Edmond Town Hall Managers Approve Staff Expansion, Theater Upgrades

NEWTOWN, CT — The Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers moved forward with several staffing and facility upgrades during its Aug. 20 meeting, while also reviewing a strong year-end financial report and plans for a busy fall entertainment season.

Chair Jennifer Guman opened the meeting by thanking board member Betsy Paynter for her work on the town’s Cultural District application, which has the support of both the Board of Selectmen and the Borough.

Financial And Membership Growth

Executive Director Gary Lindemann reported that Edmond Town Hall is entering its busiest fall in years, with 35 shows booked. A redesigned website and a new ticketing system are credited with boosting sales and online traffic. Marketing Manager Rachel Iazzetta, hired a month ago, outlined a short-term plan that includes discount bundles to encourage repeat attendance. Memberships are also on the rise, with 25 signups generating $3,600 in revenue so far.

Business Manager Lauren DiMartino said total revenue for the fiscal year that ended June 30 reached $1.2 million, or 137 percent of the budget, marking a $173,699 increase over the previous year. Expenses were higher as well, totaling $1.18 million, but the operation still closed with a net profit of $17,572. DiMartino noted that the Alexandria Room rentals declined but theater rentals and special events grew. She also reported two new sponsorships: Ranch Pub will provide food for performers and Heritage Hotel will offer complimentary rooms.

Operations And Building Work

Operations Manager Anthony Sartori said renovations to the Bowling Alley room were complete and new ceiling fans had been installed in the lobby. Motion-sensor lights were added in tenant areas, and sidewalk repairs have begun. A new night custodian has joined the staff, while roof leaks remain under investigation by town facilities officials.

Staffing And Policy Updates

The board approved DiMartino’s request to convert the Event & Rental Coordinator position from hourly to full-time salaried, at an additional cost of $1,300. Members agreed the change would improve both staff stability and organizational efficiency.

Board members also discussed the need for a formal building and property use policy and agreed to draft one for future consideration.

Capital Projects And Equipment Purchases

Sartori presented the latest Capital Improvement Plan, which was unanimously approved. Long-term projects include electrical upgrades and window restorations scheduled between 2028 and 2029.

In other action, the board approved a $35,433 bid from DNR for a new short-throw projector to replace the theater’s laser projector. Officials said the upgrade would improve performances and increase rental opportunities.

The board also authorized $6,050 in concession stand improvements, including new stainless steel counters, an ice machine, and sliding barn-style doors to improve flow.

Parking Lot Incident Addressed

Two residents, Gabe Dumoulin and John Ferreira, attended the meeting to apologize for driving in circles in the parking lot late at night and leaving tire marks. They offered to pay for power-washing to remove the damage.

The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.