HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-21-TOUR2-min
Town of Lexington
Tourism Committee
Tourism Committee Minutes
Thursday, October 21, 2021
3:30 pm
Conducted Remotely
Members: Dawn McKenna, Wim Nijenberg, Bebe Fallick, Margaret Coppe, Marsha Baker
Center Committee Liaison: Fred Johnson
Economic Development Staff: Casey Hagerty, Sandhya Iyer
Visitors Center Ribbon Cutting
The Committee recapped the Ribbon Cutting. The event was very successful and had a good turnout.
Introduction of Carol Ward, Executive Director, Lexington Historical Society
Carol Ward was introduced as the new Executive Director of the Historical Society. She comes from the
New York with experience in running historic house museums and the arts. The Committee introduced
Lexington’s offerings to her and encouraged Carol to attend future Tourism Committee meetings.
Bus Shelter at Depot Square
Continuing the conversation from the September 30th meeting, the following was action was taken:
A motion was made and seconded that the Tourism Committee not take a position on the bus shelter. The
motion passed by roll call vote 2 in favor and 3 abstained.
Committee Vacancies
Currently there are two vacancies on the Committee. Erin Sandler -Rathe has submitted her application,
Carol Ward intends to submit her application. An additional resident, Jason Connell who is unknown to
Committee members, has also applied. The Select Boa rd are using a different process this year and will
be making all appointments at the same time.
Economic Development Coordinator Report
There were 8,974 people counted at the Visitors Center in September. Currently they are open 7 days per
week. There will be Battle Green Tours on November 12 and around Thanksgiving. The winter plans for
limited hours were discussed. The Committee expressed concern about the plan and asked the staff to
reevaluate.
American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Use of Funds
The Committee discussed possible projects for the use of ARPA funds. The Economic Development
Office explained a few of their ideas including a small business grant program, a store back improvement
project, an electric trolley, a new tourism website, and replenishing of the revolving funds. The Tourism
Committee commented that they hoped some of the funding could go towards producing more events that
would attract tourists such as “Revolutionary Revelry.”
FY2022 Committee Goals
Staff explained that they are working on using ARPA funds to design a new tourism website. They plan to
put out a Request for Information to get a better idea of what the budget and process should be. The
Tourism Committee reviewed a draft of the FY2022 Goals. The edits will be made and brought to a future
meeting for discussion and vote. It was also decided to work with the Center Committee in finding ways to
encourage tourism businesses in Lexington Center. The Bicycle Advisory and Town Celebrations
Committees were also possible collaborators with common goals.
Tourism Goals and Implementation
The Committee has made good progress on the completing their FY2021 goals. In terms of completing
outstanding projects, the benches for the Battle Green had been reviewed with the Commission on
Disabilities, the artist for the Interpretative rails had been hired and Article 3 was submitted to the Special
Town Meeting for funding to complete the Master Plan.
Updates and Miscellaneous
Brief reports were given on the Veterans Day Car Parade, November 11, short -term turnaround and
parking, the 250th Anniversary meeting, and the Ellen Stone Building.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0.
Submitted by Casey Hagerty, Economic Development Coordinator
Approved: July 14, 2022