Minutes 12-1-94 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Piulle felt it was necessary for Raices de Mexico and PCS to work together to straighten out their differences and that the Cultural Commission should not be a part of their meeting. Chairperson Filippi said he still wants a detailed explanation of what happens at the meeting and Commissioner Distefano agreed. Commissioner Fischer felt it is very important for groups to feel comfortable sharing their feelings before the Commission. Commissioner Ball felt the two groups should sit down and work out their problems. She said Raices de Mexico had a good performance this year and good attendance. Commissioner Fischer felt that if a representative from the PCS Board could have been at the Fox Theater presentations, then this problem might not have occurred and could have been resolved at the meeting. Matias Varela said Raices de Mexico has worked in the community for many years and are not trouble-makers and do not want to be categorized as such but they could withdraw their application if thought so. Mr. Pacheco felt his comments were quite moderate and did not intend to attack anyone. -Discussion of$1.00 Surcharge Chairperson Filippi reviewed a list of Commission concerns about the $1.00 surcharge imposed by PCS. Commissioner Fischer said the Commission requested performance attendance figures from Mr. Spicer at the November meeting but we still have not received anything. Chairperson Filippi spoke about the memo from Kenneth Spicer to Peter Bliznick which was circulated to the Task Force members which made comparisons that were not valid. Commissioner Piulle said she talked to Peter Bliznick about this memo and explained that she felt it was inaccurate and inappropriate. She mentioned the marketing study for the Task Force is almost completed and the perception is that there are groups needing performance space. Chairperson Filippi felt the Cultural Commission should have the ability to grant funds to groups using a different venue. He mentioned at the November meeting, Mr. Pacheco did a cost comparison of the Fox Theater and Carrington Hall for their group's performance and Carrington Hall was less expensive. Commissioner Fischer felt the number of people applying for grants might increase if other venues could be used. Commissioner Ball said the original purpose behind the Fox Theater Funding Program was to increase downtown business. At Fox Theater performances she has attended, there are very few, if any, downtown businesses open in the evening and the area is very dark causing most people to go elsewhere for refreshments. Commissioner Piulle felt there was going to be a problem monitoring the $1.00 surcharge for each group.