Meeting of the
UPACA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Thursday August 21, 2025, 9:00am
O.C. Tanner Lounge - Eccles Theatre
w/Cisco WebEx option
Attendees: Angela Vanderwell, Sarah Dibble Lata, Matt Castillo, Robin Chalhoub, Rachel Otto, Ross Romero, Katie Hansen, Darrin Casper, Jennifer Bruno, Helen Langan, Danny Walz, Katelynn Kilian, Brian Boner, Jenn Niedfeldt, Jim Sirrine, Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin, Taylee Foulger, Isaac Higham
Roll call and Introductions: Mr. Casper called the meeting to order at 9:01am.
Welcome: Mr. Casper welcomed all.
Review public comments: No public comments.
Approval of minutes: June 26, 2025
Ms. Bruno moved the request to approve the minutes. Mr. Romero moved to second. Unanimously approved.
Salt Lake County and MagicSpace Entertainment Co- Presenting Agreement Amendment - Matt Castillo, Angela Vanderwell
Ms. Vanderwell explained a correction to Section 9.2 of the agreement: the tenure should reflect a 20-year agreement (with milestone checkpoints at 5, 10, and 15 years), rather than the 9-year version that appeared in error.
Questions were raised regarding the RFP process and other vendors which were addressed.
Mr. Romero moved the request to approve the Co-Presenting Agreement Amendment. Ms. Langan moved to second. Unanimously approved.
Updated 2026 Proposed Capital Projects - Brian Boner
Mr. Castillo reminded the board that at the last meeting, the five-year capital plan had been presented and approved, including all capital reserve-funded projects. Since that time, a feasibility study was conducted on cellular coverage in certain back areas of the facilities, which revealed significant dead zones. Because the results of the study were received earlier than anticipated, staff brought this matter forward for the board's consideration today, requesting approval of an updated cellular project that would increase the capital allocation to $150,000.
Mr. Boner explained that the study identified the need for a distributed antenna system to address the lack of connectivity in these areas. The system would be capable of rebroadcasting cellular signals either from outside the building or through a small cell provided by a vendor. He noted that alternative, lower-cost methods had been evaluated but were found to be ineffective.
Mr. Castillo then presented a revised slide of the previously approved Capital Projects, with the updated cellular project highlighted. Following this presentation, the floor was open for discussion. All questions were addressed.
Ms. Langan moved the request to approve the Updated 2026 Proposed Capital Projects. Mr. Walz moved to second. Unanimously approved.
2026 Proposed Budget Initiatives - Matt Castillo, Angela Vanderwell, Sarah Dibble
Mr. Castillo introduced the topic of the 2026 Proposed Budget Initiatives before turning the presentation over to Ms. Dibble to review the details. He explained that each August the board is presented with the proposed operations budgets, which include the building budget, the site budget, and the Arts for All budget. While the building budget ultimately requires approval by the County Council, input from the board is sought to inform that process. The site budget, however, is presented to the board for approval.
This eight-month effort starts at the beginning of the year to project revenues. We use several exercises to determine what costs will look like, what our calendar will look like, and then look at strategically prioritizing any new initiatives.
Ms. Dibble then presented the 2025 building budget through July, highlighting that revenues are currently exceeding goals and expenditures remain below projections. She reviewed centralized services, salaries, and noted rising labor costs associated with facility cleaning and maintenance. We are requesting a $30,000 increase to the equipment replacement fund and presented a chart of the proposed 2026 budget. Mr. Castillo added that a supporting memo provides further detail on these changes.
In recognition of the Eccles Theater's 10th anniversary in 2026, $27,500 has been requested for an anniversary celebration to ensure the milestone is appropriately recognized and marketed. Mr. Castillo emphasized that no similar milestone event will occur until the 25th anniversary.
Turning to the site budget, Ms. Dibble explained that revenues are currently behind target but are expected to align once sponsorships are received later in the year. Expenditure remains slightly under budget. She also noted increases in utilities, and facility cleaning. Mr. Castillo stated that a net subsidy increase of $30,000 is being proposed, bringing the total to $550,000, representing a 6% increase largely due to higher labor rates for maintenance and cleaning, as well as increases in utilities and centralized service costs. He also highlighted that 2025 will mark the first year that utilization exceeds 50%, with the
possibility of reaching 60%. There are no actuals in the report, but we have gotten great support from sponsors, and we anticipate continuing to grow in this area.
Additional adjustments include transferring $15,000 from the Arts for All budget to support community engagement events. For 2026, staff is recommending increasing the Arts for All transfer to $30,000 to offset rising event costs and maintain a balanced, sustainable community engagement program within the site budget.
The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer period, during which all questions were addressed.
Ms. Bruno moved the request to approve the 2026 SITE Budget Initiatives. Ms. Darby-Duffin moved to second. Unanimously approved.
Ms. Dibble presented the Arts for All budget to the board and explained the details. A discussion period occurred, questions and suggestions were presented and answered.
Arts for All Program 2025 Update- Katelynn Killian
Ms. Killian provided a slide presentation to the board covering the program overview, funding, and eligibility. She highlighted the patron-facing flyer, which serves as a guide for general program awareness and outlines how individuals may participate if they qualify.
She reviewed ticket utilization data from 2017 through 2025, demonstrating consistent program growth. In the 2024-2025 year, 15 schools from the Granite, Jordan, Salt Lake City, and Canyons school districts participated. The program continues to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Ms. Killian also introduced information on Beyond the Curtain (BTC), an educational pre-show workshop for students and teachers. The program's objectives are to promote emotional and social development while strengthening community and educational partnerships. BTC was piloted with Hillcrest and Kearns High Schools.
Looking ahead, program goals include:
- Increasing engagement and impact within the Salt Lake County community.
- Maintaining high utilization numbers.
- Expanding and sustaining partnerships with schools and individuals.
- Continuing to develop new initiatives like Beyond the Curtain.
- Enhancing cross-division program collaborations.
The presentation concluded with discussion and a question-and-answer period, during which all questions were addressed.
Current Budget and Activity Reports - Sarah Dibble, Angela Vanderwell
No time permitting.
Arts & Culture and Eccles Theater General Updates - Matt Castillo, Angela Vanderwell
Mr. Castillo provided a brief update regarding the entertainment district, noting that we are not involved in the recently announced 6,000-seat entertainment venue being developed through a partnership between SEG and Live Nation. He acknowledged that questions have been raised about the potential impact on Eccles Theater and other downtown venues.
Mr. Castillo stated that the new venue may help fill an important gap in the community, particularly for shows priced at a lower level, which could in turn influence the types of shows presented at Eccles. While there are still many unknowns and the project remains several years away from completion, staff will continue to actively monitor developments.
Meeting adjourned at 10:06am.
Next Meeting: October 23,2025
2025 Meeting Schedule
All meetings start at 9:00am and are held in the O.C. Tanner Lounge at the Eccles Theater with a Web-Ex option.
(Dates, times, locations subject to change. Additional meetings may be added)
a. February 20
b. February 27 - Interim
c. April 24
d. June 26
e. August 21
f. October 23
g. December 11
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Angela Vanderwell at avanderwell@slco.org.
Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation
Electronic telephonic participation is available for this Body upon request.