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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20220914.Regular1 Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes September 14, 2022 | 3:00 p.m. In Attendance: Wheeler Opera House Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller, Chair; Amy Mountjoy, Vice-Chair; Daniel Benavent; Ziska Childs; Lauren Forman (alternate); Jennifer White (ex-officio, MAA) Wheeler Opera House/City of Aspen Staff: Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director; Alix Feeley, Business Manager; Craig Moxon, Production Manager Absent: Dr. Tom Kurt, Secretary; Nina Gabianelli; Richard Stettner *Meeting Recorder: Alixandra Feeley & Malia Machado Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Chair Fuller moved to approve the July minutes. Mr. Daniel Benavent seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Chair Fuller announced that Mayor Torre is pleased with the Wheeler Board’s performance and will not be attending meetings regularly moving forward but will attend occasionally. Additionally, Jed Bernstein with Theatre Aspen would like to set up an informational meeting with the Board about building a permanent structure where the Theatre Aspen tent is currently located, even though the Board has no advisory or recommendation role on this project. The Board agreed that they would be interested in learning more about the project. Chair Fuller also inquired about the selection timeline for new Grants Committee members as he would like Board representation on the committee for this upcoming year. Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that existing Review Committee members have multi-year terms and that the Steering Committee is the committee that would have more immediate openings, to which Board members are welcome to apply. She will follow up with more information. Wheeler Updates, Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director Wheeler update topics included the announcement of the 2022-2023 season, building improvements, RFP progress, and a conversation about the development of the Vision Plan. Ms. Rigsby Peterson was excited to share that the robust 2022-2023 season was publicly announced on Tuesday, September 13th, and will commence with two performances by DanceAspen on September 23rd-24th. Ms. Rigsby Peterson acknowledged that there will not be 2 a formal kick-off party for this season, but that it is a future goal. She went on to state that there is still room to add 5-8 performances to the season schedule and that the Wheeler is always in contact with Belly-Up for possible co-production opportunities. Additionally, the Wheeler is bringing in a technology arts company called Compagnie TPO in May where they will be working with local organizations throughout the valley to create a relevant piece based on their interpretation of the Roaring Fork Valley. Ms. Rigsby Peterson was sure to highlight the affordability of ticket prices for this season with current prices not exceeding $75. Further, she outlined the similarities and differences between the Wheeler Wins program and the new Subscription Model highlighting that the new model incentivizes people to purchase tickets resulting in long-term benefits and community engagement. Ms. Rigsby Peterson provided a financial update for the current fiscal year. Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that one of the three boilers is out of commission due to the exchanger not working properly. Pete Hajdu, Wheeler building supervisor, is working diligently to repair the boiler or replace it if need be. Also, some minor mortar repairs have been performed on the masonry. Finally, we are installing a washer and dryer on the dressing room level of the building for artists’ use. In terms of the bar RFP, there were no responses, so the Wheeler is moving forward with a contracted bartending service for now. In this arrangement, the Wheeler will order inventory and the bartending service will serve a limited selection including wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages. Ms. Rigsby Peterson asked the Board’s opinion about subsidizing money for patrons’ bar experience. A conversation ensued about the variety of offerings, the value of bar operations at the Wheeler, and practices that have been successful elsewhere. The Board indicated that it feels bar service is necessary, even if it needs to be subsidized, though not to an excessive degree. Ms. Rigsby Peterson also mentioned that the rigging RFP has been extended to September 23rd to capture as many bids as possible. She acknowledged that the supply chain issues may affect this project moving forward in addition to the possibility of higher costs than originally anticipated. Like the rigging project, the masonry and Q-Sys capital projects have been affected by these same supply chain issues. Therefore, some of the revenue projections seem lower than expected and expenses may need to be deferred to 2023. Ms. Rigsby Peterson asked for feedback on what our actions should be if these large-scale projects continue to be delayed. A robust conversation ensued including recommendations for a site survey of the theatre. Ms. Rigsby Peterson requested that the Board continue to give thought to a Wheeler vision. Staff from the City’s Strategy and Innovation Office will lead the Board through a visioning session to capture the Board’s thoughts as the Wheeler staff work on the vision statement. This session may happen as soon as the next board meeting. Responding to board questions, Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that it is her understanding that Bill Johnson of Aspen Public House intends to renew his 5-year lease for the space. Bill will be continuing with the restaurant operations without a partner. A brief conversation surrounding the accessibility and affordability of the menu ensued. In response to a previous board inquiry, Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that the Valley Fine Art’s lease will expire on November 30th, 2023, and that this topic will be discussed more thoroughly at a future date. 3 Board Discussion Chair Fuller suggested moving the Wheeler bylaws to next month’s meeting. Ms. Rigsby Peterson provided an update to the Board’s previous RETT recommendation that the city retains at least 50% of annual operating expenses as a minimum reserve. After informally sharing the Board’s thoughts with Council, City Finance Director Pete Strecker indicated that the Council would be more comfortable with a 100% reserve rather than 50%. Chair Fuller asked that at a future meeting the Board review Wheeler capital needs to be sure that they are well- aligned with RETT collections. Chair Chip Fuller moved to adjourn, and the meeting concluded at 4:18 p.m. Future Meetings Schedule October 12, 2022 3:00 p.m. November 9th, 2022 3:00 p.m. December 14th, 2022 3:00 p.m.