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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-10-2020-min2020 Vision Committee December 10, 2009 Selectmen's Meeting Room 7:45 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. In attendance: Jane Warren, Chuck Benson, Ann Redmon, Bhumip Khasnabish, Fernando Quezada, Alan Wrigley, Peter Enrich, Peter Lee, George Burnell, Carl Valente, Candy McLaughlin, Brianna Olson Meeting Began: 7:45 a.m. The Committee approved the minutes from the 11/12/2009 meeting, as well as the narrative for the Town Report. Peter Enrich suggested that an additional bullet be added to the narrative to mention the work of the Demographic Change Task Force. Futures Panel: There has been good feedback on the Futures Panel, and Fernando's follow -up letter to the editor was published in the Minuteman. Lexington Citizens Academy: Carl stated that there was great feedback from department heads. They were impressed with the curiosity and enthusiasm of the participants. Candy commented that participants enjoyed the Academy as well, and had given great feedback as well. Fernando asked if participants ever conveyed a sense of feeling disconnected or not plugged in to the Town. Candy said she didn't get that sense, and that participants seemed engaged with and interested in the Town. Fernando wondered if it would be possible to get additional mileage out of the Academy. It will be mentioned in the Town report, and several of the department's presentations are on the 2020 Committee section of the website: http: / /lexingtonma.gov /committees /2020vision.cfm. It may also be possible to have an article published in the Colonial Times- Alan Wrigley will call Jim Shaw. Graduates of the Academy will also be added to the 2020 alumni list. With regard to a cycle for the Academy, it was generally agreed that the Academy should be run again. A specific date was not decided, but it was agreed that the Academy should probably be held once a year until it becomes overenrolled. An announcement may be put on the website to announce a potential Fall 2010 Academy. It may be possible to begin taking names of interested participants now, and notify them once Academy dates are nailed down. Brianna made a PowerPoint presentation about citizen feedback from the Academy. Demographic Change Task Force: The Demographic Change Task Force will be making a presentation to the 2020 Committee at the next meeting. In general, the Task Force found that lots of data are missing that would create a complete demographic profile of Lexington. In general, the Task Force found that the percentage of Asian residents in Lexington is increasing, but that the demographic as a whole remains unengaged. With regard to future work, an MIT class will work with local groups on data - related projects as part of their course requirements. It was suggested that a request for additional data analysis could be made to the class. In terms of continuing with the Task Force, it was suggested that the 2020 Committee could make suggestions for next steps, such as age and income issues to investigate further, but that the Task Force could become semi - dormant. It was decided that the Task Force will be asked what they would like to do. Precinct Meetings: As background, the TMMA had originally wanted to initiate precinct meetings, and wanted the 2020 Committee to help. The status of these precinct meetings is uncertain, particularly because there is no 2020 liaison from Town Meeting. It discussed this position should be revived. Fernando will suggest this to Marsha Baker. It was suggested that if the Demographic Change Task Force develops a substantial demographic profile for the Town, they could disseminate it via the precincts and gather feedback about the next steps. Other Business: The topic of Lexington Reads this year will be on "our town," anchored by the book Home Town by Tracy Kidder. The Human Rights Commission will be focusing on changes in Lexington in the 1960s. It may be possible for the 2020 Committee to get involved with Lexington Reads, especially with the demographic profile from the Task Force. Next Meeting: January 14, 2010, 7:45 a.m. -9:00 a.m., Selectmen's Meeting Room Meeting Adjourned: 9:00 a.m.