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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021.10.13 WAB Minutes FINAL1 Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes October 13, 2021 | 3:00 p.m. Via WebEX In Attendance: Wheeler Opera House Advisory Board Members: Christine Benedetti, Vice Chair; Amy Mountjoy, Secretary; Ziska Childs; Tom Kurt: Nina Gabianelli; Richard Stettner; Jennifer White (ex-officio); Lauren Forman (alternate) Wheeler Opera House/City of Aspen Staff: Diane Foster, Assistant City Manager; Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director; Maddy Overton, Artist Services City Council Liaison: Mayor Torre Meeting Recorder: Maddy Overton Ms. Benedetti called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Nina Gabianelli moved for approval of August meeting minutes as amended, Ziska Childs seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Wheeler Updates, Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director Administrative Order 01-2021 regarding COVID protocols at the Wheeler- Ms. Rigsby Peterson started by announcing the implementation of the new Covid protocols for the Wheeler that were brought up by the board at the last meeting. All people at the Wheeler must wear masks when in the building. Additionally, whenever there is a public event, patrons must show proof of full vaccine or a negative test with 72 hours of event. We have hired a security firm who will be checking identification, vaccination cards or negative test results for each person as they enter the building. None of this information will be stored by our staff. This applies to everyone over the age of two years of age. Children 12 years or older can show a negative test or vaccination card. This applies to our staff, volunteers, and our performers. Performers can be onstage unmasked as long as they are 12 feet away from the audience. The first two rows will not be sold to ensure this spacing. This information has been emailed to every ticket holder. Calls will also go out this week. For anyone who is unwilling or unable to comply we will be happy to refund them. 2 Mr. Rigsby Peterson continued by adding that only our HR department will have access to staff test results and vaccinations. If staff is not able to fulfill their duty because of a failed test, we may have to cancel a performance for the safety of our staff and patrons. We are hopeful we will not encounter this situation. Ms. Gabianelli asked if the vaccination/negative test requirements would apply during Theatre Aspen rehearsals, and Ms. Rigsby Peterson underlined that the City Emergency Administrative Order only applies to events when the public in gathered in the building for shows or public events. Mayor Torre and other Board members asked if it would be possible to have an onsite testing option. Ms. Rigsby Peterson will be in contact with the local mobile testing center to see if they are available during upcoming events. Staffing Updates Ms. Rigsby Peterson announced the departure of production manager Chad Eaton. Chad has received an offer in Florida at a much larger arts organization. Michael Baca is our assistant production manager, and he will be taking on the production manager responsibilities until a replacement is hired. Alix Feeley has been named as the new Business Manager. Nicole Levesque has been named to the new position of Marketing Manager, with all front of house positions reporting to her. Grants Program Update Ms. Rigsby Peterson is currently serving on the City Grant Program Steering Committee, which will roll out new guidelines and application materials in early November. There will be three grant review panels rather than one: Arts and Culture, Nonprofits, and Health & Human Services. There will be an orientation session for all interested applicants in mid-November so that they can learn about the new strategic focus areas and application materials. Programming Updates- Ms. Rigsby Peterson added we have a robust calendar full of rental and community events. Some programming has taken a bit of a back seat to all the logistical work we have done. Getting ready for Friday’s new COVID-19 protocols roll-out has taken a great deal of time and focus. New Year’s Eve Planning- Ms. Rigsby Peterson announced confirmed events for the Holiday season. Looking into the new year we will continue collaborative project with local entities. For New Year’s Eve we discussed the issues with a NYE event without the bar, dance floor, and with a strict mask mandate in force. We felt it would be literally impossible to manage people with the enforcement of our mandates. A large music event would not be an example of safety for our staff or community. We are looking into other options. Board members expressed interest in a late afternoon family friendly event, as well as in the possibility of a “sober” celebration option for residents and visitors. Financials Update – Ms. Rigsby Peterson provided an update on year-to-date financials, and reminded Board members that the year will end very differently than budgeted, given the continued shut-down of the building through early summer this year. 3 Building Project Update- Ms. Rigsby Peterson updated the Board on current building projects. Board Discussion Mayor Torre complimented the Board for all their work over the past year and asked whether members felt it was necessary to have a Council member in attendance. The Wheeler Advisory Board does not have a Council member formally appointed to the board, unlike other boards and commissions. The board agreed that they would like to continue to have a member of City Council present for the Wheeler Advisory Board meetings. Dr. Kurt moved to adjourn, Ms. Gabianelli seconded, and the meeting concluded at 4:07p.m.