HomeMy WebLinkAbout040924-03.3
STUDY STUDY SESSION MEMORANDUM 3.3
TO: Mayor and Town Council April 9, 2024
SUBJECT: Updating Position Title for Youth Poet Laureate
BACKGROUND
In April 2022, the Town Council adopted Resolution No. 28-2022, establishing the
position of Danville Youth Poet Laureate. The position is appointed by the Town Council
and must be a high school student living in Danville. The Town’s current Youth Poet
Laureate, Madeleine Roytfeld, has contributed poems to a number of civic events.
In December 2023, the Town was contacted by Urban Word NYC, a non-profit which
promotes youth poetry, up to and including, the National Youth Poet Laureate. The
Town learned that in 2016, Urban Word NYC trademarked the phrase “Youth Poet
Laureate.” In order to continue to use that title, the Town would need to enter into a
license agreement with Urban Word.
DISCUSSION
The licensing agreement would cost the Town $500-$2,500 as an initial fee and an annual
fee thereafter of $150-500 (actual fees are based on the jurisdiction’s budget). The license
provides access to online programs and the opportunity to participate in regional and
national competitions.
In the alternative, the Town can simply drop the word “Laureate” from the position and
continue with our local model of having a “Danville Youth Poet.” This would be
accomplished by adoption of a new resolution changing the position title.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to Town staff on potential amendments to the youth poet position.
Prepared by:
Robert B. Ewing
City Attorney