HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-20-EDAC-min
Town of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee
April 20, 2011
Legion Room, Cary Hall 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA
8:00am-9:30am
MINUTES
PRESENT: Chair: John McWeeney, Frederick DeAngelis, Jerold Michelson, Lawrence Smith
Liaison, non-voting: George Burnell (Selectmen), Peter C.J. Kelley (Selectmen), Greg Zurlo (Planning)
Staff present: Aaron Henry, Karen Mullins, Brianna Olson, Carl Valente and Susan Yanofsky
Meeting was called to order at 8:05am. Mark Sandeen of Sustainable Lexington spoke to the committee
about their efforts toward the 20% energy reduction by 2020. Sustainable Lexington has been working
with I-B logix on a pilot program for their diagnostic software on energy efficiency. They are interested in
approaching buildings with 50,000 s.f. or more to sign a release of their utility bills to prepare an analysis
of their energy use and potential savings. The EDAC members were enthusiastic in rolling this kind of
program out in Lexington. R. DeAngelis commented that for building owners it is a simple matter of
reducing costs, it is good business and it is good policy. L. Smith said many building owners work with
MassSave to increase their energy savings. It was suggested that Mark Sandeen pull together a memo
outlining the program and S.Yanofsky will distribute it to business/landowners.
L. Smith brought up the question of economic development department reorganization. L. Smith expressed
that any thought of the department being under planning was cutting it off at the knees. R. DeAngelis
concurred that the position and department are gathering steam and need to maintain the visibility of this
function. C. Valente stated that this is just beginning to be looked at all levels.
Karen Mullins presented a brief summary of the View Permit software the community development
department is thinking of purchasing. The software will allow for permit tracking through a universal
database and will be a GIS based system. Members expressed that it was a great idea, and big benefit if the
program can move along quickly. R. DeAngelis asked how we are becoming more user friendly and that
we should look at another community process.
Aaron Henry commented that it might be useful to look at larger communities because they have legacy
problems and how did they move past this problem.
R. DeAngelis suggested ensuring that the company was stable, and suggested looking into how long they
have been in businesses, how are they funded, who are the principals and what are their backgrounds, etc.
J. McWeeney brought the question of expanding membership to the committee. It was suggested that
invitations be sent to Bruce Embry and Michael Martignetti to attend our meetings as potential members.
S. Yanofsky will extend an invitation to both individuals.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30
.
C:\Documents and Settings\dhooper\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK102\Minutes 4-20-11.doc