Minutes 7-10-97 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Civic Cultural Commission July 10, 1997 Minutes 2 September by Sister City artists in connection with the dedication of the New City Hall in early September 1997. He noted that an application for funding support may be forthcoming from Redwood City International. ITEM 2 CONSIDERATION OF GRANT REQUESTS a. Peninsula Center Stage Chairperson Ball opened the discussion by noting the receipt of thirty (30) letters in support of continued funding for Peninsula Center Stage and pointing out that the funding requested was to support productions at the Fox Theater. She asked that speakers keep their remarks focused on the performances vs. the Fox Theater Building. Commissioner Piulle expressed her dismay that the Commission did not honor her request to delay funding as some precedent exists as well as her concem that the Commission has had no study session on the budget. Chairperson Ball summarized her reasons for not delaying funding recommendations. Superintendent Centeno reviewed the 97-98 budget materials distributed to the Commission correcting the total funding available from $63,846 to $65,122; an increase of $1,276. Peter Bliznick spoke to the Peninsula Center Stage (PCS) request for $30,000 and his ability to accept up to $30,000 or the exact royalty cost of the three productions. He noted that PCS now had 3,800 subscribers; is now doing twelve (12) performances of each production; that PCS fundraising has increased by 9.8 %; that annual fundraising for the building had gone up from $18,000 to $28,000; that some of these funds would be used to purchase a listening system for the hearing impaired and that audience count have stayed consistent with last year at 18,000. He noted only one other company on the Peninsula can boast such high number and that he was proud of the many letters the Commissioners had received in support of the theater. M/S PIULLE/SAYE: To approve the grant request of Peninsula Center Stage for $30,000. On discussion, Mr. Bliznick responded to questions from Commissioners regarding the accessibility of the listening system for the hearing impaired; the historic renovation fund; the number of days the facility is used; the impact on downtown businesses; the number of subscribers from Redwood City. Mr. Bliznick, noted some of the issues involved in renting the facility including the technical help needed and the organization's inability to absorb non-payers. He also reported that he was working with 2030 Restaurant on joint advertising and with local drama programs on attending rehearsals and performances. Commissioner Britschgi spoke about the Redwood City 2000 Downtown Committee and their desire to see more activity downtown.