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PCRT was not given an opportunity to present to the Commission and detailed his experience as <br /> an Alameda County Arts Commissioner, stating there should have been a quorum prior to any <br /> votes being taken on the matter. PCRT presented the exact pay structure that was requested and <br /> requested the RFP/RFQ process be restarted. PCRT is the only professional theatre company. <br /> Steve Simonian, Vice President of the PCRT Board of Directors, expressed support for the <br /> company and stated his concerns with the RFP/RFQ process. He urged the City Council to <br /> ensure the process was completed properly prior to taking a vote on this matter. <br /> Matt Kelly, member of the TVRT Board of Directors, noted he was also a performer, father of a <br /> performer, and a Pleasanton math teacher, where he has known and performed with various <br /> students. He expressed support for energizing youth through performance and TVRT already has <br /> a consistent relationship with Pleasanton's youth. He urged support of the contract. <br /> John Barocchi, Artistic Director at the Santa Cruz Theatre, mentioned he has worked with PCRT <br /> and City staff. He referenced his participation in the restoration of the Amador Theatre and noted <br /> TVRT may have left Pleasanton due to unavailability of the Amador Theatre. He expressed <br /> support for the TVRT performances which he felt would be equal or better than what PCRT can <br /> provide. <br /> Larry Lagin stated he was a Pleasanton resident, retired scientist, and parent of two children who <br /> graduated from Pleasanton schools. They both participated in TVRT plays through Amador High <br /> School and they are both college-trained in performing arts as a result of their experiences. They <br /> have seen dozens of plays at the Pleasanton Playhouse and Bankhead Theatre and he considers <br /> his family part of the TVRT family. He expressed support for the company's return to Pleasanton <br /> and their residency at the Firehouse Theatre. <br /> Aimee Roylance spoke in support of the TVRT contract and referenced the audience members <br /> who come to their performances and are inspired. They have high quality productions and the <br /> local talent looks forward to participating. She is a current student in the University of the Pacific <br /> Music Therapy program and sees the benefits of artistic pursuits on health. She is supportive of <br /> community theatre and noted TVRT has sold out the Bankhead theatre several times. <br /> Mayor Thorne closed public comments. <br /> Mayor Thorne noted he is a patron of theatrical arts and acknowledged the high quality of <br /> performances for both theatre companies. Although he would prefer to keep both companies, he <br /> is in favor of a community theatre company rather than a professional theatre company. <br /> Councilmember Brown acknowledged her granddaughter's performance as "Belle" in a production <br /> of Beauty and the Beast and thanked all participants in the public hearing. It was a blessing to <br /> have two very competent and skilled companies to select from. She does support the Commission <br /> and staff's recommendation of TVRT and they have worked hard to invest in the community. She <br /> hopes PCRT stays in town and is hopeful staff can work with them to develop a performance <br /> opportunity at the Firehouse Theatre. <br /> Councilmember Pentin stated the difficulty in providing final decisions when residents have <br /> varying preferences related to services and programs. He stated this was a difficult decision, and <br /> acknowledged his work on the subcommittee which reviewed the proposals. He admires both <br /> theatre companies and has attended performances for both. He confirmed his support for the <br /> Commission and staff's recommendation of TVRT and hoped there was room for both to provide <br /> productions in some capacity. As an aside, he mentioned his opportunity to be on the same <br /> performance stage with actor Tom Hanks and a letter of support from student Matthew Brown. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 10 of 12 March 20, 2018 <br />