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North Aurora Days Committee Minutes

 

 

NORTH AURORA DAYS
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, February 14
Call to Order
Mark Gaffino called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Attendance
Mark Gaffino, Holly O’Brien, Jessi Watkins, Lynne Miller, Julie Shoemaker, Robyn Stecklein, Steve Bosco, and Chris Wagner
Approval of Minutes
Robyn Stecklein made a motion to approve the January 10, 2022 meeting minutes, which was seconded by Jessi Watkins.
Motion to Approve: All in Favor
Discussion
1. Discussion of North Aurora Days 2022
Village Administrator Steve Bosco gave the committee an update on staff’s progress in several areas of the festival, in food, bands and contracts. He asked the committee members for direction on the fee schedule for food vendors and it was determined that the rate would stay the same as in previous years. Administrator Bosco asked for an update from Mayor Gaffino on the status of the Touch a Truck event. Discussion was had regarding a list of contacts to be gone through by staff to contact. Bosco gave an overview of the daily schedule of events for the weekend, band line-up and expected food vendors.
Holly O’Brien stated that the boy scouts are not expected to sell hot dogs and has not gotten confirmation from the cub scouts. Discussion was had regarding community groups or clubs versus seeking a business vendor for hot dog sales. It was decided that staff would seek a business vendor.
Bosco outlined the various events to take place throughout the Village, such as the fishing derby. Mayor Gaffino went through the history of the fishing event, location and challenges. Administrator Bosco added that the park district had been contacted about an opportunity to host events.
Mayor Gaffino stated that the softball tournament was lined up with the volunteers and the only item needed from the Village would be the softballs.
Administrator Bosco stated his intention to contact the school district to see if they had interest in hosting a dodgeball tournament as in previous years, or if they had any other activity ideas to potentially host. The pet parade was discussed regarding the time and day most appropriate to avoid excessive mid-day heat for the dogs. Bosco continued that the car show discussed previously has been removed and would become a standalone event, rather than compete with a local business hosting a car show the same weekend.
Administrator Bosco and Mayor Gaffino underlined the importance of volunteers and urged committee members to help recruit people to assist at various events.
Lynne Miller inquired if the community garage sale would be taking place the same week as well. Bosco replied that yes, it was expected.
Holly O’Brien gave an overview of the beer tent, historical sales and expected items to order from Superior Beverage.
Administrator Bosco stated that 3 face painters and 2 balloon artists had already been contacted for contracts for both days and the stage for the bands is under contract as well. Staff recently received the business information for the laser light show discussed previously, and would be exploring those option in the coming weeks. Staff will also be reaching out to the library to gauge interest on hosting a kid’s event. Bosco went through updates on logistics and options for challenges such as additional lighting in the park. Sponsors from previous years were reviewed alongside maps of the festival layout. Potential food and sponsor booth locations were discussed. Bosco stated that staff can explore the options of various booth and tent locations with measurements to be taken.
Jessi Watkins identified an underutilized area of the park and suggested having inflatables located there with sponsorship signage. Administrator Bosco stated that staff would look into the cost or rental of inflatables and explore those option to bring back at the next committee meeting for a decision. Staff would also bring back a few updated layout options for booths and tents given the concerns and comments of the committee members.
Jessi Watkins provided an update on the potential run and stated that it may be unlikely given the challenges faced in cost and volunteers. She also indicated that she had not heard back from the company on the water wars idea as previously discussed. Julie Shoemaker indicated she may have a good contact person through the college for volunteers and would share that information via email.
With no further discussion, Mayor Gaffino made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 pm, which was seconded by Jessi Watkins.
Motion to Adjourn: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Wagner

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