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to the downtown area; and, every important City has live theatre as part of its cultural environment. Councilwoman La Berge suggested that the Council not engage in micro management, but follow a consistent policy, and base grants on the values that are important to the people of Redwood City. MIS: LA BERGE/CLAIRE TO APPROVE RELEASE OF $30,000 APPROPRIATED IN THE CITY'S 94-95 BUDGET TO PENINSULA CENTER STAGE (WITHOUT THE CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED IN THE REPORT) Mayor Buchan called on those people in the audience who had submitted Speaker's cards. Joe Steinfeld, candidate for Council, stated that the other non-profit organizations did not have an asset such as a rentable Theatre, as did PCS; Redwood City had been incredibly generous granting $160,000 to $300,000 to PCS; PCS turned down requests for use of the Theatre; and, Carrington Hall at Sequoia High School was more worthy of the City's funds. Councilman Sanfilipo stated he wanted to see the revenues and expenditures of each - production to make sure City funds were not spent on the Theatre itself; suggested that the Council review the Cultural Element of the General Plan; and allow the Civic Cultural Commission to make decisions regarding grants to the arts. Councilman Sanfilipo stated that "your tax dollars paid for a new roof' on the Fox Theatre. Vice Mayor Claire stated that the financial statements were clear and could easily be read by the Council Members who owned their own businesses, and additional reports were unnecessary. Vice Mayor Claire stated that the Fox Theatre was a jewel, a true Redwood City landmark, a valuable asset that should be preserved for future generations. Vice Mayor Claire stated, however, that he was disappointed the Fox Theatre was not more accessible to community groups, and suggested that was an issue future Councils might want to pursue. Councilwoman Steinfeld stated that Council and PCS had advocated City grants last year to revitalize the downtown area; but, PCS refuses to rent the Theatre out. Vice Mayor Claire described the personality conflicts involved over the last few years, and the philosophical differences held by several Council Members. Vice Mayor Claire stated that the Council had made a commitment to PCS to grant $30,000 for its productions, and it was time to honor that commitment. Councilmembers Sanfilipo and Steinfeld stated PCS had made a profit and the City should not grant them a subsidy; additional staff was not justified; and City should not pay for repairs to a structure it does not own. Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 52 November 7, 1994 Page No. 430 Page 9