CCMIN061901 - Laserfiche WebLink

people in the future; and brings children up in a very healthy fashion. This is what eve~/one is ~'ying to do. She thanked Council for its support. Don Lewis, 233 Junipero Sheet, talked about music and how he felt it is an important part of the world. The School District has cut so much of the arts in its programs. He sees the City of Pleasanton as providing a wonderful opportunity, with diversity, progress, and making it all a part of the living environment. He sees Pleasanton not only as the City of Planned Progress, but also the City of Planned Cultural Progress because it takes in all of the aspects of living. If there are the facilities, then it is known that the community has the will power and the talent. He has seen the talent the young people in the community have and this is a unique opportunity to make this a city a place that is unique. John Loll, 4788 Peaceful Lane, incoming president of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council, spoke on behalf of the community of artists and arts groups, and the citizens that the PCAC serves. He said that the PCAC reviewed the operating budget and the capital improvement budget and acknowledges and supports the projects presented in the plans. Some of the facility projects they would like to include room for arts facilities and from tonight's discussion, that possibility is very high. There are also cultural and historical oppommities included in the Alviso Adobe. They support the renovation work on the Amador Theater and the Veteran's Hall, the development and improvement of community parks on the Bernal Property and at Amador Park. They are very appreciative for the ongoing support that the City has provided to programs on behalf of the arts. One million dollars is no small sum and they appreciate it. Children's activities and Shakespeare in the Park have been wonderful successes and they appreciate it. The Poet Laureate program is worthy of recommendation across the State of California. They are, however, concerned about the CIP budget and the fact that it does not specifically include programs. They would like the Council to review its commitments towards the arts and confirm that the commitment is there. He asked that Council consider using the reserve fund on behalf of specific arts facility within the CIP program. They have found great cooperation with City staff and want to work with them in the ongoing budget process to work on implementing these features. Chuck Cole, 787 Sylvaner Drive, thanked Ms. McKeehan for defusing what could have been a much more exciting evening and appreciated her efforts. He expressed his opinion that the arts community might seem like an impatient bunch, but they have waited a long time for this item to reach the level it has. The government process can be very grinding and difficult to deal with. His request is that he would like to see the facilities issues for the arts be upgraded to a top priority and identified as such, perhaps as a Council priority item in the next CIP. It is not identified that way in the present CIP Para Grove, 28 Grey Eagle Court, has the job of finding facilities for the Valley Choral Society to perform. The Amador Theater is never available and every year it is a new challenge to find places in Pleasanton to perform. She said she is excited to hear the commitment that Council has made. She thanked Ms. McKeehan for her leadership and to staff that a performing arts center is important to the community. Pleammton City Council 11 06/19/01 Minutes