McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission met Nov. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting of the Advisory Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order at the Opera House at 4:32 pm by Keith Johnson on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. A roll call was taken.

I. Call to Order Advisory Members: 

Present: Keith Johnson, Sue Kazlusky, Jeff Kleinschmidt.

Absent: John Puzzo, Roger Zawacki, Judith Svalander.

Staff in Attendance: Opera House Director Daniel Campbell, Development Manager Katie Cork, Technical Manager Nathan Knapke and Opera House Business Operations Manager Betsy Cosgray.

II. Approval of Minutes 

a. Sue Kazlusky motioned to approve the September 20, 2022 meeting minutes, J. Kleinschmidt seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Sue Kazlusky, Jeff Kleinschmidt. Nays: None. Absent John Puzzo, Roger Zawacki, Judith Svalander. Motion to approve the Tuesday, September 20, 2022 meeting minutes passed.

III. COMMUNICATIONS 

a. Managing Director Report: D. Campbell provided a WOH update:

Holiday season has begun. Cinderella sales weren’t spectacular, but they are moving in the right direction and significantly improved over last year. Creative Living Series opened in October and they have their second speaker this week and A Christmas Carol opens this Friday, November 18th with a twist on the old show as Ebenezer is Elizabeth in this version. Witches and Wizards of Woodstock and Rocky Horror Picture Show were both very successful. David Cook had lower numbers than expected, but put on a really great show. Concessions sales for October were over $16,000 as hospitality continues to grow and expand. Discussion ensued regarding the upcoming Comedy Zone shows. There was a new hire in hospitality and we are in process with HR for hiring a Part Time Assistant in that department. K. Cork raised $5,000 for Lighting of the Square and is also working on the Opera House’s 2-5-10 year plan.

b. Commission Chair: K. Johnson shared that Off Square Music is going to go back to Friday nights in 2023.

c. Commission Member Comments: No comments.

IV. OLD BUSINESS 

a. Opera House Mission Statement: K. Cork shared the working vision and mission statements for the 2-5-10 year plan. She also stated they are adding core values as they continue to review and revise the two statements.

b. End of the Year Report: No Comments. Sue Kazlusky and Jeff Kleinschmidt requested copies be forwarded to them again.

V. NEW BUSINESS 

a. DECO Grant Update: D. Campbell shared that the City of Woodstock has been assigned a grant manager from the state and they are working on specific rules for the grant. The City is also going out to hire a firm to develop a concept and design study to assist in the planning process. Brief discussion ensued.

b. Year End Report: K. Johnson shared last year recommendations and asked if anyone had suggestions on this year’s report. J. Kleinschmidt stated he wanted to review N. Knapke’s Technical Report before giving any suggestions. Item was tabled to later in the meeting.

c. Commission Opening: Due to other commitments, Rob Mutert has stepped down from the Commission. Please send any commission member suggestions to K. Johnson or D. Campbell. d. Technical Report: Nathan Knapke shared his technical background with the commission. He then went on to share some of his technical concerns: Condition of the rigging system, baton/pipes, plug boxes, speed hoist, LED rig, audio storage boxes and maintenance budget. Discussion ensued. The Commission was concerned with many of the topics N. Knapke brought to their attention. The Commission discussed adding many of these concerns to the Year End Report.

VI. ADJOURNMENT 

a. Motion to adjourn by Jeff Kleinschmidt and seconded by Sue Kazlusky. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Sue Kazlusky, Jeff Kleinschmidt. Nays: None. Absent John Puzzo, Judith Svalander, Roger Zawacki. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 5:56 pm.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/woodstock_opera_house_advisory_commission/meeting/46469/7._f_-_opera_house_advisory_comm_11-15-22_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf