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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-09-TOUR2-min Town of Lexington Tourism Committee Tourism Committee Minutes Thursday, September 9, 2021 3:30 pm Conducted Remotely Members: Dawn McKenna, Bebe Fallick, Kerry Brand in, Wim Nijenberg, Sarah Boulos, Jon Himmel, Margaret Coppe Center Committee Liaison: Fred Johnson Economic Development Coordinator: Casey Hagerty Economic Development Director: Sandhya Iyer Visitors Center Manager: Katie Johnson; Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistance Town Manager for Finance Select Board Liaison: Doug Lucente Guest: Chris Kauffman, Acting Executive Director, Lexington Historical Society, Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance American Rescue Plan Carolyn Kosnoff, the Assistant Town Manager for Finance, provided the Committee with an update on the ARPA money that the Town will be receiving. The Town will be receiving $9,903,381 million to be spent over the next two years, of which the town had received $4.9 million. The Town is still awaiting more specific guidance on how the money can be spent. An initial list of ideas has been generated by Town Staff. The Tourism Committee discussed ideas and will create a list to submit for consideration. Annual Report The Tourism Committee reviewed the Draft Annul Report. A motion was made and seconded to appr ove the draft annual report subject to editorial changes. The motion passed by roll call vote 7-0. Develop FY2022 Goals The Committee discussed what they would like to have as their goals for the upcoming year. Dawn offered to circulate a list of draft goals. There was not support for a large fundraising effort. Dawn provided an update on the status of their uncompleted goals. Visitors Center Celebration Staff reported that they have taken care of many of the details for the Visitors Center Ribbon Cutting. Staff completed tasks include sending invitations, arranging music, ordering food and drinks, and arranging for printing of programs. Discovery Day The Tourism Committee will have a table at Discovery Day. They will provide information to Visitors about the Visitors Center. Battle Green Master Plan The plans for the Battle Green Master Plan are complete and will go out to bid soon. The project is before the HDC this evening for approval of the benches, and Monday the Select Board. Prepare and plan for the Lex250 Bebe Fallick reported that the 250 th Celebration Committee will begin meeting later this month. The committee urged Visitors Center staff to start thinking about fundraising opportunities and additional staffing. Margaret Coppe reminded the Committee that all of efforts for the 250 th celebration should be looked at through a DEI lense. Economic Development Coordinator Report In August 2021 the people counter shows 1,880 visitors came into the Visitors Center. Updates and Miscellaneous It was suggested that we ask Meri Jenkins if she was willing to join the Tourism Committee. The Historic Districts Commission will meet in October to discuss the proposed Lafayette marker. The Center Committee is discussing the possibility of a bus shelter at the Depot. A presentation on the Cultural District will be made to get the Select Board support. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 5:54 pm. The motion passed by roll call vote 5 -0 (two members left prior to the end of the meeting). Submitted by Casey Hagerty, Economic Development Coordinator Approved: July 14, 2022