Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-03-2020-min 2020 Vision Committee June 3, 2010 7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Selectmen’s Meeting Room Members present: Fernando Quezada, Janice Frascatore, Bhumip Khasnabish, Peter Lee, Barry Orenstein, Dan Krupka, Peter Enrich, Marian A.O. Cohen, Richard Canale, George Burnell Staff and guest: Candy McLaughlin, Brianna Olson, Mark Sandeen Meeting Began: 7:45 a.m. The minutes from last month’s meeting were approved. Climate Action Initiative: Fernando summarized the history of recent climate action efforts beginning with a 2020 Vision Task Force in 2006. The Selectmen then appointed an ad hoc Climate Action Plan Committee, which became dysfunctional and was dissolved without completing its charge. George said he is stepping in to carry forward climate action initiatives that Jeanne Krieger championed when she was on the Board of Selectmen. George stated that he thinks 2020 Vision should hold on to the long-range issues for the time being, and separate out actions that can be implemented now for a new committee to work on. He distributed a proposed charge for a Sustainable Lexington Action Committee. Discussion ensued about terminology and the boundary between the proposed committee’s work and that of 2020 Vision. The consensus was to support George’s recommendation that the Selectmen appoint a new committee to identify and focus on concrete, short-term actions that Lexington can take to mitigate or adapt to climate change. Peter Enrich raised the process issue of how to link back to Town Meeting’s recent discussion of an article proposing a Moderator-appointed committee to address climate change, which was voted down after 2020 Vision indicated its intent to take up the issues. Mark said he would get in touch with Adam Sacks who submitted the article and Joe Pato from the Appropriations Committee. Another issue raised was the large number of existing committees in Lexington, several of which address different aspects of “sustainability”. Richard suggested conducting an inventory of current committee issues and resources. George said that an unofficial report from the Chair of the ad hoc Climate Action Plan Committee should be available soon. Fernando noted that 2020 Vision initially inventoried a list of 27 goals for which they would serve as stewards, and suggested revisiting these goals to see where sustainability issues are intertwined. Several thoughts were expressed regarding 2020 Vision’s role in relation to sustainability going forward: think tank, steering committee, re-scoping group. These issues will be discussed at the next 2020 Vision Committee meeting. Board of Selectmen Goal-Setting: Fernando asked the group for input to the Board of Selectmen for their annual goal-setting. Marian recommended that addressing transportation issues is important for the coming year; she noted that a transportation forum will be held at the Senior Center later in June, but that transportation was a Town-wide issue. Richard Canale agreed, noting that the Planning Board would soon be meeting with the Board of Selectmen on the proposed Transportation Management Overlay District (TMOD) for the Hartwell Avenue area, and that the Town would soon be making large policy decisions related to transportation priorities and funding. Peter Enrich suggested that 2020 Vision offer their resources to the Board of Selectmen for issues requiring long-term visioning. Lexington Citizens’ Academy: Candy updated 2020 Vision that the Town Manager’s Office and Town staff are planning for the second annual Lexington Citizens’ Academy to begin in the fall. Demographic Change Task Force: Candy reported that Dan and Bebe had presented the Demographic Change Task Force report to the Board of Selectmen, the Senior Management Team would address the report in their goal-setting session later in June, and the Human Services Committee would discuss the report in July or August. The Planning Board and School Committee have received the report for review as well, and the report has also been posted on the Town’s website. Fernando expressed his thanks to the Task Force for their work. Marian wondered if any discussions had focused on the report’s recommendation that there be the collection and analysis of additional data. Candy commented that it is unlikely that the State will change their census form, but that it might be possible for Lexington to include a separate form in the annual census to collect additional demographic data. George wondered if it would be possible to do an in-house projection of the Town’s aging population, or if additional data were needed. Other Items: Richard noted that 2020 Vision should also discuss the changes to the Open Meeting Law, which including requiring the posting of agendas 48 hours in advance of a public meeting and 24/7 accessibility to meeting postings and agenda. Fernando agreed, noting it was very much in line with the goals of 2020 Vision. Adjourn: 9:00 a.m.