HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20221116.Special1
Wheeler Advisory Board Special Meeting Minutes
November 16, 2022 | 3:00 p.m.
In Attendance:
Wheeler Opera House Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller, 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; Craig Moxon, Production Manager; Maddy Overton, Rentals
Coordinator
Absent: Jennifer White (ex-officio, MAA)
*Meeting Recorder: Malia Machado
Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m.
Chair Fuller moved to approve the October minutes. Ms. Nina Gabianelli seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
Wheeler Updates, Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director
After welcoming the board, Ms. Rigsby Peterson gave a staffing update acknowledging the
addition of two new hires to the team. Regarding the ongoing visioning work, she shared that an
outside facilitator will lead the staff in their brainstorming session, and then the board and staff
will meet together after the first of the year. angent to this conversation, Chair Fuller reviewed
the current goals and mission of the Advisory Board and a brief discussion ensued regarding its
accuracy, relevance, and message.
Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared insight on this season’s robust programming, ticket sales, and
subscription model. She highlighted the successful engagement of a new and diverse Latino
audience at the recent performance by Los Chicos, and noted other upcoming events geared
towards engaging families, youth groups, and schools. She emphasized that our marketing
team are investing heavily in digital advertising to broaden our reach. Discussion ensued
pertaining to other marketing opportunities in the community. Ms. Rigsby Peterson assured the
Board that she would pass these ideas on to Nicole Levesque (Marketing Manager).
Speaking briefly about the 2023 budget, she explained that our team is working hard to
categorize Wheeler expenses more specifically than before to accurately track and budget, and
that the proposed 2023 budget reflects this effort. The team continues to closely review account
coding and establish best practices.
Regarding our tenant spaces, Ms. Rigsby Peterson has been in contact with Bill Johnson,
proprietor of Aspen Public House, and is confident he will renew his five-year lease by the end
2
of December 2022. Valley Fine Art’s lease will expire in November 2023; an RFP will likely be
opened at that time. Most excitingly, the Bar Operator RFP has been reopened until December
9th. Ms. Rigsby Peterson is hopeful for a bid that benefits both a local vendor and the Wheeler.
Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that the 2022 capital projects which experienced supply chain and
other delays will be extended into 2023; this includes both the Theatre Sound System
Replacement and the QSYS Control System design and installation. She provided a quick look
at some additional 2023 capital projects, including projects to improve both the Box Office and
Back of House spaces. Initial updates on the 2022 Replacement of Theatrical Rigging project
included the vendor selection for phases I & II of the project, assessment & design, awarded to
Barbizon. Regarding phase III, installation, Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared her concerns about
closing the theater for several months next fall and requested Board input. The Board agreed
that another long closure so soon after the extended COVID closure would not be in the
Wheeler’s best interest.
A quick announcement was made regarding the Grants Steering Committee: there is an
upcoming opening on the committee and Council is currently accepting applications. Applicants
must reside in Aspen or Pitkin County. Interviews will begin in mid-January. Please let Chair
Fuller know if you are interested in applying.
Board Discussion
The topic of the Wheeler RETT prompted a thorough and thoughtful discussion. The board
discussed the safeguarding and spending of existing Wheeler RETT funds and the City’s
proposed approach to managing and spending both these existing funds as well as new funds
generated under the Arts and Culture RETT.
Chair Fuller moved, and Vice-Chair Mountjoy seconded, that Wheeler Advisory Board authorize
Chair Fuller to draft a statement to City Council capturing the Board’s recommendations as
follows about the use of RETT collections:
1)That all Wheeler Opera House expenses should be paid for from the new Arts and
Culture Real Estate Transfer Tax collections;
2)That the existing historical Wheeler Real Estate Transfer Tax balance should be used for
special capital needs or projects; and
3)That the board requests that City Council prioritize and formally memorialize the
“Wheeler First” concept for new Arts and Culture RETT revenues.
The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Fuller moved to adjourn, Ms. Ziska Childs seconded, and the meeting concluded at 5:14
p.m.
3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Future Meetings Schedule
December 14, 2022
January 11, 2023
February 8, 2023 3:00 p.m.