Town of Provincetown

Visitor Services Board

 

Meeting Minutes of

Thursday, March 2, 2006

Judge Welsh Meeting Room


Chairman Lynne Davies convened the meeting at 5:06 PM noting the following attendees:

 

VSB members: Lynne Davies, Chairman; Peter Bez, Vice Chairman; Kathleen Fitzgerald; Laurel Guadazno; Michael Peregon; Mick Rudd; and Hersh Schwartz.

 

Absent VSB member:  none. 

           

Other attendees:  Bill Schneider, Administrative Director of Tourism

 

FIVE-YEAR PLAN

 

Discussion regarding Five-Year Plan for FY 2007 as approved by the Board of Selectmen ensued.

 

MOTION:  To approve the Article as presented by the Board of Selectmen for Expenditures from the Tourism Fund.

Motion by:  Peter Bez; Seconded by:  Mick Rudd; Yea:  6  Nay: 1 (KF) Abstain:  0

 

 

PUBLIC STATEMENTS REGARDING THE HERITAGE AND CULTURAL WALKING TRAIL

 

Steve Melamed spoke about the Streetscape initiative, which is being explored by the Economic Development Council and MCC Adams Grant Task Force.  He asked the VSB explore development of WiFi to determine whether or not it could be included with this project.  Mr. Melamed requested the Board remain with the original concept of the “yellow brick road” beginning at the MacMillan Pier where passenger ferries arrive and depart.

 

Chairperson Davies spoke about the history of the proposed Heritage and Cultural Walking Trail concept, which was adopted at Annual Town Meeting in 2003.  The proposed walking trail was to incorporate Provincetown heritage.  The concerns raised by the Streetscape initiative center around underground cables and the types of paving.

 

A discussion regarding the various types of information regarding Provincetown history and lore ensued as well as defining the scope of the walking trail.

 

Peter Bez recommended keeping the trail as low-tech as possible and keep the trail one that won’t need technology maintenance.

 

MOTION:  The VSB request the Historic Commission and Cultural Council provide information as to what should be included on the proposed Heritage and Cultural Walking Trail.

Motion by:  Peter Bez; Seconded by:  Michael Peregon; Yea:  7  Nay: 0 Abstain:  0

 

The VSB Chairperson will request from the respective chairpersons this information and request that it be provided to the VSB before Memorial Day in order for the VSB to determine the scope for this project.

 

Discussion regarding how the project will be implemented ensued.

 

Chairperson Davies discussed the request of the Board of Selectmen to transfer funds encumbered from the Historic Walking Trail to fund fireworks during Fiscal Year 2006.  Concerns regarding public safety and the replenishment of the Tourism Funds were addressed.

 

MOTION:  Move that the VSB not request the proposed Special Town Meeting Article regarding Fireworks.

Motion by:  Peter Bez; Seconded by:  Laurel Guadazno; Yea:  6  Nay: 0 Abstain:  1 (MP)

 

MOTION:  Move that the VSB not request the proposed Annual Town Meeting Article regarding July Fourth Celebration, Historic Walking Trail.

Motion by:  Peter Bez; Seconded by:  Laurel Guadazno; Yea:  6  Nay: 0 Abstain:  1 (MP)

 

Meeting adjourned 6:10 PM