Minutes_Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission 5 4 11MINUTES
Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
4:00 p.m., Conference Room A, City Hall
Chairman Landis called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.
Present: Council Member Joyce Connors, Commissioners Landis, Jochum,
Castenada, McNamara, Thurn, Phillips
DRAFT
Absent: Council Member Lynch, Commissioners Coty, Connors, Flimonenko,
Mclntee, Ward
Election of Vice Chairperson
Postponed to next meeting. Firnstahl reported that it is possible for the Council
representatives to hold a commission office.
Minutes for April 4, 2011 were approved as submitted.
Dornbirn, Austria, Delegation Visit Update and Follow up:
Commissioners involved with the visit reported on its success, good commissioner
coverage and media exposure (KWWL). Mayor Buol has approved the proclamation
beginning the official Sister City process with Dornbirn. Firnstahl will send two copies to
Dornbirn for their signature. A copy of Dornbin's City Guide was distributed for review. A
delegation from Dubuque to Dornbirn is now expected at some future date.
Communication Plan to Establish and Maintain Connections
Handan, China: Landis will send a communication
Pyatigorsk, Russia /Pyatigorsk Park. Communication with Pyatigorsk is needed. The
Commission discussed possible signage /branding for the park at 16 Street and Kerper
with possible interpretive /educational signage. A memorial to former Council Member
Dirk Voetberg was considered with ideas including a gazebo along the Bee Branch
Creek Restoration Project and revisiting the sculpture originally submitted by Pyatigorsk
designers. (photo distributed)
Dornbirn, Austria (in progress)
Trois - Rivieres, Quebec (for discussion at a later date)
Commissioner discussed ideas for best organizing continued communication with the
Sister Cities that included dividing up by focus areas or function such as athletics,
communication, economic development, etc., or by subcommittees for each City.
ACTION REQUIRED: Commissioners should come prepared with ideas for structuring
this for the next meeting.
Russian Exchange Student — Stravropol /Pyatigorsk:
Landis reported on the fund raiser at St. Luke's to help underwrite exchange
students. Dick is helping promote the event. If you are interested in attending or helping,
please contact Dick.
Items from Commission:
Castenada reported on the Boards and Commissions Intercultural Communications
session held recently stating that they were well done. They will be repeated in
September if anyone was unable to attend or missed a session.
Phillips reported that the Friendship Force is looking to collaborate with the
Commission. They will be part of a Mississippi River - themed exchange September 27-
30, 2011 and are looking for host families. If you are interested in volunteering as a
host, please contact Betty.
Landis spoke about establishing Commission archives. Firnstahl reported on what
information is currently archived at the Carnegie -Stout Public Library and in storage due
to the renovation. A display case had once been used for some items and could be
reconsidered from the Commission's budget.
Thurn reported on Abd el -Kader Education Project (Elkader, Iowa) stating that it is an
essay contest where students who have read el- Kader's book write about how it would
impact there life now. Two Wahlert students have entered and winners will be
announced May 14.
Next meeting:
June 1 at 4:00 p.m. in Conference Room A at City Hall. Landis suggested beginning to
meet every two months after that.
Adjournment: 5:15 p.m.
Submitted by Kevin S. Firnstahl, Acting City Clerk