HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-05-TOUR2-min
Tourism Committee
Draft Minutes
December 5, 2023
The Tourism Committee was called to order by Chair Margaret Coppe, at 3:30 PM by Zoom.
A quorum was present.
Members present: Marsha Baker, Kerry Brandin, Margaret Coppe, Gardy Desrouleaux, Bebe
Fallick, Elsie Xu.
Member absent: Melissa Robbins
Center Committee Liaison present: Fred Johnson
Economic Development Coordinator present: Lorraine Welsh
Economic Development Director present: Sandhya Iyer
Visitor Center Manager absent: Ariel Chin
Guests: Marie-Triste Rago, Cindy Woolworth, Marjunette de Magistris
New Staff: Jackson Rhodes Tour Service Coordinator
1) Economic Development Report
a) Operations data
i) VC People Counter-Summer-Fall 2023
ii) VC Sales-Summer 2023
iii) Battle Green Tours sales-Summer 2023
iv) Liberty Ride Trolley sales-Summer 2023
v) Fall initiatives plans
January-December saw 83,000 visitors to the Visitor Center. Visitor Center sales were
almost the same as last year. Battle Green tours were less than last year. There were 2,
883 Liberty Ride sales which was slightly better than last year.
The Town is in the process of negotiating a new contract with Joseph, the vendor.
Currently there is a one-year extension. The Town would like a 10-year contract. They
are also reaching out to Olde Town Trolley.
2) Minutes
Marsha Baker moved and Kerry Brandin seconded approval of the September 26, 2023
minutes. The vote was unanimous.
3) Membership
Marie-Triste Rago has applied to the Tourism Committee. She has been active in the past
with the Antony Sister City project and Revolutionary Revelry. Consensus was to
recommend approval from the Select Board.
4) Future Meeting Dates
It was agreed to meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 3:30, either hybrid or remote.
5) Minute Taking
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Minute taking will rotate monthly. Marsha Baker volunteered to take minutes at the
January meeting.
6) Lex 250 Update
The Lex 250 Committee has formed a number of subcommittees—housing, security,
transportation, monument—and they, along with the main committee have held many
meetings. Suzy Barry and Doug Lucente of the Select Board are heading the committee.
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Funds for a monument for the anniversary of the 250 have been donated by a private
donor. Tentative plans are for it to go at the bottom of Belfry Hill. The next step is to put
out a call for artists.
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The Town of Lexington has voted $75,000 for merchandise to the 250 Committee.
A four-town consortium consisting of Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord is
working to coordinate the different town plans.
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The countdown to the 250 will start on April 19, 2024. The 250 celebration will be on
Saturday, April 19, 2025.
7) DAR Plaque for Tree on Buckman Tavern grounds.
Cindy Woolworth and Marjunette de Magistris representing the DAR, asked for a vote
of approval for a proposed plaque on the ground for the tree planted by the DAR. The
Historic District Commission has given administrative approval and the monument
subcommittee is waiting for the DPW to weigh in. The Disability Committee will need to
review the plan. The Select Board will have the final say.
Marsha Baker moved, and Kerry Brandin seconded, approval. The vote was unanimous.
Baker Aye; Brandin Aye; Coppe Aye; Desrouleaux, Aye; Fallik Aye, Xu, Aye.
8) Updates and Miscellaneous
Center Committee: Fred Johnson reported on the recent town-sponsored charette
on the center
Lexington Historical Society: Marsha Baker reported that Ann Lee is interim
director. The reenactment of the Lexington tea burning will be on December 10,
2023 at Buckman Tavern,and the reenactment of the Lafayette visit to Lexington
will be in September 2024.
Website and email: Economic Development Office is working on access to the
Tourism email and on the new Tourism website. Margaret Coppe will work with
Lorraine Welch on updating the Tourism page on the Town website.
Plans are to roll out the new Tourism website on December 13. There will be
increased ability for people to add information to the website so that it stays
current.
9) Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM. The vote was unanimous.
Baker, Aye; Brandin, Aye; Coppe, Aye; Desrouleaux Aye; Fallick, Aye; Xu, Aye.
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The next meeting of the Tourism Committee will be
Tuesday
January 30, 2024
3:30-5:00 PM
Hybrid
Parker Room
Cary Hall
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