HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20230111.Regular1
Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2023 | 3:30 p.m.
In Attendance:
Wheeler Opera House Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller, Chair; Amy Mountjoy*, Vice-Chair
Dr. Tom Kurt, Secretary; Daniel Benavent*; Nina Gabianelli; Richard Stettner; Lauren Foreman*
(alternate), and Jennifer White (ex-officio, MAA)
* Attended via Zoom
Wheeler Opera House/City of Aspen Staff: Alixandra Feeley, Business Manager; Nicole
Levesque, Marketing Manager; Karen McConnell, Administrative & Artistic Specialist
Absent:
Ziska Childs
Meeting Recorder: Karen McConnell
Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.
Chair Fuller motioned to approve the November minutes; Nina Gabianelli seconded. The motion
passed unanimously.
Wheeler Updates, Alixandra Feeley
With Executive Director Lisa Rigsby Peterson attending the annual Association of Performing
Arts Professionals (APAP) conference in New York City, Wheeler Business Manager Alixandra
Feeley welcomed board members and provided Wheeler updates in her stead.
Ms. Feeley was excited to share that 2022 wrapped up with very well attended programs,
including nearly sold out shows by Kevin Nealon and Justin Willman. She also called out some
upcoming January programming, including events hosted by community partners including the
Aspen Historical Society and AspenOUT, as well as shows presented by the Wheeler. When
asked about ticket sales for upcoming events, Marketing Manager Nicole Levesque shared
ticket sales details, including specific show numbers and trends.
Ms. Feeley provided a brief status update on the Theatre Shades project led by the Bldg. Dept.,
noting that it should wrap up this week or next.
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When reviewing the 2022 YTD Financial Report, Chairman Fuller commended Ms. Rigsby
Peterson and the Wheeler team for their fiscal responsibility over the past year. As in recent
previous years, 2022 still saw reduced ticket sales revenue due to cancellations and less overall
programming, but spending was also reduced in a proportional manner, which was both noted
and appreciated by Chair Fuller.
Board Discussion
The Board resumed a thoughtful discussion about the Wheeler Advisory Board Bylaws.
Following up from last month’s meeting, the Board reviewed City Attorney Jim True’s comments
on the suggested revisions to Article III Membership. For the suggested revision to Section 1 –
Appointments regarding the number of members, Mr. True accepted the revision. For the
suggestion to Section 6 – Aspen Music Festival and School, he deemed the existing language
appropriate as written, and the suggestion was not accepted.
Dr. Kurt recommended a more robust description of the word “property” in the Mission
Statement.
Members present asked Wheeler staff to consult the City Attorney’s office for clarification and
refinement on three items, including language used in the Mission Statement and Articles, and
will rediscuss at the next Board meeting. Ms. Feeley reaffirmed that the Bylaws, once approved,
could always be amended. Chairman Fuller suggested the Board wait for City Attorney
clarifications before voting on the Bylaws.
Chair Fuller quickly noted that the Board should discuss the lease on the art gallery space at an
upcoming meeting.
The board reassessed if Wheeler-provided board packet printouts would be helpful. They
determined it was unnecessary, and that digital copies or self-printed items would suffice.
Chair Fuller moved to adjourn; Nina Gabianelli seconded. The meeting concluded at 4:08 p.m.
Future Meetings Schedule
February 8, 2023, 3:30 p.m.
March 8, 2023, 3:30 p.m.
April 12, 2023, 3:30 p.m.