UPACA Board of Director meeting minutes- draft, unapproved minutes
Notice Type(s)
Meeting
Event Start Date & Time
August 20, 2026 09:00 AM
Event End Date & Time
August 20, 2026 10:12 AM
Description/Agenda
Meeting of the
UPACA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Thursday Aug. 20, 2026, 9:00am
O.C. Tanner Lounge - Eccles Theatre
w/Cisco WebEx option
Attendees: Sarah Dibble Lata, Matt Castillo, Ross Romero, Helen Langan, Danny Walz, Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin, Taylee Foulger, Jacque Jones, Rachel Otto, Robin Chalhoub, Katie Riggs-Hansen, Robin Chalhoub, Darin Casper, Jennifer Bruno, Jenn Niedfeldt, Cate Kizerian, Javen Tanner, Jill Welhelm, Beth Thomas, Sarah Beckstead, Katelynn Killian, Stephanie Charles
Roll call and Introductions: Ms. Bruno called the meeting to order at 9:01am.
Welcome: Ms. Bruno welcomed all.
Review public comments: No public comments.
Approval of minutes: June 25, 2026
Ms. Langan moved the request to approve the minutes. Mr. Walz moved to second. Unanimously approved.
Regent Street Black Box Resident Presentations - Jaks Theatre Company and Sting & Honey theatre Company
Ms. Wilhelm of Jaks Theatre Company was invited to present to the Board and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to be a Black Box resident. She shared her gratitude for the support provided by Arts & Culture and ArtTix staff.
Ms. Wilhelm explained that Jaks Theatre Company provides young people with opportunities to participate in professional-quality productions while offering the community affordable access to live performances. The company's youth performers range in age from 5 to 18, with Black Box productions generally focused on performers ages 12-18. The company anticipates continued audience growth and strives to creatively transform the Black Box space to support its productions and storytelling.
She noted that one factor contributing to the company's success is its ability to retain staff, with many team members having worked together for approximately 18 years. This continuity allows the company to build on its productions and experience without having to continually rebuild its team. Jaks also strives to distinguish itself from other local theatres by presenting a variety of productions, including Broadway works, rather than focusing exclusively on Disney productions.
The company continues to explore new marketing strategies, including outreach to local influencers and other methods of reaching new audiences. Ms. Wilhelm expressed appreciation for the benefits of residency, including the support of Eccles staff and access to available resources. She emphasized that the company consistently views opportunities as possibilities rather than roadblocks.
The floor was opened for Board questions. Ms. Hansen commented on the Black Box's role in bringing additional activity and vibrancy to Regent Street. Ms. Darby-Duffin complimented the organization and its work. All questions were addressed by the presenter and Arts & Culture staff.
Mr. Tanner of Sting & Honey Theatre Company was then invited to introduce the organization to the Board. He explained that the company is approximately 17-18 years old and has been located at Eccles Theater since its opening, approximately nine years ago. He expressed appreciation for the support and partnership provided by Eccles staff.
Sting & Honey focuses on experimental and diverse theatrical productions, ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary works, while also presenting family-oriented productions. Mr. Tanner noted that the company does not sell out as frequently as Jaks Theatre Company but is a critically acclaimed organization that brings a different style of theatre to the Eccles Black Box.
The floor was opened for Board questions and comments, and all questions were addressed.
Mr. Walz expressed appreciation for the variety of programming offered in the Black Box and asked both organizations how Arts & Culture and Eccles could better support their work. The discussion included opportunities to enhance promotion and visibility of Black Box programming, provide opportunities for community engagement, identify potential collaborations among resident organizations, and better showcase the space to the public.
The presenters expressed appreciation for the willingness of Eccles staff to assist, provide ideas, and collaborate. Suggestions included exploring ways to feature Black Box programming more prominently on the website, incorporating resident organizations into community events and marketing opportunities, and creating additional opportunities for the public to become familiar with the Black Box space.
A communication issue between the backstage area and production office was also discussed. The presenters suggested that improved wireless connectivity within the theatre would enhance operations. Mr. Castillo was asked to place wireless connectivity on a future agenda for discussion and consideration.
The purpose of the presentations was to introduce the Board to the Black Box resident organizations, highlight their programming and contributions to the community, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for continued collaboration and support. All questions and comments were addressed by the presenters and Arts & Culture staff.
Eccles Theater 2027 Proposed Operating Budget - Matt Castillo, Sarah Dibble
Mr. Castillo explained that each August, Arts & Culture presents its proposed annual budgets to the Board. The Building budget is presented as a recommendation to the Salt Lake County Council, while the Board approves the SITE and Arts for All budgets.
Mr. Castillo reviewed the memorandum provided to the Board prior to the meeting, which outlined the proposed 2027 budgets. He then reviewed the proposed 2027 Eccles Theater operating budget. Despite strong revenue generated from 14 weeks of Broadway performances and the continued success of LIVE at the Eccles, ticketing fee revenue is projected to decrease slightly. Overall, the proposed budget reflects a $152,432 increase in operating income, primarily driven by increased Broadway-related revenue.
