HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Sister City Committee - 08/04/2014 SISTER CITY COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting, August 4, 2014, 6:00 pm
6t" Floor Conference Room, City Hall
1201 Leopard St., Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
MEMBERS P A MEMBERS P A STAFF
1. Kevin Aguilar-Ferrari X 9. John Maldonado X Reba George
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2. Misaki Berrios X 10. Heather Moretzsohn X
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3. Mark Bradsher X 11. Donald Russell X
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4. Yvonne Fernandez X 12. John Sloan X
5. Coretta Graham X 13. Alan Thornburg X
6. Westi Horn X 14. Luci Walker X
7. Wan Sun Kim X 15. Vacant X
8. Hailey Kimball X
Total: 13 2
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I. CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting of the Sister City Committee was called to order by Heather Moretzsohn at
6:03 pm.
II. ROLL CALL: Reba George called roll. A quorum was met with 13 members present.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Hailey Kimball moved to accept the minutes with corrections.
Westi Horn seconded. Minutes were approved.
IV. FINANCIAL REPORT: Current Available Funds is $5,480.95. Parks and Recreation paid for
$100 Whataburger gift card for student visit.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT: Alan Thornburg shared letters from Kelly Kimball and Natalie Rogen in
opposition to increasing the financial burden on parents for the high school student exchange
program. Tim Dowling also addressed the Committee in opposition to increasing the financial
burden on parents for the high school exchange program.
VI. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Sister City International Dues — Reba reported that the annual dues for the City of Corpus
Christi to join Sister City International would be $1,190.00. There was further discussion as
to what entity should be responsible for payment, and what benefits are gained. A motion
was made by Kevin and seconded by John Sloan that a request be made to the City to pay
the Sister City annual membership. One no vote—the motion passed. Another motion made
by Kevin and seconded by Hailey asked staff to inquire if the Sister City Program is in
violation of any trademarks using the Sister City name since there is no current membership.
Motion passed.
VII. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Del Mar Small Business Development Council/Global Trade Section Expo
Don Russell will be attending on behalf of the Sister City Committee. The Expo will be held
Wednesday, August 6th from 4 to 6 pm. Kevin provided a poster. It was suggested that there
be some means to capture names and contact information for interested persons and
businesses.
B. 2015 Student Fundraising Goal
Discussion ensued surrounding the costs that are passed on to the families of high school
exchange participants. Alan moved that the committee not hold the host family accountable
for fundraising goals. Motion was not seconded. John Sloan made a motion that the
Fundraising committee's goal be to raise $12,000 to fund 90% of the cost for 2015 program.
Coretta seconded. After discussion, Kevin suggested an amendment to motion to add `for
up to 6 students'. Don seconded. The motion with the amendment passed.
VIII. Liaison Reports
A. Yokosuka, Japan — no report
B. Agen, France — no report
C. Keelung, Taiwan — no report
D. Playa del Carmen — John Sloan reported that he met with Fire Chief Rocha. Rocha is
eager to work with Playa Del Carmen and is waiting on a formal request from the Fire Chief
in Playa Del Carmen outlining training and equipment needed.
E. Toledo, Spain — no report
IX. Task Manager Reports
A. Publicity Reports — no report
B. Social Media/Website — short discussion as to who can pass along the administrator
password to the Sister City Committee Facebook page to Coretta.
C. Curriculum/Training — no report
D. Fundraising — Heather thanked Wan Sun `Sunny' for securing the donation of $500 from
Korean Chamber of Commerce which was presented during the July 29 City Council
meeting.
E. New Sister City Evaluation — table to September
F. Activities — Alan reported that there is one more day of planned activities for visiting high
school exchange students. Tomorrow the group would be taken on a tour of NAS Corpus
Christi. Mark reminded everyone that a passport or driver's license would be required to get
on base.
G. Selection — John Sloan shared a draft letter that would be sent to Corpus Christi High
School Principals and Counselors, inviting them to a luncheon or breakfast hosted by
Mayor Martinez. Minor changes were suggested. Heather asked staff to incorporate the
changes and inquire as to the Mayor's schedule for late September date.
H. Pen Pal — No report
I. Student Service — No report
X. Updates — Heather reminded everyone that the video of the Sister City recognition is available
online. Kevin shared he would not be renewing his term.
XI. Identify Items to be Placed on Next Agenda
September Luncheon
XII. ADJOURNMENT: Hailey Kimball moved to adjourn the meeting. Westi Horn seconded. The
meeting was adjourned at 7:07 pm.
Reba N. George
Parks & Recreation Department