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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-10-TOUR2-min RECEIVED op 177s ti� 2022 27 Jlau°'m„ 12A4 pip APRIL 19' �FXINGSO� LIXING"I ON MA Town of Lexington Tourism Committee Dawn McKenna, Chair (781) 862-0500 ext 84585 Tourism Committee Minutes June 10, 2021 3:30 —6:00 pm Virtual via Zoom Members Present: Dawn McKenna, Kerry Brandin, Bebe Fallick, Margaret Coppe, Marsha Baker, Jon Himmel, Sarah Boulos Staff Present: Casey Hagerty, Sandhya Iyer Liaisons Present: Doug Lucente- Select Board, Fred Johnson- Center Committee Guests: Erin Sandler-Rathe, Chris Kauffman, Samantha Straub, Jennifer Wolfrum, Kate Peltz, Elaine Sterzin, Keith Ohmart, Mike Tabaczynski Monuments and Memorials Committee Collaboration Linda Dixon was introduced as the new chair of the Monuments and Memorials Committee. She expressed itnerseted in working with the Tourism Committee to create a database of all the memorials around Town. Visitors Center Opening September Celebration The Committee decided that they would like to move ahead with planning a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Visitors Center in the Fall. A motion was made and seconded to go to the Select Board to request to hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on a Friday in the Fall in conjunction with the Economic Development Office. The motion passed by roll call vote 7-0. Across Lexington Wayfinding Signage and Collaboration Keith Ohmart and Mike Tabaczynski of the Greenways Corridor Committee presented their updated trail map of the ACROSS Lexington trail system. The Greenways Corridor Committee is hoping to add additional signage around Town to help people find the trail system. A motion was made and seconded to endorse the efforts of the ACROSS Lexington group to add signage as appropriate to their project. The motion passed by roll call vote 7-0. Staff Report Casey Hagerty provided an update on Visitors Center operations. In May there were 4,500 visitors to the Visitors Center. Merchandise Sales and Battle Green tour tickets have increased. She reported that the Tourism Marketing account is all used or encumbered for FY2022. Liberty Ride is going to return in Mid- July. The tour will run three times a day Friday through Monday. She also mentioned that the MOTT 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420 Grant with Concord is underway. Concord and Lexington have produced ads for Yankee Magazine, the Boston Globe, and a video for WGBH. Lexington was also awarded a Technical Assistance Grant with Arlington and Concord from MAPC to study the direct and indirect impact of tourism on the economies of the three communities. Future Meetings The Committee agreed on the upcoming dates for the Tourism Committee meetings. Rebranding Effort The rebranding effort is continuing to move forward. Staff has received the final logos from the designer. A larger brand reveal is in the works. A motion was made and seconded to recommend that staff use the presented logo as the new branding for tourism operations in Lexington moving forward. The motion passed by roll call 6-0-1. Cultural District Designation Initiative Margaret Coppe reported that she and the Lexington Council for the Arts have held a series of stakeholder meetings to engage with the local arts and cultural organizations. There is a great deal of support among these groups to pursue the designation with the State. Any interested Tourism Committee members should reach out to Margaret to become involved. Battle Green Master Plan Dawn McKenna provided an update of the status on the Battle Green Master Plan. The committee discussed whether or not to add a QR code to the boards to direct people to a website with more information. A motion was made and seconded to recommend including a QR Code on the reader rails. The exact location ofthe QR code will be determined by the designer. The motion passed by roll call 7-0. Request from Peltz Family for Belfry Hill bench Dawn McKenna explained that long time school committee member Barry Peltz passed away. Her family was present at the meeting and explained that they would like to add a bench in her honor in the Center. Her family stated that they have already purchased a teak bench similar to the other benches in Town and plaque. The Tourism Committee suggested placing the bench near the Belfry. A motion was made and seconded to support and recommend to the Select Board that the Bei is an appropriate location to have the wooden teak bench with a back as part of the Battle Green Master Plan. The motion passed by roll call 7-0. Benches The Committee discussed the benches that they would like to use on the Battle Green as part of the Battle Green Plan. Kerry Brandin presented a few options that may be appropriate. The benches will need to be approved by the Select Board and the HDC. Updates and Miscellaneous Doug Lucente reported that the 4 1 of July carnival and fireworks are scheduled for this year. 6:27pm The meeting adjourned. Documents Available: ACROSS Lexington Map, GBH Ad, Upcoming meeting schedule, Style Guide for new logo, Reader Rail drafts, Photos of benches Approved: 1/13/2022