HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-21-SBFRC-minTown of Lexington, MA
Stone Building Feasibility/Re-Use Ad Hoc Committee
January 21, 2021 8:00 AM
Hosted online @
https://zoom.us/j/97846615006?pwd=aU1FajNyNk9tRmlBQzhOd0RCUEV3Zz09
Attending: Jill Hai (Select Board Liaison), Cristina Burwell, Devan Marks, Lester Savage, Anne Grady,
Melinda Nasardinov , Mark Manasas, Paul Smyke, Carolyn Goldstein, Jeff Howry, Meg Muckenhoupt
(Appropriations Committee Liaison), Claire Feingold Thoryn (Cary Library Trustees Liaison)
Absent:
Recording Secretary: Cristina Burwell:
Community Observers: Elaine Ashton
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8:05 am called to order by Jill Hai, with opening remarks
Online Roll call - all present
Approval of minutes from last meeting (November 10, 2020)
Comments or Questions concerning the prior meeting’s Minutes
MM: #7 Missing acceptable uses: Building can be used for anything not counter to the wishes of
trustees of the library. Ann motioned to approve minutes as amended, seconded by Lester. Roll call
held with unanimous approval with amendment.
Open issues
1.There was a motion by Paul to approve Cristina Burwell as Vice-Chair, and seconded by Mark.
Roll call held with unanimous approval.
2.It was agreed on that the third Thursday of the month 8am continues to be a good time for
Committee members to meet.
New business
1.Existing Historic Report
Anne sent an email to committee members that laid the groundwork (6 page summary). Jeff
will send this to the selectmen’s office to be put on the Committee’s webpage.
2.Financial Summary Overview
Mark presented a slide deck on recent and proposed spending.
This brought up discussion about needing updates to confirm that the 2009 study was still
relevant and valid (the 2009 report was created when 2008 Stone Building Feasibility Study -
didn’t pass as an HSR report). It was discussed that the Committee will need an updated report
as part of our recommendations, however Jill noted that the Town wouldn’t expend money until
we had a purpose. Mark suggested applying for a grant to the Community Endowment of
Lexington (LOI due 2/4 - 5pm) for this or community outreach support. Carolyn mentioned a
revised proposed rehab and construction plan based on uses we are proposing.
3.Establishing benchmarks for the committee’s progress
●It was flagged that the Committee charge runs through Sept. 2021.
●The Committee discussed ways to begin with the process to solicit community input. It
was discussed how to get the word out and how to facilitate this process - with a
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general sense to not have a sense of urgency overpass our need to wrap our heads
around the process. Mark and Jill both indicated that they have lists of local
organizations and contacts to begin outreach. Devon suggested that we prepare a short
video (in the time of social distancing) to overview our Ask and the building’s
significance.
●Jill mentioned that an ideal way to have forums was in partnership with a survey. These
are typically done by someone on the Committee, but might be assisted by the Town
Information Officer. It was suggested that idea generation might happen on one day
and one evening in a 1 - 2 week time period (with an expected 15 - 50 people in
attendance, but probably on the lower side)
●It was recommended that subcommittees might be assigned to individuals for outreach
to specific groups related to the building - such as east lexington, abolition, women’s
suffrage, etc.
4.Other
a.Devon proposed meeting twice monthly to speed up the work of the Committee this
year, which was generally agreed upon by the group.
b.Melinda shared two resources: the book The Art of Family, which includes an article
about family items preserved by Ellen Adelia Robbins Stone, and an article in the
Historical Journal of Massachusetts “The Robbins Family of East Lexington,
Massachusetts: Furriers and Their Clothing, 1775-1825.” She will follow up to provide
resources to the Committee.
c.Anne mentioned Lynne Spenser (report) who could present to the Committee about
how the building could be restored.
d.Les offered to be in touch with the Lexington Historical Society to see if there are other
photos available to the Committee.
Motion to adjourn made by Anne seconded by Mark
Roll call for meeting adjournment was unanimous
Adjourned 9:09 am
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