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.
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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 me...
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