CASE Committee Minutes 4-16-20APRIL 16, 2020 - CASE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES PAGE 1 | 3
CASE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020
SETUP AS A VIRTUAL MEETING VIA ZOOM DUE TO COVID-19 AND TOWN HALL CLOSURE
1. ROLL CALL
Committee Chair Lisa Mattis, called the meeting to order. The time was 12:03 p.m.
Present:
Committee Members – Chair Lisa Mattis, Kathy Ryan, Timothy Haley, Chris Cofelice, Pedro
Campos, Jason Denhart, and Ruth Stanley
Avon Town Council - Amy Phillips, Jake Wolf.
Town Staff – Eric Heil, Mikaela Liewer, Charise Bishop, Danita Dempsey, and Ineke de Jong
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Jason Denhart moved to approve the minutes from the February 27th, 2020 CASE committee meeting.
Ruth Stanley seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
3. P UBLIC COMMENT
Lisa Waniuk, Director of Events & Sponsorship at Beaver Creek Resort Company, joined the meeting
to “…keep up to date with what Avon was planning for this upcoming event season …” and expressed
that “…Beaver Creek is also concerned about opening too soon and jeopardizing community health …”
She believes all local communities should keep communication with one another.
4. FINAL AMBASSADOR RESPONSIBILITIES DESCRIPTION
CASE Manager Danita Dempsey presented the document requested by the Committee that defines
their roles as “Brand Ambassadors” for the community. The Committee agreed the document
embodied the ideas they had when ambassadorship had been discussed. Kathy Ryan asked that
either “Patriotic” or “Passionate” be removed from the characteristics because the two words seemed
redundant. Jason Denhart moved to approve the adoption of the Brand Ambassador role description
with the change requested by Kathy Ryan. Chair Lisa Mattis seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
5. POST EVENT BRIEF R EPORT
Danita presented the Post-Event Brief Report the Committee had requested at the February meeting.
Danita produced this report with the assistance of Executive Assistant to the Town Manager, Ineke
de Jong. The Committee agreed the report was well-crafted. The Committee asked how COVID-19
impacts could be noted in this report and Danita suggested it could be noted under “Staff
Observations.” Councilor Amy Phillips suggested noting what stage we are at in relaxing social
distancing orders, per the Governor’s three stages.
6. CASE COMMITTEE MEMBERS TERMS ENDING
The terms for Committee members Pedro Campos, Kathy Ryan, and Chris Cofelice officially ended
February 1st, 2020. All three members have reapplied for their positions and no one else has applied
to take their seats. Chair Mattis said she was gratefu l these members chose to continue being of
APRIL 16, 2020 - CASE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES PAGE 2 | 3
service to the community. Committee members are expected to be reappointed at the May 12 th, 2020
Town Council meeting.
7. STAFF REPORTS
a. Impact of COVID-19 to 2020 Special Events
Danita presented her report to the CASE Committee about the events that Staff has recommended to
Council to cancel in an effort to reduce budget spending and comply with the Public Health Orders.
The cancelled events, including Salute, would result in a $363,548 savings for the Town. The Town
Council will make their final decision about Salute by the end of April. In other communities, events
scheduled for June and July are being rescheduled for the Fall. Avon Live! looks like it could still occur,
but with local bands and attendees properly distanced. Groups over 500 are unlikely to be allowed
through the calendar year. The first to close will be the last to open.
The Committee commented/inquired:
A. BravoVail! is still planning to proceed but will cancel if made to do so. Right now, it is just “wait
and see.”
B. Beaver Creek is reassessing every two weeks but making the final decision to reschedule
events on May 28th.
C. There is concern about inviting people from bigger cities into the community. The Town should
remain cautious and mindful so we can have a great life afterward.
D. If we plan events, will people have the means or desire to attend?
E. There was concern if we open back up, the virus will resurge. Public health should be a priority.
F. Until there is a vaccine, inviting people to the community seems dangerous and irresponsible.
G. Travel in the near future is more likely to be regional based.
H. Art Installations could be something helpful to get us through this time .
Town Manager Eric Heil said that airlines cancelled over 70% of flights. While everything is closed,
hotels remain open. Could we host the front range for outdoor activities in a safe way? Councilor Jake
Wolf said that he felt CASE had three roles: Serving the community, getting heads in beds, and
creating vibrancy in town. Since two-thirds of those roles are no longer an option, it is now time to
focus solely on how we can serve the community. Social isolation is exacerbating mental health issues
for residents. CASE and the Committee should strive to continue to provide entertainment while
following health guidelines. The Committee agreed bringing people together, while keeping them apart
is best for the behavioral and mental health of the community. Chair Mattis stated that community
should be involved in everything the Committee does. Councilor Phillips thought it will be important to
hire local talent, because musicians and artists are especially experiencing hardship. The Town should
what it can to support them. Chris Cofelice discussed his wife’s prayer flag project with the Committee
and the Committee thought it was a really good idea. Kathy Ryan detailed how the lake has remained
activated during this time. Town Manager Eric Heil said he is working with Police Chief Daly to update
the signage at the park to be more encouraging, instead of just lists of rules.
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b. Culture and Arts in Avon: Draft Outline of Overview, Goals & Ideas
CASE Manager Danita Dempsey presented the beginning of her draft outline of the Overview, Goals,
and Ideas for Culture and Arts in Avon. The Committee thought that Environmentalism has become a
politically loaded word and stewardship would be more appropriate. Danita suggested ideas which
engage community and enable us to gather and understand what is important to members of the
community. The Committee discussed ideas about random acts of art throughout Town. Chairperson
Mattis noted the Committee had previously categorized the three types of events the Town hosts:
signature events like Salute, special events like Colorado Classic, and community events like the Egg
Hunt. This is the time to focus on community events. She recommended removing the Economic Driver
section of the draft outline and inco rporate those elements into the Community Goals section. And,
further develop items from short term to long term including elements that are low cost. Tim Haley was
concerned that some members of the community may not be happy the Town is spending money on
events when they cannot pay their bills. Councilor Wolf said there will always be a line item for serving
the community and you cannot put a price tag on mental health. Amy Phillips requested the draft
outline presentation be shared with the Committee and then pick up where Danita left off at her
presentation during the next meeting. Danita requested two members of the Committee to assist her
in developing the Draft Outline.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:42 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by:
Charise Bishop
General Government Intern