CCMIN050801 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Jorgensen said it has a 700-seat theater, a small multiuse facility, and a separate art gallery. Mr. Wolfe reiterated that the expense of an 800-seat theater is more than the cost to build it. There are on-going operating costs. Both commissions realize a thorough analysis is necessary before moving forward with that type of facility. Staffbelieves most other amenities can be incorporated in other facility plans. Mayor Pico indicated Livermore and Dublin are contemplating performing arts centers and inquired if a parmership had been considered for a regional facility? In the event one of those cities built its own center, how would that impact Pleasanton's proposed facilities? Mr. Wolfe said that question had been raised and could only be answered with the proposed feasibility analysis. The biggest question for a regional facility is where it is built. Everyone would want it in their own community. Mr. Jorgensen pointed out that that concept had been considered about ten years ago. Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Las Positas College attempted to formulate some type of regional theater. The plan never really got going for various reasons, including the question of how to administer such an organization, whether it be a joint powers arrangement, a special district, etc. The question for a consultant would be to determine where on the programming spectnun such a facility would lie and what makes sense for Pleasanton in terms of affordability for local non-profit art organizations and what kinds of programming could be afforded. If you wanted major performers, you would need a 2000 seat auditorium and no one else could afford to use it. A balance must be found between nurturing local arts organizations and a desire to showcase professional artists. It is felt the 800-seat theater would meet that balance. He said the current information he has is that Livermom will start with a 500-seat theater. That would be for locally based programming. What may happen in Dublin is a larger question. If two similar facilities were built that close together, there could be some impacts. The concept of an 800-seat theater will have to be considered over time to see what happens. Ms. Ayala asked how much subsidy the Lesher facility gets in a year. Mr. Jorgensen has heard various figures. Any theater requires a substantial subsidy. The recently constructed 700-seat theater in Berkeley cost about $20 million. Mayor Pico invited public testimony. Charles Cole, 787 Sylvaner Drive, President of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council, strongly supported the two plans presented to Council. The Arts Council will implement the recommendations of the marketing study and a series of projects and programs are already under way. The PCAC will also work on the facilities issues. Pleasanton has wonderfully talented artists and performers and drew attention to the paintings on display in the room. In the literary arts, there is a branch of the Cross the River Writers Roundtable. Pleasanton City Council 5 05/08/01 Minutes