DATE: June 28, 2016
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mayor
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution to Establish a Permanent Poet Laureate Program, Reappoint Bruce Roberts as Poet Laureate for FY 2017, and Establish a Program Stipend for FY 2017
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That City Council approves the attached resolution (Attachment I) to establish a Permanent Poet Laureate Program; reappoints Bruce Roberts as Poet Laureate for FY 2017; and establishes a $500 stipend for the position of Poet Laureate for FY 2017.
Body
BACKGROUND
On June 2, 2015, the City Council established a Poet Laureate Pilot Program and appointed Mr. Bruce Roberts to serve a one-year unpaid term as the first Official Poet Laureate for the City of Hayward. This appointment will expire on June 30, 2016.
Over the next year, Council would determine if this is a position they wish to permanently establish. If so, staff would be asked to develop a process by which such an appointment can be made with the approval of the entire Council; and that there be consideration and identification of some financial recognition or other token remuneration associated with the appointment.
DISCUSSION
A poet laureate is a poet officially appointed by a government or conferring institution, who is often expected to compose poems for special events and occasions. A Poet Laureate’s responsibility is to increase the public’s awareness of the benefits of poetry.
As the City of Hayward’s first Poet Laureate, Mr. Roberts has performed his duties well, preparing and reading poetry at several city events and ceremonies. He has also supported poetry events at several arts and cultural organizations in Hayward and has worked with staff at Hayward Unified School District to encourage student creation and appreciation of poetry. Through these efforts, Mr. Roberts has raised awareness of the power of poetry, along with other forms of literature, to uplift and inspire members of the community.
As Mayor, I have been pleased with the Poet Laureate Pilot Program and with Mr. Roberts’ efforts and would like to see the program continue permanently.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff recommends a $500 stipend to Mr. Roberts in the second year of his tenure if Council approves this request. The stipend will be paid out of the Mayor/Council FY 2017 budget.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will develop a competitive process by which the Poet Laureate could be selected in the future along with a suggested stipend level and present it to Council prior to the end of CY 2016.
Because it takes time to design and establish a competitive process, staff is recommending that Mr. Roberts’ time as Poet Laureate be extended an additional one-year term. Staff believes that this will allow sufficient time to establish the program and initiate the competitive process.
Mr. Roberts has graciously agreed to a one-year term extension effective July 1, 2016 ending June 30, 2017, and to the proposed $500 stipend.
Prepared by: Colleen Kamai, Executive Assistant
Staff contact
Recommended by: Kelly McAdoo, Assistant City Manager
end
Approved by:
Fran David, City Manager
Attachments: