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8) Federal Funds including American Rescue Plan (ARPA) There will be a joint statement with the Center Committee to the Select Board regarding use of ARPA funds as discussed at the December 9th meeting for spending money now to stimulate the businesses in a meaningful way. The Committee discussed what specific uses that the Tourism Committee would like to see funded through ARPA. Erin and Elsie suggested programming that could take place in the Visitors Center. Other suggestions included setting aside startup funding for the recommended use of the Stone Building as it is a key asset and anchor for East Lexington, funding to activate Cultural District marketing and funding, as well as purchasing a trolley for the Liberty Ride in order to control costs and possibly a consider an electric trolley. Sandhya indicated that she would have to write a business plan and in the meanwhile the RFP would be done for a one year trolley contract with a possible 2 year extension. Bebe and Dawn both indicated that the only way to get competitive bids is to use the 10-year contract that was approved through Town Meeting and that we could help with that business plan based on years of data. Sandhya also explained the Stone Building and Cultural District from the staff perspective. A discussion ensued about how staff evaluates programs and opportunities. Various members felt that by utilizing the expertise of the Committee to brainstorm and evaluate ideas, the outcome would be enhanced. In addition, the Committee noted that they are able to advocate and help move projects forward without being bogged down internally which would be valuable. Motion made by Kerry Brandin and seconded by Erin Rathe-Sandler: That the Tourism Committee advocate to the Select Board that part of the use of ARPA funds be allocated for the Cultural District, the Stone Building and the purchase of a Liberty Ride trolley. Unanimously passed by roll call vote with the members then in attendance (Brandin, Fallick, McKenna, Rathe- Sandler, Xu) 9) Updates and Miscellaneous Kerry asked whether the Tourism Committee voted on the LexSeeHer Monument and where we are with this. Dawn indicated that the Tourism Committee had not voted on the monument and that it will be an agenda item on an upcoming meeting. Thanks were extended to Sandhya for everything she is trying to do for tourism. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:25 pm Unanimously passed by roll call vote with the members then in attendance (Brandin, Fallick, McKenna, Rathe- Sandler, Xu) Respectfully submitted Dawn E. McKenna Approved: September 29, 2022