HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-27-VISION2025-minTown of Lexington
Vision for Lexington Committee Meeting
March 27, 2026
Remote Meeting
8:00 a.m. — 9:00 a.m.
Minutes
Members Present: Marian Cohen, Margaret Coppe, John Giudice, Bhumip Khasnabish, Tom Lin, Carol
Marine, Michael Schanbacher, Catherine Yan, Min Zhou.
Absent: Sara del Nido Budish, Andrew Dixon, Larry Freeman (School Committee), Vineeta Kumar (Select
Board), Shannon Murtagh,
Guests: John Zhao, Council on Aging
Mona Roy, School Committee
PK Shiu,
Sub Datta Subhrangsha
Meeting was called to order: 8:15 AM
The remote meeting script was read by Margaret Coppe.
Roll Call Vote: Cohen, Aye; Coppe, Aye; Giudice, Aye; Khasnabish, Aye; Lin, Aye; Marine, Aye;
Schanbacher, Aye; Yan, Aye; Zhou, Aye
The start of the meeting was delayed due to members having trouble with accessing the Zoom link.
Minutes:
• The approval of minutes from February 27, 2026 with edits, was moved and seconded.
• Roll Call Vote: Cohen, Aye; Coppe, Aye; Giudice, Aye; Khasnabish, Aye; Lin, Aye; Marine, Aye;
Schanbacher, Aye: Yan, abstain; Zhou, Abstain
The vote is unanimous.
Meeting Highlights
VFL Website and report on email
Nothing to report.
Applicants for one position on VFL
PK Shiu and Datta Subhrangsha have submitted applications. Both were invited to today's meeting. VFL
has to submit a recommendation to the Select Board. Committee members were asked to send their
preference to the chair so as not to violate the Open Meeting Law. The chair will forward the
recommended candidate to the Select Board.
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Town Wide Survey
Tom Lin proposed reducing the survey budget from $75k to $25k by simplifying the survey,
reducing data analysis, and eliminating focus groups. Envision Arlington's $360 Survey Monkey
survey and $1,000 mailing costs were cited as benchmarks.
Marian Cohen emphasized the importance of comprehensive analysis and representative
sampling, noting a 10% response rate was acceptable. John Giudice and John Zhao raised
concerns about the impact of reduced budgets on survey quality and outcomes.
Tom clarified that the proposed reduction would not remove existing questions on DEI, quality
of life, and affordability but would limit the addition of new questions.
Michael Schanbacher emphasized the importance of trusting professional analysis and ensuring
that the survey's results are backed by thorough analysis. Marian Cohen explained the survey's
distribution methods and the representative nature of the sample John Giudice supported
Marian's point, noting that a representative sample is more important than the response rate.
The committee debated whether to propose a $50k or $60k budget, ultimately leaning towards
$60k to balance costs and quality.
Revise the budget slide and supporting language to articulate the reduced -scope survey approach
(fewer/new questions, reduced analysis/reporting, focus group handling) so the lower budget
request is clearly justified for submission.
Attempt to obtain the 2022 survey documentation and cost breakdown showing how previous
budget was spent (focus groups, analysis, reporting) for use in current budgeting discussions
Zoom meeting ended before formal adjournment. Meeting ended at 9:00 AM
Next meeting: April 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Remote by Zoom
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