TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to issue a purchase order in the amount of $35,000 to the International City Theatre for the 2005 Summer Traveling Children's Theatre, and increase appropriations in the Special Advertising and Promotions Fund (SR 133) in City Manager's Office (CM) by $35,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 2000, the International City Theatre (ICT) has offered two summer programs designed to expose Long Beach youth to the theater arts: the Summer Traveling Children's Theatre and the Summer Youth Conservatory Program. In Fiscal Years
2000-2002, the City provided funding through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine to help support both ICT summer youth programs. As a result of the City's fiscal challenges, funding was reduced from $66,000 in Fiscal Year 2002 to roughly $46,000 in Fiscal Year 2003. As a result of reduced funding, in Fiscal Year 2003, the $46,000 in funding was used to support only *the Summer Traveling Children's
Theatre. However, as part of the endorsed Three-Year Financial Strategic Plan, City funding for this summer youth program was eliminated in Fiscal Year 2004. In an effort to continue the Summer Traveling Children's Theatre in 2004, one-time City funding in the amount of $46,000 was approved by the City Council. Again this year, as a result of Transient Occupancy Tax revenue performance, it is recommended that one-time funding of $35,000 be approved to support this program in 2005. The Summer Traveling Children's Theatre provides free, professional performances for children at 24 City parks in all 9 City council districts. The performances are intended to not only entertain, but educate children as well. The
ICT will continue its own fundraising efforts to supplement the cost of this program and provide the Summer Youth Conservatory Program.
This item was reviewed by Senior Deputy City Attorney Donna Gwin and Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on June 28,2005.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Approval of this item is requested at the July 5, 2005 City Council meeting to ensure timely implementation of the ICT's 2005 Summer Traveling Children's Theatre.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $35,000 is recommended for the ICT to conduct their 2005 Summer Traveling Children's Theatre. Ongoing funding for this program was eliminated from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine budget in Fiscal
Year 2004. To help defray some of the costs of this valuable youth-related program, additional Transient Occupancy Tax revenue has been identified to provide one-time support this year. Therefore, a budget appropriation increase is included in the recommendation provided to support the ICT's summer program.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]