NORTH AURORA DAYS
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, February 11, 2019
Call to Order
Mark Gaffino called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
Attendance
Mark Gaffino, Doug Botkin, Jessi Watkins, Bill Hannah, Steve Bosco, and David Hansen.
Approval of Minutes
Jessi Watkins made a motion to approve the January 14, 2018 meeting minutes which were seconded by Doug Botkin.
Motion to Approve: All in Favor
Discussion
1. Discussion of Amusements
Jessi Watkins updated the committee on amusement options. Watkins mentioned that she heard back from Fundways and that they were able to provide a similar assortment of amusements compared to Bluegrass Rides. Fundways also would take on all costs including staffing a ticket booth and would be willing to pay the car wash for renting its space for the event. Upon discussion the committee decided to go with Fundways since they provide similar amusements as Bluegrass Rides, would staff the ticket booth with their employees, and the Village would not have to pay for the amusements. Watkins said that she would call Fundways back and work on a contract which would include start and end times for Friday and Saturday and amusement ride list.
2. Discussion of North Aurora Days
Doug Botkin updated the committee on events. Botkin mentioned that softball would be back for 2019 and that he is still working getting in contact with individuals that run the fishing derby, emergency vehicle parade, and pet parade. Jessi Watkins mentioned that Run-for-the- Riverfront will be back in 2019 and that she is working with past runners to better promote the event. Watkins mentioned that she is working on creating a series of runs throughout the year where North Aurora Days Run-for-the-Riverfront would be the final run for the North Aurora Cup. Watkins said she will look into it and reach out to runners to see if they would be interested in participating if the series began as early as 2020.
Finance Director, Bill Hannah, updated the committee on sponsorships. Hannah mentioned that sponsorships will go out in March. The committee also discussed whether or not to allow businesses that do business for the Village to sponsor. The committee asked staff to research possible options and look into how much sponsorship money could be potentially lost if the committee prevented such businesses to sponsor.
North Aurora Days Chairman, Mark Gaffino, updated the committee on possible events that could be added to North Aurora Days. Gaffino mentioned that a bike race and car show are potential options. Village Administrator, Steve Bosco, mentioned that an apartment complex in North Aurora recently called to see if they could host a car show in the summer of 2019, but was also interested in hosting it North Aurora Days weekend. Upon discussion, the committee mentioned that in the past, if a company was hosting a community event the same weekend as North Aurora Days and wanted the event to advertised in the North Aurora Days brochure, they would need to be a sponsor of the festival. Also the committee stated if a company did want to advertise such an event, the event would be placed under the “Additional Community Events in North Aurora” section of the brochure, but would include disclaimer that these types of events will not be staffed with North Aurora Days personnel. Gaffino also mentioned that he would reach out to the local bike shop to see if they would be interested in hosting a bike race during North Aurora Days weekend. Watkins mentioned that perhaps a talent show could be another event that could be part of North Aurora Days. Upon discussion, the committee thought it was a good idea and that Watkins should look into what it takes to put one on.
Village Administrator, Steve Bosco, updated the committee on volunteers, bands, fireworks, and Sunday’s event. Bosco asked the committee what type of volunteers were needed for the event. The committee did not have an answer and said that they would think about it and discuss it in a future meeting. Bosco mentioned that the fireworks contract is signed, the launch location has been confirmed, and that five of the six bands have returned fully executed band contracts so far. Bosco asked the committee for direction regarding the food and beverages for Sunday’s “Party in the Park” event. The committee stated that the Village should reach out to the three margarita vendors from last year and see if they were interested in providing beer, and food with their margaritas.
Adjournment
Mark Gaffino made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m. which was seconded by Jessi Watkins.
Motion to Adjourn: All in Favor
Respectfully Submitted,
David Hansen
