HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-22-TOUR2-minMinutes of the meeting of
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.
Parker Room (G -15)
Members Kerry Brandin, Bebe Fallick, Trisha Kennealy, Dawn McKenna,
Absent:: Mary Jo Bohart, Denise Ricketts, Lou Sideris, Jim Shaw Staff. Masha Traber
Selectmen Liaison: Peter Kelley Center Committee Liaison: Fred Johnson
Visitors: Carl Valente, Deb Belanger, Jerry Michelson and Wendy Manz
1) Meeting with Town Manager, Carl Valente
a) Staffing: Carl Valente indicated that we would be able to receive support on the business
side of Liberty Ride to help with coordination of new contract, dealing with accounting
and cash control. Committee appreciates dedication of town's resources to financial
management of the ride. There are three reconciliations that happen throughout the year
which make it easier to close out. He also indicated that he may assign Jeanette Rebecchi
to help after July 1 Liberty Ride is supported by donations, grants and ticket sales. The
other thing the Tourism Committee is in need of clerical support. Historic Society has
asked for dedicated shuttle between the houses. Committee believes sufficient public
transportation options exist, and two are within walking distance to the Visitors Center.
Deb Belanger: The state is encouraging different towns to cross - market the attractions so
that tourists can think of it as a route.
b) People Counter —This in one of the Committee's highest priorities. We asked what Carl
needed to support the request. Carl Valente how do we determine the dollars contributed
to tourism? MOTT uses the same formula that is being used industry wide and across the
nation. It is to our advantage to demonstrate the number of people coming to the town.
An example of how we have been supported has been money received to help fund the
Liberty Ride in its early stage. Deb Belanger's organization pays for some of the
advertising that we benefit from. Current funding of $6 million for 16 tourism councils,
Boston, Cape Cod and Greater Merrimack. The numbers allocated are based on a variety
of factors. Massvacation.com has all of the information about the research that has been
collected. We collected information about where people are from when selling Liberty
Ride tickets. The only data we have now is that visitors can sign in voluntarily. The
system we are proposing is infared. We are awaiting his approval.
2) 12:30 Parking Signs for Lexington Center – Joint Meeting with Center Committee. Center
Committee prefers the international P ymbol of graphic and color. Committee voted
unanimously to put up signs. When Selectman approved signage program stated should go
through the Tourism Committee. We are in favor of preservation of wayfinding signage, we
like the font of the P and like the original color of the signs for the Red - brown. Need to
attend the next center committee. We are proposing 7 signs. We will continue this aspect of
the hearing with HDC. Might shrink down to 24 in with P in middle. Center Committee will
meet 2nd Thursday of the month.
3) Visitor Center CPC voted 7 -2 to support the project. The copy of the original report is on
TC section of the town website. The Chamber is fine with their space but the downstairs
space is driven by programming needed for our visitors so they do not interfere with the other
services we are offering. We would need to make the building accessible which is a benefit
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
by creating rooms which can be used by committees. We also need to make a welcoming
entrance from bike bath. Peter Kelley spoke of our commitment to buy the property from the
Masons which will require the town to spend money. We need to acknowledge the cost of
the opportunity and balance against the shortcomings of our public safety programming.
Visitors Center may not get attention required until we figure out the Masons.
a) We are scheduling the following times for public input
i) Business focus: Thursday, January 31 at 8 am
ii) Chamber, Historical Society, Tourism Boards: Thursday, February 7 at 8 am
iii) Town Meeting, Boards & Committees, Public: Tuesday, February 12 at 7 pm
4) Official Map and Visitors Guide We received an estimate for $2500 for the design of the
guide.
5) Liberty Ride Operations and Marketing. Request for increase in fees from Historical
Society. The Committee will further discuss this in upcoming meetings.
6) Updates (10 minutes)
a) Antony Park — HDC February 7 th : Seasons Four will be donating plantings and selling
us trees at cost. This represents between $10,000412,000. We hope to raise $10,000
through the friendship dinners. Goal is to raise $50,000.
b) A French A Faire —February 10
c) Future Meeting Date Changes
d) 300 Celebration— Update from Bebe Fallick as liason to committee. There is still
question of whether there would be a ball /dance /party. Unsure of what the reaction
would be. They do not have a chair for the event. They were trying to divide up the
different components. The baseball game will go forth. All town bell ringing on March
31 at 5:13. Perhaps will sell hand bells with Lexington insignia. Clock going in at Depot
Square with time capsule beside it.
Adjourned at approximately 2 pm
Respectfully submitted, Trisha Kennealy
Documents available at the meeting:
1. Proposed New Parking Signs for Lexington Center
2. Letter dated January 2, 2013 from Historical Society to Mr. Carl Valente and Ms. Dawn
McKenna
3. Memo dated January 18, 2013 on Economic Benefit to Historical Society from Liberty
Ride /Tourism Marketing
4. Fiscal Year Information about Liberty Ride rider information
5. Lexington Historical Society Admissions Data
6. Liberty Ride Visitation to Historic Houses
7. Draft of Minutes for 1/8/2013
8. Draft of Minutes for 4/30/2012
9. Draft of Minutes for 4/12/12
10. Draft of Minutes for 1/23/2012