HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-07-TOUR2-minTourism Committee Meeting
Monday, April 7, 2008
Town Office Building, Room 111
Members Present: Susan Bennett, Mary Jo Bohart, Kerry Brandin, Richard Canale, Beb&
Fallick, Carla For Dawn McKemla, Joanne Myers, John Ott, Lou Sideris Staff: Masha
Traber
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Absent: Paul O'Shaughnessy Selectman Liaison: Peter Kelley
The meeting was called to order at 4:15 PM by Chairman McKenna.
1. Minutes of the March 3 meeting were reviewed and approved as presented. Joanne Myers
will record the minutes of this meeting.
2. Activities
a. Summary of Who is Working on What
o Website has been updated. Includes link to schedule of Lexington events.
o Lou Sideris spoke about Patriots Day activities at National Park; will drop
off newspapers.
b. Visitor Center Display — Guest: Wouter Broekrna from CTM
• Goal: to change and improve space at Visitor Center including use video
display.
• Wouter Broekma described various options his firm has used successfully
for the travel /tourism market in the region including adding video screen on
top of existing display offering 4 -5 minute loop featuring attractions. Also
described fixture opportunities including wi -fi kiosk with mobile ticketing.
• Discussion about needs and parameters. Consensus on:
1. limit video to Lexington and Concord
2. Focus on historic sites.
3. Keep loop to 4 or 5 minutes; 2 -3 minutes for sites, 2 minutes for
sponsors. Historic sites first, dining and lodging at the end.
4. 8 -10 sites would go on video; receive payment from for - profits. Limit
to the organizations that really promote tourism.
5. Wouter Broelcma will develop a proposed format. Four -week lead
time for 1 display only. Want to be able to make decision at May 5
meeting.
Town Meeting Budget
o Passed unanimously; no one questioned the numbers.
o Established a revolving account for the Liberty Ride; at the end of the year,
money remains in revolving fund for tourism and Liberty Ride initiatives.
The revolving fund will receive all income related to the Liberty Ride;
Town Meeting fronted us $17,500 so that we would have money to operate
until we collect income in the revolving account; repayment schedule is
open- ended. $143,129 appropriated in this year's town budget, $17,500 of
which will be in the operating budget; balance of $2,274 remaining from
FY07 to be applied toward repayment, as will any FY08 surplus.
d. Ratify poll vote on Report to Town Meeting. Moved, seconded, unanimously
approved.
e. Update on Battle Green Sign
o Christopher Bing will produce sketch for explanatory sign for Green from the
perspective of looking over the shoulders of the redcoats toward Harrington
House. He hopes to have a sketch in May.
£ Michael Young recognition. Waiting to schedule date for luncheon. Gift will be
lifetime pass for Liberty Ride.
g. Informational Signs
o Kerry Brandin reported on progress. Dawn McKemia brought sample of
informational signs to Town Meeting; they loved them. Have walked around
with members of the DPW to site the signs. They will try to get some up
before Patriots Day.
o Raised concern regarding mixture of materials on Green; whole area needs
improvement. Dawn McKenna raised the possibility of the Committee taking
on this project for next year. Also need to look at lighting. Mary Jo Bohart
recommended coordinating with the Center Committee. Third concern is
pathways. John Ott suggested getting Colin Smith to endorse project. The
committee agreed to take on the responsibility of moving this project forward.
h. Scheduling Joint Training. Scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, from 5 to 7 PM at the
National Heritage Museum, continuing to the Munroe Tavern at approximately 6:15
for tour. Masha Traber, Susan Bennett, and Joaime Myers will coordinate. Masha
Traber will work on information chart that includes each of the sites.
i. Other Suggestions
o Signage outside of Depot Square. How do we process infonnation? What is
put there? Recommendation to include what is submitted to calendar by
organizations that are involved with history, the arts, and culture— activities
that are of interest to both residents and visitors to the area. Need to speak
with Historic District Commission regarding font size.
Liberty Ride
a. Trolley will be in Patriots Day parade. There will costs associated with paying driver
for time (at least 4 hours). Motion to authorize expenditure of up to $400 made,
seconded, and approved unanimously.
b. Dawn McKeraia has moved forward on identifying potential merchandise. Need to
have something printed by June in order to retain logo. Looking into two postcards —
logo and trolley. Will get pricing on bags, hats and t- shirts.
c. Masha Traber provided update on Liberty Ride: 67 charters to date compared to 48
last year -39 between now and June 30. More local interest including corporate,
school, and business.
Meeting adjourned at 6:01 PM. Next Meeting: Monday, May 5, 4 PM.