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GRAND OPERA HOUSE ADVISORY BOARD
M I N U T E S
JUNE 8, 2009
GRAND OPERA HOUSE LOBBY, 100 HIGH AVENUE
Present: Diane Popowski, Keith Sparr, Barbara Baier, Jennifer Bugni-Walsh, Diane
Lowe, Marvin Mengeling, Braxton Patterson, Marilyn Haberkorn, Marilyn Rogge, GOH
Executive Director Joe Ferlo, Director of Administrative Services/Assistant City
Manager John Fitzpatrick and Director of General Services Jon Urben.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Rogge called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 2, 2009 MEETING:
It was motioned by Baier, seconded by Sparr, that the minutes be approved as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mr. Urben began by noting the project has now moved from identifying the truss repair
problems to identifying the repair solutions via the bid specifications document. He
noted the following anticipated timeframes for the GOH project: bid specifications
prepared by June 25, pre-bid walkthrough with contractors July 2, bid opening on July
16, workshop to council on July 28 and placed on the August 11 council agenda. He
noted the city has employed Tony Kartsonas from Historic Surfaces to proceed with an
initial review of the ceiling materials to determine if there is any evidence that the pre-
1980 ceiling artwork still remained. Mr. Urben noted that it was his understanding that
Mr. Kartsonas’ initial review noted there was not enough evidence to warrant an
extensive documentation process, but he would know more within the next week. Mr.
Urben also noted that the project group (Architect Tom Karrels, city staff, GOH staff and
consultants), have been meeting weekly to address any questions or issues related to the
formation of the bid specification document.
Mr. Urben asked to architect Tom Karrels to provide a brief update of the project. Mr.
Karrels noted the following items:
Duct work: it was determined that it is more cost-effective to install new
ductwork in the attic area than to dismantle, clean, reinsulated and reinstall the
existing ductwork. The new ductwork will be quieter, cleaner and more efficient.
Electrical: to ensure a safer environment the specs will require emergency
lighting. In addition, the specs will call for upgrading to a smoke detection
system. These discussions have included consultation with both Inspection
Services and the Fire Department.
Wall/ceiling covering: samples of the wallcoverings from the 1980 sympathetic
restoration were found in the GOH storage. These samples will be sent for
proposals for duplications to be made. Intent is to recreate all the existing
wallcovers, ceiling covers and artwork.
Mr. Urben noted he has been impressed by Mr. Karrels and his team, specifically the
team of specialized consultants (fire sprinkler, HVAC and electrical) that have been
involved in the bid specification process.
Chair Rogge then asked for a GOH update from Joe Ferlo. Mr. Ferlo noted the
following:
GOH budget reduction: The 2010 budget for the GOH has been reduced
approximately 32% and they have been forced to release all of their part-time
employees.
GOH Presence: the Grand would still like to maintain a presence in the
community during the renovation project. As such, they will hold several “Grand
Cabaret” performances in the lobby; will be open for every Gallery Walk event;
and hope to provide the education series at the Alberta Kimball Auditorium. For
the fall season they will provide 3-4 performances at the Alberta Kimball
Auditorium. The ticket office will be re-opened July 6.
State Budget: discussion then moved to the $500,000 request for the GOH project
in the state’s capital improvements budget. Mr. Ferlo stressed that the public
needs to understand that this request is not related to the state operating budget.
He also shared some talking points with members when discussing this issue with
the general public. Mr. Ferlo noted they hoped to hear more information from
State Rep. Gordon Hintz in the coming weeks, and thanked him for all of his
support in this endeavor.
Still under GOH update Chair Rogge then introduced Tent Margrif, director of the
Wisconsin field office for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Mr. Magrif noted
they have provided a grant request for up to $5,000 for GOH restoration to cover the
costs of Mr. Tony Kartsonas from Historic Surfaces. Regarding other grant possibilities,
Mr. Margrif noted that the aggressive timeline of the GOH project is probably “not a
good match” for the Jeffries Foundation grants. He did note however that there are
probably 30-40 other foundations in Wisconsin that could be pursued; however these are
small grant dollars ($5,000 and less) per project. Regarding the Saving America’s
Treasures grant program, Mr. Margrif noted the grant requires projects to be recognized
as “national level of significance” which, unfortunately, does not pertain to the GOH.
Mr. Urben noted however that Finance Director Peggy Steeno has been pursing any and
all foundations with hopes they may support the GOH project. He noted that if any news
came forward he would share this with the board.
NEW BUSINESS:
It was noted that the August 17 meeting may be moved up prior to the anticipated August
11 council meeting so as to inform the board of details of what will be proposed for the
project. Should the meeting be reschedule Mr. Urben will make the necessary
arrangements with Chair Rogge.
It was motioned by Lowe, seconded by Popowski that the GOH Advisory Board adjourns
at 8:21 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Jon Urben, Secretary