NORTH AURORA DAYS
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, September 13, 2021
Call to Order
Mark Gaffino called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm.
Attendance
Mark Gaffino, Doug Botkin, Holly O’Brien, John Laskowski, David Arndt, David Fisher, Robyn Stecklein, Steve Bosco, David Hansen, and Natalie Stevens.
Approval of Minutes
Robyn Stecklein made a motion to approve the August 11, 2021 meeting minutes, which were seconded by Holly O’Brien.
Motion to Approve: All in Favor
Discussion
1. Food Vendors
Village Administrator Steve Bosco updated the committee on food vendors. Bosco explained the anticipated layout and confirmed there were four food vendors: Juquilita Tacos, Ma Maw’s, Georgie’s Hot Dogs, and Grand Slam Enterprises (BBQ).
2. Beer Tent / ID Check
Village Administrator Bosco showed on the map where the tentative beer tent area would be, but noted staff was still trying to figure out the layout. The tents rented this year were smaller than in year’s past; the beer tent is normally 40 x 100 but the two tents for this year’s event measured at 60’ x 20’ and 40’ x 20’ due to the location and how tight the parking lot is. Administrator Bosco said the Village had ordered two 20’ x 20’ tents to use for the beer tents so the other tents could be used for seating. He said the plan had been to put the trailer in the garage; however, the trailer was too tall to fit. Mark Gaffino asked if it was possible to jackknife the truck. Doug Botkin inquired about forming a wall with the truck to form a working area. It was determined to have staff put the tents up and how finalize the layout. All tents are anticipated to be set up on Thursday, September 16.
Holly O’Brien discussed the wristband and ID check and said they were struggling to get volunteers and may need to consolidate the two into one spot for earlier in the day when volunteer staff was lighter. The Lions Club trailer will be parked next to the food vendors and plug into the generator there. Administrator Bosco noted that generators were hard to come by as FEMA had requested all generators to assist with the hurricanes, but that the generator the Village had obtained would work fine for the functions the event needed.
Renting an ice chest was brought up for the beer tent and Planner David Hansen said he would reach out and organize such. Doug Botkin suggested moving some of the porta-potties away from the beer tent and it was determined to set them up inside North Aurora Riverfront Park by the base of the stairs off of State Street. Administrator Bosco said he would reach out to the Fox Valley Park District to get their permission for the location. He asked Public Works Director John Laskowski about light towers to put there and Director Laskowski said he would check if there was an extra. Administrator Bosco said the porta-potties would be dropped off Thursday or Friday. Chief David Fisher said they would have a patrol unit in the area and they would also be there as the stage was being set up on Friday.
3. Activities
Administrator Bosco updated the committee on activities. Bosco said staff had purchased sidewalk chalk to decorate the front sidewalk. Locations were discussed for the chalk drawing and Chief Fisher suggested the back sidewalk, near the Police and Village tent. Administrator Bosco confirmed there would be a face painter and balloon artist from 12 pm – 5 pm.
4. Shuttle
Administrator Bosco said First Student would be running three buses from three different remote lots – being Schneider Elementary, Jewel Middle School and Blessed Sacrament Church – from 4pm – 11:30 pm although the shuttle was only being advertised to 11 pm to encourage timely riders. He said staff had had discussions about point to point or a loop and potential routes for a loop and staff would reach out to the bus company to determine the best route. Mayor Gaffino said it would be wise to talk to the bus drivers ahead of time. Administrator Bosco also noted the bike path would remain open so residents would be able to walk down from places like Red Oak Nature Center.
5. Other Discussion Items
Administrator Bosco said he’d spoken with Streets Superintendent Brian Richter and aid there would be Public Works staff on hand all day; two people all day long and a large group at the very end to break down the event. Planner Hansen brought up reserved parking for the bands. Bosco mentioned Village trustees would be able to park at Village Hall. An ATM rental was brought up and Mayor Gaffino said he knew someone at Old Second and would contact them. O’Brien said they were ordering a square reader but they’d have to train volunteers on how to use it, but said if an ATM was available it’d be easier to tell people to visit the ATM.
Mark Gaffino made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm, which was seconded by David Fisher.
Motion to Adjourn: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Stevens
