HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20241113.Regular1
Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2024 | 3:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller (Chair), Amy Mountjoy (Vice-Chair, attended via
Zoom), Dr. Tom Kurt (Secretary), Ziska Childs, Nina Gabianelli, Daniel Benavent, and Kate
Northfield Lanich.
Staff: Mike Harrington (Executive Director), Alixandra Feeley (Business Manager, attended
via Zoom), Karen McConnell (Administrative & Artistic Specialist).
Absent: Richard Stettner
Meeting Recorder: Alixandra Feeley
Call to Order & Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order. Chair Fuller asked for a motion to approve the
revised October 9th meeting minutes; Nina Gabianelli moved and Dr. Tom Kurt seconded.
The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Wheeler Updates, Mike Harrington
Executive Director Mike Harrington provided updates on the YTD financials and solicited
feedback on the formatting and information contained in the new report. Feedback included
approval of: larger font size, addition of year-to-date comparison, reporting monthly of the
fully loaded period (October meeting reviews August financials), and sending financials with
the agenda. Members would like to see a “period activity” column, but do not need to see
the breakout of labor vs goods/services (as in the new report provided to Board Members).
Members continue to find value with the comments and note section.
The FY25 Budget, including 2 new FTEs, was approved by City Council; Mr. Harrington
plans to provide an overview at an upcoming meeting.
Providing updates on capital projects, Mr. Harrington mentioned that completion of the
Rigging Project remains on target; leaving time for final inspection and the reinstallation,
testing, and focus of the lighting instruments. Other active capital projects scheduled to
complete in 2024 include the carpeting replacement in the bar lobby (early December) and
the installation of a state-of-the-art Alcons Audio Cinema Loudspeaker System for the
Cinema Audio Cabinet Replacement (equipment on-site as of 11/13). Michael Baca shared
that the Request for Proposal for the Theater Sound System Replacement will be posted
soon; this project encompasses the total replacement of the Wheeler Opera House’s Main
2
PA (Sound Reinforcement System) and restores functional use to the opera boxes. Pending
no unexpected delays, the Production Team can offer a tour of the theatre to the Board
Members at the January 8th meeting. The first performance of 2025 is presented by Aspen
Gay Ski Week and is scheduled for January 16th.
Mr. Harrington provided a quick rundown of the three upcoming Vault programs and
provided a sneak peak of the Season Announce. He commented on establishing the
Wheeler as the hub of cultural collaboration locally, highlighting “in association with”
programming partnerships, including those with the AMFS, JAS, and others. He touched
again on the Wheeler Insider program and eligibility for locals. To close the discussion, Mr.
Harrington reviewed on-sale dates and provided a high-level overview of the upcoming
advertising plan for the 2025 events. A question was brought about programming during the
X Games and evolved into a discussion about the possibility of projection mapping the
exterior of the building or other activation to build awareness of the Wheeler.
Board Discussion
The Board resumed a thoughtful discussion around the Arts & Culture grants program and
sustainability. Comments included: ensuring a sustainability question was on the application,
determining methods of documentation and data-gathering from sustainability measures,
and how to get the message to the public about the impact of these measures.
•Exhibit A: Arts & Culture Grant application
Inquiry was made about the status on a Wheeler – Colorado Mountain College Internship
Program. Michael Baca shared that a summer conversation with former executive director,
Lisa Rigsby Peterson and Brad Moore of CMC Spring Valley resulted in the possibility of
offering college credit for the internship. At the time, Mr. Moore was going to review this
possibility with his colleagues; the Wheeler is awaiting his follow-up. Comments about the
timing of the internship (summer, fall, etc.) and expanding to the high school level. Mr.
Harrington mentioned that the City of Aspen has a structured internship program with local
high school and spoke about providing more programming opportunities that bring school
students into the theatre space.
Discussion moved on ways to share information about upcoming Wheeler programming
while the theatre remains closed, including providing materials at December’s Winterskol
event. Mr. Harrington also noted we are still waiting for the final word on the Wheeler’s
application for an exterior window box.
Acknowledgment of CPR training for volunteers scheduled for December 11th.
With no further items to discuss, Daniel Benavent moved to adjourn the meeting and Nina
Gabianelli seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting concluded.
Future Meetings Schedule
December 11th, 2024 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
January 8th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
February 12th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
1
EXHIBIT A
Cultural Vibrancy Application, Youth (pp.3-19) and Adult (pp. 20-37)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
1
..............................
2
3
4
5
6
7
..............................
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18