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Sister City 2025/01/27CITY OF ANAHEIM SISTER CITY COMMISSION MINUTES January 27, 2025 — 4:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: GUEST PRESENT: Lori Dinwiddie, James Dinwiddie, Simin Heydari, Chiarina Piazza, Joseph Aihara, Susan Klaren- Hatzenbuhler, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, Deana Helmy, Kevin Barrot, Monika Sargent Juan -Carlos Mendez, David Bracey Taylor Griffin, City Administration Anthony Al -Jaime Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Anaheim City Hall. I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lori Dinwiddie called the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025. II. FLAG SALUTE Commissioner James Dinwiddie led the flag salute. III. PUBLIC COMMENT Guest Anthony Al -Jamie discussed the type of students that are chosen to attend this trip, are sometimes those with less resources or not from the best neighborhoods are the ones that needed the most. He talked about one specific student on the last trip and mentioned he was not on a good path. Upon returning he completely turned his life around. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Commissioner James Dinwiddie offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Monika Sargent AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 9-0; Late: Chiarina Piazza Absent: Juan -Carlos Mendez, David Bracey (Two Vacant Seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the Anaheim Sister City Commission January 27, 2025 Page 2 updated edited minutes from the ASCC meeting held on November 25, 2024, as well as the ASCC minutes from the meeting held on January 27, 2025 as presented. V. APPROVAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT MOTION: No motion made as the commission waits on an updated report from the Anaheim Community Foundation. No change, waiting on reviewing process per Taylor Griffin. VI. REVIEW CONFIRMED SUB-COMMITTEES/BUDGETS • COMMITTEE GOALS • DISCUSS FUNDRAISING IDEAS Commissioner Monika Sargent mentioned that the only thing holding them up as far as fundraising is how much is needed. Commissioner Simin Heydari questioned if it's necessary to know a set number versus just starting to fundraise. Commissioner Joseph Aihara agreed that the group should have an idea of what they are looking to raise and for what. Chair Lori Dinwiddie suggested they wait until they have more details. VIL DISCUSS UPDATE ON VICTORIA-GASTEIZ Deputy City Manager Ted White was scheduled to speak on this but could not attend. Chair Lori Dinwiddie stated we move it to next meeting. VIII. REVIEW STUDENT APPLICATION Staff Taylor Griffin confirms the student application is live on the city website. Taylor discusses the added details and tentative schedules. Added the video upload portion which will be part of the application, and requests for letters of recommendation and school transcripts. Commission wanted more of a commitment from the applicants and have added a contract, which will require parent and student signatures. Staff Taylor Griffin will work on this. Commissioner Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler posed the question in regard of interviewing the parents. Susan also would like to add the question about if students have traveled without a parent as well as their social media usernames. Commissioner Monika Sargent would like to add additional questions about any major health and/or allergy issues to the application. Taylor Griffin asked the Commission when the application should close with Commissioner James Dinwiddie suggesting February. Commissioner requested a date timeline for the upcoming deadlines. Chair Lori Dinwiddie would like to add a mixer to the list of events. Anaheim Sister City Commission January 27, 2025 Page 3 Commissioner Joseph Aihara received a call from a teacher that had concerns over the exchange dates because kids may not be able to visit a local school. Staff Taylor Griffin will have staff reach out to Mr. Wong and confirm dates to make sure they work with the events planned. Chair Lori Dinwiddie offered a Motion to approve the application with the updated changes discussed by commission, seconded by Commissioner Monika Sargent AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10-0; Absent: Juan -Carlos Mendez, David Bracey (Two Vacant Seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the motion presented. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chair Lori Dinwiddie updated the commission with Commissioner Kristin Erickson stepping down due to a work promotion. Lori is now looking for a new fundraising chair by next meeting. Chair Lori Dinwiddie wanted to let the Commissioners know she recently received a package from her past student she hosted and will share those at next month's meeting. Commissioner James Dinwiddie would like to appoint Kevin Barrot to oversee the commissions social media. Commissioner Kevin Barrot introduced himself and excited to return to the Commission once again. Commission confirmed adding the 50th celebration and the parent contract details to next month's agenda. X. STAFF COMMENTS Staff Taylor Griffin updated the commission regarding fundraising and having an internal meeting with staff and possibly City Council for funding. With the 50th Sister City Commission anniversary coming up, that too will be an added expense that needs to be considered. Staff Taylor Griffin shared she recently received a package from Japan and included a recap from the recent 2024 trip along with photos. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m. to Monday, February 24, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.