CCMIN031913 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mayor Thorne said it is evident that BACT offers a good program but asked what they can offer that SF Shakes cannot. Ms. Andrade-Wax said BACT's program is extensive and includes stage performances in line with Pleasanton's expectations as well as classes, camps and workshops for a variety of ages. These additional features have been made available to the community in the past but never to this extent. Staff also considered the potential for in class curriculum, though that has not been discussed, and feels that BACT's relationships with other non-profits and community foundations will provide access to a broader audience than in the past. Councilmember Brown asked and Ms. Andrade-Wax confirmed that staff conducted a reference check. She requested more information on the job of the screening committee. Ms. Andrade-Wax reiterated that the committee was composed of tow Civic Arts Commissioners who, with assistance from staff, reviewed all documents, proposals and related materials, conducted oral interviews and made a determination on which candidate best met or exceeded the criteria identified. Councilmember Brown asked if the process was conducted at an open public meeting. Ms. Andrade- Wax said the two Commissioners met and City staff observed. She explained that for the last several years the City has included Commissioners in the RFP process, including those for the tennis center, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and Cultural Plan. Councilmember Brown asked if SF Shakes would continue to provide Shakespeare in the Park. Ms. Andrade-Wax said that is the recommendation coming forward from the Civic Arts Commission. Councilmember Brown asked if staff received complaints regarding SF Shakes' existing program. Ms. Andrade-Wax said staff received a variety of feedback that was not included in the review process. Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio requested asked whether the background check process, with relation to children's safety, was discussed with each applicant and whether there was a profound difference in their responses. Ms. Andrade-Wax said each was asked how they ensure the safety of children and adherence to all applicable state and local laws. BATC reported that it has condL cted extensive safety training of all staff as well as thorough background checks including fingerprinting. Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio asked but staff could not confirm that if they were to pursue with the in school curriculum program, BACT's existing protocols would be sufficient with exception of the TB test. Mayor Thorne opened the item for public comment. Johanna Yoder said she was saddened to learn of the screening committee's recommendation. Her children have participated in the SF Shake program for the past 5 years and she believes strongly in the program they built from the ground up. She said the committee may not have been able to make a fully informed decision on the RFP process alone, so she, her children and a number of other citizens spoke before the Civic Arts Commission to correct any misconceptions. She said she was deeply disappointed by the experience on multiple fronts. After garnering their courage, children as young as 7 spoke eloquently and respectfully on behalf of SF Shakes only to be greeted by uniformed police officers at the door and admonished by the Commission. She said that many spoke about SF Shake as family being broken apart and that, while not contained in the Minutes, one member of the Commission took this literally and lambasted them for making the analogy. She reported that the same Commissioner then said she was embarrassed by the emotion shown by the community and apologized to BACT for what were heartfelt and genuine comments made by children and parents of the community. She said she felt an apology was instead due to their children. Carol Clinton asked how the community is to raise a generation of engaged voters when they are condescended to, ignored, and publicly humiliated for their government participation. She asked why a public forum was even offered if the decision was effectively made during the RFP process, behind closed doors. She read from the Minutes of the Civic Arts Commission, which state that "it should be City Council Minutes Page 7 of 13 March 19, 2013