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DATE:
TO:
FROM:
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DECEMBER 4, 2014
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER
MEETING DATE: 12/16/14
ITEM NO: 10
SUBJECT: EXTEND TERM OF THE CURRENT POET LAUREATE FOR THE TOWN
OF LOS GATOS THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2015, AND REVISE THE
TERM LENGTH OF THE POET LAUREATE POSITION
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff, along with the unanimous support of the Poet Laureate Selection Committee, recommends
that the Town Council extend the term of the current Poet Laureate for the Town of Los Gatos
through December 31, 2015. Additionally, it is recommended that the term length of the Poet
Laureate position be increased from two years to three years.
ALTERNATIVE:
If the Council does not extend the term of the current Poet Laureate, the Selection Committee will
move ahead with publicizing a call for applications for the position of Poet Laureate, and
recommend a candidate for Poet Laureate for future Council consideration in a timely manner.
Iax- GA mael I Z a
The Town's first Poet Laureate, Parthenia Hicks, had her term extended by six months to
accommodate her ongoing poetry projects and the Town's needs. The current Poet Laureate,
Erica Goss, has several ongoing and successful projects including The Poetry Kitchen, a popular
program which meets every month in the Library. Erica has much more to contribute in the field
of the literary arts to the community, and the Town would benefit by having an extra year added
to her term. Converting the position to a three year term will not only allow for the Poet Laureate
to accomplish more, but will allow the Town to be better positioned to attract a larger and well -
qualified pool of candidates to fill the position.
PREPARED BY: HENRY BANKHEAD
Town Librarian
Reviewed by: -W Assistant Town Manager own Attorney Finance
N:WGRWdminWorkFi1m\2014 Comcil Reports\Dec 161Poet Lau wte.Extmd.T=. 12- 16- 14.dmx
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MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: EXTEND TERM OF THE CURRENT POET LAUREATE FOR THE TOWN
OF LOS GATOS THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2015, AND REVISE THE
TERM LENGTH OF THE POET LAUREATE POSITION
DECEMBER 4, 2014
DISCUSSION:
The Poet Laureate Selection Committee consists of Council Member Steven Leonardis, Library
Board Member Lyn Dougherty, Arts and Culture Commission Member Cheryl Hare, and Town
Librarian Henry Bankhead. In 2012, the original Committee unanimously selected Erica Goss
from the pool of candidates for Poet Laureate. Erica has an excellent grasp of her role with
regards to community outreach and poetry, she is well connected to the local poetry community
through her work with Poetry San Jose, and she is an excellent and award- winning poet with
numerous honors and accolades. Erica impressed the Committee with her vibrant personality
and insightful use of language. There were six applicants for the position, and Erica stood out
among her peers.
CONCLUSION:
Staff, along with the unanimous support of the Poet Laureate Selection Committee, recommends
that the term of the current Poet Laureate, Erica Goss, be extended through December 31, 2015.
Additionally, it is recommended that the term length for the Poet Laureate position be increased
from two years to three years.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.