HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Sister City Committee - 05/02/2011 Sister City Committee
Monday, May 2, 2011 6 p.m. RECEIVED
City Hall —6th Floor Conference Room .
1201 Leopard, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 JUL 1 1 2011
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF
Letisia Rios-Cortez Donald Russell Angela Carmona Laura Gonzales
Jeremy Coleman Mac Sanders Elizabeth Garza
Timothy Dowling JR Seaman
Meredith Grant Alan Thornburg
Chris Kailas Arthur Valdez
Elena Mendez Brandi Williams
Heather Moretzsohn
Dr. Judith Prewitt
John Rocha
CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting of the Sister City Committee was called to order by Chris Kailas at 6:00
pm.
II. ROLL CALL: Laura Gonzales called roll. A quorum was met with 15 of 19 members present.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Corrections: Under Treasurer's Report: Fund Balance should be -
$17,120.00. Change "committee" to "Committee". Under VII. C. Remove "The" at the end of
the paragraph.
Arthur Valdez moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Brandi Williams.
The minutes were approved as corrected.
IV. TREASURER'S REPORT: DISCUSSION ITEMS: Laura Gonzales reported that the General
Fund balance is $5758.09 PALS account is $8,509.75.
Donald Russell moved to accept the Treasurer's Report and Arthur Valdez seconded the
motion. The Treasurer's report was accepted.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT: None
VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on being a part of the Sister Cities International's discussion
on funding under the Japan Foundation Grant. Chris Kailas has registered for this online
discussion. The discussion will take place on May 5th @ 2pm Eastern/1:OOpm Central.
The discussion will be online on May 6th for anyone to listen to. If anyone has any
thoughts or ideas on questions that Chris can ask during the discussion, please email
them to her. No Action Needed.
B. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on developing new ways of exchange with Mexico other
than a Student Exchange.
Some ideas include: International Expo Festival, such as the one in Laredo, An exchange
with Playa del Carmen for Young Adults (at their own cost) to spend two weeks in Mexico
and learn Spanish, Host students from Mexico, Artists without Borders-Professional
Artists, Pen Pals, Art Competition, Live Stream Seminars, Educational Videos, Working
C) with other City Organizations and have them help with economic exchanges, and
conferences via computer. No Action Needed.
C. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on the Planning Meeting to discuss the direction of the
Sister City Committee. The Planning Meeting Task Group met and discussed having the
rn Planning Meeting on May 7. Since the Galvan House was not available on the 7th, the
dates of May 14 and May 21 were discussed. Also, discussed having a potluck after the
meeting. The meeting would be from 8:30am — 1:00pm. Donald Russell moved to hold
the planning meeting on May 14 from 8:30am — 1:00pm, subject to availability of a facility.
Tim Dowling seconded the motion. 14-Yes and 1 Abstained. The motion passed.
VII. Liaison Reports
A. Yokosuka, Japan —Tickets have been purchased! The itinerary has been sent to Chris
and Heather.
B. Agen, France —Tickets have been purchased and Brandi has forwarded information to
the parents. The students are currently in contact with each other. There was a
concern from the Agen parents because there is a 13 hour layover in Dallas. Michele
(from Agen) was asking about possible hotel accommodations.
C. Keelung, Taiwan —Tickets purchased. The students leave July 11 and return July 25.
D. Monterrey, Mexico— No Report
E. Toledo, Spain — No Report
F. Playa del Carmen — No Report
VIII. Task Manager Reports
A Publicity Reports — Liz is not able to attend tonight, but she sent an email letting the
committee know that Channel 6 has been very involved with the Sister City activities.
B. Curriculum/Training —Training was very successful. Lowest grade was a 98. There
were some problems with last year's students coming to training. This year's students
will pay $150 deposit that is returnable, if the students complete their commitment.
C. Fundraising — No Report
D. Art Competition —All went well. Art work has been mailed to Sister City.
E. New Sister City Evaluation — No Report
F. Activities—John thanked the members of this group for all their hard work. Activities
will be finalized by June Meeting.
G. Student Selection — No Report
H. Pen Pal — No Report
I. Student Service— Student's planted roses on April 2. The carwash will be on June 18,
from 10am —2pm at the Doctor's Center at Saratoga and Staples.
IX. IDENTIFY ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON NEXT AGENDA—
A. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on developing a budget strategy for next fiscal year.
B. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on how to spend remaining money from this fiscal year.
C. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on gifts to Sister City Mayors.
D. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on implementation of items from the planning meeting.
X GENERAL CHAIR'S REPORT:
A. Letter from Playa del Carmen The Mayor received an email from Playa del Carmen
inviting him to a conference. The Mayor was not able to attend so he forwarded the email
to the Committee. Elena Mendez has volunteered to be the Liaison for Playa del Carmen.
Dr. Prewitt and Arthur will be the Liaisons for Monterrey, Mexico.
XI ADJOURNMENT: Arthur Valdez moved to adjourn and Dr. Judith Prewitt seconded
the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Laura Gonzales, Sister City Recording Secretary
Cultural Services Division
Parks & Recreation Department