Sister City 2013/02/25
CITY OF ANAHEIM
SISTER CITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
February 25, 2013
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Anthony Al-Jamie, James Dinwiddie, Debbie
Juliani, Laurie Leonard, Mark Lopez, Linda Newby,
John Nguyen, Kyndell Paine, Anna Piercy, Pat Pina
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Cynthia Coad, Ann Gallagher, Russell Lahodny,
Jennifer Vaughn
STAFF PRESENT:
GUESTS PRESENT: Mike Vaughn, President of SoCal Sister Cities
Board of Directors
Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted
at 3:30 p.m. on February 22, 2013 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, February 25
th
Office, City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., 7 Floor, Anaheim, California.
II.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Commissioner Piercy offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner
Pina AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10-0; Absent: Cynthia Coad, Ann
Sister City Commission does hereby approve the minutes from the ASCC
Commission meeting held on January 28, 2013.
III.
Commissioner Leonard reported that there are no changes
Report since last month therefore the balance remains at $18,880.33.
Anaheim Sister City Commission
February 25, 2013
Page 2
Commissioner Lopez noted that there appears to be a mathematical error under
the profit and loss total where the total should be $4,051.64 rather than $4,056.64
(a difference of $5.00).
Commissioner Leonard stated that there is a separate breakdown sheet and a
discussion was held to review the mathematical difference.
MOTION: Commissioner Piercy offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner
Pina AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10-0; Absent: Cynthia Coad, Ann
Sister City Commission does hereby approve the Treas
with exception of the correction of the math in the amount of $5.00 on the
summary income statement.
IV.NEW COMMISSION MEMBER SWEARING IN
Chairman Nguyen and the Commission members gave a warm welcome to the
newly appointed Commissioner Mark Lopez, as he was sworn in by Erin Wahlen.
Commissioner Lopez currently works for Shawn Nelson, the County of Orange
Supervisor. Commissioner Lopez stated that he looks forward to working with the
Commission.
V.AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Newby reported that the Economic Development Subcommittee
reviewed Pudong, China as a potential Sister City with regard to their economic
value as well as their cultural value. They also discussed creating a video
documenting the Anaheim arts, education, sports, and tourism for presentation
when visiting potential sister cities.
VI.PUDONG, CHINA UPDATE
Commissioner Newby suggested that the Commission Subcommittee members
meet with City Council to discuss the potential sister city options and receive
feedback and approval to move forward with the next steps.
Commissioner Nguyen recommended scheduling these meetings with the City
Council prior to the next ASCC meeting in March.
MOTION: Commissioner Newby offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner
Leonard AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10-0; Absent: Cynthia Coad, Ann
Sister City Commission does hereby approve that the commission is in agreement
to have a formal discussion with the City Council
Anaheim Sister City Commission
February 25, 2013
Page 3
recommendation of pursuing Pudong, China as a sister city. Following the
discussion with City Council, the commission will vote on the formal
recommendation at the next ASCC meeting in March.
Commissioner Dinwiddie brought up the concern of how the commission would
handle the expenses that will incur with an additional Sister City, as it may entail
the expense of more delegation visits, student exchange visits, etc.
MOTION: Commissioner Newby offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner
Juliani AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10-0; Absent: Cynthia Coad, Ann
Sister City Commission does hereby approve that the commission will add a
travel policy that covers inbound and outbound travel expenses so that
clarification will be available. Further, a policy shall be added to state that the
commission will be responsible to send invitations for official delegate trips
collectively to all City Council Members and their staff.
Commissioner Juliani suggested that continuous fundraising efforts will be
necessary in order to strengthen the commission resources.
Commissioner Dinwiddie inquired with Chairman Nguyen about the incoming
student exchange group from Mito Japan and asked for written confirmation so
that deadlines can be met, host families can be acquired, and events can be
planned, etc.
VII.DISCUSS SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL SO CAL CONFERENCE
PARTICIPATION
Chairman Nguyen and the Commission members gave a warm welcome to Mike
Vaughn, the President of the SoCal Sister Cities Board of Directors. Mr. Vaughn
is also the current president of Long Beach Sister Cities Inc., which makes up
eight sister cities.
Mr. Vaughn is in attendance today to invite the ASCC to the Sister Cities
International SoCal Conference which is being held in Anaheim. Anaheim was
chosen to be the location for this event, as Anaheim is It will
be held at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel. Mary Kane who is the President of Sister
Cities International will be the keynote speaker and the program is about
st
challenges of the 21 century for Sister Cities.
Special featured speakers are as follows:
Sister Cities in a Changing World
Mary Kane, President and CEO Sister Cities International
Anaheim Sister City Commission
February 25, 2013
Page 4
Dr. Wen Chen, Public Relations, New Tang Dynasty Television
Ms. Adela Bello, Director, ZETA Magazine, Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Michael Shiguro Inoue, Retired Honorary Consul of Japan/San Diego
Chairman Nguyen offered that the ASCC would like to assist with any needs for
this event. The commission discussed contributions to this event such as parking
privileges, proclamations, recognition, gift baskets, etc.
Mr. Vaughn also announced that the Board of Directors of SoCal Sister Cities is
made up of 24 members and there are a number of openings. They are seeking
representation from all SoCal cities. If there is anyone interested in joining the
board, the commitment entails meeting four times a year in addition to the annual
conference. This endeavor provides a valuable opportunity to liaison with many
people from all over the state and participation on this board will be an excellent
learning experience.
VIII.WORKER EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH VITORIA-GASTEIZ
Erin reported that Ted White has provided his written proposal and resume which
includes everything that he shared with the commission at the last ASCC meeting.
Chairman Nguyen and Erin Wahlen have both been in contact with Eduardo
Garcia in Spain, who is eager to host this exchange program.
IX.PUBLIC COMMENT
None
X.COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
None
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:42 p.m. to March
25, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at the Anaheim City Hall, Conference Room #2.