Metropolis Task Force Comes Together

Debbie Smart is a patron of the arts in Arlington Heights who serves on the village’s Arts Commission and is a fan of The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.

She feels the Metropolis is a vital part of the community and wants to conduct an analysis of the nonprofit through an independent task force.

The Metropolis became a political issue in recent village board elections because people are misinformed about it and how the village funds it, Smart said.

The Metropolis operates independent from the village; Arlington Heights owns the building it is housed in and acts as its landlord.

Additionally, the village provides some funding through a special Entertainment Tax.

Smart is concerned about the current state of the Metropolis. She has gathered a group of people interested in the arts who want to support the Metropolis.

“In talking about it amongst ourselves, we want it to be something independent, apolitical,” Smart said. “It’s a standalone group who work for the good of the people of Arlington Heights and the good of the Metropolis.”

The Metropolis has fewer resources than ever so the task force’s offer is invaluable, Mayor Arlene Mulder said. Task force members, who include professionals with background in finance, marketing and the arts, can give free advice, she said. It would cost the Metropolis thousands of dollars to hire consultants with the same experience as the task force, she added.

Metropolis Executive Director Charlie Beck and chairman Joe Lynn gave their support of the task force and said they will work its members.

“I think it is a very innovative idea,” Trustee John Scaletta said. “It’s something that hopefully will be well received by Metropolis. There’s always things you learn about when taking a brand new look at something.”

Since community members spearheaded the task force, the village does not have to appoint anyone from the board, Village Attorney Robin Ward said.

The task force won’t need to publish agendas or keep meetings according to Village Manager Bill Dixon.

Smart said she wanted the village board to know about the task force and disclose any paperwork or documents about the Metropolis.

The task force will develop a report to give the board after 90 days.