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Dr. Jeff Filippi, member of the Civic Cultural Commission, presented a different view of the funding proposal for the Fox theatre from Vice Chairman Piulle's, calling the taxpayers he represents the Friendly Familiar Faces for Fox. Dr. Filippi suggested tabling this item until more information is available and stated he opposed funding for Peninsula Center Stage productions at the Fox Theatre on the following grounds: 1. Peninsula Center Stage is not in compliance with the 1986 grant deed stipulation; 2. There was not enough diversity on the Task Force; 3. The proposed $15,000 to the Civic Cultural Commission for three events to be staged at the Fox Theatre could be spent at other venues which charge less than the $750 per day to rent, and therefore more events could be presented; 4. The $30,000 available to a Palo Alto based theatrical group might be better spent on local productions or by the downtown merchants; 5. The Peninsula Center Stage lost money on the Redwood City productions last year and continuing subsidies won't help; the new Mt. View cultural center earns $250,000 per year, but their City subsidizes it with $750,000; 6. It is stated that there were almost 13,000 attendees to Peninsula Center Stage productions in 1991, but there were 248,000 attendees at Gold's Gym which generates money for the City; 7. Is it fair to support a Palo Alto based group when Redwood City has local groups that wish to produce cultural events; 8. Who will monitor these funds and how closely, what will happen to unexpended funds or profit; 9. Why experiment with City dollars, why not loan the money to Peninsula Center Stage. Dr. Filippi advised that if these recommendations are adopted, the City needs control and safeguards that Historic Register status will be sought, and that Peninsula Center Stage will be held accountable for upgrading the Fox Theatre. Dr. Filippi suggested that the City buy the Fox Theatre if it really wanted it to be the cultural center of Redwood City. In response to Council questions Dr. Filippi stated he had a petition with 87 names opposing the grant of $30,000 to Peninsula Center Stage. Betty Moran, member of the Civic Cultural Commission, spoke in favor of the Task Force's recommendations and advised that because of the cost of the Theatre, Redwood City would never be in a position to own it. Mrs. Moran stated the productions by the Peninsula Center Stage were of very high quality, and were real assets to the City. Virginia Ball, Vice Chair of the Civic Cultural Commission, asked that, if I Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 1992 MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 Page 4 Page No. 009 -.., . _.... ....