HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-04-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JUNE 4, 2020
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on June 4, 2020, Virtual Meeting per Governor Baker’s Order at 6:00pm
Present: Robert Creech, Chair; Charles Hornig, Vice-Chair; Robert Peters, Clerk; and Richard Canale. Also,
present was Amanda Loomis, Planning Director
Robert Creech, Chair, read the agenda into the record, introduced members of the Planning Board and Planning
Department Staff, and called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2020.
Mr. Creech read the following statement relative to the recent outbreak of COVID-19.
Good evening. This meeting of the Lexington Planning Board is being conducted remotely consistent
with Governor Baker’s Executive Order of March 12, 2020, due to the current State of Emergency in the
Commonwealth due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
In order to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, we have been advised and directed by the
Commonwealth to suspend public gatherings, and as such, the Governor’s Order suspends the
requirement of the Open Meeting Law to have all meetings in a publicly accessible physical location.
Further, all members of public bodies are allowed and encouraged to participate remotely.
The Order, which you can find posted with agenda materials for this meeting allows public bodies to meet
entirely remotely so long as reasonable public access is afforded so that the public can follow along with
the deliberations of the meeting.
Ensuring public access does not ensure public participation unless such participation is required by law.
This meeting will feature public comment. For this meeting, the Lexington Planning Board is convening
by video conference via Zoom as posted on the Town’s Website identifying how the public may join.
Please note that this meeting is being recorded, and that some attendees are participating by video
conference.
Accordingly, please be aware that other folks may be able to see you, and take care not to “screen share”
your computer. Anything that you broadcast may be captured by the recording.
1. Board Member and Staff Updates
Amanda Loomis provided a brief update regarding the June 4, 2020 public hearing being held for the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) being held in Ashland, for a joint application that is
being submitted. Ms. Loomis further provided an update on the June 4, 2020 MAGIC meeting, in
addition to the status of the Trend Reports for the Comprehensive Plan.
Charles Hornig provided a brief update regarding his attendance at the June 4, 2020 MAGIC meeting, in
addition to the MAPC webinar: Sharing Our Streets. Mr. Hornig further provided a review on the Cotting
School meeting held on June 4, 2020 regarding the potential removal of a tree.
2. Review Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Bob Creech, Chair provided an updated regarding a document for Article 10M (LexHab, 116 Vine Street
Design Funds) and Article 19 (Establish, Dissolve and Appropriate to and from Specified Stabilization
Funds).
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of June 4, 2020
Mr. Creech asked if any members of the Planning Board had any additional Town Meeting related articles
to discuss. No additional discussion items were identified.
3. Upcoming Meetings and Anticipated Schedule
Charles Hornig questioned if the Monday, June 8, 2020 Planning Board Meeting could be cancelled.
Members of the Planning Board discussed the meeting and concurred to cancel the June 8, 2020 Planning
Board meeting.
4. Board Member and Staff Updates
Robert Peters requested an update on the Economic Development Director position. Ms. Loomis provided
a brief update on the recent hire and start of the new Economic Development Director.
Robert Peters questioned if the meeting line was still needed for the June 4, 2020 session of Town
Meeting. The Planning Board discussed the need to caucus during Town Meeting and concurred to keep
the line.
Adjournment
Richard Canale moved that the Planning Board vote to adjourn. Robert Peters seconded the
motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 4-0-0 (Roll Call: Charles Hornig –
yes; Richard Canale – yes; Robert Peters – yes; and Robert Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 6:24p.m.
Robert Peters, Clerk of the Planning Board