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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-04-MMC-min Monuments & Memorials Committee, Lexington, MA Minutes of Meeting January 4, 2024 By Zoom Teleconference Members Present Linda Dixon, Chair; Glen Bassett, Avram Baskin, Bebe Fallick, Chuck French, George Gamota, Leslie Masson Guests: Nicholas Wong, prospective member; James (Yue) Pan, parent mentor; Karen Tyler, Veterans Services Director; Cindy Woolworth and Marjunette DiMagistris, Lexington Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution Business The meeting was called to order at 4:05pm. The Chair declared that a quorum was present and that the meeting was being held by Zoom. The minutes of the meeting of December 7, 2023 were approved by roll call vote. Recommendation to Approve Memorial Plaque Proposed by Lexington Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution The Lexington DAR wishes to install a bronze plaque, approximately 8”x14”, at the base of their recently planted elm tree in the rear of Buckman Tavern. Cindy Woolworth and Marjunette DiMagistris of the Lexington DAR first proposed this plaque at our meeting of June 1, 2023. Having met with and secured approvals and/or favorable actions from all Town organizations recommended by the Committee, Lexington DAR (LexDAR) returned to the Committee to request final approval. Lex DAR received administrative approval from the Historic Districts Commission on July 13, 2023, along with the suggestion that they replace the abbreviation “NSDAR” on the plaque with the complete words “National Society Daughters of the American Revolution”. LexDAR implemented this suggestion. In the summer of 2023, LexDAR received verbal approval from the former Executive Director of the Lexington Historical Society; in January 2024, they received written approval from the Society President. They received a unanimous vote of approval from the Tourism Committee on December 5, 2023, and an acceptance letter from the Commission on Disability on December 29, 2003. Regarding cost, they intend to pay the full cost of the bronze plaque (less than $1000) from an account set aside for this purpose, and if necessary, from a donor who pledges to make up any shortfall. Lexington DPW agrees to install and maintain the plaque at no charge. After discussion, the Committee voted unanimously by roll call vote as follows: The Monuments and Memorials Committee approves, and recommends for approval to the Select Board, the installation of a plaque and granite base to commemorate Lexington’s Semiquincentennial anniversary of the first battle of the American Revolution near the recently planted American Elm tree in the rear of Buckman Tavern, as proposed by the Lexington Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Enhancing the Committee Website Linda reported that new members Liz Huttner and Nick Wong will work with Chuck French in enhancing our website. Avram Baskin also volunteered to be part of this group. Director of Communications Jonas Miller has offered to serve as a resource for the group. Chuck and James Pan, our Parent Mentor, plan to meet soon to determine how our Heroes team might contribute to this effort. Report From Lex250 Bebe Fallick reported that the Town has signed a contract with the donor of the proposed monument. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) has launched a Call for Artists, with a budget guideline of $250,000, and submissions due by January 25, 2024. The Selection Panel will meet on February 1 to begin to review and narrow down all submissions to 3 to 5 finalists. Leslie Masson, referring to the current monument budget of $250,000, felt that if the Town is spending funds on consultant fees to promote the monument project, such fees should come out of the $250,000 budget. Bebe disagreed, referring to a Town Manager’s list of the accounts from which money can be used for this Town project. She added that several anonymous donors have mentioned their interest in possible donations as soon as the monument design is selected. Linda declared that any discussion about the Lex250 monument funding or design was premature at this point. Progress Report – MassDAR Plaque Linda reported that the Historic Districts Commission had concerns with the proposed location of the MassDAR plaque on the path leading to Buckman Tavern. MassDAR is willing to consider other nearby locations. Discussions will begin soon. Review of Draft Policy Document The Committee reviewed the current draft (draft #9) of its Policy on “How to Propose a New Monument” and made no changes. We agreed to send a copy to our Select Board Liaison Suzie Barry for her review and comment before sending it on to the Select Board. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. by roll call vote. Next meeting February 1, 2024. Respectfully submitted, Linda Dixon, Chair