CCMIN03202018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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