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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-04-TOUR2-min `pus MOgN� pQ' 1775 1'C v APRIL 19 FX I IN UV Town of Lexington Tourism Committee Dawn McKenna, Chair info@tourlexington.us Tourism Committee Minutes February 4, 2021 3:30—5:15 PM Virtual via Zoom Members Present: Dawn McKenna, Marsha Baker, Kerry Brandin, Wim Nijenberg, Bebe Fallick, Margaret Coppe, Jon Himmel and Erica McAvoy Staff Present: Casey Hagerty, Economic Development, and Meghan McNamara, Department Assistant Liaisons Present: Fred Johnson, Center Committee, and Jill Hai, Select Board 1) Tourism Goals Implementation Discussion a. Leveraging the Visitors-based Economic Impact i. Marketing and rebranding ii. Arts Cultural District and Arts Cultural Group Ms. Coppe volunteered to assist with applying for the Arts Cultural District and stated that the application process has not yet been set up due to Covid- 19 restrictions. Mr. Steve Poltorzycki, Arts Council, stated that he is involved in both Lexington and Arlington, and can be a resource to bring linkages between the two towns. Ms. Christina Burwell of the Munroe Center for the Arts, stated that she already started a list with cultural assets that can be added to. Ms. McKenna informed the Committee that a requirement is to get approval from the town but that she is optimistic in the town's support. b. Charge and other goals The Committee discussed the possibility of holding a Patriots' Day celebration in September however the Committee believes that Patriots' day should be celebrated in April even if it means holding a virtual celebration on Patriots' Day. Ms. McKenna stated that if September becomes an option for holding larger crowds, the Committee should consider planning a larger activity, such as an official opening ceremony of the Visitors Center. 1 `pus IWOgN� pQ' 1775 1'C v a -= a APRIL 19 FX I IN UV Town of Lexington Tourism Committee Dawn McKenna, Chair info@tourlexington.us 2) Communications discussion with Sean Dugan, Public Information Officer Ms. McKenna asked Mr. Dugan how Ms. Hagerty and Ms. Iyer can incorporate what is happening in the town so that both residents and visitors are aware. Mr. Dugan informed the Committee that he can promote events and other town happenings through social media or the town email list. Mr. Dugan added that a new website design should be implemented in the next year and that should be able to provide more integration. Mr. Dugan, referring to the Center Streetscapes, informed the Committee that everyone should have access to information and updates so that the Committee can plan accordingly. He added that it will be important to integrate the idea that there will be a disturbance in Lexington Center over the next two years in tourism marketing and to be very robust in the approach to the public. Ms. Hagerty informed the Committee that a full-time Project Engineer is in the process of making an in-person contact for each business that will be affected in some way by the Center Streetscape. Mr. Dugan added that the Engineer will provide daily reports to the Department of Public Works, and Mr. Dugan will provide those reports on the website and/or in the form of a newsletter. Completing Outstanding Projects: Battle Green Master Plan Implementation: Ms. McKenna informed the Committee that the restoration of the monuments and concrete pavers around the monuments is going to start in about a month. The design for the roadway will take a few more months and the Committee will have the opportunity to look and make sure everything has been captured appropriately. Short Term Parking and Turnaround on Meriam Street: Ms. McKenna reminded the Committee that drivers turn down Meriam Street with no way to easily turnaround. The original proposal for addressing this during the Visitors Center discussion was a short-term parking and turnaround at the Meriam Street end of the parking lot. How to accomplish this will be discussed with Dave Pinsonneault. Anthony Park: 2 `pus MOgN� pQ' 1775 1'C v APRIL 19 Town of Lexington Tourism Committee Dawn McKenna, Chair info@tourlexington.us Ms. McKenna informed the Committee that wrong trees were planted in some areas, and there is additional work to be done. Mr. Dave Pinsonneault, Public Works Director is aware of what needs to be done and will work with Ms. McKenna to complete Prepare and plan in conjunction with Select Board Committee to welcome visitors for the 250th anniversary of the Battle in 2025: Ms. McKenna informed the Committee that the Select Board has not yet made Committee appointments to the 250th Committee, but she has submitted Ms. Bebe Fallick's name to be the Tourism Committee appointee. 3) Updates and Miscellaneous a. Tourism Committee Vacancy A request has been sent for Ms. Sarah Boulos to be appointed however it has not yet been put on the Agenda. b. Center Streetscape Project A Resident Engineer should be hired in the next few weeks and start in the next month or two. Mr. Himmel asked when the Streetscape is going out to bid and Ms. Hagerty responded early February and the opening will be in March. c. Miscellaneous The Committee discussed the Chamber of Commerce idea of organizing a trivia game with pieces at different businesses. Ms. Hai proposed the idea that the trivia could be marketed for adults and geocaching could be marketed for kids. Adjourned at approximately 5:15 PM Prepared by: Meghan McNamara, Department Assistant Approved: August 26, 2021 3