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BACKGROUND On November 17, 1998, the City Council approved the Civic Arts Commission's recommendation to create the position of Pleasanton Poet Laureate. The primary role of the Poet Laureate is to provide appropriate poetry at civic events, and promote the appreciation of the literary arts in the community. These individuals have established a wonderful tradition of Poetry readings at the Century House, while using their unique styles in developing new programs for the community. Some of these include television broadcasts and the establishment of the Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival. In 2001, the City's Poet Laureate Program also won an award from the National Conference of Mayors. Past Poet Laureates include: • Charlene Villella (1999 — 2001) • Jim Ott (2001 — 2003) • Kirk Ridgeway (2003 — 2005) • Cynthia Bryant (2005 — 2007) • Martha Meltzer (2007 — 2009) • Deborah Grossman (2009 — 2011) • Cynthia Bryant (2011-2012) On August 6, 2012, the current Poet Laureate, Cynthia Bryant, unexpectedly resigned. Prior to beginning the process of recruiting for a City Poet Laureate, staff also received direction to begin the recruitment process for a Teen Poet Laureate. As part of the process, the City established a Poet Laureate Selection Committee to review submitted materials, interview candidates, and recommend candidates for the Adult Poet Laureate and Teen Poet Laureate positions. The Selection Committee was comprised of the following representatives: • Tegan McLane - Civic Arts Commissioner • Fred Norman - Non-Academic Poet/Community Member • Judy Wheeler - Community-At-Large • Jim Ott— Former City of Pleasanton Poet Laureate • Susan Hayes — Professional Writer/Community Member • Julie Finegan —Visual and Literary Arts Coordinator The City initially received one (1) application for the Adult Poet Laureate position and eight (8) applications for the Teen Poet Laureate position. The screening committee interviewed the eight (8) applicants for the Teen Poet Laureate positions and one (1) applicant for the Adult Poet Laureate position. Page 2 of 3