Hospital 1 1 • Redesigned traffic flow 1 1 • Recognize input of development in surrounding communities on Lexington (i.e. Burlington Mall) - 3 • Maintain open land at State Hospital - 3 • Maintain population of Town - 3 • Volunteerism on Town projects (Like Center playground) - 2 • Routine overrides with inflation - 2 • Welcome newcomers - 1 • Special accommodations for retired (i.e. taxes) - 1 • Fairness of Assessment Process - 1 • Privatization of some services - 1 • Private Donations - - Other Comments • 'Maintenance and improvement of residential character of Town" • "Economic development on mall scale, if prosperous as well" 2 i • "Safe, healthy environment with minimal pollution and traffic emission" Program Priorities • Maintain/improve effectiveness of Lexington schools 19 2 • Maintain library excellence 12 6 • Maintain or improve effectiveness of Police and Fire 11 6 • Maintain/improve enrichment programs in elementary schools 8 2 • Maintain diversity of curriculum in schools 8 2 • Open Hastings (with necessary finding to provide comparative quality) 8 2 • Increase recycling 4 4 • Limit expansion at Hanscom 4 3 • Focus on preventive programs 4 1 • Maintain or improve recreational opportunities for all ages 3 4 • Improvement/maintenance of buildings - - • Zero based budgeting (beginning in schools) 3 - • More health awareness 2 4 • Zero based budgeting in Town 2 2 • Revamp/upgrade Schools (academics) 2 2 • Formation of a cultural council 2 - • Establish a fund to support/protect open space 1 5 • Bikepath safety 1 5 • Evaluation of how much development is desirable 1 2 (Planned development) • More thought/thrift in collective bargaining 1 1 • Improved traffic flow at intersection of 4/225 and Mass. Avenue 1 - • Establish office to improve Lexington's competitive standing (Economic Development?) 15 • Look at alternatives for school calendar • Endowment Program - 4 • Development of a private fund for open space - 2 • Improve written guide to Town - 2 • Positive business environment for small business - 2 • Adequate tourist facilities - 1 • Develop alternative uses for Hanscom - 1 • Evaluate health care costs - 1 • Continue pipe relining - - • Continue street sealing - - • Maintain sister cities links - - • Fee for real estate transactions to support open space - - • Careful consideration before applying for government grant - - • Keep Hastings closed until can afford to open it - - • Planning with tours to reduce instantaneous congestion - - 3 I Other Comments • "Improved communication to achieve greater coordination among agencies and institutions and committees" • "Safety and health and human services programs" • "Minimizing development to maintain open lands and conservation areas" • "Tax construction (keep low)" Other • Recognization of town employees and volunteers 36 Response forms were returned at this session. 4 Strategic Planning 10/25 - Hayden Recreation Center Core Values Must Have Nice to Have • Schools 33 5 • Public safety 15 3 • Sense of community 14 7 • Fiscal responsibility 11 3 • Outdoor recreation space 8 9 • Library 7 8 • Adequate police & fire protection 7 4 • Quality of life 6 3 • Well maintained infrastructure 5 5 • Healthy/clean environment 5 4 • Racially & culturally diverse pop. 5 1 • More diverse Town & School staff 4 5 • Prudent spending 4 5 • Affordable housing 4 4 • Low density 3 1 • Safeguards for peace & quiet (especially vis a vis Hanscom & traffic) 2 5 • Clean(er) air & water 2 4 • Investment in our future 2 - • Pro-business atmosphere 2 - • Support for families 1 3 • Respect for variety of lifestyles 1 3 • Strong business district 1 2 • Better Town management 1 - • Diversity in commercial representation of the Center/Diverse business district - 4 • Open (rather than representative) Town Meeting - 2 • Continued/improved care of historical resources - 2 • Increase open space - 1 • Community or urban planning to prevent deterioration - 1 • "None of the above or below" - - Other Comments: • "Recognition of importance of churches to community" • "Elimination of athletics" 1 Strategic Planning 10/25 - Hayden Recreation Center • "Affordability for all economic and vocational incomes" • "Participation - volunteer, etc. to reduce costs and raise interest" • "Teachers certified to teach subject" • "Teachers should continue improving themselves by attending courses" • "Good recreation program" • "Individuality in person" • "Emergency and long-term health care" • "Balanced services for all ages of the population" • "Community