Minutes_Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission 5 16 12Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission
DATE: Wednesday, May 16, 2012
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: City Hall — Conference Room A, 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque
MINUTES
Present: Commissioners Sheila Casteneda, Jeff Jochum, Dick Landis, Phyllis Lee, Pat McNamara,
Betty Phillips, Louise Thurn, Annalee Ward; Council Members Joyce Connors and Kevin Lynch
Absent: Jill Connors, Michael Coty, Larissa Filimoneko,
1. Approval of Minutes for March 21, Meeting: Motion by Phillips to approve the minutes as
submitted. Seconded by Thurn. Motion carried 10 -0.
2. Monthly Newsletters & Correspondence: Firnstahl distributed a copy for the Our Mississippi
news brochure for the commissioners' review and for possible distribution to Sister City
Partners.
3. Dornbirn, Austria — Dubuque Delegation Visit Update: Landis and Firnstahl stated that
Dornbirn has confirmed October 22 -26, 2012 for a Dubuque delegation. Once a delegation is
confirmed, representatives from Dornbirn will arrange group transportation and
accommodations. Mayor Buol, Chairperson Landis have confirmed. Jeff Jochum and Annalee
Ward have indicated interest. Firnstahl will request permission to attend and will forward
details as he learns them. The Commission was reminded that all members and guests will
travel at their own expense with the exception of official city representatives /employees. Landis
will contact Rhomberg family members and any local citizens interested in being part of the
delegation.
Landis asked the commission to being thinking of talking points and information that can be
shared with in the form of an informational packet and can be shared with Dornbirn
representatives. Suggestions included tourism and economic development information as well
as information that the City' Public Information Office as at the ready.
4. Pyatigorsk Park Signage / Voetberg Memorial. Landis will contact Leisure Services
Manager Marie Ware to continue this process and provide a scale drawing of the park signage.
He added that a Voetberg memorial might be of more significance should a park
commemorating Handan, China, be developed. He also thought contact with Pam Voetberg
might be appropriate first.
5. International Exchange Coordinator Inquiry (www.effoundation.org): Firnstahl shared the
inquiry with commissioners for interest or future reference.
6. Items from Commission
a. Friendship Force Russian Delegation (Landis /Phillips): Phillips thanked Landis for the
bilingual letter of welcome on behalf of the Commission and added that these visitors
were from an area of Russia about 600 miles from the Sister City of Pyatigorsk.
b. Council Member Connors inquired about member attendance. Landis will contact those
members of concern and follow up on their continued interest in and participation with
the Commission.
7. Items from Staff
a. Luxembourg American Historical Society Event at Loras College: This information was
shared for reference.
b. Web page update: Firnstahl stated that staff is beginning to work on creating a Sister
City web page connected to the City's web pages that would include basic information
on each city.
c. Library Archive: Landis, Thurn, Lee, and Jochum will contact the Library in early June to
review the Sister City Archive for updating and display. A display case can be
purchased based on the amount of display - worthy items. The volunteers will check with
the Library about display space and case availability and vendor.
8. Next Meeting: July 18, 2012 at 4 p.m.
9. Adjournment: Motion by Phillips to adjourn at 4:47 p.m. Seconded by Casteneda. Motion
carried 10 -0.
Richard Landis, Chairperson
Prepared by Kevin S. Firnstahl, City Clerk