HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-04-TOUR2-minTourism Committee Meeting
Lexington Town Hall, Room 111
April 4, 2005 4:00pm
Minutes
rN
'I-, P 19
Present: Kerry Brandin (Chair), Richard Canale, Bebe Fallick, Chuck
French, Dawn McKenna, Paul O'Shaunhessy and John Ott. Visiting: Richard
Pagett (Selectman)
The meeting was call to order at 4:10 by Chairperson, Kerry Brandin. The
minutes of the March 21, 2005 were approved with minor amendments.
Kerry noted that Richard Pagett had been appointed liaison to the committee
by the Board of Selectmen,
Liberty Ride: The draft Tourism Committee Report for 2004 was distributed for
discussion. Kerry noted that the National Park Service is very interested in
receiving data from the survey of riders. While the NPS can't support us with
direct funding, they can pay for a study or report where the data might be valued
at between $10,000 and $15,000 given its usefulness to their own park planning.
It was noted that the data in the survey is privileged information and not to be
released to the general public at this point. Richard discussed the various
changes and additions to the survey data. Richard asked that any final changes to
the report be sent to him by Monday April 11 th for inclusion. It was pointed out
that this should not be titled a Tourism Committee Report but rather a data report
collected for the Liberty Ride so that it is not classified as public information at
this point. It was also suggested that our bus drivers be told by Masha to perform
an on /off count at each stop and initial the sheets to make it official
Richard Pagett asked whether we knew if the expanded Concord /Lexington tour
had increased the number of riders. The committee members felt it hadn't but
rather brought different people onboard, people who accessed the Ride via the
commuter rail station in Concord. The Go Boston program was also reviewed as
a source of ticket sales, since it is a prepay program. Everyone was positive
about the program but felt the fees should be renegotiated. There was discussion
about the impact of the town's website on the Liberty Ride since it is accessed
through the Liberty Ride page. It was felt that the impact was positive and very
helpful in promoting the Ride.
Liberty Ride stop signs are still up, but it was noted that the one at the Concord
Museum should be taken down if it is not to be a stop but that the one at Buttrick
Mansion, the other NPS Visitor's Center be left in place to generate queries about
the service, even though the Ride will not stop there due to the distance and turn
around time. It can still be boarded at the North Bridge /Old Manse stop.
A discussion on the committee's fundraising efforts ensued. How we were doing
to erase the projected $30,000 operating shortfall in 2004? Dawn McKenna
agreed to draft a fund raising letter to Concord businesses for Kerry's approval
after which it would send to the Concord Selectmen for their review before being
mailed to Concord businesses who might support the Liberty Ride. Kerry noted
that to date no new fundraising requests had been made, but both Eastern Bank
and Not Your Average Joes were under consideration as perspective donors.
Class Trip Directory: Is an on line and printed text of field trip options for
schools. It has been on line for five years and the book of options has been
available for about twelve years. Masha has a contract for our participation for
the charter component. Cost to be listed is $425. A Liberty Ride charter tour
with step on guide costs $200. The guide gets $50 and $150 goes to the Liberty
Ride account so it makes sense to be listed. Dawn made a motion to approve the
expenditure of $425 to advertise this year. Chuck French seconded the motion
and it was approved unanimously. A Liberty Ride photo will be use in the ad.
A discussion ensued concerning trademark protection of the Liberty Ride logo
and name. Dawn stated that is was protected by Palmer and Dodge, under the
Town of Lexington's policy. It was also mentioned that the TMMA was using
the logo and this use should be questioned.
Lexington Center Collaborative: Bebe Fallick reported that a record meeting
had been held at Cary Hall. The organizers are very organized about what kind
of information they want and have are still soliciting input. Bebe had attended
the Historic and Cultural breakout group on behalf of the Tourism Committee.
They are trying to collect all historical information and locate sources. Biggest
job is educating the participants about available town sources and the past work
of various commissions. Work is moving ahead and another meeting is
scheduled for April 26 in Cary Hall at 8pm. It is considered a work in progress
until the design charette is held.
Signage Project: Kerry reported on the sign locations and the suggested sites for
signs. She and Dawn had visited all sites under consideration. Signs will be
located at Rte 2 and Waltham St heading into Lexington. At 2AJ128 there will be
signs directing travelers to' Minute Man National Park, Lexington Center and to
the museum. Signs are being proposed for 4/225 at Bedford St. Anew sign for
the Visitor's Center was also suggested as needed. We still have to get the HDC
to approve final sign changes and locations.
Tourism Committee Membership: It was noted that there are currently 10
members of the committee approved by the Selectmen. Lynn Wilson's name was
suggested for membership. She, is involved with the Nature Trail and likes
tourism issues. Kerry will approach her about joining.
I95/128 at 2A Service Area Information Kiosk: the matter of the need for an
information kiosk at the 1VIcDonald's service area was discussed. The need to
promote the Lexington/Concord Historical Area and the various attractions at this
site is obvious. Dawn and John will work to approach McDonald's again about
supporting a tourism kiosk on the land formerly occupied by the old information
booth that was burned three years ago. It might be built by students at
Minuteman Tech with donated materials on a plan already used at the
information center on 1495 and maintained by the Lexington Chamber of
Commerce and the National Heritage Museum. Dawn will follow up on her
previous contact names.
Battle Green Guides*, Will begin service in mid May before Memorial Day.
They will work Patriot's Day weekend. Some funds are available for their pay to
be calculated on 12 days at $6.75 /hr times 7 hours per day.
Meeting adjourned at 5:40pm
Next Meeting: Monday, April 25 at 4pm in Room 111
Submitted by John H. Ott
b
- _