DATE: September 18, 2018
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Affirming the Continuance of the Hayward Poet Laureate Program, the Establishment of City Protocol for Poet Laureate Appointments, and the Extension of the Appointment of Bruce Roberts as the City of Hayward Poet Laureate through June 30, 2019
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That City Council approves the attached Resolution affirming the continuance of the Hayward Poet Laureate Program, the establishment of protocols for the selection of future Poet Laureate appointments effective July 1, 2019, and the extension of the appointment of Bruce Roberts as the Hayward Poet Laureate through June 30, 2019.
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SUMMARY
The City Council established a pilot Hayward Poet Laureate Program in 2015 to raise awareness of the power of poetry and other forms of literature. The Council appointed Mr. Bruce Roberts as the City’s first official Poet Laureate and, having performed his duties in an exemplary manner at a variety of public events, the City Council approved his re-appointment in FY2017 and again in FY2018.
Based on the success of the program, staff recommends that the Poet Laureate Program continue and that a formal protocol be established for the selection of Poet Laureates effective July 1, 2019. Furthermore, staff recommends that the appointment of Bruce Roberts as the City’s Poet Laureate be extended through June 30, 2019, and that the budgeted $500 Poet Laureate stipend be extended to Mr. Roberts in recognition of his continued work during this period. If approved by Council, staff from the Library Services Department will be assigned to support the Poet Laureate Program and the work of the Poet Laureate.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution