Minutes_Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission 3 18 15 Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission
DATE: Wednesday, March 18, 2015
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: City Hall – Conference Room A, 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque
Minutes
Present: Sheila Castaneda, Joyce Connors, Robert Felderman, Jeffrey Jochum, Dick
Landis (By Phone), Phyllis Lee, Kevin Lynch, Pat McNamara, Betty Phillips, Louise
Thum, Richard Van Iten, Annalee Ward, Bryan Zygmont (4:10 pm)
1 . Approval of Minutes from the January 21 , 2015 meeting: Motion by Felderman. Second
by Thum. Motion carried 12-0.
2. Goal Setting Session: Commissioners Felderman and Van Iten reported on research
done regarding other Sister City's organization holding a 501 C3 status and how to obtain
economically driven funding sources. All commission members offered input regarding
the mission and intentions of the current Sister Cities Relationship Advisory Commission.
Commissioner Ward provided the mission statement of the Sister Cities International
Organization "To Promote Peace Through Mutual Respect, Understanding, and
Cooperation — One Individual, One Community at a Time". Commissioner Van Iten
suggested that the commission organize a phone conversation with Ann Giger of the
Sister Cities International to help gain direction and focus. Kevin Firnstahl along with four
or five commissioners are instructed to contact regional or international staff to create a
survey or plan to move to the next planning level.
3. Dornbirn, Austria, Commissioner Landis reported on an email from Commissioner Ward
regarding a University of Dubuque Professor participating in an exchange with Germany
and who is willing to travel on to Dornbirn to expand on the exchange. Kevin Firnstahl
instructed to forward Lauren K. Alleyne Assistant Professor of English and Poet-in-
Residence, University of Dubuque press release to Dornbirn to see if they have any
interest in this exchange.
4. Handan, China: Photo Exhibit and Humanities Iowa Grant: Landis reported that the
photos will be moving on to the assigned locations now that the weather has improved.
Commissioner Landis reported on the upcoming travels to Handan, China. Stating that he
believes it to be an "Educonomy" visit.
5. Pyatigorsk, Russia: Commissioner Landis reported that The Chamber of Commerce will
be hosting several Ukrainian Professionals this year, centering on sustainability.
6. Pen Pal Student Exchanges: Commissioner Louise Thum reported on the continuation of
the artifact exchanges with students in Handan, China. She has had correspondence
regarding Handan's exuberance for student and teacher exchanges and the difficulties
involved in facilitating that. The exchange with Dornbirn, Austria, will continue another
year with a different teacher.
7. Library Archive and Display: Landis reported that the Dornbirn, Austria, display will
remain at the Library through June. Possible future display of Pen Pal items.
8. Items from Commission: Commissioner Felderman reported that he will be paying for and
attending the Annual Sister Cities International Conference held July 16 — 18, 2015 in
Minneapolis.
9. Items from Staff: Firnstahl discussed the state requirements regarding using related-party
vendors.
10. Next Meeting: May 20, 2015
11 .Adjournment: Motion by Phillips to adjourn at 5:05 p.m. Seconded by Felderman. Motion
carried 12-0.
Prepared and submitted by Trish L. Gleason, Assistant City Clerk