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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-23-LEX250-minSemiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) October 23 2024 Meeting Minutes Pursuant to notice duly filed with the Town Clerk, the Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) convened in a hybrid format in the Parker Room at the Town Office Building and via Zoom video conference on Wednesday October 23, 2024 at 4:30 PM by Ms. Barry as allowed by legislation (S.2475) extending the suspension of certain provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. Present in person: Suzie Barry, Select Board Member, Chair Mona Roy, Community Representative, Vice Chair Noah Michelson, Community Representative, Clerk Cleve Coats, Community Representative Steve Conners, Reenactment Community Representative Bebe Fa!lick, Tourism Committee Representative Jane Hundley, LPS 6-8 Social Science Department Head Cerise Jalelian, Town Celebrations Committee Representative Melanie Lin, Community Representative Doug Lucente, Select Board Member Julie O'Leary, Civic Representative Cpt. John Mazerall, LPD Cpt. Chris Barry, LPD David Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works Rachel Van Emon Judy Crocker Present remotely: Paul O'Shaughnessy, Historical Organization Representative Sgt. David Bresnihan, LPD John Rossi, Commission on Disability Liaison Staff from John Guilfoil Public Relations (JGPR) • The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM by Ms. Barry • Drone Show Recap o Nearly all feedback was positive. The drone show was more accessible than fireworks, due diligence was done on logistics ahead of time, and the show reached the full breadth of the community. o Lessons learned have been noted; the speakers may have been a bit loud. o Great work by both the drone and audio companies; thanks to all Town departments for their hard work in making the event possible. o There was a good level of media coverage on channels 4, 5, and 7, focused on the visuals. The focus is now on creating a compelling blog post and gallery. o The only negative comment was a question on the lighting and security on the way from the drone show to the Battle Green. • Light the Green Recap o More people showed up than lights available, with an estimated 1500 to 2000 people at the Battle Green. Many ducked under the ropes and grabbed lights and left. A prior announcement about grabbing light and staying put may have helped. More volunteers may help in future. The event was a good dress rehearsal in unexpected crowd size and control. o LHS Parade Band, William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps, and CAAL dragon were a great help in guiding people from fields to the Battle Green. o The image didn't resolve well, but the event was a good opportunity to get the word out about the coming celebrations. o A request was made to not put posters in empty storefronts. o Highlighted shortcomings in physical accessibility in getting from point a to point b o There was lots of excitement to be in the photo; should do a do-over. A 100 day to go picture with cardboard placards may be a good possibility. • Witness House Banner Project Update o A list of 25 verified houses standing in 1775 has been made. The small group will contact homeowners in November. o Final approval of the design is needed by 12/1 to order the banners in time for a possible event to distribute banners to homeowners. The cost of the banners will be covered by a private donor. o Ms. Barry moved that herself, Julie O'Leary, Jane Hundley, and Bebe Fa!lick be delegated to make decisions about the witness house banners. ■ The motion was seconded and approved unanimously by roll call vote. • Invitation Update o 2 design samples have been ordered. The plan is to get the invitations out by mid November, and as addresses are acquired. • Monument Update o The Historic Districts Commission was unable to arrive at a determination in regards to the monument. • Loose Ends o Budget ■ ARPA money has to be committed by end of December. ■ Ms. Barry is working with senior staff to cover needs and work with existing money. o Other Lexi ngtons ■ Gifts have been acquired for Lexington SC; will deliver when down for another event. ■ A list of contact info for all other Lexingotns has been compiled. o Green Photo Take Two ■ Daytime may be preferable to night. o Colonial Ball ■ Hosted at by Knights of Columbus on April 5, 2025. o School Hat Projects ■ Will have done by Ken Burns event. o 250 trees ■ The Tree Committee wants to continue its efforts; promises it "will be bigger". • Housekeeping o Minutes ■ Ms. Barry moved to approve the meeting minutes from July 10, August 14, and August 26. ■ The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by roll call vote. o IMA ■ The IMA team is working on creating an IFB on transportation; is deciding on the scope of ask. • Next meeting: Wednesday November 20 at 4:30 • The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 Respectfully Submitted, Noah Michelson