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THE CITY OF 7 i`'`� '�' y` '1 -•'• CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT III pLEAS4NTONo August 15, 2017 Community Services Department TITLE: APPROVE APPOINTMENT FOR LITERARY ARTS AMBASSADOR POSITION SUMMARY 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 was to provide appropriate poetry at civic events, and promote the appreciation of the literary arts in the community, with the focus on poetry. 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. Despite a multitude of recruiting efforts since 2015, the City was unable to secure a new Adult Poet Laureate. In discussions with vested community members and past Poet Laureates, the idea of broadening the program was discussed and the Literary Arts Ambassador position was proposed. On July 18, 2017 the City Council approved the creation of the Literary Arts Ambassador position. Immediately following that approval staff set out to recruit for the position. Three (3) applications were received and a committee reviewed the applications and interviewed the candidates. As a result, the committee recommended that Meg Fleming be appointed to serve as the first Literature Ambassador from 2017-2019. CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The Civic Arts Commission recommended that the City Council approve the appointment of Meg Fleming to serve as Adult Literary Arts Ambassador from 2017- 2019. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council approve the appointment of Meg Fleming to serve as Adult Literary Arts Ambassador from 2017-2019. FINANCIAL STATEMENT The City Adult Literary Arts Ambassador Program will receive a $1000 stipend for work related to the program which is funded from the City's Literary and Visual Arts Fund #00150407—433154.