Minutes_Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission 2 10 14Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission
DATE: Monday, February 10, 2014
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: City Hall — Conference Room A, 50 W. 13th Street
Minutes
Present: Sheila Castaneda, Jeff Jochum, Dick Lanids, Phyllis Lee, Kevin Lynch, Betty Phillips (4:05
p.m.), Nancy Rhomberg, Louise Thurn
Excused: Joyce Connors, Bob Felderman, Pat McNamara, Annalee Ward
1. Approval of Minutes from the December 11, 2013 meeting: Motion by Lee. Seconded by
Castaneda. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Oaths of Office for Sheila Castenada and Dick Landis were administered by City Clerk Kevin
Firnstahl.
3. Iowa Sister States — Teleconference with Kim Heidemann, Executive Director: Ms Heidemann
joined the meeting 4:10 p.m. via telephone and provided an update on the success of the Iowa
Sister States anniversary celebration with Hebei Province, China, that took place in October
2013. Ms. Heidemann reviewed her tenure with ISS and agency reorganization stating that ISS
currently manages relationships in nine countries. She encouraged continued and consistent
communication between local constituencies and ISS through additional outreach and
suggested a directory of commissioners and city contacts. ISS will provide assistance where
possible and is open to educational, cultural, and economic development activities.
Commissioner Thurn reported on working on a Handan pen pal program with packages being
sent to 40 Chinese students. Ms. Heidemann left the meeting at 4:43 p.m.
4. Handan, China: Lanids reported that the 20 mounted photos will again be displayed at the
Roshek Building. He is working on grant information for mounting the remainder of the photos
for a possible touring exhibit and asked for volunteers to help with the grant. Thurn reported on
the pen pal activities during the phone conference with Kim Heidemann.
5. Dornbirn, Austria: Discussion was given to preliminary plans and ideas hosting the delegation
visit to Dubuque May 16-19. Firnstahl stated that budget is limited. The commission reviewed
the requests submitted from Dornirn and discussion was given to seeking sponsorships.
Landis and Jochum will make contact with Loras College, the Chamber of Commerce, and
Dubuque River Rides. Phillips volunteered to draft an itinerary for the visit to include other tour
ideas.
6. Pyatigorsk, Russia: Firnstahl distributed the recent correspondence received from Ludmila
Pokhilco. Johcum will draft a response to follow the completion of the Winter Olympics.
Johcum and Firnstahl reported that they had followed up with Mike Wulfekuhle at Senior High
School regarding contact information in Pyatigorks for his World History class.
7. Student Exchanges Pen Pal/E-Pal Update: Addressed under Iowa Sister States item.
8. Correspondence re: Cameroon, West Africa, Follow Up: Landis reported that he will have to
reschedule his meeting with Mr. Innocent Chia.
9. Trois Rivieres — University of Dubuque Inquiry: Firnstahl reported that a list of contact
information was sent to Charles Barland at the University of Dubuque for use during UD's
upcoming choir trip to Trois Rivieres. Landis will follow up with Mr. Barland.
10. Library Archive and Display — Follow Up: Landis reported that a Sister City display of Dornbirn,
Austria, artifacts will replace the current display in late February to be in place for the
delegation's visit.
11. Items from Commission: Landis reported on Human Rights Director Kelly Larson traveling to
China and Information Services Manager Chris Kohlmann traveling to New Zealand as part of
the ICMA Fellowship Exchange Program.
12. Items from Staff: Membership: Firnstahl reported on the resignation of Larissa Filimonenko and
asked commissioners to think of a replacement. He reminded the commission that election of
officers is due.
13. Next Meeting — Firnstahl will explore dates in late March at the request of the commission.
14.Adjournment: There being no further business, the commission adjourned at 5:06 p.m.
Prepared and submitted by Kevin S. Firnstahl, City Clerk