Sister City 2012/05/21CITY OF ANAHEIM
SISTER CITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
May 21, 2012
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: James Dinwiddie, Ann Gallaugher, Lisa Gin,
Russell Lahodny, Laurie Leonard, Linda Newby,
Piercy, Kyoko Smith, Virginia Zlaket
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Shannon Buhrmaster, Pat Pina, Jennifer Vaughn
STAFF PRESENT:
GUESTS PRESENT: David Bracey
Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted
at 3:00 a.m. on May 18, 2012 at Anaheim City Hall.
Public Input: Commissioner 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
th
City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., 5 Floor Conference Room, Anaheim,
California.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Commissioner Newby offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner
Gin AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 13-0; Absent: Buhrmaster, Pina, Vaughn;
No vacant seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve
name in Agenda Item IV., paragraph 7.
III.
Commissioner Leonard reported that there has been no cash flow activity and the
balance remains at $14,226.94.
MOTION
Piercy AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 13-0; Absent: Buhrmaster, Pina,
Vaughn; No vacant seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby
IV. VITORIA-GASTEIZ DELEGATION
Commissioner Newby reported that a bon voyage party was held at the White
House Restaurant on Monday, May 14 and then
Tuesday, May 15. The itinerary has been updated and everything is in order for
the trip. The city, the community and the economic sponsors have donated a
combined total of 97 lbs. of gifts to be delivered. A list is being compiled in order
to ensure that thank you letters and photos will go out to all of the donors. In
addition, a photo album will be created and kept historically at the Muzeo and will
also be available to purchase.
The commission had a brief discussion regarding the value of gifts and the
necessary records to be kept for in-kind donations. Greg Garcia will confirm with
the City Attorney regarding the proper handling of donations and the appropriate
record keeping process.
V. MITO STUDENT EXCHANGE UPDATE
Commissioner Zlaket reported that Marne Colby will serve as the teacher to work
with the incoming exchange students from Mito, Japan. Regarding hosting
exchange students there was a lot of interest shown at the Taste of Anaheim event
however, the commission is seeking more that may be interested in hosting.
Currently there are five applicants interested in hosting and the commission
would like to have all of the hosts confirmed by mid June.
There have been a few minor changes to the activities itinerary for the week that
the exchange students will be in Anaheim. The barbecue will be hosted on the
day that the exchange students arrive and the location is yet to be determined.
There will be a community service project in which the students will participate
that has not yet been confirmed. The community center has been reserved for
classes and activities for the exchange students.
Commissioner Zlaket indicated that once the itinerary is complete, she will
provide a volunteer sheet for the commissioners to assist in the coordination of
the various activity events that are being planned for the students. Lastly, the
Hold Harmless Agreement and Release of Liability forms still need to be
VI. HANGZHOU SISTER CITY Progress Report
Commissioner Gallaugher reported that a delegation from Hangzhou, China is
planning a visit to Anaheim in July. The delegation is interested in stopping by
Anaheim as a side trip, as they are already scheduled to be in the U.S. on other
business. They are interested in seeing and learning more about Anaheim.
Chairman Nguyen stated that he will be there to welcome the delegation and to
also learn more about their city. Further, he invited all commissioners that are
interested to attend.
VII. COMMISSION MARKETING MATERIALS
The commission had a brief discussion regarding the purchase of an ASCC
banner. Commissioner Lahodny reported that he has initiated some calls with no
response at this time.
VIII. COMMISSIONER (RE)APPOINTMENTS
Greg Garcia indicated that there are five members that are up for reappointment
and the City Clerk has reached
Vaughn and Piercy regarding their interest in reappointment. Greg indicated that
the commission appointment is scheduled to be announced at the City Council
meeting on June 19.
IX. AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Lahodny shared the newly created/printed ASCC brochures with
the commission.
Chairman Nguyen thanked Commissioner Lahodny for expediting the printing of
the brochure and for all of the time and energy he put into this donation on behalf
of the Chamber of Commerce.
Commissioner Gin reported that a date has been confirmed for the upcoming
fundraiser on Wednesday, September 12. The sub-committee is working with
Yves Bistro in East Anaheim and planning to do a wine tasting and tapas event.
It will be a two hour meet and greet to talk about the Spain delegation trip and the
Mito exchange student visit. The goal is to get the community informed and
interested, in addition to raising funds.
Lastly, Commissioner Gin indicated that Commissioner Buhrmaster is planning to
step down from her position as Committee Chair.
X. STAFF REPORT
Greg Garcia announced that he has received a huge box of letters from hundreds
of Mito students. The commission talked about displaying the letters at city hall,
schools and libraries for everyone to view. The commission also suggested that
an update report be presented at the next City Council meeting to inform everyone
of all of the recent and upcoming ASCC activities.
XI. PUBLIC COMMENT
David Bracey from Anaheim University reported that the university has donated
50 scholarships for English teachers to the City of Mito. Additionally, the
president of the Japanese American Association of Orange County, Dr. Jack Nigel
visited Mito last month to meet with Mr. Wang so that he could assist with
translating documents from English to Japanese. Lastly, Mr. Bracey indicated
that Dr. Anthony Al-Jamie of Anaheim University is interested in being
appointment to the commission and that he will be applying.
Commissioner Leonard inquired with Mr. Bracey if Anaheim University would
be interested in underwriting the BBQ for the Mito exchange students while they
are here. Mr. Bracey replied that he will inquire with the university and report
back to the commission.
XII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Lahodny reported that he has just received a price quote via the
internet on the various sizes of banners. The commission discussed the various
MOTION: Commissioner Leonard offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner
AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 13-0; Absent: Buhrmaster, Pina,
Vaughn; No vacant seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby
approve the expenditure NTE $75.00 for the purchase of a banner.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. to July
th
23, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at the Anaheim City Hall, 7 Floor, Conference Room #2.