HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-05-TOUR2-minTown of Lexington
Tourism Committee
Dawn McKenna, Chair (781) 862-0500 ext 84585
Minutes
Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 4:30 — 6:00 pm
Dawes Room (Second Floor Town Office Building)
Members Present: Marsha Baker, Margaret Coppe, Bebe Fallick, Jon Himmel, Trisha Kennealy
Dawn McKenna, Wim Nijenberg, Leeying Wu
Staff Present: Megan Zammuto
Center Committee Liaison: Fred Johnson
Members Absent: Kerry Brandin
1) Minutes
The committee reviewed the minutes of the March 22nd Tourism Committee Meeting. A motion was made to approve
the minutes, this motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
2) Town Meeting report and votes as necessary
Committee members discussed the Visitors Center Article at Town Meeting. Although the funding that was approved
was less than anticipated, it did give a clear statement to move forward with this project. The committee discussed the
project, and how the Tourism Committee can work with the Permanent Building Committee to make sure the architect
is given appropriate direction about the program.
A motion was made to authorize Dawn McKenna, Tourism Committee Chair, to ask the Selectmen to release the
$131,000 that remains from the prior appropriation so that the design work can be done immediately. The motion was
seconded and approved with Jon Himmel abstaining.
3) Website
The Economic Development Office and Information Services Offices are aware that the Tourism Committee has
concerns about the current website. Staff has asked the committee to address the issues after Town Meeting.
4) Tourism Operations — Staff Updates
Megan Zammuto updated the committee on the online ticketing program. It launched March 30d and opening
weekend for the Liberty Ride saw 52 riders, including 6 that booked online. The Liberty Ride has had 13 online
bookings to date. On March 20d Economic Development Staff put together a visitor services orientation modeled off
the recreation department training for seasonal staff. Megan also gave an overview of the Tourism Marketing budget
to date.
5) Joint Tourism Season Kick -Off program
This annual program has been organized by the Tourism Committee for the past ten years. The committee discussed
the value of inviting all of the new leaders of organizations including the National Park Superintendent and the
Historical Society Executive Director. Jon and Marsha indicated that they were interested in working on the program.
6) National Park Advocacy
The National Park Budget has been severely cut and a group is looking to advocate for funding. Margaret discussed
Representative Clark's online forum for appropriations.
A motion was made to approve the Tourism Committee to advocate to restore funding for the National Park, sign the
letter and take whatever steps necessary to support the park. This motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
Documents Available: Tourism Committee Presentation, "Investing in a Visitor Based Economy, FY17 Tourism
Marketing Budget snapshot, Restoring America's National Parks document
Adjourned at approximately 6:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Megan J. Zammuto
Approved, May 10, 2017