HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-09-TOUR2-minTourism Committee Minutes
Monday, January 9, 2012, 4 p.m.
Room G -15
Members Present: Kerry Brandin, Bebe Fallick, Dawn McKenna, John Patrick, Jim Shaw
Staff: Masha Traber
Guest Present: Jerry Michelson, and other members of the Center Committee
Dawn McKenna will take minutes for this meeting. The meeting began with the introduction of Ashley
Giesta, an intern from Middlesex Community College who will work with the Tourism Committee
through May. Generally her schedule will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, except in weeks in which she is
helping with events.
The main purpose of the meeting was a joint meeting with the Center Committee to discuss with them
the possibility of changing the start location of the Liberty Ride from the National Heritage Museum to
the Visitors Center. After discussion of the Visitors Center, and with a quorum of their committee
present, the Center Committee voted unanimously to support relocating the start of the Liberty Ride to
the Visitors Center. They were encouraged about the possibility of the all day parking pass and made
some suggestions regarding how that might be accomplished. Jerry Michelson, Chairman of the Center
Committee, also announced that Melissa Tintacolis had been hired as the new Economic Development
Officer for the Town. He then described the Center Zoning changes that may be proposed at this year's
Town Meeting, seeking feedback from us. No position was taken by the Tourism Committee.
Regarding the Liberty Ride, several operational issues were discussed. The 2012 season will end on
Sunday, October 28 The Assistant Liberty Ride Coordinator position will be posted. The Liberty
Ride ticket will remain the same this year. Any thoughts of changing the design or type should be
reviewed in the fall for next season. The Committee suggested talking with the 128 Business Council
and Shire to see if either of them provide Sunday service already so perhaps we could connect with
them.
Due to the length of this discussion, Strategies and Funding Priorities, Battle Green and gateway
signage, Revolutionary Revelry and the approval of minutes were all deferred.
The following announcements were made:
1. We were asked to share space with GMCVB for AAA. All felt we should decline.
2. The Town Manager has recommended a $ l Ok increase in our FY2013 marking funding.
3. The Visitor Center will be discussed at the Selectmen's meeting this evening.
4. We are invited to the Apres Noel Party on 1/19 at Wyndham Hotel in Andover
Next Meeting: Monday, January 23, 2011 room G -15 . Adjourned at approximately 6 pm. Respectfuly
submitted, Dawn McKenna
Documents Available at the Meeting for Review
1. Apres Noel party announcement
2. Annual Report 2010 submission