HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20250514.Regular
Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
May 14th, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller (Chair), Amy Mountjoy (Vice-Chair), Dr. Tom Kurt
(Secretary), Ziska Childs, Bob Ephlin, Nina Gabianelli, Sarah Pelch and Kate Northfield
Lanich.
Staff: Mike Harrington (Executive Director), Alixandra Feeley (Business Manager), Maddy
Overton (Rentals coordinator), Lucy Berdiales (Administrative Specialist).
Meeting Recorder: Auto-transcription generated via Teams and Microsoft Copilot AI;
summarized by Lucy Berdiales and Alixandra Feeley.
Call to Order & Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The meeting opened with Chair Chip Fuller calling the session to order. April’s amended
meeting minutes will be sent to the Board for review and discussed for approval at June’s
meeting.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Wheeler Updates, Mike Harrington
With the recent approval of the 2025 Spring Supplemental by City Council, Mike Harrington
led a review of the updated budgets and expenses for the 120-Arts-&-Culture Fund
financials. Because the fund includes both the Wheeler Opera House and the Red Brick,
two reports are referenced – a shared report and a “Wheeler Only” report.
Looking specifically at Wheeler activity, Mr. Harrington highlighted that Presented Event
revenue already reached 84% of the original 2025 projection made by his predecessor. He
spoke about a new ticketing conversion option that allows guests to convert unused tickets
to donations that has generated about $15,000 to date - primarily from Jerry Seinfeld ticket
holders. Patrons utilizing this option also receive written confirmation for their donation.
When asked about the increase to the public outreach budget, which covers all marketing-
related expenses, Mr. Harrington attributed the additional funding to higher activity levels
and programming efforts.
Regarding the distribution of grant funds, Mr. Harrington noted that the Arts & Culture
Grants will be reflected in next month’s financials while Ms. Berdiales confirmed that line 36
of the budget represented Cultural Vibrancy grants. Grant applications and requests are
reviewed by a citizen committee under the City’s Strategy and Innovation Office and
approved by City Council.
Mr. Harrington shared updates on the Roaring Fork Rising series, which focuses on
showcasing local talent. The selection process was led by a team of Wheeler staff including
Alex Glen, Risa Rushmore, Malia Machado, and Ginger Kennington. A thoughtful discussion
about advertising, grassroots promotions, posters in public spaces, and mailers ensued.
Board members commented positively on the initiative, and staff reported around 50 tickets
sold for the upcoming weekend show at The Vault Bar.
Board Discussion
The Board also discussed the broader strategy for film programming. Board members
inquired about opportunities to partner with existing festivals. Mr. Harrington expressed
interest in reviving relationships with Mountain Film and 5Point Film Festival; he confirmed
discussions are underway to bring pre-curated film content to the Wheeler. Among others,
Sarah Pelch and Kate Northfield Lanich voiced support for reviving MET Opera screenings,
even if they are not live. Mr. Harrington confirmed Wheeler's upgraded audio system would
greatly enhance the viewing experience.
Dr. Kurt proposed an internship collaboration. Mr. Harrington acknowledged the idea and
explained that while internal restructuring and a review of staff roles are being prioritized as
part of the FY26 budget development, the internship concept could be revisited in the fall.
Executive Session
The Board voted unanimously to enter executive session for discussion related to potential
rental rate strategy.
Following the executive session and with no further business, Chair Fuller requested a
motion to adjourn the meeting. Amy Mountjoy moved to adjourn, and Nina Gabianelli
seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting concluded at 5:30 PM.
Future Meetings Schedule
June 11th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
July 9th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
August13th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm