Miinutes_Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission 2 22 17 Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission
DATE: Wednesday, March 22, 2017
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: City Hall — Conference Room B, 50 W. 13th Street
Minutes
Present: Commissioners Bob Felderman, Jeff Jochum, Dick Landis, Phyllis Lee, Patrick
McNamara, Louise Thum; Council Members Joyce Connors and Kevin Lynch.
Excused: Commissioners Sheila Castaneda, Rachel McDermott and Annalee Ward.
1 . Oaths of Office for Landis, Felderman were administered.
2. Approval of Minutes from January 18, 2017: Motion by Lee to approve the
minutes of January, 18, 2017 minutes. Seconded by Thum. Motion carried 8-0.
3. Financial Report — Firnstahl reported a balance of$5,481 .75 with anticipated
expenses for Sister City International membership dues ($765), additional
framing services for the translation of the Handan, China, scrolls ($300), and
estimated expenses for Sister City signage ($1 ,500).
4. Sister City Commission Restructuring Status — Firnstahl reported that the City
Attorney continues to draft a service contract for review by the City Manager and
City Council.
5. Handan, China
a. Handan Scrolls Translation- Firnstahl provided a copy of the finalized
translation of the scrolls recently hung in City Hall. It will now go to the
framers for completion. Landis suggested that when the display is
complete, a photograph be taken to be sent to our contacts in Handan,
China, along with a thank-you note. Commissioner Felderman volunteered
to take the photograph.
b. Potential 2017 Delegation Status — Landis reported that he has not heard
anything further about a possible visit and will follow up with his contacts.
6. Sister City Street Signage Status — Firnstahl reported that he has submitted the
Commission's request to the City Manager for direction on design and budget.
7. Iowa Sister States Newsletter — Felderman reported that the group has been
busy with Kosovo activities and continues to ask when they might be able to
travel to Dubuque. Felderman will attempt to connect when he travels to Des
Moines soon. He informed the Commission that they can sign up to individually
receive the newsletters, but that Firnstahl should continue to forward as he
receives them.
8. Open World Visit April 8-15, 2017 — Landis and Jochum reported that there will
be 6 visitors and an interpreter working through the Chamber of Commerce for
another Open World visit. Landis is having dinner with Scott Lovett of the
University of Dubuque at the end of March. He will inquire about an itinerary for
the week of April 8-15 and have Mr. Lovett coordinate with Chairperson Jochum.
Landis suggested inviting the Open World visitors to the April 10 tour of the
Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project scheduled with the City Council.
Jochum will arrange for a dinner with the Commission on the evening of
Thursday, April 13, at Vinny Vanucchi's, Dubuque. The invitation may include
host families and/or representatives of the Chamber of Commerce.
9. CIVIC (Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities) — Landis reported
information he gathered from Iowa Public Radio about this organization stating
that it might be beneficial to the Commission following the anticipated transition
to non-profit status. http//:iowacivic.org.
10. Next Meeting: May 17, 2017.
11 .Adjournment: Motion by Thum to adjourn at 4:35 p.m. Seconded by Lee. Motion
carried 8-0.
Submitted by Kevin Firnstahl, City Clerk
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