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Sister City 2012/03/26 CITY OF ANAHEIM SISTER CITY COMMISSION MINUTES March 26, 2012 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: James Dinwiddie, Ann Gallaugher, Lisa Gin, Russell Lahodny, Laurie Leonard, Linda Newby, John Nguyen, Anna Piercy, Pat Pina, Jennifer Vaughn, Virginia Zlaket COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Shannon Buhrmaster, Kyndell Paine, Kyoko Smith STAFF PRESENT: Greg Garcia Lori GUESTS PRESENT: None. Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted at 10:00 a.m. on March 22, 2012 at Anaheim City Hall. Public Input: Chairman Nguyen explained that members of the public are invited to address the Anaheim Sister City Commission and will be called upon under Agenda Item No. VII. Public Comment. I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) was called to order at 4:10 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2012 th City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., 7 Floor, Anaheim, California. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 16, 2012 Special Meeting MOTION: Commissioner Newby offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Piercy AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 12-0; Absent: Buhrmaster, Paine, Smith; No vacant seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the minutes as presented with the exception of the date correction in the header. III. There has been no cash flow activity and the month end balance remains at $14,226.94. Anaheim Sister City Commission March 26, 2012 Page 2 IV. AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Commissioner Lahodny reported that the Economic Development Subcommittee met and had a discussion regarding the various ways to promote the upcoming trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. So far, the Chamber of Commerce Anaheim Weekly Business and Community News Source featured a full page article in the newsletter and another article was featured Business Advocate. Commissioner Zlaket reported that the Cultural/Government Exchange Subcommittee met and they have some changes regarding the itinerary for the students coming from Mito. The students will now be here for just one week instead of two. There will be ten students and three chaperones that will be visiting Anaheim from July 27 to August 4, 2012. Commissioner Gin reported that as a representative of the Marketing/Fundraising Subcommittee, she has approached Anaheim University about sponsoring the ASCC. They are open to the idea and there are many opportunities to partnership with them. Commissioner Pina indicated that she has made a draft ASCC brochure. She gave a brief explanation of everything she would like to see in the brochure and she distributed a copy to the commission for additional suggestions before having Commissioner Lahodny make the final version. V. STAFF REPORT Greg Garcia introduced Erin Wahlen, who will be assisting him on many of the various tasks that the Anaheim staff does in support of the ASCC. Erin is the Public Information Specialist i primarily responsible for the quarterly Anaheim Magazine, which is a huge endeavor. Additionally, she oversees the U.S.A. Volleyball (USAV) program and the sponsorship, which includes securing housing, food, etc. Erin will assist Greg with the ASCC support whenever necessary. VI. STUDENT EXCHANGE Host Families Host families for the exchange students arriving from Mito in July are needed and Commissioner Zlaket is encouraging everyone to either consider hosting or helping to recruit host families. There has been some interest in hosting, however, at this time there are no confirmations. To further promote it, an advertisement will be posted in the upcoming Anaheim Magazine. In addition, Anaheim Sister City Commission March 26, 2012 Page 3 the commission went over details of the student itinerary and discussed the tentative daily events. VII. VITORIA-GASTEIZ DELEGATION Commissioner Newby relayed that assistance will be needed from all of the commissioners to promote the upcoming trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, as April 14 is the final date to receive guaranteed travel commitments. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the number of attendee confirmations for the trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. At this time there are 11 confirmed attendees and the package deal allows for 20. Those that confirm and pay by April 14 are guaranteed the travel price of the package. 90% of any remaining unfilled seats will have a nominal penalty fee that will be deducted from the deposit reimbursement to the ASCC. There are no funds that will be coming from the taxpayers or the City of Anaheim. VIII. HANGZHOU SISTER CITY Progress Report Commissioner Gallaugher reported that she has been very successful in obtaining contacts with the Municipal Government of Hangzhou, China. She has been able to come in direct contact with Bonnie, who is in charge of North America Relations for the Municipality of Hangzhou, China. Bonnie is interested in the idea and she has expressed specific interest in anything very unique and exclusive, such as the Disneyland Resort, the Enterprise Zone, and an economic development point of view for business promotions. Commissioner Gallaugher inquired with the commission about the best practices pros and cons that will help guide the commission into a sister city relationship with Hangzhou, China. Chairman Nguyen suggested that Commissioner Gallaugher contact Kathleen Roche-Tansey, the Sister Cities International State Coordinator (in San Diego). Kathleen has been involved with the creation process of numerous new sister city relationships. Chairman Nguyen even suggested inviting Kathleen to a future ASCC meeting. Greg Garcia suggested that the commission create the guidelines, and hold briefings with the City Council Members before going through with the final process. for Selecting a so that everyone can be involved. Anaheim Sister City Commission March 26, 2012 Page 4 Further, Greg suggested that sister city relationships can occur without delegations visiting the cities. It is the digital age and presentations can be made and sent to each other. Conference calls, Skype, PowerPoint presentations and pictures, can be additional ways to communicate. Even the resolution can be signed and returned digitally. Chairman Nguyen indicated that it would be appropriate to form an additional Ad Hoc Subcommittee for pursuing Hangzhou, China as a sister city. He appointed Commissioner Gallaugher as the Chairman of the subcommittee. IX. INQUIRY FOR NEW SISTER CITY Rosarito/Ensenada, Mexico Chairman Nguyen reported that the Executive Subcommittee came to a decision that a sister city relationship with Rosarito/Ensenada, Mexico may not be appropriate. The subcommittee finding was that they feel that there is not value that can be provided in a sister city relationship. Chairman Nguyen indicated that Greg will communicate the findings to Mayor Tait. X. PUBLIC COMMENT None. XI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Pina reported that she and commissioner Newby went to Yves Bistro, in East Anaheim, to talk with the owner about a fund raiser event with tapas and wine. Commissioner Newby indicated that the Sister City of Torrance is holding a two- day Japanese Celebration fundraiser event on April 21 and 22. She is inquiring if anybody would like to attend the event with her, so that they can observe and possibly utilize some of the ideas for a fundraiser/mixer event in Anaheim to honor Mito, Japan. XII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:33 p.m. to April th 23, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at the Anaheim City Hall, Code Enforcement Division - 5 Floor, Large Conference Room.