spirit" • "Control growth (re: traffic) • "Recycling/water conservation" • "Concern for citizens of all ages" • "Education, K-12 and continuing education for adults, immigrants, dislocated homemakers, etc. Education is a life long need." • "Services to support residents who can't get support from family, etc , for specific needs" • 'Transportation mobility" • "Control traffic" Lone-Term Goals • Adequate funding to maintain infrastructure 13 4 • Stable tax rate 9 3 • Promote schools which prepare students for their future rather than their past 9 3 • No overcrowded schools 8 3 • Go outside 2 1/2 if necessary 8 1 • Multi-year planning 7 5 • Strong sense of community 7 3 • Reclaim national leadership in education 7 1 • Continue to enhance quality in schools 6 6 • Operate within 2 1/2 6 - • No growth 5 4 • Reduced class size (under 20) 5 0 • Preserve/maintain cultural programs at all levels in the schools 4 5 • State of the art library 4 5 • Use of local talent over consultants/promote volunteerism 4 2 • Better care of conservation land 3 6 • More open space 3 4 • Maintain existing public transportation 3 3 • Orient programs toward families with two working 2 Strategic Planning 10/25 - Hayden Recreation Center parents (especially in schools) 3 3 • More area for people/less traffic 3 - • Some type of funding other than taxes (i.e., long term investments) 2 4 • Line-item vote for overrides 2 3 • Tax equity throughout Town--not just in the Center 2 3 • Environmental awareness (increased recycling; lower water usage) 2 2 • Open more schools 2 1 • Absence of political control over the lives and property of people 2 - • Schools as community learning centers for all ages 1 3 • Increased pride in our community 1 2 • Improved LexHAB programs - less dense; spread through the town more evenly 1 1 • Quality schools at affordable prices for all taxpayers 1 1 • Emphasis on academics as distinct from "social engineering" 1 1 • Eliminate classes with less than 20 students 1 - • Adequate programs and facilities for the for the elderly - 1 • Trees (over roads - no sacrifices) - - Other Comments: • "Sane budgeting - reduce the need for overrides through accurate forecasting" • "Affordable housing" • "Safeguards on noise and congestion vis-a-vis Hanscom and downtown/thru-town traffic" • "Increase business in Town - find out what attracts business - especially biotechnology (`clean industry')" • "Controlled growth/planning" • "Public safety services" • "Viable downtown" • "Better communication" • "Hanscom - lower activity" • "No user fees" • "Improve on educational commitment" • "Maintain center diversity and appearance" • "Limit government spending by transferring services to private enterprise" 3 Strategic Planning 10/25 - Hayden Recreation Center • "Continue METCO" • "Stop zoning exceptions" • "Safe community" • "Support business in center" • "Consider all needs - especially elderly population" Prom-am Priorities Must Have Nice to Have • Schools (maintain & improve services) 16 - • Safety 14 3 • Reopen Hastings with proper funding 10 - • Adequate funding for libraries 7 8 • More accountability in all programs, managed efficiently 7 3 • Health 6 - • Encourage use of volunteers - recognize, reward and mobilize 5 9 • Improved communications by the Town regarding existing programs 5 9 • Continue METCO 5 4 • Extend school year (better academics) 5 1 • Invest in technology for schools and library 4 5 • Continue/expand programs outside the schools for K-12 4 3 • Control unions (especially in schools) 4 3 • Ease zoning restrictions (accessory apts.) 3 1 • Use revenues from golf course to retire the bonds 2 5 • User fees where applicable 2 5 • Understand why businesses leave 2 2 • Maintain East Lexington Fire Station 2 1 • Improve business climate 2 1 • Percentage of Recreation Enterprise Fund (Pine Meadows) should go to maintain conservation land 2 1 • Spend teachers salaries efficiently, while competitive 2 _ • Reexamine METCO program 2 - • Remove right turn barrier at Harrington Road 2 - • Certification of all teachers 1 3 4 Strategic Planning 10/25 - Hayden Recreation Center • Stop granting zoning variances 1 2 • Keep Hastings closed until it's affordable 1 2 • Restructure Lexington Housing Authority to be more affordable 1 - • Reinstate eight routes on LEXPRESS 1 - • Increase fees for LEXPRESS (no total Town subsidy) 1 - • Make Hayden public 1 - • Maintain zoning requirements for signage 1 - • More efficient preservation of property used by various Town departments - 1 • Close East Lexington Fire Station - - • Improved residential climate - tax issue - - • Remove asphalt island near Minuteman Statue - - Other Program Priorities Comments: • "Maintain adequate funding for schools" • "Increase cultural and recreational opportunities for adults" • "Viable community center" • "Senior citizen programs - including LEXPRESS" • "Comfort/beauty in all areas - especially closest to tow center and historical heritage" • "Fiscal responsibility" • 'Keep Hayden private" • "Maintain police presence in center and patrolling of residential streets" • 'Reassess salary/benefits given to all Town employees (union or non-union) to reflect changes being made in industry (e.g. - employees paying greater percentage of health care)" • "Schools should emphasize more academics in areas to prepare them for learning and advancing and becoming contributing members of society" • "Develop an `umbrella' volunteer department and use volunteerism to get more done for less money, e.g. `eight hours for Lexington' - could be a new program for residents to volunteer 8 hours/year (or more) for Town's benefit" Other Comments at this Session • "Every decision based on quality-of-life of our children" • "Buy more conservation land and open space. It will only become more valuable." • "Government should have the least impact upon the lives and properties of the people. Everything possible should be accomplished by voluntary associations - by non- aggression." • "Government should do only those things involving force which are in the nature of counter force. Limited government." 5 Strategic Planning 10/25 - Hayden Recreation Center • "Keep the peace. Prevent and punish aggression. Government should not be the aggressor " Discussion. • Sense of community -> value of all individuals and their input • Potential for diversity • Must look at other programs - want balance - cannot give only to the schools. Police, DPW, etc. are being short changed. • Needs depend upon changing personal situation, priorities change. Need to look at the needs of all citizens • Improved communication is important, the Minuteman doesn't do enough. • No growth - it's the problem rather than the answer. 6 Strategic Planning - 10/27 Lexington High School Core Values Must Have Nice to Have • Schools 28 3 • Safety 14 4 • Sense of community 9 9 • Diversity 9 2 • Maintain open town government (Town Mtg.) 6 4 • Respect for differences 6 2 • Open spaces 5 8 • Conservation 5 7 • Diversity - representation of all 5 3 • Low crime rate 5 3 • Recreation 4 7 • Citizen advocacy 4 5 • Student representative on school committee 3 6 • Maintain library service 3 5 • Efficient services - i.e., Public Works 2 5 • Maintain small business - downtown 2 4 • Reduce young smokers 2 3 • Preservation of historic district 1 7 • Outreach - sister cities - 4 • Health programs - 4 • Commercial services - 3 • Maintain town quality (watch development) - 2 • Deal with racism - 1 Other •"Library" "Social Action" Long-Term Goals Must Have Nice to Have • Schools 28 3 • Continued commitment to excellence in education 27 4 • More diverse socio-economically 21 5 • Gender equality 13 6 • Voting student member of school committee 10 8 • Continued support for supurb public libraries 11 10 • Environmental awareness 9 9 • Upkeep of historical sites 6 9 Other • "Expansion of open land 1 Strategic Planning - 10/27 Lexington High School • "Construction of more affordable housing • "Better student-police relations" • "Increase ethnic diversity • "Increase public outreach services" • "Affordable housing" • "Teacher mentor program to provide transition for new teachers" Proeram Priorities Must Have Nice to Have • Maintain educational levels (develop mentor teacher programs to produce successful transition) 22 3 • More access of youth to Town government 18 10 • Continue fair housing program 17 8 • Larger voter turn-out 12 6 • Increase REPLACE-type programs 10 5 • Foster atmosphere encouraging citizen dialogue 9 11 • More extensive recycling program • Redirect traffic out of center pedestrian walkway 3 11 Other • "Education reform • "Local places to gather" • "Visiting with elderly • "Lower tax rate" • "Continue to put overrides on the ballots - taxes are key to revenue - the long-term benefits of investing in education and town services outweighs the additional tax burden. • "Allow parents and students to have a say in school curriculum" • "Intergenerational programs" • "Community service organizations that improve Town services, etc. (Like the work with our community playground.)" • "Top quality schools" Discussion. • Student participation in government • Importance of improved youth/police relationships • Lack of diversity here fuels bias - Also an affordable housing issue. • Diversity in lifestyles -- advocacy for homosexual/bisexual individuals. • Respect - students, citizens, etc. - should respect one another This helps the education process and promotes sense of community • More encouragement/opportunities for youth involvement in social organizations. • Celebrate existing diversity rather than force assimilation. • Build upon currently existing intergenerational programs. 