HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-06-MMC-min RECEIVED
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Monuments & Memorials Committee
Meeting Minutes I OWN CLERK
Thursday, January 6, 2022
Conducted by Remote Participation LEXINGTON
7:00 PM
Members Present
Linda Dixon, Chair; Avram Baskin, Bebe Fallick, Chuck French, George Gamota,
Leslie Masson, Danjun Pu, Charlie Price
Members Not Present
Glen Bassett
Guests
Doug Lucente, Vice Chair, Select Board
Dave Pinsonneault, Director, Department of Public Works
Dawn McKenna, Chair, Tourism Committee
Betty Gau, Jessie Steigerwald, Meredith Bergmann & Michael Bergmann, Martha
Wood, Michelle Tran, Corinne Steigerwald, Wendy Reasenberg, Marlene Stone
Chair Dixon convened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
LexSeeHer— Progress Report
Jessie Steigerwald presented extensive updates regarding the dimensions of the site,
design modifications, and current costs. Based largely on suggestions from the
Commission on Disabilities, the current plaza is now 28' in circumference or a total of
615 square feet. The design modifications include substituting four-square-foot
granite pavers for the original smaller pavers in a basketweave pattern and replacing
the rectangular granite benches with curved benches.
Chair Dixon invited questions and comments on the women selected for the
memorial. George Gamota asked why no women who served in World War II were
included, as several Lexington women were recognized for achievement, exceptional
service, and bravery. He also felt that Helen Noyes, a nationally recognized leader of
the Lexington Field and Garden Club, was overlooked. He questioned the vetting
process. Charlie Price felt strongly that the text describing Margaret Tulip should
clearly state that she was a slave. Linda Dixon felt that the accomplishments of the
20' and 21 st century women depicted were less noteworthy than earlier women.
Meredith Bergmann offered that not enough time has passed for posterity to
appreciate fully the contributions of the modern women. Jessie Steigerwald described
their various outreach efforts to solicit candidates for the sculpture. LexSeeHer relied
heavily on the Lexington Historical Society exhibit, "Something Must Be Done: Bold
Women of Lexington."
The meeting was temporarily suspended due to a Zoom bombing and reconvened
after a 15-minute pause.
The discussion then turned to the proposed site, design, and timeline. Chuck French
was concerned that the gate was too tall and obtrusive, and its position in front of the
Visitors Center would negatively impact the outdoor events held there. He was
assured that these activities would not be affected. Bebe Fallick asked for clarification
that the DPW had "signed off' on various aspects of the site. DPW Director Dave
Pinsonneault stated that LexSeeHer had agreed to set aside funds for the future
maintenance of the project with an initial amount of$10,000. Bebe also suggested
creating a key/schematic to the monument so visitors could connect the figures and
their stories. This is being done. The process required by Town committees will push
the project timeline dates further out than LexSeeHer initially projected.
Michael Bergman, Project Director, reviewed the project costs to date. Chair Dixon
reminded everyone that the Select Board was not interested in accepting a gift and
then having to pay for a portion of it, including ongoing maintenance. The
Monuments & Memorials Committee needs a clear and definitive cost statement.
Jessie Steigerwald referred to a Lexington Historical Society Memo to the
Monuments & Memorials Committee stating that $220,000 was on hand for this
project. Michael Bergman listed $170,208 as their current cost estimate, which
includes mold making, bronze casting, granite pavers for the plaza, granite for the
benches, and delivery of the materials. Additional costs that need to be finalized
include granite inscriptions, studio assistants, and site preparation. Chair Dixon
pointed out that in earlier draft estimates provided by LexSeeHer, the total of these
items was $60,000. Along with the $10,000 contribution to the maintenance fund, this
estimated $70,000 added to the $170,208 exceeds the funds available.
Jessie stated that LexSeeHer has a number of generous donors ready to write checks
for this project, but they are waiting for Select Board approval to do so. She suggested
meeting with a liaison from Monuments and Memorials to move the process forward.
Chair Dixon agreed to meet with them prior to the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m. Next meeting: February 3, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
Bebe Fallick, Secretary