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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-05-24-LBC-min.pdf /- LEXINGTON BICENTENNIAL COMM(mTEE Minutes - May 23, 19731 The meeting was held in the Town Office Building in Room G-15 Mr Frank L Masten of 191 Spring Street was a guest and an interested citizen. Members present were Alan Adams, Roly Greeley, Steve Politi, Miriam Butts, King Howard, Dick Michelson and Becky Nussdorfer The photos of the April 19th parade were shown to the group There was sone question as to the bill for these aerial photographs Roly will check on this King reviewed a memo entitled "The Gathering Cloud around the Bicentennial" from Mr O'Connell It was a critique of the 1973 program outline There are crucial problems of manpower and money The events planned may cost $200,000 when only $100,000 has been planned A meeting will be arranged in the near future which will include, Ray Barnes, Chief Corr, Chief Spellman and Betty Flynn of the Appropriations Committee King said that LBC should clarify its understanding of support from the state-primarily the National Guard We have every reason to believe- that the Governor will sign an executive order to release support from the Military Police, Medical support, Food service-1 KP companies and the like In addition. we have reason to believe that we can have para- medic support from the Coast Guard; Navy Sea Bee for construction requirements King said that the additional support would add $100,000 to the total - He said he was not quarrelling about the total figure but it is a matter of record that we have assurances from the services King feels that it is appropriate for our Town Officials to meet with Col Jansen; to specify definite needs It was decided that King will set up a meeting with Linc Cole, Roly Greeley, The Town Manager, Chief Corr, Chief Spellman and the Selectmen The Meeting then turned to the representatives of the Masterwork Chorale- Ken Garland President, Dick Hodges, Vice-President and Allan Lannom the director and conductor she limits ana programs or LSV were aiscussea Miriam empnasizea tna tae Chorale would be a fine addition to the program- it would set the tone King felt the April 19th week end was pretty well filled However, it was felt that the celebration should be extended in a meaningful way through art, music and drama Mr Lannom said that the Masterworks Chorale had a piece commissioned at their 25th Anniversary by Robert Ward called the "New England Chronicle" with texts from historial documents Roly Greeley pointed out that there should be mid week affairs during the summer evenings and wondered about the Chorale Lannom said that there is a smaller group called the Mastersingers which could produce a program on a regular basis - it is traditional in tone and very entertaining Miriam said she would be delighted to see on-going programs but felt that the Masterworks should also be a feature program. LBC can give every ounce of cooperation - can suggest channels of funding but every event must be cost free to the Towr fir The department of the Arts and Humanities was suggested as a source worth exploring- also the State Bicentennial funds might be available for this type of project The representatives of the Masterworks were told to try to decide what they can produce in the way of a program - what times they have in mind and to come back at another time to coordinate ideas with the calendar Mr O'Connell who had joined the meeting was then given the floor He is deeply concerned that the Town is headed for serious financial trouble He waited until after the April 19, 1973 parade to make cost estimates and has come to the conclusion that we are budgeting $100,000 for a $200,000 program. He says that the Federal Government will not pay for costs except in a declared emergency He feels we will have to shut off the Town except to residents or guests - there are 8-9 entry points Substantial parking space is possible at places such as the Burlington Mall, the new Regional High School with shuttle bus transporation between parking points and downtown Lexington Mr O'Connell says it "gets scary when you think of the numbers of people " and the manpower necessary He feels we should have some definite answers by the end of 1973- have some decisions from Government He feels we will have two distinct Bicentennials - two tourist seasons and that we will be on our own Mr O'Connell said that the inventory lists of space available is being pre- pared He is trying to borrow one person for logistics planning which he may have to share with Concord King said he would organize a meeting to clear up the problem of How and What of Federal and State financial help Dick Michelson reported on the annual public meeting which the Concord Bicentennial holds to inform the residents of their plans He said that there were less than 100 people in the audience The youth group asked for time to give their prepared presentation They ottered specific services to ne concord ]sicencennial The CBC is planning to invite the President They will also invite people of significance to the Town of Concord Their proposal to work up an adult education program inspired Dick to suggest the same thing for Lexington A course could be given so that all Lexington citizens could act as guides to the visitors He thought that Rev Handley and Larry Whipple would make good instructors King suggested that Dick contact Dr Fobert concerning this idea Harvey Evans of the Arts and Crafts Society was introduced He said that the Society had no special Bicentennial plans that he knew of Miriam said that what LBC wants to know is how you want your group represented on the Calendar- what if any exhibition space will you need? Miriam will attend a meeting if you wish LBC is anxious to have participation from the Arts and Crafts Mr Evans said he would contact Mrs Butts ‘r-- Steve --Steve Politi told LBC briefly about the meeting of the invitation committee Pat Wheatley, Howard Smith, Becky Nussdorfer and himself He was concerned as to what we are inviting these people to do or see-how many places are there available for them to sleep or eat- how many can be accommodated in the reviewing stand? King said that the "who" was the invitation committee responsibility; to make a recommended list for LBC and TCC Roly said he thought to invite a few as possible Mr O'Connell thought we ought not to invite the President for Saturday or a Parade Day We also have to coordinate with Concord Dick Michelson reported on the logistics seminar held on May 17, 1973 There was not a large crowd Mayor White and the State Bicentennial Commission chairman, Mr Barringer were two of the speakers There was talk of the 495 parking lot, computerized reservation systems The State is concerned with new campsites-new info- mation centers All seems to be in the talking stage Dick said that he was informed that there would be 250,000 people needed to work the information system. The Society of Logistical Engineers offered their services Roly Greeley announced a "Cambridge Forum" scheduled for July 4th which will be a community hearing called "Why celebrate the American Revolution ?" LBC has been invited to send a representative Roly said he would be glad to be spokesman and King said he would not back down from such a challenge He would identify himself as a member of LBC Miriam had a letter from Lt Francis concerning the Navy Steel Band Plans look possible to get them here Miriam will keep in touch. A letter from Ray Barnes of the TCC was distributed Mr Matsen was asked if he had any thoughts to share with us He wanted to know "what can-we-do"? He-is with-Ginn-and-Co. He-said-that them-could-be-help in educational matters - editorial design, and writing He was interested in the education suggestion and thought there might be funding available Dick asked him about walking tour publications He thought this would be excellent and to have some one come and talk with him. He reiterated his willingness to help in any way LBC will follow up this generous offer The meeting was adjourned at 10 30 P M. Respectfully Submitted, (Hatt)/J( Beck}>'Nus dorfer, Se retary