Minutes_Sister City Relationship Advisory Commission 9 5 12SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIPS ADVISORY COMMISSION
DATE: Wednesday, September 5, 2012
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: City Hall — Lower Level, 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque
MINUTES
Present: Sheila Castaneda, Larissa Filimonenko, Jeff Jochum, Dick Landis, Kevin Lynch, Phyliss
Lee, Pat McNamara, Betty Phillips, Louise Thurn
Absent: Michael Coty, Joyce Connors, Annalee Ward
1. Approval of Minutes for July 18, 2012, Meeting
Motion by Phillips to approve the minutes. Seconded by Castaneda. Motion carried 9 -0.
2. Monthly Newsletters & Correspondence (on- going)
a. Correspondence from Li Zhiqiang of Handan, China
Landis reported on the recent letter that he received from Li Zhiqiang indicating that the
upcoming National Congress during the months of September and October will
determine China's development in the next 10 years and may make a delegation visit
from Handan unlikely this year.
b. Correspondence from Mayor Yves Levesque of Trois Rivieres, Quebec
Landis reported that Mayor Levesque and his family will be in Dubuque for his son's
wedding during October 18 and 19, while the delegation is in Dornbirn. It was discussed
having another official meet with Mayor Levesque should his schedule allow.
c. Growing Sustainable Communities Conference — September 23 -24, 2013
Information provided by staff for distribution to Sister City contacts.
3. Dornbirn, Austria — Dubuque Delegation Visit — October 22 -25, 2012.
a. Confirm delegates: Mayor Buol and spouse, Dick Landis and spouse, Kevin Firnstahl
and spouse, Nancy Rhomberg, Janet Rhomberg, Sue Rhomberg, Michael and Ellen
Griffin
b. Informational packets and gifts: Firnstahl is preparing for 8 packets to include: City
Focus, City News, Visitors Guide, and Creating a National Model for Sustainability
booklet. Phillips provided packets from Loras College, University of Dubuque, and
Clarke University. Firnstahl will follow up with Economic Development and Greater
Dubuque Development Corp. for more information. Thurn will follow up on a brochure
from the Archdiocese. Discussion was given to small delegate gifts such as lapel pins,
stone coasters, Trappestine caramels, Dubuque stationery, etc. Firnstahl will follow up
with Assistant City Manager Steinhauser about a print of Dubuque that can be
presented.
c. Review of Itinerary to Date (arrivals /departures, official appointments, etc.)
Firnstahl and guest will arrive in Dornbirn on Saturday, October 20. The Buol's; the
Landis' and Nancy, Janet, and Sue Rhomberg will arrive in Dornbirn on Sunday,
October 21. Michael and Ellen Griffin will arrive in Dornbirn on Tuesday, October, 23.
Firnstahl will relay the arrival information to Dornbirn's Public Information Officer Ralf
Hammerle for coordination of transportation for delegates flying into Zurich and
complimentary hotel accommodations. It was discussed about having a press release
prior to departure.
4. Pyatigorsk Park Signage — Update
Landis and Jochum reported that the installation of the interpretive sign and metal stencil sign
at Pyatigorsk Park have been completed.
5. Library Archive and Display — Update
Landis reported on the display case and area at the library. The subcommittee will contact
Library Director Susan Henricks about scheduling the case alternating with Friendship Force. It
was discussed that the Dornbirn information could be the first display in late September to
correspond with the October trip. It was also suggested that a lunch and learn session be
scheduled in the display area and coordinated with the Library's and /or city newsletters.
6. Items from Commission
Firnstahl will draft a letter for Landis requesting approval to send 1 -3 commissioners to the
Sister Cities International Midwest Regional Conference in Cincinnati, OH, October 5 -6, 2012.
Landis reported on the 30th anniversary of Iowa Sister States' relationship with Hebei Province
in China where Handan is located. Sate -wide events are planned and Landis will be traveling
to Des Moines to participate.
Lynch stated that the Growing Sustainable Communities conference is an excellent opportunity
to invite Sister City contacts that could include sidebar events for the delegates. He further
noted that planning would need to begin soon specifically if a budget increase is needed.
Interns and international students could be recruited to help. Lynch volunteered to be on a
planning subcommittee with Landis. Jochum and Filimonenko could relay a formal invitation to
Pyatigorsk, Landis to Handnan, and in person for Dornbirn. Discussion was given to gathering
representatives of the business community for lunch with the visiting delegates as well as tours
of sustainable agriculture sites, ethanol plants, and colleges /universities.
7. Items from Staff
Firnstahl made a request for the submission of some short text on each Sister City to be used
on the City's Sister City web page. He will work with staff on getting it active before the
Dornbirn trip so pictures of the trip can be added.
8. Next Meeting
November 14, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Conference Room A, City Hall.
9. Adjournment at 5:00 p.m.
Motion by Thurn. Seconded by Lee. Motion carried 9 -0.
Richard Landis, Chairperson
Submitted by Kevin S. Firnstahl, CMC, City Clerk