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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-21-TOUR2-min Town of Lexington Tourism Committee Tourism Committee Minutes Thursday, October 21, 2021 3:30 pm Conducted Remotely Members: Dawn McKenna, Wim Nijenberg, Bebe Fallick, Margaret Coppe, Marsha Baker Center Committee Liaison: Fred Johnson Economic Development Staff: Casey Hagerty, Sandhya Iyer Visitors Center Ribbon Cutting The Committee recapped the Ribbon Cutting. The event was very successful and had a good turnout. Introduction of Carol Ward, Executive Director, Lexington Historical Society Carol Ward was introduced as the new Executive Director of the Historical Society. She comes from the New York with experience in running historic house museums and the arts. The Committee introduced Lexington’s offerings to her and encouraged Carol to attend future Tourism Committee meetings. Bus Shelter at Depot Square Continuing the conversation from the September 30th meeting, the following was action was taken: A motion was made and seconded that the Tourism Committee not take a position on the bus shelter. The motion passed by roll call vote 2 in favor and 3 abstained. Committee Vacancies Currently there are two vacancies on the Committee. Erin Sandler -Rathe has submitted her application, Carol Ward intends to submit her application. An additional resident, Jason Connell who is unknown to Committee members, has also applied. The Select Boa rd are using a different process this year and will be making all appointments at the same time. Economic Development Coordinator Report There were 8,974 people counted at the Visitors Center in September. Currently they are open 7 days per week. There will be Battle Green Tours on November 12 and around Thanksgiving. The winter plans for limited hours were discussed. The Committee expressed concern about the plan and asked the staff to reevaluate. American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Use of Funds The Committee discussed possible projects for the use of ARPA funds. The Economic Development Office explained a few of their ideas including a small business grant program, a store back improvement project, an electric trolley, a new tourism website, and replenishing of the revolving funds. The Tourism Committee commented that they hoped some of the funding could go towards producing more events that would attract tourists such as “Revolutionary Revelry.” FY2022 Committee Goals Staff explained that they are working on using ARPA funds to design a new tourism website. They plan to put out a Request for Information to get a better idea of what the budget and process should be. The Tourism Committee reviewed a draft of the FY2022 Goals. The edits will be made and brought to a future meeting for discussion and vote. It was also decided to work with the Center Committee in finding ways to encourage tourism businesses in Lexington Center. The Bicycle Advisory and Town Celebrations Committees were also possible collaborators with common goals. Tourism Goals and Implementation The Committee has made good progress on the completing their FY2021 goals. In terms of completing outstanding projects, the benches for the Battle Green had been reviewed with the Commission on Disabilities, the artist for the Interpretative rails had been hired and Article 3 was submitted to the Special Town Meeting for funding to complete the Master Plan. Updates and Miscellaneous Brief reports were given on the Veterans Day Car Parade, November 11, short -term turnaround and parking, the 250th Anniversary meeting, and the Ellen Stone Building. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0. Submitted by Casey Hagerty, Economic Development Coordinator Approved: July 14, 2022