The proposed budget included funding for two additional positions: a Venue Manager and a Fiscal Coordinator. The Venue Manager would provide on-site, day-to-day leadership and would align with a staffing model already implemented at other Arts & Culture venues. The Fiscal Coordinator position would support the Division's continued growth by assisting with payroll, HR-related functions, and centralized administrative services.
Mr. Walz requested additional information regarding the staffing requests, including what operational needs have changed or increased, how the positions would benefit the organization in the future, the long-term financial impact, and how the positions could be sustained. He also asked about the potential impact on City and County distributions. Mr. Castillo indicated that he would provide additional information and discussion on these matters to Mr. Walz and any other Board members who requested it.
Mr. Castillo reviewed the proposed non-personnel expenditures, including a consultant study to update the maintenance master plan originally developed in 2017, inflationary increases to the equipment replacement fund, a decrease in capital asset purchases funded through operations, onboarding costs associated with new positions, and changes to centralized service and shared overhead costs.
Mr. Castillo then reviewed the Eccles Theater Building Operating Budget report, which had been provided to the Board in advance. Following discussion, questions regarding the Building budget were addressed.
The Board discussed the appropriate action for approving the Building budget. It was clarified that the proposed Venue Manager and Fiscal Coordinator positions would not be included in the budget presented for approval. The Board would vote on the proposed Building budget with the two new FTE positions removed.
SITE Budget
Mr. Castillo reviewed the proposed SITE budget and noted that Eccles Theater continues to make SITE a major focus. The Events & Activation Manager is concentrating on outreach to new arts presenters, supporting the arts residency program, and developing community engagement opportunities. Although one Regent Street Black Box residency agreement was not renewed, additional arts organizations are expected to present at the venue, resulting in relatively stable rental revenue.
SITE will also share in the cost of new positions supporting Eccles Theater operations. Mr. Castillo noted that Aimee Odum, Events & Activation Manager, will attend a future Board meeting to provide an overview of her outreach efforts and plans for further developing SITE.
The proposed SITE budget also includes an increase in marketing expenditures to support audience outreach, an increase in centralized services related to SITE's share of County overhead, and inflationary increases to the equipment replacement fund. Mr. Castillo reviewed the associated revenue and expense projections with the Board.
Mr. Walz asked whether wireless headsets could be included as part of the budget request. Staff advised that the equipment could likely be obtained without adding a specific charge to the proposed budget and identified other potential funding sources that could be used to address the request.
Arts for All Budget
Mr. Castillo reviewed the proposed changes to the Arts for All program. Beginning September 1, 2027, staff proposed increasing the Delta Hall per-ticket fee from $0.50 to $0.75. The increase would help offset rising ticket distribution costs and support enhancements to the program.
Staff also proposed adding a temporary part-time position to develop additional program partners and provide backup support to the Arts for All Program Coordinator. Mr. Castillo reviewed the projected revenue changes associated with the proposal.
Mr. Walz suggested exploring opportunities to secure a donor or sponsor to provide additional support for the Arts for All program. Mr. Castillo agreed to explore the possibility and noted that Ms. Killian, Arts for All Program Coordinator, would be invited to a future Board meeting to provide additional information about the program.
The Board was invited to ask questions throughout the presentations, and all questions were addressed by staff. Detailed documentation outlining the proposed changes in revenue and expenses for all three budgets was provided to the Board prior to the meeting.
Mr. Walz moved the request to approve Eccles Theater 2027 proposed SITE operating budget minus the line item on FTE positions, Building operation budget, and Arts for All operating budget, minus the line item on the FTE positions. Ms. Langan moved to second. Unanimously approved.
UPACA Operating Agreement Amendment 5 - Renewal of Eccles SITE operating Agreement through June 30,2031 - Matt Castillo
Mr. Castillo noted that a copy of the UPACA Operating Agreement amendment was provided to the Board prior to the meeting. The amendment outlines the proposed changes to the agreement through June 30, 2026. Mr. Castillo briefly reviewed the proposed renewal and key terms of the agreement with the Board.
Mr. Walz moved the request to approve UPACA Operating Agreement Amendment 5. Me. Romero moved to second. Unanimously approved.
Regent Street Black Box Resident Sub-Committee Recommendations to UPACA - Danny Walz, Helen Langan
Ms. Langan provided a brief overview of both organizations, noting that each has demonstrated strong performance and continues to meet the goals and objectives established for the Black Box. She strongly recommended continuing the residency of both organizations.
Mr. Langan moved the request to approval the renewal of Resident Lease Agreement with Jaks Theater Company and Sting & Honey Theatre Company. Mr. Walz moved to second. Unanimously approved.
Current Budget and Activity Reports - Sarah Dibble,
No time for presentation
Eccles 10-Year Anniversary Celebrations Updates - Salt Lake County Arts & Culture and Eccles Theater - Matt Castillo,
Mr. Castillo mentioned it as a brief reminder, due to time constraints.
Meeting adjourned at 10:12am.
Next Meeting: October 22, 2026
2026 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 19
b. April 23
c. June 25
d. August 20
e. October 22
f. December 10
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.