HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-23-EDAC-minTown of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee
June 23, 2011
Legion Room, Cary Hall 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA
8 : 00am -9 : 3 Dam
MINUTES
PRESENT: Chair John McWeeney, Vice Chair Narain Bhatia, Lawrence Smith, Bruce Embry, David
Pronchick, Sigmar Tullman, Joe Zink, and Jerold Michelson
Liaison, non - voting: George Burnell (Selectmen), Peter C.J. Kelley (Selectmen), Greg Zurlo (Planning)
Staff present: Carl Valente, Maryann McCall - Taylor, and Michelle Stevens
Meeting was called to order at 8:05am.
The Committee approved Minutes from May 12 April 20 and March 14 th .
Discussion with Town Manager on Economic Development Officer (EDO): The Committee received an
update from Town Manager Carl Valente regarding the recruitment of an EDO. Mr. Valente said the
position will be advertised after Labor Day. He is considering where the tourism function should go and
asked the Committee if tourism should be included in the job description for the new EDO. The
Committee expressed concern regarding including tourism aspects in the job description, as well as the
EDO position being unfilled for several months. The Committee had a concern that tourism would
monopolize a majority of the EDO's time. John McWeeney said that the EDO position already has several
responsibilities and that the Town needs to be cognizant of adding new responsibilities to the job
description. Narain Bhatia said that tourism has its own set of issues and details that would be difficult for
an EDO to manage on top of other responsibilities. Lawrence Smith stated that tourism was important to
the local economy and appreciated the idea Town staff managing tourism. Mr. Valente said that there are
funds available for a possible part -time position that could coordinate tourism efforts. Additionally, the
Committee discussed the recruitment of an EDO. Jerold Michelson asked if the Town could start
recruitment earlier. Mr. Valente stated that the Town wants to fill the position as quickly as possible but
that the summer is not ideal for recruitment. Several Committee members said they would begin working
on an informal recruitment by reaching out to the economic development network. Mr. Valente stated he
will discuss the recruitment and tourism concerns with other stakeholders and report back to the
Committee. The discussion will continue to future meetings.
Establish Economic Development Work Plan: The Committee discussed several goals in the 2011 — 2012
work plans:
• Communicate with the Townspeople the successes and economic development programs: Sigmar
Tullman suggested publicizing the economic development efforts and success stories in Lexington
in various newspapers. Members wanted to reach out to the business community outside of
Lexington. Mr. McWeeney will explore the possibility of the Town participating in the 2012 BIO
International Convention that is scheduled to be held in Boston.
• Identify larger commercial sites that have capacity for growth: The Committee discussed several
possible locations for new developments, including the landfill and Tracer Lane property. Joe Zink
indicated a potential biomedical company is looking for space of approximately 200,000 square
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feet to build a new facility for labs, office and manufacturing. Mr. Zink asked the Selectmen
present if the former landfill site on Hartwell could be a potential site. Peter C.J. Kelley advised it
would be a long process and not likely.
• Communicate with Hanscom AFB: Mr. Smith stated that he would arrange for a representative
from Hanscom AFB to be present at the next meeting.
The Committee scheduled the next EDAC meeting tentatively for July 28 at Sam.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45.
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