NORTH AURORA DAYS
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, June 13, 2022
Call to Order
Mark Gaffino called the meeting to order at 6:06 pm.
Attendance
Mark Gaffino, Robyn Stecklein, Jessi Watkins, Holly O’Brien, Doug Botkin, Steve Bosco, and Natalie Stevens
Approval of Minutes
Robyn Stecklein made a motion to approve the May 9, 2022 meeting minutes, which was seconded by Jessi Watkins.
Motion to Approve: All in Favor
Discussion
1. Shuttle Update
Natalie Stevens provided an update to the shuttle buses. Staff was informed by School District 129 that they cannot transport adults on their buses and recommended Durham School Services. Staff reached out to Durham to discuss route options and while Durham advised against a loop, preferring point to point, they offered to do so. The shuttle stop locations of Jewel Middle School (west side) and Schneider Elementary School (east side) were decided upon. The shuttle will be advertised for the hours of 5pm – midnight and the total cost is $2,380.00 Staff is currently waiting for Durham to send over a contract.
Officer Robyn Stecklein inquired about breaks for the drivers and Administrator Steve Bosco noted signs would be posted indicating shuttles running every 15-20 minutes.
2. Event Updates
The softball tournament was discussed and Natalie Stevens noted the request was for 16” softballs, which are far more expensive than the standard 12” softballs. Staff will look into purchasing several for the tournament, of which two teams are currently registered for.
The West Aurora High School fishing team was interested in helping to run the fishing derby and Chairman Gaffino said he would reach out to their contact. The community garage sale forms are available and prior to being advertised starting on Tuesday already five entries have been received. Chairman Gaffino inquired as to the pet parade event and staff reported they’d reached out to the Fox Valley Animal Welfare League but had yet to hear a definitive response. He suggested reaching out to Pet Supplies Plus to sponsor and Jessi Watkins said it may be an event that didn’t have a place this year.
The Committee discussed the Touch-A-Truck event and Officer Stecklein mentioned emergency management vehicles from Kane County. Also mentioned the NAPD’s drone. Chairman Gaffino said Tri-County was looking to bring some vehicles if they could be transported safely to the event.
Jessi Watkins brought up concerns that many ideas she and the committee presented did not seem to be considered for the event and said while she’s aware some ideas are outrageous some are more feasible. She specifically brought up the Frankie-the-Dinosaur attraction she had suggested. Administrator Bosco said he had not gotten clear direction from the Committee if they wanted that attraction, to which Watkins said they interpreted things differently. After discussion it was decided staff would reach out to book Frankie-the-Dinosaur for a two hour window to follow the library’s children’s programming that ends at 4:30 pm on Saturday.
3. Sponsorship Updates
Sponsorships were up to just over $20,000, which was a significant drop from previous years and from the amount the Village had estimated in their budget. Natalie Stevens informed sponsors were being tagged in social media posts of various North Aurora Days events rather than basic ‘thank you’ posts to help increase views and there had been some interest from businesses since that model was employed. Businesses can sponsor until July 1, 2022.
4. Discussion of North Aurora Days 2022
Administrator Bosco informed the Committee there were now a total of five food vendors and staff was waiting to hear back from a potential ice cream vendor. Holly O’Brien from the North Aurora Mother’s Club said she had concerns the beer tent may not be able to open until 5pm on Saturday due to a shortage of volunteers. Doug Botkin from the North Aurora Lions Club said to reach out to them as that may be a preferred shift time for their members. Officer Stecklein noted there would be less staff likely needed due to there would be fewer people at the time at the event.
Doug Botkin inquired as to the positioning of the beer trailer on the map layout and noted it had been on the opposite side of the tents. Administrator Bosco said they could flip the locations if requested and Holly O’Brien noted it would be based mostly on how the trailer was able to pull in. The consensus was to leave that portion of the layout up to how the trailer was able to be delivered.
Administrator Bosco noted he will not be at the July North Aurora Days Committee meeting.
Motion to Adjourn: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Stevens
