HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-08-2020-min
2020 Vision Committee
April 8, 2010
7:45 a.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Room
In attendance: Fernando Quezada, Janice Frascatore, Jane Warren, Alan Wrigley, Chuck
Benson, Bhumip Khasnabish, Peter Lee, Barry Orenstein, Dan Krupka, Peter Enrich, Candy
McLaughlin, Brianna Olson, Carl Valente
Meeting Began:
7:45 a.m.
The minutes from last month’s meeting were approved.
Demographic Change Task Force Report:
Peter Enrich commented that he saw three major points for future discussion: the potential
impact of demographic changes on Town services, diversity in the community, and the
importance of participation and involvement of all groups in Town government. Fernando
suggested that a working group on participative government, and community discourse, may be
worth pursuing in the future. Candy noted that another goal of the report was to frame the
context of the demographic changes more clearly to guide future dialogue. Alan agreed, and
noted that some of the issues discussed in the report have broader implications than just within
the Town; for example, that participation in any organization is a continual issue.
Chuck wondered whether there was a role for 2020 in identifying prominent trends. Fernando
suggested that there should be discussion about how to encourage or discourage trends, and how
to best accommodate the demographics of the Town. Carl suggested that another approach
would be to ask whether the Town is prepared to handle the demographic trends in the Town,
such as how to ensure the demographics are well-integrated into Town services and dialogue.
Carl noted that this is a community issue, which may well be addressed by 2020 Vision or the
Human Services Committee.
Questions were raised as to whether the Task Force should dig deeper into certain issues
presented in their report, such as economic diversity, causes of specific trends, MCAS scores,
and financial assistance. Several committee members identified issues that arise from the Task
Force’s data. Peter Lee noted that Town Meeting and other Town boards and committees are not
representative of the current Town demographics. Alan commented that the age and lack
English language proficiency of the Asian-American demographic may make their involvement
in Town more difficult to encourage. Fernando suggested that new models of community
dialogue, such as online tools, may help facilitate this communication.
Dan suggested that there are communities that have addressed similar issues from which the
Town could glean best practices. Carl noted that it is difficult to find communities in the
surrounding area, as Lexington is unique in its demographic profile. Dan noted that the MAPC
would be a good resource for comparable communities; Peter Enrich suggested that partnerships
with the MAPC and other communities may be beneficial. Carl suggested that the Human Right
Committee might also have resources.
It was reported that the Senior Managers recently reviewed and discussed the Demographic
Change Task Force Report. The next step is for the Board of Selectmen to formally accept the
report. Fernando wondered whether the Committee wanted to make additional recommendations
beyond those made in the Task Force report. He suggested that the Committee’s transmittal
letter to the Selectmen may be a good way to highlight the points that Peter mentioned
previously. Barry suggested that the final paragraph could also identify the types of additional
data that are needed to make further recommendations. Dan suggested that the paragraph
emphasize that both Department heads and community members are responsible for addressing
the issues raised.
Chuck suggested that reviewing the 2020 goals for current progress, and adding or editing goals
to reflect ongoing discussion of the demographic changes presented in the Report. Fernando
agreed that encouraging diversity in Town government, boards and committees is a current 2020
goal, and that reviewing all 2020 goals is a worthwhile discussion. Barry also wondered about
developing short-term and long-term goals, and deciding who addresses which goals. Carl noted
that one of each group’s responsibilities is to address issues preemptively, and that the report
points toward the types of issues to which they can respond. Fernando said that the report can be
used to take proactive steps as well. Peter Enrich agreed that as much of the demographic data
presented to the Task Force is foundational to long-range planning, 2020 Vision should have an
ongoing role in the discussion of the data.
Peter Enrich suggested that there were many avenues of distribution available after the Board of
Selectmen accept the report. He suggested the information could be transmitted to the
Minuteman, other media outlets, and the Town website. Chuck suggested that the Minuteman
may be able to run sections of the report, as short segments or in a series of Letters to the Editor.
Fernando suggested that 2020 Vision reach out to the Planning Board, Council on Aging, Human
Rights Committee, the Housing Partnership, and the Library. Peter Enrich suggested the
Chinese-American Association be engaged as well. Peter continued that, in addition to
discussing the peaks in particular demographics, the troughs should be discussed as well; for
example, that the trough in the young adult demographic could be discussed with the Youth
Council. Carl added that another forum for discussion not yet mentioned is the Council on
Aging. Chuck agreed that the report should be discussed with many boards and committees to
get their perspectives. Peter Lee agreed, but suggested that there was a broader base of residents
and the community at large that should be engaged.
Fernando suggested that the Committee first limit their outreach to ensure the Committee can
successfully engage each committee. Barry noted that the Committee should set its priorities on
distribution and engagement, as they have limited resources and innumerable ideas that will only
increase. Fernando suggested a good place to start would be with the process in place - that the
Committee transmit the report to the Board of Selectmen, widely disseminate the report, and then
work on scheduling meetings to target outreach to different boards and committees. Carl agreed,
and suggested that the Committee get feedback from the Board of Selectmen on what
committees they would like to see engaged.
Adjourn:
9:00 a.m.
Next Meeting:
Friday, May 7, 2010; 7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m., Selectmen’s Meeting Room