Minutes_Sister City Relationship Advisory Commission 7 18 12SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIPS ADVISORY COMMISSION
DATE: Wednesday, July 18, 2012
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: City Hall — Lower Level, 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque
MINUTES
Present: Larissa Filimonenko, Louise Thurn, Phyllis Lee, Annalee Ward, Dick Landis, Betty Phillips,
Jeff Jochum; Council Members Joyce Connors and Kevin Lynch
Also present: Nancy Rhomberg
Absent: Sheila Castaneda, Michael Coty, Pat McNamara, Jill Connors
1. Call to Order by Chairperson Landis
2. Approval of Minutes for May 16, 2012, Meeting
Motion by Connors to approve the May 16, 2012 minutes. Seconded by Thurn. Motion carried
9 -0.
3. Monthly Newsletters & Correspondence Update:
Landis reported on the invitation Mayor Buol received from Mayor Travnev of Pyatigorsk,
Russian, inviting him to Pyatigorsk's 232nd birthday celebration. A response has been drafted
and translated. Firnstahl will send the response via e-mail. Jochum stated that there has been
a recent push in Pyatigorsk to encourage tourism. Landis reported that he has had
communication with his contacts in Handan, China. He added that official invitations to attend
or speak at Dubuque activities and conferences could be sent to Sister City Contacts and that
perhaps some delegation costs could be reimbursed through the Commission.
4. Dornbirn, Austria — October 2012 Dubuque Delegation Visit Update:
Firnstahl provided an update on the delegation stating 11 people are confirmed as part of the
group. Guest Nancy Rhomberg provided information on her trip to Dorbirn last year and that
five members of Rhomberg family are traveling along. Firnstahl is confirming transportation
and accommodations with Dornbirn as well as how many packets to prepare. Landis said that
small gifts indicative of Dubuque are best. Phillips will contact the colleges to gather
information to include. Firnstahl will gather information from the City and partnering agencies.
Commissioners are encouraged provide information that can be included in the packets. It was
suggested that the next commission meeting focus on the delegation details.
5. Pyatigorsk Park Signage:
Landis reported that the metal interpretive signage is consistent with the signage used in other
city locations such as the Riverwalk. The signage is complete and will be installed soon by
Leisure Services.
6. Library Archive and Display:
Landis reported that he and Commissioners Thurn and Phillips meet with the staff of the
Carnegie -Stout Public Library about display of appropriate Sister City memorabilia and
information. He stated the Library has display cases in the coffee shop area off the Rotunda
area where items could be displayed on a rotation basis with Friendship Force. Personal items
that Commissioners may have are acceptable for display. The Library cannot archive items
unless a controlled climate is necessary. An alternative location will need to be determined for
storing books donated by Sister Cities. Connors suggested contacting local history teachers to
see what information might be of interest to students and Library patrons.
7. Items from Commission:
If any Commissioners are interested in receiving e-mails from Sister States, please let Jeff
Jochum (iiochumahtit corn) know and he can forward them. Landis reported on the Hebei
Province Committee meeting schedule for July 28 in Des Moines. Firnstahl was asked to follow
up on the Sister City International Conference bid with the Convention and Visitors bureau.
8. Items from Staff:
The City Clerk's Office staff continues to work toward a Sister City web page on the City's web
site.
9. Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 4 p.m.
10.Adjournment: Upon motion, the commission adjourned at 4:56 p.m. to discuss the Dornbirn
delegation.
Richard Landis, Chairperson
Submitted by Kevin S. Firnstahl, CMC, City Clerk