HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20241211.Regular1
Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2024 | 3:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller (Chair), Amy Mountjoy (Vice-Chair), Dr. Tom Kurt
(Secretary), Ziska Childs, Nina Gabianelli (attended via Zoom), Daniel Benavent (attended
via Zoom), Richard Stettner (attended via Zoom), and Kate Northfield Lanich.
Staff: Mike Harrington (Executive Director), Michael Baca (Production Manager), Alixandra
Feeley (Business Manager, attended via Zoom), Nicole Levesque (Marketing Manager)
Absent:
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
November 13th meeting minutes; Amy Mountjoy 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 general updates on programming and ticket
sales.
Mr. Harrington led the Board on a review of the year-to-date financials as reported through
the end of October 2024; there were no questions. The FY25 Budget was then reviewed
and compared to FY23 actuals and FY24 budget. Questions uncovered transcription errors
on two lines that did not impact the year totals reported. A corrected financial report is
included with the minutes. When asked about lines that appeared over-budgeted, Mr.
Harrington suggested that additional funds would be used toward artist fees; he also plans
to evaluate funding for programming as part of the spring supplemental process. The spring
supplemental process will also carry forward funding from existing capital projects that will
continue in 2025, which was not included on the report reviewed by the Board. Looking
specifically at the Exterior Lighting project funded in 2025, Mr. Harrington’s understanding is
that the $20,000 requested is for an exploration and concept development phase of the
project.
Mr. Harrington then reviewed the first few pages of a new General Policies document
drafted by Wheeler staff. This document will be shared with external clients, helping to
manage expectations of venue use, and internally it gets staff on the same page. And while
these will be the “rules,” Mr. Harrington emphasized that there may be exceptions for
consideration, example – a rental request that falls outside the indicated reservation
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timeline. Other topics discussed were venue safety and weapons on premises. Once
finalized, the document will be available on the Wheeler website. Mr. Harrington also
confirmed that the General Policies is a reference document only; he confirmed that the
license agreement is the transactional document. Referring to the Wheeler Advisory Board’s
bylaws, Mr. Harrington asked the group to especially share feedback on the scheduling
policies and priorities as proposed in the document.
Dr. Kurt mentioned the upcoming Winterskol activities and opportunities for Wheeler
participation; Mr. Harrington noted that week’s film screening as part of the festivities.
Marketing Strategy & Updates, Nicole Levesque, Marketing Manager
Presentation highlights included a sales overview from the Season Announce Party, Insiders
Program, news coverage, and marketing strategy - including Spektrix reporting and
analytics, website improvements, new ad campaigns (email is still the primary way people
find out about events), Spanish-language media outlets, staffing, and more
Board Discussion
The Board discussion included positive comments on the activities of the Aspen Collective,
noting the liveliness of the space. Ms. Childs mentioned that “Gondola Polls” and local
conversations show enthusiasm for upcoming programming & partnerships, and an
appreciation for the Wheeler Insider program. Ms. Gabianelli inquired about matinee
programming, which older audience members may find more accessible, as well as the
status of Board vacancies. Mr. Benavent inquired and proposed some holiday appreciation
gestures for Wheeler staff; Mr. Harrington noted that City Council, for which the Board acts
as an extension, also provided gift cards to all staff. Similarly, it was proposed that the
Wheeler Board provide coffee and cookies for an upcoming staff meeting.
With no further items to discuss, Nina Gabianelli moved to adjourn the meeting and Richard
Stettner seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting concluded.
Future Meetings Schedule
January 8th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
January 15th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
February 12th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
March 12th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm