HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-21-2020-min (2) Town of Lexington
Lexington 2020 Vision Committee
Minutes of Meeting of June 21, 2013
A meeting of the 2020 Vision Committee was held on Friday, June 21st at 7:45 a.m.in the Selectmen's
Meeting Room in the Town Office Building at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue.
Members Present: Fernando Quezada, Marian Cohen, Alan Wrigley, Bhumip Khasnabish, Jane Warren,Peter
Lee, BOS Liaison Joe Pato,Planning Board Liaison Greg Zurlo
Staff. Candy McLaughlin, Michelle Stevens
Members Absent: Chuck Benson, Dan Krupka, Andrew Dixon,Peter Enrich, School Committee Liaison
Margaret Coppe
Others present: Carroll Ann Bottino
Action Items:
• Start to plan the Citizens' mini-Academy. (Fernando/Marian)
• Meet with Deb Mauger and Norman Cohen to discuss the analytical potential of the community
survey. (Marian/Candy)
• Meet with Greg Zurlo and Charles Hornig from the Planning Board to discuss the analytical potential
of the community survey (Marian)
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 a.m. and acted on the following items:
Approved the minutes from May 24,2013.
Begin planning Citizens' mini-Academy: The Committee discussed organizing a three-hour Citizens' mini-
Academy, consisting of a presentation and a panel discussion. Joe Pato asked about the goals of the mini-
academy. The Committee said the goals are not only to discuss the community and Town government,but also
to make people feel comfortable in contacting the Town and volunteering. To achieve these goals, the
Committee said the mini-academy should highlight governance, the importance of volunteerism, financials and
Town services. The Committee decided the best time for the academy would be in the fall or winter. Fernando
and Marian started a working group to plan the details of the mini-Academy.
Discussed community survey analysis: Marian said she met with Candy and Carl to review the results of the
community survey. She said Carl is interested in the demographics piece of the survey and wants to have a
similar community survey every two years. Also, Candy said a brief demographic analysis was provided to the
Board of Selectmen for their annual goal setting session, and the Board designated Deb Mauger and Norman
Cohen to work with the 2020 Vision Committee to discuss the analytical potential of the survey. Greg said the
Planning Board is on a similar track as the Selectmen. He said members of the Planning Board would like to
meet with Marian to discuss how best to use the survey. Fernando suggested meeting soon.
Received update from subcommittee on demographic change: Peter L. said the subcommittee is continuing
their work to identify the barriers of Asian-Americans getting involved in the Town. He said their suspicions
have been confirmed in many ways, especially with the older generation not wanting to get involved because
of their negative perception of government. He also said families are busy and don't have a lot of time to
volunteer. Peter noted that the subcommittee is planning to present its final report in December; this will
include recommendations for how the Town can reach out to get these populations more involved in Town
government. Fernando said their work is important because it contributes towards sending a message that
Lexington is diverse and welcoming.
Membership Updates: The Committee thanked Michelle Stevens for her assistance during her two years in
Lexington. Joe said the Selectmen plan to review all committee charges and also look at how to bring in
people with matching skill sets. Greg and Fernando commented that visioning involves sensing issues as they
emerge and transparently shaping the future.
Meeting Adjourned: 9:00 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michelle Stevens, Scribe
Next meeting: Friday, July 19 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room