HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20220713.Regular1
Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2022 | 3:00 p.m.
In Attendance:
Wheeler Opera House Advisory Board Members: Chip Filler, Chair; Amy Mountjoy, Vice-Chair;
Dr. Tom Kurt, Secretary; Daniel Benavent; Ziska Childs; Nina Gabianelli; Richard Stettner,
Lauren Forman (alternate)
Wheeler Opera House/City of Aspen Staff: Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director; Alix
Feeley, Business Manager; Jeni Hepler, Ticketing Supervisor; Nicole Levesque, Marketing
Manager; Maddy Overton, Rentals Coordinator; Pete Strecker, Finance Director
City Council Liaison: Diane Foster, Assistant City Manager
Absent:
Jennifer White (ex-officio, MAA)
*Meeting Recorder: Malia Machado
Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m.
Mr. Daniel Benavent moved to approve the June minutes. Dr. Tom Kurt seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
Wheeler Updates, Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director
Ms. Rigsby Peterson opened the meeting with staffing updates, noting Jeni Hepler’s upcoming
departure and Hannah Ritter’s promotion to the role of Ticketing Supervisor. She also confirmed
that the job description for the Programs Administrator will be finalized and posted in the coming
weeks. Programming updates included seasonal event highlights and next week’s performance
by Corinne Bailey Rae. Regarding bar service, Ms. Rigsby Peterson explained that a single-
event contract is in place with a bartending company for the July 22nd concert. As far as long-
term operators, the Wheeler will issue an RFP for concessionaire services. Ms. Rigsby Peterson
was excited to share that the masonry project brickwork should be completed by Friday, July
15th. She also confirmed that the motorized shades have been purchased and are scheduled to
be installed in early September. When discussing the Wheeler financials, Ms. Rigsby Peterson
explained that the 2023 budget proposal was complete, and that the Wheeler is anticipating a
12-week closure in the fall of 2023 or 2024 to complete all the work for the rigging system
2
implementation. A conversation ensued about logistics, liability outcomes, and supply
shortages.
Dr. Tom Kurt inquired about the Wheeler parcel usage. Due to time constraints, Ms. Rigsby
Peterson asked the Board to push this topic to another meeting so that it can be addressed
sufficiently.
During the discussion of the Wheeler RETT, Finance Director Pete Strecker and Assistant City
Manager Diane Foster answered questions, provided context, and listened intently to Board
recommendations. The Board was most interested in identifying a fund reserve value: what
percentage or dollar amount is needed to maintain Wheeler operations based on the current
average spending. A robust conversation about the Wheeler, the current market, current funds,
global and technological changes affecting operational costs, future hypotheticals, capital
project costs, and how best to project future trends ensued. The Board was hesitant in making a
firm decision at this time but agreed the best approach is to determine a percentage amount so
that the funds would fluctuate with the economy. The Board was also interested in knowing how
often this policy will be re-evaluated. Ms. Foster proposed that she and Mr. Strecker present a
working model to the Board at a future meeting to help them consider different scenarios.
Ms. Rigsby Peterson re-introduced the proposed Rental Fee Schedule which incorporated
recommendations received at last month’s meeting (June 8th). The Board asked clarifying
questions. Ms. Nina Gabianelli moved to recommend the Rental Fee Schedule to City Council.
Ms. Ziska Childs seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Fuller moved to adjourn; Ms. Gabianelli seconded; the meeting concluded at 5:06 p.m.
Future Meetings Schedule
August 10, 2022 3:00 p.m.
September 14th, 2022 3:00 p.m.
October 12th, 2022 3:00 p.m.