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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-08-TOUR2-min `OVs MORN' O� 1775 tic N P APRIL 19' �FXI NGS�� Town of Lexington Tourism Committee Dawn McKenna, Chair (781) 862-0500 ext 84585 Tourism Committee Minutes October 8th, 2020 3:30—6:00 pm Virtual via Zoom Members Present: Dawn McKenna, Marsha Baker, Kerry Brandin, Wim Nijenberg, Bebe Fallick, Margaret Coppe, Jon Himmel Staff Present: Casey Hagerty, Katie Johnson Liaisons Present: Fred Johnson, Center Committee, Jill Hai, Select Board Members Absent: Erica McAvoy Updates and Miscellaneous Mrs. McKenna informed the Committee that the Select Board has approved the "Go Outdoors" art exhibit. The doors will be displayed on the bike path between the Visitors Center and Hancock Street. Trisha Kennealy has decided she did not wish to be reappointed to the Committee. Mrs. McKenna indicated our appreciation for her service on the Committee. Going forward Mrs. McKenna will cast a wide net to invite diverse applicants with complimentary expertise to join the Committee. The Committee agreed to invite the Recreation Department Staff to a future meeting to discuss how they can collaborate and cross promote. Mrs. McKenna explained that bids for the moving of the Hosmer House have been received, one location proposed is on Harrington Road. The Select Board will review the bids. Projects Review with Dave Pinsonnault Dave Pinsonnault provided an update to the Committee on the Battle Green Master Plan, Center Streetscape project, the interpretive rails, Antony Park, and short-term parking for the Visitors Center. The Battle Green Master Plan will be going out to bid in a year or two. The streetscape portion of the project will be done before 2025; signage will be on going. The Center Streetscape construction will start in the Spring of 2021 and be completed by 2025. For Antony Park, Dave is working to find the correct species of the cultivar for the trees. Mrs. McKenna explained that the Antony Working Group is working on an etching for the granite. Dave is meeting with the Town Manager to discuss short-term parking options for the Visitors Center. Visitors Center Mrs. McKenna reported that there will be no ribbon cutting this Fall. Staff will proceed with planning for an opening celebration in the Spring. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420 Several pending items were discussed. The new bronze plaque has been approved by the Select Board and will be fabricated. A temporary donation plaque was also approved and will be hung in the Visitors Center. A Committee is being formed to plan celebrations for the 250'h anniversary celebrations. Staff Report Ms. Hagerty reported that in September, approximately 1,600 people entered the Visitors Center. 186 tickets were sold for Battle Green Tours. Ms. Hagerty reported that staff is working to get the consultant on board to start the rebranding campaign. We will invite the consultant to the next meeting once the contract is finalized. The Committee discussed the Slavery in Lexington brochure that is to be distributed at the Visitors Center. The brochure was created by Follen Church. Town Staff will ask that they print a label to stick on the brochures so that proper attribution is given so readers know the source of the information. Special Town Meeting 2 and 3 Jessie Steigwald and Betty Gau presented their proposal for a new monument in Lexington honoring women's contributions. Article 7 will be presented at Town Meeting in November 2020 for the monument. The Committee explained that they are not ready to endorse the motion, but they are supportive. The committee asked that they be included in future conversations about the monument. The Committee decided not to take a stance on Article 2 the Short-Term Rental impact fee. Tourism goals implementation a) Marketing—new LHS App The Committee discussed the app that was created by a Lexington High School Student to help people explore Lexington Center which was linked to the tourism webpage. Staff will work with the student to fix some errors that have been found on the app. The Committee also felt that staff needed to have access to update it. Until these issues can be resolved, it is recommended that the site not be linked to www.tourlexington.us b) FY2021 Goals A motion was made and seconded to approve the committee goals for 2021 as amended. The motion was approved by roll call vote (6-0). Adjourned at approximately 5:56p.m. Documents available: Tourism Committee Agenda, Recreation Needs Assessment, Draft FY2021 goals, Article 7 Women's Monument information, Short-term parking turnaround sketch Approved: 12/3/2020