HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.19740819 Joint Meeting Study Session August 19, 1974
City Council and Cultural Groups met at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the needs of Cultural
groups and feasibility of a performing arts center on the Rio Grande ProDertv~
Councilmembers present: James Breasted,'.Ramona Markalunas ~ichael Behrendt, Jack
Walls, City Manager Dr. Philip Mahoney and City Attorney Sandra Stul±er. Cultural
groups represented: Ballet West, Given Foundation, Center for Physics, Aspen Leaves,
American Theatre Institure, Grass Roots, Aspen Foundation for the Arts, Aspen School
District and Colorado Mountain College.
Informational Material - Ballet West submitted breakdown of space needs that they would
require, total square footage 49,700 s~. ft.. Citv reported the questionaires that were
previously sent out to seven groups are unavailable~at this time,
CITY COMMENT - Housing has been researched with no answers at this time. Feel the City
can get into a center if the land transfer tax bill passes at the special election to
be held October 1st. Summer programs should be spread throughout the summer rather th~
during a concentrated three month period which would help in alleviating some of the
housing problem.
GROUP COMMENT - Personal contact to home~wners in the community feel would be helpful
in obtaining housing. Citizens are not aware of the degree of the problem.
CITY COMMENT - Notices could be mailed with utility billing. Coordination of housing
needs to be centralized.
GROUP COMMENT - Facility needs: space for year around performances, library space,
adult education, gallery, rehearsal space, administrative space, scientific reviews,
children's theatre, adult theatre, concert hall, gym space, chamber of commerce space
could be incorporated.
CITY COMMENT - Transfer tax is sufficient to keep the facility on going. Construction
money would have to come from foundations.
GROUP COMMENT - Satellite performing areas was not too favorably accepted. Funds too
disbursed, transportation problems, parking etc..
GENERAL DISCUSSION - Phasing of the project was discussed and it was suggested the
first years fees be ear-marked for planning, architectural fees and obtaining grant
funding for construction. School reported in the near future, because of higher demands
in the educational field, the school will no longer be able to assist groups with space.
What to call such a facility was discussed due to the varied needs and usage that could
be considered. It was determined the proposed facility should be called a civic center
or community center.
CONCLUSIONS - Phasing with flexibility, all groups must be considered in the planning
process from Boy Scouts to Aspen Music Associates, Aspen Foundation proceed with
funding availability, Yank Mojo (City) proceed with ascertaining needs of all groups
prior to Labor Day with results to Council after that date.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
~.,l~rraine Graves, City Clerk