Shall the new Overture Center be overt to the public? Not under the deal proposed by Mayor Dave.
The nonprofit 201 State Foundation would lease Overture from the city and run it with a 21-member board, including three city appointees. The mayor and foundation, however, would consult one another on appointees. The initial lease would be five years with three automatic five-year renewals. Either side could opt out at renewal time. The agreement suggests 201 State would not be subject to the open meetings law.
Paul Soglin cited the lack of transparency at 201 State as a reason for opposing the plan.
If 201 State is a non-profit that exists solely to manage a city-owned property, then it should be subject to the city's standards of transparency and accessibility. It is a small demand that the city is in a good position to make.