HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-27-TOUR2-minLexington Tourism Committee
Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 27, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.
At Town Offices, Room 111
Members in Attendance: Chair Dawn McKenna, John Ott, Chuck French, Dick Canale, Kerry Brandin, Lou
Sideris, Paul O' Shaughnessy, Mary Jo Bohart
Staff. Masha Traber
1) Meeting Minutes
Approval of the 1/30/06 minutes [prepared by Kerry Brandin]; passed unanimously.
Approval of the 1/30/06 executive session minutes; passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Approval of the 2/13/06 (corrected) minutes for session @ Sheraton Lexington; passed unanimously.
2) Quality Inn — Liberty Ride Packages
a) Dawn McKenna asked the group to brainstorm on a marketing idea presented by Jon Hansen (of
Quality Inn) regarding a package attraction for large bus tours. She explained that Mr. Hansen hopes the
town will spearhead the creation of special thematic dinner events in locations such as the Depot Building.
Ms. McKenna expressed concern that it would be difficult to justify directing town funds to the (for - profit)
Quality Inn to fund a project that assists in the hotel's overall marketing campaign. She explained to the
committee that she requested Mr. Hansen compose his ideas into a written proposal. Paul O' Shaughnessy
stated that the Lexington Historical Society is working with the Quality Inn, so that soon more clarity will be
able to be provided on where this idea is headed.
3) Town Meeting Warrant Articles
b) Article 7 - Sheraton Lexington Rezoning:
Dawn McKenna summarized some recent design changes by the developer, in response to
community feedback. Dick Canale provided further detail on the latest Starwood designs for the two
proposed new hotels. Ms. McKenna suggested that the committee vote to endorse /support the project, but
with an expression of strong reservations regarding the current architecture. Mr. Canale also wanted to have
a provision of that support be that the reuse of the site would only be for a hotel, rather than some other
commercial use. The group clarified that the nature of the Town Meeting rezoning request would specify
hotel use, so that concern would be addressed. Mr. Canale stated that the Planning Board still has some
unanswered questions and concerns regarding the development scheme. Ms. McKenna focused on the
Tourism Committee's role to support new hotel use which will, in turn, support tourism. The committee
decided to postpone taking a formal vote until the next meeting, so that outstanding project issues get
resolved prior to this Warrant Articles appearance before Town Meeting in early April.
c) Article 8 - Scenic Byway:
Dick Canale provided a brief summary of this Warrant Article, including a copy of his Warrant
Article's language. This item seeks an act of legislative collaboration between the neighboring towns of
Arlington, Lincoln and Concord to designate portions of Massachusetts Avenue, Old Massachusetts Avenue,
Wood Street, and Route 2A (the Battle Road Corridor) to be designated as a State scenic byway. He also
mentioned the Heritage Landscapes Inventory project which has begun its reconnaissance efforts to
document historical and cultural resources and landscapes. Mr. Canale concluded by reminded the group of
the upcoming Historic Roads Conference, which has March 0 as a deadline for early registration.
3) Liberty Ride
a) April Operations:
The committee discussed the pros and cons of having some Liberty Ride service in April 2006,
during the days that surround Patriots Day. Masha Traber expressed concern that the Sunday prior to
Patriots Day is Easter this year, which would seriously affect ridership. She also stated that poor ridership
during any Liberty Ride service planned for April could start the new season off with a deficit. The group's
consensus was to forgo any Liberty Ride service for April 2006, and instead the season would commence at
the end of May. Masha Traber reminded the committee that Battle Green Guides will be working in April,
which will help.
b) New Cellular Phone:
Dawn McKenna spoke with Town Manager Carl Valente, and it was agreed that a new Verizon
cellular telephone is necessary and appropriate for Masha Traber to manage the Liberty Ride operations.
The specifics on plans are being worked out, and Ms. Traber anticipates having a new number by next
month's committee meeting.
c) Web Domain Renewal:
Dawn McKenna explained that the web domain registration renewals are due for both
Ww and ww wjou_ rle x ngtofi_u_s. She plans to take care of these renewals by coordinating
with the town.
d) Fundraising:
Dawn McKenna reported that Bill Bunce, general manager for Sheraton Lexington, has indicated that
his company will give $1,000 toward the Liberty Ride again this year. She shared with the committee the
type of fundraising letter that is now being used, which is aimed at generating funds in advance of the
program getting into a deficit situation. Ms. McKenna spoke of this as generating an operating reserve.
e) Route Changes:
The committee discussed the possibility of changing the Liberty Ride route for the 2006 season so
that the Concord Depot stop is eliminated from regular stops but can always be an "on- call" requested stop.
Masha Traber reminded the group that rarely did the Liberty Ride stop schedule at the Concord Depot
coincide with MBTA commuter rail schedules. Thus, she said, riders tended to walk into Concord Center on
their own rather than wait an extended period of time for the Liberty Ride, Ms. Traber asked Ms. McKenna
if it would be necessary to discuss this route change idea with Town of Concord officials, and Ms. McKenna
stated that she would do so.
4) Signage Update
Dawn McKenna said that she and Kerry Brandin will be meeting individually with affected parties
such as the Lexington Historical Society (regarding an upgrade of the Buckman Tavern sign) and the
Lexington Chamber of Commerce (regarding the Visitors Center sign).
6) Next Meeting
Dawn McKenna stated that the next committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 28 at
4:00 p.m. in Town Hall (Room 111).
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jo Bohart