2 Strategic Planning - 10/27/93 - Heritage Hall Core Values Must Have Nice to have • Schools 29 - • Public Safety 12 5 • Efficiency in Town 7 5 • Diversity - Cultural and economic 4 6 • Respect for land and the use of it 4 3 • Friendly community in which to raise a family and grow old 4 1 • Values of the Community 4 - • Libraries 3 6 • Attractiveness of Town (Aesthetics) 3 4 • Recreation 2 4 • Excellent police/fire services 2 - • COA/Senior Programs 1 4 • Historical aspect 1 2 • Maintenance of the community/Public Works 1 2 • Reasonable tax rate 1 1 • Tradition - 3 • Location - Easy commute to Boston - Access to cultural events - - Other • "Use innovation and imagination to acomplish goals" • "Volunteer corps (exchange for tax credit)" • "Community involvement and participatioin" • "Environmental protection" • "Noise pollution" • "Better transportation system" • "More affordable housing" • "Limit development - airport noise" • Arts" • "Non Discrimination" • "Affordable" • "Controlled development" • "Services for all ages" • "Attractive, vital center" • "Maintenance of open spaces" • "Tolerance for diversity" • "Sense of community despite diversity" • "Keep a small town environment" • "Maintain diverse housing stock from affordable/subsidized up to luxury level" • "Value of common good/mutual responsibility (our historical legacy!)" 1 • "Community that cares for all members" • "Quality of life" • "Support less economically fortunate" • "Finding equitable ways to share costs to support variety of services" • "Maintaining and increasing diversity of viewpoints, cultures, socioeconomic status, and generations" Lona-Term Goals • Schools 20 - • Good recreation facilities 5 2 • Conservation lands within walking distance from most neighborhoods 5 1 • Continued efficiency of Town government 4 3 • Welcoming to all people (Diversity) 3 8 • Maintain and improve quality of schools and library 3 1 • Involvement in schools by all the community, and not just parents 3 - • Stable tax rate 2 2 • Protection of property values 2 1 • Unified long term planning (especially regarding cultural programs) 2 • Maintain small town atmosphere 1 3 • Variety in housing stock --prices (affordability) 1 1 • Fair treatment for all (in schools as well as the community) 1 - • Improve diversity (economic issue) 1 - • Maintain /improve services while recognizing the limitations faced by some citizens (use of income transfers, etc.) 1 - • Public Safety Officers (in place of/or in conjunction with separate police and fire officers) 1 - • Maintain and beautify Town Center - 5 • Abatements/relief for elderly or less able to afford taxes - 2 • Volunteer Service Corps" (as exchange for tax bill) - 2 • Cultural council - l • Willingness to pay for services - 1 • Efficiency - 1 • Housing for deaf near airport - 1 • No more overrides - - • Economic diversity - - • Recognize parent/volunteer efforts in Town and schools - - • Recognize sacrifices of all to live in Lexington (not just elderly) - - 2 • Emphasis on mobilization of human resource Other • "Town schols produce well educated and responsible citizens who are community minded and give back to the community" • "Don't add too much development so that it gets overcrowded" • "Better than excellent schools" • "Stop development, Hanscom and traffic pollution" • "Tradition" • "Non Discriminatory" • "Services to elderly" • "Limited development, airport noise" • "Keep long term residents 'for life" • "Maintain diverse services (for all ages)" • "Humane education" • "More diversity in downtown" • "Progressive tax relief system" • "Attractive town center and neighborhoods" • "Structure to provide forums for public participation" • "Restore schools to 'cutting edge' status of prior generations - there should be places to foster core values - inclusiveness, respect for and commitment to others, as well