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CantonMPIC_Minutes final_0201121
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Master Plan Implementation Committee Meeting February 11th, 2021, 7-8 pm Members Present: Lisa Lopez, Bob MacDonald, Emilio Mauro, Kathy McCormack, Kristian Merenda, Mike Nourse (to be confirmed), Alan Rapoport, Sean Robinson Members Not Present: Mike Loughran Staff: Laura Smead, Town Planner MINUTES Item Time Discussion Welcome/Late Arrivals 7:00-7:05 Introductions 7:10-7:15 Name, Board/Committee affiliations Appointment of Officers 7:15-7:30 • Nominations and voting for the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Clerk • Emilio Mauro was nominated to serve as Chair, approved unanimously 8-0-0 • Sean Robinson was nominated to serve as Vice-Chair, approved unanimously 8-0-0 • Kristian Merenda was nominated to serve as Clerk, approved unanimously 8-0-0 Overview and Status of Master Plan Action Plan 7:30-7:45 • Laura Smead provided an overview of the Excel version of the Master Plan Action plan, which includes initial status notes • Lisa asked about what needs to be re-prioritized based on COVID budgetary and other social concerns. • Laura explained that the Master Plan action timeframes were first drafted by our consultants. Then this was vetted through all listed boards, committees, and department heads for feedback. Their feedback was incorporated into the action plan timelines presented. However, the tool that has been shared is a working draft and can be amended, especially in light of COVID 19. • Members have been invited based on the role/intersection of the various committees that are most represented on the plan. • Need updates on what’s happening, especially updates with the schools and historical commission. • Mike suggested that Emilio take the lead on prioritizing the work for the committee to review, perhaps starting with small wins. • Emilio suggested breaking the color-coded sections into a framework similar to what the schools have. And then create a framework that applicants can show adherence to. • Perhaps create a town day is a great place to start. Sustainability efforts like solar panels was also mentioned. • Lisa suggested that rather than letting departments lead the charge and the committee react, perhaps we’d be proactive and identify those that affect multiple departments. This is a way to help cull through the lengthy list in a strategic way that benefits the highest number of constituents. • Mike connected the PRH site and DPW as connected entities that would likely be in support of the Town Day.
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• The master plan has only been formally presented to the BOS and Planning Board, however it was shared widely with the public and all listed boards/committees and department head “leads”. There was also a department head meeting where feedback and review happened. However, not sure that all departments gave the plan the attention it needs. Also, it is a good time to reevaluate the actions based on COVID 19 impacts. • Emilio suggested a second look. Desire is for it to be considered in regular decision-making. • Can use this plan to help prioritize budget needs to the capital committee. • Laura said liked the idea of presenting action plan “leads” with a pre- culled list of short-term priorities, so that they aren’t faced with a 200 item long list, but that these should be vetted and prioritized further with the individual leads. No one likes being told what to do, it must be collaborative. • Kristian asked about the opportunity to revisit the school department items with the superintendent and business manager, etc. to be sure the items accurately reflect the current needs/priorities of the department. Laura replied yes. • Emilio mentioned the fire department continues to want to consider the need for a third fire station to increase public safety. Laura mentioned that this is already reflected in the master plan action plan. Proposed next steps 7:45-7:55 MPIC discussed next steps for coordination/ priority action plan items • Laura said we need to create a “pre-culled” list to then take to the various town boards to assist in the identification, based on what they say is doable and where sources of funding might be. • Over the next month (by 3/11), identify any priority areas to amend and then top three for each category. Especially focusing on easy wins, and/or items that would have wide support across many different departments/ boards/ committees. • Email Laura and Emilio directly to avoid open meeting law issues. Proposed next meeting date(s) 7:55-8:00 Discussion of next meeting date(s), time(s), and frequency • Initially the MPIC would meet monthly • Next meeting scheduled for March 11th, 2021 at 7pm (Thursday)