2018-01-18-TOUR2-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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\OVS MOHyj� 1775 C m Town of Lexington W > Tourism Committee APRIL ff, �X1NUV Dawn McKenna, Chair (781) 862-0500 ext 84585 Minutes Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 4:30—6:00 pm Parker Room(Ground Floor Town Office Building) Members Present: Marsha Baker,Margaret Coppe,Bebe Fallick,Trisha Kennealy,Dawn McKenna, Wim Nijenberg Liaisons Present: Fred Johnson Staff Present: Megan Zammuto Members Absent: Kerry Brandin,Jon Himmel,Leeying Wu 1) Staff Operations and support needed Megan Zammuto discussed the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Cultural Facilities Fund grant application that was submitted on January 11Y1'. The application included letters of support from the Lexington Historical Society,Arts and Crafts Society, Chamber of Commerce and Board of Selectmen. Grants will be awarded in June, 2018. Staff is working to finalize edits in the Patriots Day brochure with the Celebrations Committee. The AAA Trade Shoe will be held March 2nd, 3`d and 4`''. Staff will be working throughout the weekend, and Tourism Committee members are encouraged to participate and supplement staff time. Staff will attend the Boston Globe Travel Show with the Greater Merrimack Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism on February 11`''. Megan will attend a bicycle tourism conference in Boston next week. Megan discussed the committee's interest in the creation of a marketing strategy. Megan suggested the formation of a subcommittee to research approaches in other municipalities and potential firms to consider. 2) Revised Meeting Dates The committee discussed the revised meeting dates through the winter and spring. The meeting dates were accepted, and staff will look into room reservations. 3) Bikeway visitors The committee discussed the upcoming 251}' anniversary of the Minuteman Bike Way. Trisha Kennealy offered to act as the liaison between the Tourism Committee and the group planning the bikeway celebration. The committee discussed one resident's interest in starting a guided bicycle tour of Lexington and Concord. Megan Zammuto gave the committee an update on the Minuteman Bike Share program including information on ridership and a spring program launch. 4) Visitors Center Project Dawn McKenna gave the committee an update on the Visitors Center project and design. She outlined the most recent renderings, and discussed the comments she shared with the project architect, Don Mills. Dawn discussed her concern regarding the removal of a restroom stall, and the placement of the outdoor condenser. The stakeholders group will reconvene in February to review the design work, and to voice comments. The entire Tourism Committee is welcome to attend the stakeholders meeting. Committee members discussed the projects energy efficiency and the potential costs of several project elements. Members discussed staffs fundraising plan to assist with the cost of the new building. Comments included selling an item at a higher price point for dedicated revenue, and considering ways to incorporate advertising. Dawn discussed a recent meeting with Representative Kaufman who is considering legislation for Visitors Center funding. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420