as to provide optimal learning opportunities" • "Open space" • "Limit development to keep a small town environment" • "Maintain public safety services" • "Try to limit tax increases to the rate of inflation by improved efficiency Provide support for those who no longer can afford the full costs that the average resident care" • "Limit growth - preserve beauty and land and place" • 'Contain airport" • "Libraries" • "An active community willing to implement creative solutions -money/volunteering/ innovative programs" Program Priorities • Schools 25 1 • Preservation of open space (Continue growth of open space in town, helps to maintain a sense of community) 5 6 • Airport issues (Awareness of air and ground traffic and noise) 5 1 • Maintain sense of community 5 • Stop development 3 2 • Work to be more welcoming to diverse populations and outsiders 2 4 • Center needs to provide "ordinary services" - 3 food stores; Woolworths, etc. 2 4 • More diversity (i.e.- African Americans) - affordable housing is related 2 2 • Volunteerism and sharing of knowledge and skills 2 - • 2A Expansion issues 2 - • Public transportation - we're not really accessible to downtown/center city Better links to Alewife 1 6 • Careful monitoring of development 1 2 • Multiculturalism is a good goal, but not if it breaks the budget 1 1 • Innovation/imagination 1 - • Mental health services (increase in, restoration to historical levels 1 - • Cap on taxes for elderly 1 - • More participation public and otherwise concerning Hanscom expansion 1 - • Reduced polarization of groups in Town - 2 • Graduated income tax - 1 • Good relationship with surrounding communities - - • Continued examination of school services - - • Town involvement in tracking/following issues - - Other • "2 1/2 forces community to think about spending - This is a good thing" • "Public safety" (mentioned several times) • "No airport expansion" • "Keep long time residents in their homes by publicizing negative amortization and perhaps a tax abatement" • "Overall Town services" • "Recreation and conservation land" • "Cultural councils" • "LexPress" • "Library" (mentioned a number of times) • "Regional planning" • "Increase community service opportunities" • "Human resources (housing, mental health)" • "Human services" • "Better services for truly needy housing; tax relief; mental health" • "Can reduce fire services" • "Environment/library" • "Public health and safety • "Upkeep and services" • 'Plans for economic diversity - housing/taxes" • 'Compare our per capita program costs with similar towns --- where could we follow their 4 lead and save money?" • "Being active in looking at/lobbying for financing for schools at state level should be a priority - but I don't see it as a trade-off to these others. Lexington should be leader in progressive solutions to terrible dilema of funding schools through property taxes. Other Comments • "Maintain tight control over expansion at Hanscom. Strong local government is a must with no let up" • "Support schools but with good dialogue to show all costs have been examined" • "Economic and ethnic diversity" • "Public service officers (combining fire and police services)" • "Commercial services in center of town expanded to include such things as hardware stores" • "Keeping Lexington affordable under 2 1/2. Can't we try to live within a reasonable budget? • "I am opposed to condoms in the school - where is individual responsibility?" • "I am totally opposed to the Emotional Needs Survey" • "If taxes keep rising, the town will become even more elitist than it is now" 5 Strategic Planning - 10/30/93 - Diamond Middle School Core Values Must Have Nice to have • Leadership in education 29 5 • Sense of community; willingness to sacrifice 12 5 • Diversity• Economic and demographic 11 3 • Safety for people and property 9 4 • Delightful place to raise family 7 2 • Long term perspective; Vision 5 7 • Accountability 5 1 • Innovative, creative Town management 4 7 • Maintain access to Town resources (Library,conservation) 3 9 • Environmental responsibility 3 78 • Participative decision-making 3 4 • Live within Town's resources 3 2 • Political inclusion 3 1 • Mutual respect 3 - • Fairness and morale 3 - • Encourage business 2 5 • Traffic safety 2 3 • Valuing our history 2 1 • Preserve open space 1 10 • Awareness of external issues 1 - • Affordable housing 1 - • Participation in Town events - 3 • Ease of assimilation (welcoming community) - - Other Comments • "Town police must learn better traffic