Title
Gainesville Community Playhouse (GCP) New Theater Facility, Request for City Support (B)
Explanation
On April 22, 2002, the City Commission heard a presentation from Mr. Gerald Brewington and Dr. Robert Garrigues of the Gainesville Community Playhouse, regarding funding to support construction of a new theater facility.
At that time, the matter was referred to the Gainesville/Alachua County Cultural Affairs Board (CAB).
On May 8, 2002, the CAB heard a review of the building project proposal from Mr. Brewington and Dr. Garrigues. The proposal included a request for the City to provide $100,000 towards this project by July 2003, with construction to begin in August of 2003. There was a discussion of the GCP's value to the Community and its history of fiscal responsibility and financial independence. A motion was made to recommend to the City Commission that a continuing Resolution be passed by the City to provide up to $100,000 for the new theater. The CAB voted unanimously in favor of the GCP's request.
The Board's recommendation had been scheduled for the June 10, 2002 City Commission agenda, but was rescheduled due to time constraints.
During this interim, the City Manager asked for more specific financial and legal information. The City Attorney's Office then advised staff that there was precedent that such a donation to a private, non-profit organization for a non-City building would be inappropriate use of public monies.
On August 14, 2002, the CAB revisited this issue. The Board voted to recommend that the City Commission direct staff to enter into discussions and negotiations with the Playhouse for the City to provide in-kind services and to discuss the possibility of providing a loan towards construction of the new facility.
Fiscal Note
There is no fiscal impact at this time.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear a report from the Gainesville/Alachua County Cultural Affairs Board Chair, Doug Diekow; and ...
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