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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021.05.21 WAB MinutesVirtual Wheeler Board Meeting Board Meeting Minutes | May 12, 2021 - 3PM Submitted by Jeni Hepler In Attendance: Wheeler Opera House Board Members: Chip Fuller, Chairperson Amy Mountjoy, Secretary Christine Benedetti Nina Gabianelli Ziska Childs Richard Stettner Dr. Tom Kurt Amy Mountjoy Lauren Forman (alternate) Absent: Jennifer White (ex-officio, MAA) In Attendance: Wheeler Opera House / COA Staff: Diane Foster, Assistant City Manager Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Wheeler Executive Director City Council Liaison Mayor Torre Ward Hauenstein (alternate) Meeting Recorder: Jeni Hepler DISCUSSION ACTIONS RESPONSES o Meeting called to order at 3:02PM o Approval of April 14, 2021 meeting minutes. Approved 1) Wheeler RETT Presentation Update, Diane Foster: Assistant City Manager Diane Foster updated the board about a recent RETT presentation to City Council. She shared that ensuring the financial stability for The Wheeler is the priority of City Council. There were 5 options presented to Council for consideration, which have been narrowed down to 2. These options will receive a much more focused presentation at the June 7th Council work session. One of the important points to address is ballot timing, which could be influenced by many factors, including the cost of having a special election and anticipated voter turnout., There will be a public community engagement process if the changes to the RETT are proposed for voter approval. Chair Chip Fuller requested that the board schedule time for discussion and come to consensus regarding Wheeler RETT to share with City Council. Preliminary board discussion followed. Virtual Wheeler Board Meeting Board Meeting Minutes | May 12, 2021 - 3PM Submitted by Jeni Hepler 2) Executive Director Remarks – Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director Progress on Reopening: Ms. Peterson shared that the Wheeler is excited to reopen next week to Aspen Country Day School. Aspen Fringe Festival on June 11 and 12 will be the Wheeler’s first public performances since last year. Many rental applications are coming in, and there will be a discussion with the Wheeler’s booking partner later in the week regarding previously cancelled shows and future programming. Board Secretary Amy Mountjoy requested to put private events on the calendar for the community to see that The Wheeler is opening again. The building scaffolding is scheduled to come down on the east side in June, depending on stone availability and construction progress. There is some minor roof and flashing repair needed which will be addressed while the scaffolding is still in place. Due to the newest timing for scaffolding, Wheeler tenants will continue to receive rent abatement through June. Staffing Update: Some vacant positions have been filled, including the return of longtime Wheeler stage crew member Michael Baca as Assistant Production Manager. Remaining positions include a Front of House Coordinator, a Rentals Manager, a Senior Operations / Business Manager and an Operations Assistant. Fieldwide Conversations: Ms. Peterson has been involved in performing arts centers fieldwide conversations regarding reopening recently. Many venues are planning for full capacity reopening with masks. These conversations have been very hopeful. Invitation to View Windows Option: Recently, Wheeler staff had to unblock a window in the theatre to repair a pane of broken glass. The daylight streaming into the theatre was wonderful, and Ms. Peterson asked if Board members would be interested in coming into the theater to see for themselves. Also, Ms. Peterson contacted the City’s Asset Department to follow up on Board Member Ziska Childs’ concerns regarding the structural integrity of the building. The Asset Department shared that the building has been inspected numerous times and the structural integrity of the building is sound. Ms. Peterson introduced Chad Eaton, Production Manager and Pete Hajdu, Building Supervisor to join the Board’s discussion regarding capital projects prioritization. Virtual Wheeler Board Meeting Board Meeting Minutes | May 12, 2021 - 3PM Submitted by Jeni Hepler 3) Board Discussion, Chip Fuller A. Chair Fuller led a Capital Projects Prioritization discussion to review capital projects identified by both Theatre Projects as well as Wheeler Staff. Several elements of the list have already been completed, while others are either scheduled for future fiscal years or are no longer necessary. Ms. Childs shared her assessment that replacing the rigging/fly system of the theatre should be on the top of the priority list. She would like to see electrical upgrades, equipment for livestreaming, updated servers, dimmer racks, stage floor upgrades and stated the soft goods need to be flame-proofed regularly. Production Manager Eaton stated all soft goods are up to date as they were replaced recently. Ms. Mountjoy asked when the Clear Comm and paging systems were updated. Mr. Eaton replied that a wireless system was installed last summer. Ms. Mountjoy questioned the need for acoustic drapes, and added that more touchless options in the restrooms would be at the top of her list. Building Manager Pete Hajdu shared that the A/C units were installed 4 years ago, and the boilers, which have a lifespan of about 20 years, were installed 12 years ago. All air handlers are operating correctly. Ms. Peterson shared that the ticketing software contract with Audience View was renewed for 3 years; however, Wheeler staff continue to explore alternatives for the future. Councilperson Ward Hauenstein asked about the MERV rating for the building air filters. Mr. Hajdu shared that the filters have all been upgraded from MERV 8 to MERV 13. Ms. Childs inquired about the air exchange rate., Mr. Hajdu said that ELogic is currently conducting a study for the Music Festival, and the results are expected in about 1 month or so. Richard Stettner asked for a timeline of projects to completed, as well as staff prioritization. Ms. Peterson and staff will work on this over the next two months in anticipation of the 2022 budget cycle. B. Programming Discussion Ms. Peterson noted that she recognizes the importance of continuing community relationships moving forward and would also like to hear feedback from the board regarding Wheeler Presented events. Virtual Wheeler Board Meeting Board Meeting Minutes | May 12, 2021 - 3PM Submitted by Jeni Hepler Mr. Fuller would like more family events, perhaps taking place in the early evening / midafternoons. The Wheeler needs a wide variety of programming to appeal to everyone in the community. He would like to have 1 or 2 big headline events each year and to continue the Belly Up partnership Board member Lauren Forman suggested checking Pollstar for historical and present information about touring artists. She recommended introducing podcast recordings on stage. She really enjoyed Killer Queen and was surprised by the attraction and the engagement of a younger audience. Burt Bacharach, an Aspen local, draws a full house, continue with family productions like acrobatic performances and bring in 1 off comedy shows and singer/songwriter events leading up the festivals. Entice bigger names like Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart and Adam Sandler to perform at the Wheeler with a family ski vacation. Ms. Childs suggested considering Broadway touring shows that would fit at the Wheeler. Vice Chair Christine Benedetti suggested bringing in an acoustic version or solo act of a bigger name band. Ms. ountjoy suggested prioritizing local performers and Colorado based series (theater, children’s, etc.). 4) Impending Return to In-person Meetings – There is a possibility to meet in person in June. It would most likely in outdoor setting, and Wheeler staff will be in touch to gauge the Board’s interest in an in-person meeting. Adjourn 4:12 p.m. Future Meeting Schedule Wednesday, June 9, 3pm Wednesday, July 14, 3pm Wednesday, August 11, 3pm