HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20250212.Regular1
Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
February 12th, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller (Chair), Amy Mountjoy (Vice-Chair), Dr. Tom Kurt
(Secretary), Ziska Childs, Nina Gabianelli, Daniel Benavent (attended via Zoom), Richard
Stettner, and Kate Northfield Lanich (attended via Zoom).
Staff: Alixandra Feeley (Business Manager), Michael Baca (Production Manager), Alex Glen
(Front of House), Nicole Levesque (Marketing Manager)
Absent: Mike Harrington (Executive Director)
Recorder: Meeting notes generated by Microsoft CoPilot, reviewed by Alixandra Feeley
Call to Order & Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order at 3:05pm. Chair Fuller moved to approve the
January 15th meeting minutes; Dr. Tom Kurt motioned to approve and Ziska Childs
seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Aspen Public House, William Johnson, Proprietor
Bill Johnson provided an update on the Aspen Public House, highlighting record-breaking
sales in 2023 and 2024, with gross sales of $2.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively. This
resulted in significant additional rent payments to the City’s Arts & Culture fund. Bill
attributed the increase in sales to the high demand for affordable dining options in Aspen,
especially as other restaurants have closed or reduced operations. He also discussed the
challenges of maintaining operations year-round, particularly during off-peak months, and
the need for flexibility in weekday lunch service. When asked about promotions for Wheeler
patrons, Bill mentioned that programming was incentive enough for patrons, and that the
restaurant was full both before and after recent performances.
Wheeler Updates, Alixandra Feeley
Business Manager Alixandra Feeley relayed updates on behalf of Mike Harrington who was
unable to attend due to travel delays. The 2024 financials were reviewed, with a note that
the final report would be available next month. There was a question about the arts grants
funding coming in less than projected. Mike reached out to John Barker in the City’s
Strategy & Innovation Office for more information.
John’s reply:
2
$250,000 is from a budgeted pilot program (asset and acquisition assistance grant) that
was budgeted for in 2024 but council provided direction to discontinue it prior to rolling
out the second year. The remainder is from the Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship which we
changed the timing of the grant issuance from the fall to January, meaning that 2024 got
skipped.
Mike's presentation highlighted the success of the Wheeler's presenting season, with an
average attendance of 378 per performance and three sold-out shows. The board discussed
a supplemental budget request of $1,565,000 to sustain programming through December,
which would cover approximately 75 additional performances. The board supported this
request and emphasized the need for additional staffing to handle the increased workload.
Michael Baca noted the challenges faced by the production staff, including long hours and
the need for more full-time professionals.
Alix offered words of thanks and appreciation to Richard Stettner and Daniel Benavent as their
terms come to an end. Amy Mountjoy has reapplied and is waiting to hear from City Council as
to her appointment.
Board Discussion
The meeting concluded with a discussion about communication with City Council and the
importance of maintaining a good relationship. The board acknowledged the need for
regular updates to the council and the potential for changes in expectations with the
upcoming election. There was also a brief mention of the new ticketing system and its
performance, as well as the ongoing efforts to update the Wheeler's technical specifications
and documentation.
With no further business, Chair Fuller request a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dr. Tom Kurt
motioned and Nina Gabianelli seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting
concluded at 4:10pm.
Future Meetings Schedule
March 12th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
April 9th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
May 14th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm