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Sister City 2021/11/29 CITY OF ANAHEIM SISTER CITY COMMISSION MINUTES November 29, 2021 – 4:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Paul Anderson, Kevin Barrot, James Dinwiddie II, Dara Maleki, Anna Piercy, Taline Cole COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Lori Dinwiddie, Elizabeth Jabaz, Emily Fuentes, Brian O’Neal, Brian Stanley, Germaine Neumann, LaShe Rodriguez, (Two Vacant Seats) STAFF PRESENT: Kimberly Kelemen, Community Services Maggie Solorio, City Manager’s Office Karen Harrell, City Manager’s Office GUESTS PRESENT: Bekele Demissie, Kefelegn Workie, Shif Deneke, Eskias Teshome, Kifle Gebrehiot Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 2:45 p.m. at Anaheim City Hall. I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Paul Anderson called the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021. II. FLAG SALUTE Vice Chair Paul Anderson led the flag salute. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Did not have a quorum, approval of minutes was continued to the January 24, 2022 meeting. IV. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT Anaheim Sister City Commission November 29, 2021 Page 2 Did not have a quorum, approval of Treasurer’s report was continued to the January 24, 2022 meeting. V. MITO STUDENT EXCHANGE There being no updates on this item, the item was continued to the January meeting for discussion. VI. VITORIA-GASTEIZ RELATIONSHIP UPDATE There being no updates on this item, the item was continued to the January meeting for discussion. VII. PRESENTATION BY BEKELE DEMISSIE ON PONTENTIAL SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP WITH ETHIOPIA Mr. Bekele Demissie presented on behalf of his group and requests that the Sister City Commission review his presentation documents and considers the City of Debre Berhan, Ethiopia as an Anaheim Sister City. Mr. Demissie spoke great things about Ethiopia and talked about a possible economic, cultural and tourist connection. Commissioner Taline Cole asked if there was a current contact in the City that would be the counterpart to the Sister City. Mr. Demissie stated the City Mayor and other staff would be available and can meet with commissioners. Commissioner Taline Cole further asked if there was any established Sister City connections. Mr. Demissie, stated the City of Fullerton may currently have a connection with a City in Ethiopia. Commissioner Taline Cole explained that in looking for a new Sister City they want to create long-standing relationship, where there is going to be ongoing communication and involvement on both sides. Commissioner Anna Piercy stated the close connection and long standing relationship with Mito, Japan and the student exchange program we currently have. She further questioned Mr. Demissie what kind of cultural exchange or connection are they looking for? Mr. Dimissie stated that a cultural and economic relationship would be good. Mr. Kifle Gebrehiot suggested a possible adult teaching exchange. Commissioner Dara Maleke concurred and said it is an option to explore. VIII. PROPOSED SISTER CITY APPLICATION Commissioner Jim Dinwiddie stated he would review the current application, update it based on today’s presentation and the questions that arose as far as the requirements and guidelines for a Sister City request and re-send to all commissioners for review and will discuss at the next January meeting. Anaheim Sister City Commission November 29, 2021 Page 3 IX. PUBLIC COMMENT None. X. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Taline Cole made a comment about researching the cities and look at top priorities, stability, safety. Commissioner Dara Maleki made a comment that ethical qualities are important. Commissioner Jim Dinwiddie commented again that the question needs to be asked about what specific type of exchange a group is looking for. Staff Member Kimberly Kelemen, suggested to add the question, “In what ways is the city committed to keeping the relationship going?” Commissioner Dara Meleki asked Staff Member Kimberly Kelemen regarding sponsorship follow up. Staff Member Kimberly Kelemen said she is still looking into it and will get him the information as soon as she is able to. XI. STAFF COMMENTS None. XII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. to Monday, January 24, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.