Sister City 2012/02/27
CITY OF ANAHEIM
SISTER CITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
February 27, 2012
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Shannon Buhrmaster, James Dinwiddie, Ann
Gallaugher, Russell Lahodny, Linda Newby, John
Nguyen, Kyndell Paine, Anna Piercy,
Pat Pina, Kyoko Smith, Jennifer Vaughn, Virginia
Zlaket
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Gin, Leonard
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Bruckner
Lori Bartnikowski
GUESTS PRESENT: None.
Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted
at 3:00 p.m. on February 24, 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 regular meeting of the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) was called
to order at 4:07 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Anaheim City
th
Floor, Anaheim,
California.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 28, 2012
MOTION: Commissioner Newby offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner
AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 13-0, Absent: Gin, Leonard; no
vacant seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the
minutes with the exception of the spelling of Amanda Doss in Section V. and the
name changed from Commissioner Vaughn to Commissioner Gallaugher in
Section XI.
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Anaheim Sister City Commission
February 27, 2012
Page 2
III.
With the addition of the Kaiser/Japan Grant Fund deposit in the amount of
$11,350.00 and the Vitoria-Gasteiz Airfare Deposit disbursement in the amount of
$4,000.00, the current month end balance is $14,226.94.
The disbursement of $4,000.00, as detailed in page 1 and 2 of the ASCC Special
Meeting Minutes held on February 16. The ASCC Special Meeting held on
February 16 was specifically called to vote on the allocation of airline travel funds
of $4000.00 to be held as a deposit in order to hold the ticket prices at the existing
low rate.
The current month end balance is $14,226.94.
IV. ANAHEIM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Q & A - Terry Lowe
Chairman Nguyen gave a warm welcome to Terry Lowe, the Anaheim Director of
Community Services. Also in volunteer capacity, Terry is the Chief Executive
Officer of the Anaheim Community Foundation (ACF).
Terry led a discussion on how the ACF donation process works and the
requirements that are in place. Terry relayed that the ASCC is an affiliate of the
ACF. The ACF operates as a fiscal agent for a number of organizations which
allows them to utilize the foundation as a pass-through to fund activities.
Initially in 1984 it was the Anaheim Parks and Recreation Foundation, and at that
time it was developed as a tax deferred mechanism to fund community services
related programs for the City. It was discovered that it filled a greater purpose
than that. There were many volunteer based organizations that were doing really
good work in AnaheiF
acts as a springboard to a number of organizations who are now non-profits on
their own, such as Paint Your Heart Out - Anaheim, The Anaheim Arts Council
and The Halloween Festival.
Essentially, the ACF operates as a banker for the ASCC. The money is deposited
and there are monthly meetings with the Board of Directors (made up of a cross-
section of community leaders). It is completely separate from the City. Money
can be generated using the ACF non-profit number. Checks can be donated to the
ACF, and then Sister Cities Commission would be noted in the memo section of
the check. A letter is sent along with the 501-C3# to everyone who donates
$250.00 or more. The money is deposited and held until a time when it is needed
Anaheim Sister City Commission
February 27, 2012
Page 3
by the ASCC; then a check is prepared as needed within a day to a few days. The
ACF operates as a bank and an annual audit is performed every year. There are
no fees charged for this service.
Credit card services are not something that is provided by the ACF, however they
are currently in the process of setting up PayPal services.
V. AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Buhrmaster reported that the Marketing/Fund Raising
Subcommittee met and discussed making changes to the brochure regarding
sponsorship information and further that the brochure should have a reference to
the ASCC website for the larger sponsorship levels. Additionally, the brochure
should focus on getting the community involved with knowing about the
commission and the sponsorship package should be separate. All commissioners
are encouraged to make any other suggestions.
Also discussed was that more presentation items are needed in order to have a
successful booth set up at events. The goal would be to have things organized to
be ready for the Taste of Anaheim event on Thursday, May 10.
Commissioner Pina added that she would like more commissioners to be involved
with working at the ASCC booth and Commissioner Buhrmaster reported that
they will be sure to distribute a sign-up list so that everyone will be informed of
the timeframe of the event.
Commissioner Buhrmaster also added that there should be a specific statement
that each commissioner would give when asked about what exactly the Sister City
Commission does. For example, re the International Relations Committee
for the City of Anaheim. Then continue by talking about the student exchange
program and what the commission currently has going on, etc.
Commissioner Newby stated that she can obtain key chains with a globe that
could have inscribed on it, for a give-away item.
Commissioner Lahodny reported that the Executive Subcommittee met and had a
discussion regarding the delegation trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. The trip is
scheduled for May 22-28 and he passed out an updated itinerary. .
Anaheim Sister City Commission
February 27, 2012
Page 4
Commissioner Lahodny also gave Commissioner Newby recognition and praise
for all her tedious hard work on the trip details. She has really done an
outstanding job at making sure that everything is in order. She has also been the
lead communication with the main contact, Eduardo Garcia in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Eduardo has expressed interest in connecting with Anaheim regarding the
possibility of importing wine from Spain to Anaheim.
Commissioner Lahodny suggested that the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce has a
restaurant council and he will work with them to provide information and
familiarize them with the Spain contacts on this exchange for business item.
Commissioner Pina reported that the owner of Yves Bistro may be interested in
assisting with a fundraiser event. The Marketing/Fundraising Subcommittee will
be meeting with him regarding the possibility of setting up a fundraiser in the fall
for 50-60 people with tapas and wine, which could net an estimated $4000.00
from the event. Commissioner Pina has a model from a former fundraiser event
and will work with them on this idea.
Further Commissioner Lahodny reported that the Economic Development
Subcommittee talked about opportunities that are available such as
importing/exporting to Vitoria-Gasteiz and Mito, as well as companies in
Anaheim and where they are spending/trading, etc. This would provide a better
understanding for the commission and where the focus should be, as far as future
sister cities.
VI. STAFF REPORT
Michael indicated that it is necessary for a Hold Harmless Agreement to be signed
by the commissioners when the Commission and the ACF are officially involved
with events; however when it is something that is a volunteer project, then the
Hold Harmless Agreement would not be necessary.
Further, Michael announced that this is his last Sister City Commission Meeting,
as he is rotating to another department in the City. He advised that Greg Garcia
will be attending the Commission meetings in the interim. Michael said that it
has been an honor and a pleasure working with everyone on the commission. The
Commission has come a long way since the beginning and they are well on their
way to doing great things for the City. Michael thanked the commission and said
it has been a tremendous experience to work with everyone.
VII. APPROVE HANGZHOU DRAFT PROPOSAL
Anaheim Sister City Commission
February 27, 2012
Page 5
Regarding looking at Hangzhou, China as a potential sister city, Commissioner
Gallaugher presented a draft proposal with a poem that roughly translates the
message . Commissioner
Gallaugher stated that she has several colleagues with contacts in regards to
obtaining Hangzhou as a sister city, and she has been referred to the Foreign
Affairs Office of the Municipal Government of Hangzhou, China as a starting
point.
Commissioner Gallaugher also noted that Boston, Massachusetts has been a sister
city to Hangzhou since 1982, and she inquired with the commission about the idea
of the ASCC pursuing Hangzhou as an additional sister city.
Chairman Nguyen offered that the ASCC is open to explore all suggestions that
would enhance both communities and increase the exchange of revenue in
Anaheim.
MOTION: Commissioner Piercy offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner
MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 13-0, Absent: Gin, Leonard; no
vacant seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve that
the ASCC does have interest in exploring a relationship with Hangzhou, China.
Commissioner Buhrmaster suggested that the Executive Subcommittee explore
the item brought forth by Mayor Tait regarding the possibility of a sister city
relationship with Rosarito/Ensenada, Mexico.
Commissioner Zlaket noted that David Ono on the Channel 7 news has been
presenting a documentary on the tsunami in Mito as the anniversary is coming up.
Her idea is that that perhaps the commission could get a behind the scenes tour of
the T.V studio for the kids.
VIII. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1.Kaiser-Japan Grant Funds
The Kaiser-Japan Grant Fund check has been received. Michael reported that
the president of Sister Cities cited that the ASCC is free to utilize the grant
funds for the relationship with Mito, Japan and earthquake/tsunami relief, etc.
Michael suggests that the Executive Committee meet and discuss the ideas on
how to utilize the funds to enhance the Mito/Anaheim relationship and gather
some creative ways to use the grant funds for this purpose. Kaiser would like
a general outline of the ideas in six months time, and ultimately they would
like a report on how the grant fund was utilized.
Anaheim Sister City Commission
February 27, 2012
Page 6
2.Student Exchange-Host Families
Commissioner Zlaket of the Cultural/Government Exchange Subcommittee
dispersed a draft itinerary for review by the commission. The draft itinerary
was prepared by Lisa Gin for the exchange students coming in July 2012. The
commission discussed the itinerary which included activities such as an Angel
game, Disneyland, family day, participation in a community service event,
tours, etc. Also discussed were the student exchange housing, transportation
and the organization of host families for the 15 individuals that will be
staying, (12 students, plus three chaperones), and the screening process.
Commissioner Zlaket inquired if any commissioners are interested in hosting.
Additional recruitment of host families will also be in progress along with the
exploration of possibly obtaining hotel rooms for the three adult chaperones.
Another idea suggested by Commissioner Zlaket was that David Ono on the
Channel 7 news has been presenting a documentary on the Mito tsunami. She
thought that perhaps the commission could get a behind the scenes tour of the
TV studio for the kids.
.
3.Vitoria-Gasteiz Delegation
Commissioner Newby asked that the commissioners assist her in obtaining
some business representatives to join the delegation on the trip to Vitoria-
Gasteiz, Spain.
Commissioner Lahodny reported that the Chamber of Commerce is
This
Week In Anaheimwith links to the itinerary and links to information about
Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
IX. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
X. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Chairman Nguyen announced that Mito University students and chaperones will
be in Anaheim for a short visit on Wednesday, March 07, at 8:00 a.m. They will
arrive at the City Hall Council Chamber, view the doll display and then there will
be a quick meet and greet with a presentation of pins and a photo session. Then
they will be on their way back to LAX airport for a return flight to Japan.
Chairman Nguyen invited all of the commissioners to join if available.
Anaheim Sister City Commission
February 27, 2012
Page 7
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The ASCC is invited to participate in the 49 Annual United States and Mexico
Sister City Association National Conference on March 2-24.
Commissioner Newby inquired if reimbursement could be available for the
registration fee for an ASCC representative to attend.
MOTION: Commissioner Dinwiddie offered a Motion, seconded by
-0, Absent: Gin,
Leonard; no vacant seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby
approve to cover expenses for $150.00 for up to 3 commissioners for attendance
th
at the 49 Annual United States and Mexico Sister City Association National
Conference on March 2-24.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:38 p.m. to March
23,