control" • "Community service" • "Maintain infrastructure" • "Long term vision coupled with value for history" • "Environmental pleasant (open space, low airplane traffic)" • 'Frugal efficient government" • "Have regional outlook" • "Honesty in government (people should not seek support for golf course purchase by saying some land can be used for housing and then be backers to defeat housing)" • Creating conditions so that residents can remain after retirement" • "No congestion" Lone Term Goals • Maintain school excellence 27 - • Maintain library quality 7 4 • Affordability 7 - 1 • Maintain infrastructure (roads, sewer) 6 4 • Maintain diverse social programs (Lexpress, elderly ) 6 3 • Efficient Town government 6 3 • Community not broken into special interests 4 5 • Control Hanscom growth 4 4 • Increase diversity 4 3 • More integrative meeting/decision-making process 4 1 • Minimize noise pollution (aircraft) 3 1 • Maintain diverse commerce in Town center 2 6 • Maintain/increase open space 2 4 • Encourage business to offset taxes, expand tax base 2 4 • Fiscal conservatism 2 2 • Lead in environmentalism (ex: electric school bus) 2 2 • Pedestrian and bicycle safety 2 1 • Strive for national recognition in education 2 1 • Encourage cross-generational programs 1 3 • Maintain/expand public transportation 1 3 • Encourage commercial service to community 1 2 • Decrease auto traffic/enforce speed limits 1 1 • Education funding outside of property taxes 1 1 • Met State 1 1 • Town input regarding Met State 1 - • Increase in population 1 - • Open town meeting - 1 • Fees to those using services - 1 • Increase town owned open space - - Other • "Preservation of the Town's historical traditions and values of patriotism, honesty, community spirit, and volunteerism" • "Support of senior citizens center" • "Maintain public safety") (Mentioned a number of times) • "Keep low teacher/pupil ratio" • "Construct more sidewalks" • "Maintain town services" • "Encourage citizen service" • "Industry involvement in education" • "Find creative funding for programs" • "Maintain access to Town resources" • "Programs for youth" • "Decrease auto and plane traffic and speed" • "Doubling of black residents by the year 2005" • "More affordable units for families" 2 • "Commercial viability of center and corporate businesses" • "Committee of tradesmen (electricians, plumbers, carpenters) to examine Met State buildings on conditions - home for battered women, senior citizen housing, day care center" Program Priorities • School Quality 20 1 • Maintain public safety/police 8 4 • Identify necessities and explore inter-town cooperation 8 3 • Maintain fire/ambulance 6 1 • Planned response to growth 5 3 • Maintain teacher/student ratio 5 2 • Encourage business in town center 4 4 • School space/facilities to keep up with populations growth 4 2 • "TQN" approach in Town departments (Measure quality goals) 4 - • E-Mail for Board of Selectmen 3 3 • Encourage programs and activities for youth 3 3 • Program to reconcile opposing interests 3 1 • Program to restructure and rethink school funding 2 4 • Accountability from and to town employees 2 3 • Encourage community service from seniors 2 3 • Zoning in favor of various generations 2 2 • Affordable housing 2 1 • Student community service 2 1 • METCO 2 - • Language programs in schools 1 2 • Investment in technology to link with nation 1 1 • More sidewalks, bikeways, traffic enforcement 1 1 • Program to consolidate recreation and youth programs 1 1 • Voluntary tax relief association 1 • Promote inter-school sharing of resources (including Minuteman Tech) 1 - • Control unions/pay increases 1 - • Composting - 1 • Self-funding recycling (utilize materials in house - 1 • Increase grant-seeking for external funding - - • Get money from adjoining developments (for traffic noise abatements) - - • Fund-raising through schools - - Other • "Expanded teen programs" 3 a • "Encourage business to settle here" • "Increase frequency of street repaving" • "Social programs for youth" • "Hanscom control" • "Encourage contributions from commercial enterprise" • "Encourage overrides when necessary to maintain quality of town" • "Affordable housing for families at Met State and elsewhere" • "Affirmative action to increase number of black residents" • "Voluntary extra tax payments by those who are able" Other Comments • "Bundling of overrides" • "Unbundling of overrides" • "Golf course income to town" • "Less crosswalks for added safety and expediting of traffic through town" 4