2017-06-28-TOUR2-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Town of Lexington Tourism Committee Dawn McKenna, Chair (781) 862-0500 ext 84585 Minutes Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 4:30 – 6:00 pm Parker Room (Ground Floor Town Office Building) Members Present: Kerry Brandin, Margaret Coppe, Bebe Fallick, Dawn McKenna, Wim Nijenberg Staff Present: Maureen Rynn Center Committee Liaison: Fred Johnson Guests Present: Don Mills, (Architect for Visitors Center), Betsy Levinson (Lexington Minute Man Reporter) Members Absent: Marsha Baker, Jon Himmel, Trisha Kennealy, Leeying Wu 1)Visitors Center The bulk of the meeting was spent discussing the Visitors Center. Don Mills, the architect for the Visitors Center Project, presented the most recent schematic design for the Visitors Center based on the recent stakeholders meetings. In general the Committee was comfortable with the direction and layout. The elements that still need work and consistent with the Selectmen approved program are: (1) a more welcoming rear entry; (2) contemplative space for the USS Lexington/war memorials; (3) the inclusion of a self-serve kiosk; and (4) review of the exhibit design areas. Specific suggestions regarding the Exhibit design included (a) broadening the “Rails to Trails History” to include other trails and conservation within Lexington; (b) inclusion of the non-revolutionary history, such as the first teachers college in America; (c) providing a visual timeline of history; and (d) a section on “Historical and Cultural Importance” looking at the architecture such as the mid-century modern style; and our important farming history/families. The Committee agreed that a citizen’s petition will be prepared for signature for the Visitors Center project to ensure the opportunity to request additional design funding this fall. One of the outstanding issues regarding the Vistiors Center is funding. A draft memo to the Board of Selectmen was presented to outline possible funding options. Margaret Coppe agreed to review the possible grant opportunities listed in the Battle Green Masterplan and let the Committee know what options might be available for the Visitors Center Project. 2)Tourism Operations The Tourism Office has received complaints from the businesses about the lack of Liberty Ride coupons this year. Megan is working on an alternative design to provide coupons for the remainder of the season. The Committee was asked to think about whether we ought to use some of our marketing funds to hire a marketing consultant. The International marketing item has more uncommitted opportunities for consideration. It was announced that Mallory Sullivan, the Liberty Ride Coordinator, would be taking over the online calendar. This will provide her with additional hours, and an opportunity to begin the transition from the work that Kerry Brandin has been doing as a volunteer for many years. Megan Zammuto continues to work on the Lexington Center Map which is making progress but not yet ready for printing. The Economic Development Office is planning on purchasing chairs and tables for in front of the Visitors Center. They also have two interns, Arianna and Janelle, who will be working on surveying Lexington tourists. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420