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Town of Lexington
Tourism Committee
Dawn McKenna, Chair (781) 862-0500 ext 84585
DRAFT Tourism Committee Minutes
April 8 2019 4:30—6:00 pm
Parker Room, Town Office Building
Members Present:Dawn McKenna,Marsha Baker,Bebe Fallick,Jon Himmel,Wim Nijenberg,Kerry Brandin,
Trisha Kennealy
Center Committee Liaison Present:Fred Johnson
Selectmen Liasion Present:Doug Lucente
Staff Present:Melisa Tintocalis,Katie Johnson,and Casey Hagerty
Members Absent: Margaret Coppe,Erica McAvoy
1. Visitors Center Project- Construction Bids and updates
Dawn McKenna explained that the bids came back for the Visitors Center project much higher
than anticipated. The lowest bid was $400,000 higher than the allotted budget for the project.
Doug Lucente explained that he and Jim Malloy met earlier in the day to discuss the situation.
The project will either need to go back out to bid or they will have to go back to Town Meeting
to ask for additional funding. Dawn McKenna mentioned that Article 27, which would allow the
Selectmen to request additional funds under an capital project that was appropriated at a previous
Town Meeting is still open at the current Annual Town Meeting so there is an opportunity to ask
for money in time to accept the qualified bid. Another option would be to go back to the Historic
Districts Commission and seek permission to use a non-slate roof on the building which would
reduce the overall cost of the project. Dawn McKenna broke down the various funding sources
that the project currently has including Town Meeting funding, possible money from the state in
the bond bill, and other grant sources.
The Tourism Committee discussed the current situation as well as how the bid process works.
The Committee determined that the best course of action is to ask for Town Meeting for the
additional funding and include the first add alternative, technology for the Visitors Center
project. There is no guarantee that the Historic Districts Commission will allow a non-slate roof,
but the Tourism Committee. The Tourism Committee emphasized that the scope of the project
has not changed since it was originally funded, but labor and construction costs have risen
significantly.
A motion was made and seconded (7-0), to support a request under Article 27 for additional
funding up to $400,000 that is required in order to meet the bid for the construction of the Visitors
Center as set out and include add/alternate 1.
2. Visitors Center Staffing
Melisa Tintocalis introduced Katie Johnson, the new Visitors Center Manager to the Tourism
Committee. Katie introduced herself and explained that she has background in marketing and
retail and will oversee the transition of the existing Visitors Center to the temporary location.
The committee introduced themselves and welcomed Katie on board.
Melisa Tintocalis explained that Gerry Marrocco is currently the acting Liberty Ride
Coordinator. He is a long time guide with an extensive knowledge of the program.
Dawn McKenna informed the Tourism Committee that Megan Zammuto, the Economic
Development Coordinator, has left Lexington for a new opportunity.
3. Visitors Center Project- Temporary Space
The existing Visitors Center will close on April 22, 2019 and will reopen on May 6, 2019. The
Liberty Ride will operate out of the temporary Visitors Center during this time frame. Visitors
Center staff is working with a designer to create signage at both Cary Memorial Hall and on and
construction fencing at the site of the new building. Economic Development and Visitors Center
Staff has met with various Town Departments to prepare the Ellen Stone Room and Robbins for
the temporary Visitors Center.
4. Banner Policy
The Board of Selectmen is in the process of creating a policy for banners on street poles. The
Tourism Committee will review the policy and provide any comments to Dawn and she will pass
them along to the Town Manager.
5. Battle Green Masterplan Interpretive Signs
The Historic Districts Commission has reviewed the proposed reader rails for Battle Green
Master Plan and has approved the look and feel of that signage. The Tourism Committee
discussed the design the design and content. They will provid feedback to Dawn and she will
pass it along to the designer. The Tourism Committee will get an opportunity to review the
second draft of the design. The exhibit designer is not putting QR codes on the signage, but the
Tourism Committee will ask her to explore other forms of technology.
A motion was made and seconded(7-0), to authorize Chairperson Dawn McKenna to consolidate
comments and provide feedback to the exhibit designer on behalf of the Tourism Committee.
6. Minutes
A motion was made and seconded(7-0) to approve the minutes of9/2712018, 1/17/2019, 1/31/2019
and March 7'h with the chair authorized to make non substantive changes.
7) Updates and Miscellaneous
a) Website and marketing
Once new staff is hired in the Economic Development Office, the committee will move
forward with pursuing and developing their marketing plan.
Adjourned at approximately 5:52pm p.m.
Documents available:Tourism Committee Agenda,Draft Banner Policy,Battle Green Interpretive Rails and
wording dated 3/25/2019,Minutes from 9/27/2018, 10/22/2018, 11/8/2018, 11/19/2018, 1/17/2019, 1/31/2019,and
3/7/2019,Cancelled meeting agends from 12/13/2018 and 2/4/2019, Visitors Center Donation rack card, Memo to
Doug Lucerne dated 4/8/2019 regarding bid costs and status of Visitors Center Funding
Respectfully submitted, Casey Hagerty
Approved, 6/10/2019