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B. Representative from the Downtown Association Downtown Association Executive Director Brent Britschgi described the work ~- of the Task Force and the eight recommendations, and the positive impact these recommendations would have on the Fox Theatre, the cultural experience of the City, the downtown area, and the whole Theatre block. Director Britschgi stated if the City wanted cultural events it should be willing to support them. C. Representative from Peninsula Center Stage Peter Bliznick, Executive Director of Peninsula Center Stage, presented the history of the Palo Alto Players, begun in 1931, their association with the Lucy Stern Theatre, Justin Jacobs gift of the Fox Theatre in 1986, and the evolution of the Peninsula Center Stage. Mr. Bliznick advised that in 1991, 23,000 people attended the Peninsula Center Stage productions in the Fox Theatre, there were twenty-eight rehearsal and building engagements, and nine outside groups who put on their own productions. A total of 33.5% of attendees were from Redwood City. Mr. Bliznick described the 32,000 hours of work performed by volunteers, and described the open auditions and standing invitation to anyone and everyone who wanted to participate. Mr. Bliznick presented the difference expectations of the many groups involved and stressed that the Peninsula Center stage was an amateur theatre group, a local cultural organization, that needed local funding, and expressed confidence in the decisions and monitoring by the Task Force. D. Representative from the Civic Cultural Commission Tamara Piulle, Chairman of the Civic Cultural Commission, described the need to concentrate on this short term experiment of twelve months and not try to tackle the long range solution at this point. Mrs. Piulle described the $30,000 investment over twelve months as a real bargain for three plays, and advised that the Peninsula Center Stage could not put them on without additional funding. The $15,000 for three events at the Fox Theatre allotted to the Civic Cultural Commission will be a real benefit to the City. Mrs. Piulle stated the Council should encourage City participation in this cultural policy, but advised there is a difference of opinion on the Commission. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL TO COMMISSION AND TASK FORCE MEMBERS In response to Council questions regarding availability of Fox Theatre for use by private groups and speakers, Mr. Bliznick stated private groups do use the Theatre, but the lengthy rehearsal time and set building needed for their own productions limit availability. Musicals take up to eight weeks rehearsal and set building time. Mr. Bliznick advised Peninsula Center Stage pays $18,000 per year in property taxes on the Fox Theatre. HRAC Chairman Rolandelli described the tax advantages and grant eligibility benefits available to the Fox Theatre if it is placed on the National Register. Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 March 2, 1992 Page 3 Page No. 008