NORTH AURORA DAYS
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 10, 2021
Call to Order
Mark Gaffino called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
Attendance
Mark Gaffino, Doug Botkin, Jessi Watkins, Holly O’Brien, David Fisher, Robyn Stecklein, Steve Bosco, and David Hansen.
Approval of Minutes
David Fisher made a motion to approve the March 8, 2021 meeting minutes, which were seconded by Doug Botkin.
Motion to Approve: All in Favor
Discussion
1. Discussion of North Aurora Days 2021
Village Administrator Steve Bosco updated the committee on the North Aurora Days 2021 discussion with the Village Board in April. The Board ultimately did not think there could be a full event this year due to the unknowns at that time. Upon discussion, the Board asked if the North Aurora Days Committee could come up with options at their May committee meeting and bring those ideas back to the Village Board in the near future. However, about a week ago the State of Illinois mentioned that by mid-June the State could fully reopen with no capacity limits. Bosco said this would probably mean the State will grant liquor licenses for special events and there would be no capacity limits at community events.
North Aurora Chairman Mark Gaffino started off the conversation with where the event could be located for 2021 and also mentioned five options that may be the most viable. Those options were: were a one day event in August, a one day event sometime in the fall, an event with multiple venues (bands at multiple locations playing at the same time), a two day event, or a virtual event. Gaffino asked committee members their thoughts on when and how the event may look. Bosco mentioned the Village is still working on an agreement with Clocktower ownership for 2021 and there is some concern regarding the waiver section where it is requires the Village to have all staff, volunteers, and invitees (the public) sign a waiver form.
Committee member Doug Botkin shared he would prefer a one day event in the fall since it would give the committee some time to plan the event. Botkin mentioned amusements may need to be forgone this year and could be difficult to acquire for a one day event. Botkin also said the Lions Club should have members to run the beer tent for a fall event.
Committee member Holly O’Brien said she shared similar thoughts of Botkin. O’Brien mentioned if the State is granting liquor licenses it appears that it would be for the most part safe to serve and the Mothers Club would probably get on board with working the beer tent for a fall event. O’Brien also said with the Clocktower agreement not finalized yet it makes it difficult to lock anything down at that location and moving the event down to Riverfront Park in the fall may be the better option. O’Brien also mentioned it would be hard to plan a two or three day scale at this time and supported a one day fall event.
Committee member Jessi Watkins thought that this may be a good time to transition from Clocktower to Riverfront Park. Watkins said an event in August could be possible, but may be very hard to book things this late. Watkins explained a multiple venues idea, which would have multiple bands play at the same time at different locations, which would most likely have smaller crowds. Watkins mentioned NOARDA could maybe partner with the Village for a concert down at Riverfront Park once a month regardless if a one day fall event would happen. Watkins asked if there was an Octoberfest like event down at Riverfront Park if it would be as simple as a beer tent, some food vendors, and music.
Gaffino shared that he thought a fall event at Riverfront Park would make the most sense and it may be a good time to transition away from Clocktower for multiple reasons. One reason Gaffino cited included Clocktower being a private entity who could possibly have violations or not in good standing with the Village in the future, which can create an awkward situation. Gaffino also mentioned a new development could come in across the street from Clocktower, which could cause the fireworks site to be moved permanently. Gaffino said an event in September or October with no amusements may be best. Gaffino mentioned sponsorships may not be appropriate to ask for this year and fireworks would probably not be part of the event this year since it would be an added cost. Gaffino said having a beer tent in the back parking lot of Riverfront Park with a huge tent may be a good idea especially if the weather is poor or chilly.
Robyn Stecklein said she would prefer a one day event in September. Stecklein mentioned the Kane County Safety Coalition could probably do drive-thru safety event or touch a truck, but it may be on a different day than the fall event. Stecklein also said that she liked Watkins idea regarding a sponsored concert series if there is not an event in the fall. Stecklein asked if there was a limit to how many State special event liquor licenses the Village could ask for.
Chief David Fisher mentioned he would prefer a one day event in fall in Riverfront Park. Chief Fisher liked the idea of transitioning away from Clocktower. Chief Fisher envisioned the event having a few food vendors, a beer tent, and a band or two (opener and main event). Chief Fisher mentioned maybe next year we could move to do something bigger. Watkins asked how many people could be at Riverfront Park in the bridge phase. Bosco mentioned since the park is about 100,000 square feet, 3,000 people would be allowed.
Bosco noted the committee appeared to agree on a one day event in the fall and staff could probably rebook some of the bands from 2020 if needed. Bosco agreed amusements will be difficult and smaller events may not be a possibility this year. Bosco asked the committee if a few bands, food vendors, and a beer tent would be enough for a one day event. Bosco also agreed sponsors would be difficult to ask for and to pull off this late since sponsorships would have been out a few months ago in a typical year. Bosco mentioned to the committee he needs a few dates to share with the Village Board.
The committee agreed a one day event in the fall at Riverfront Park would be the best. A potential date the committee had in mind was Saturday, September 18th with the Saturday before or after as back up dates. Some members mentioned a full day event would be preferred since the Lions Club and Mother Club would like more than a few hours to sell beverages from the beer tent. Committee thought an 11am to 10pm event would be a good time range since the sun sets around 7pm. The Committee also said it would like to have bands, food vendors, and a beer tent at a minimum. Bosco mentioned the Village can reserve North Aurora Island Park from the Fox Valley Park District for parking purposes and potentially would allow for more activities on that site if the committee would want to expand it across the street. Gaffino mentioned it may be a good year to try out a shuttle for the event. Stecklein asked if picnic tables would be needed. The Committee said picnic tables would be utilized, but fireworks and sponsorships would most likely not happen this year. The Committee asked staff to work on some of the logistics before next meeting. Bosco mentioned he will share the Committee’s thoughts with the Village Board and that at the June committee meeting more details can start to be finalized.
Mark Gaffino made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:41 pm, which was seconded by Dave Fisher.
Motion to Adjourn: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
David Hansen
