HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19821220 3417
Special Meeting Aspen City Council December 20, 1982
Councilman Collins called the meeting to order with Councilmembers Knecht and Parry
present.
Councilman Collins said he asked for this meeting because of action taken last week by
the Board of Directors of the Wheeler Opera House to direct the architect to place the
projection booth in the balcony rather than in the attic, as originally drawn. Councilman
Collins said he feels it is wrong to put the projection booth in the balcony for a number
of reasons. First, it is against the recommendation of the architect, the recommendations
of the state historical society. Councilman Collins said there is a report that the
projection booth in the balcony would block the south windows and would disrupt the
cornice of the ceiling. Councilman Collins said a projection booth in the balcony would
not aesthetically enhance the balcony. Councilman Collins also said this is a matter of
economics, and passed out some numbers on the financial impacts of loosing some 25 seats.
Councilman Collins showed a sketch of the booth in the balcony. Councilman Collins said
it is staggering the amount of revenue the lost seats could come up with.
Councilman Collins said he figured the seats were worth $4 per movie and S20 per perfor-
mance. This could add up to $50,000 a year in revenue, compounded over 10 years for a
total of $800,000. Councilman Collins said historically, aesthetcially and financially,
can the Council justify putting the projection booth in the balcony. Councilman Collins
told Council a travel committee went east to see a mirror/projection system, and everyone
was satisfied that the mirror can produce as good a quality a straight-on projection.
One of the concerns was can the operator monitor the screen. Councilman Collins said he
felt something could be worked out so that the projectionist has a complete view of the
screen. The second concern is how to get the film cannisters up to the attic; this could
be done with dumb waiter or electronically controlled basket. The third concern is the
cost. Councilman Collins said to relocate the booth in the attic would be an increased
cost of $8,000. Councilman Collins said the booth in the attic is a good system and can
be made to work. The booth in the balcony is a detriment; it detracts from restoring the
Wheeler to its original character. A booth in the balcony could be distracting to people
sitting near it. Also, the booth in the balcony looses money.
Councilman Collins said the architect ran a plus and minus on both systems. In going
through the 20 criteria, the mirror system is ahead of the direct balcony system.
City Engineer Dan McArthur told Council the reason the Wheeler Board changed its mind
was the ability of the projectionist to see the screen, to hear the sound, and the overall
function of the movie part. McArthur said another concern is getting the film to the
attic. Something has come up that will not allow a dumb waiter. They are examining a
hoist. Councilman Knecht suggested if Council were to choose putting the projection
booth in the attic, someone on Council ought to meet with the Wheeler Board to explain
why. The concerns should be explained to the Wheeler Board. Councilman Knecht said he
felt the Wheeler Board has done an excellent job. McArthur recommended that Councilmembers
attend the Wheeler Board meeting later on this day and explain their position.
Councilman Knecht moved to go along with Councilman Collins suggestion of going back to
the original plans of locating the projection equipment in the attic as originally
designed; seconded by Councilman Parry. All in favor, motion carried.
Kathryn S~Koch,' City Clerk