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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Sister City Committee - 09/08/2008 � h Sister City Steering Committee ��� Monday, September 8, 2008, 5:45 p.m. VE® City Hall, 1201 Leopard St. Corpus Christi, TX 78403 AN 9 200., MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF RATA• S OFF/ SE Kevin Aguilar-Ferrari H. Moretzsohn Farley Frazier- out Chris Kallas Drue Combs Ellen Murry Tim Dowling - A Chris Semtner -AE Randy Farrar Willie Perez Melissa Melendez - A Wes Vardeman Almira Flores Sharon Phillips Javier Morin -A Sally Gavlik Janice Garrett Flicka Rahn Sukhbir Singh - R Rose Gunji Phyllis Roseman Danny Williams - A Westi Horn Brandi Williams Ann Jaime CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Sister City Steering Committee was called to order by General Chair, Heather Moretzsohn around 5:55 p.m. II. ROLL CALL: Chris Kallas called roll. A quorum was met with 15 of 19 members present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Both the July and August minutes were read. On the July minutes, one correction was noted by Randy Farrar on Item III, last sentence, correct July to June. August minutes were approved as written and read. IV. HEARING FROM THE PUBLIC: There was no one from the public. V. TREASURER'S REPORT: DISCUSSION ITEMS: Ms. Kallas provided a copy of this year's general fund budget. Also she provided a report on the PALS Fund July activity. The July balance started with $4,557.93. Expenses were for student activities and were $95.00 to rent the Lakes House party house; reimbursement to Dr. Melendez for gifts to visiting students and $192.70 to Sharon Phillips for visiting student gifts leaving a balance of $4,177.24. Randy Farrar wanted to know if the local students all paid their 10% fees for travel. Ms. Kailas noted that they all did. He also noted that those funds have not been reported in any of the financial reports. Ms. Kailas said she would provide a multi-month report next covering those incomes. VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS: A. DISCUSSION of 2008 Bond Issue with Sally Gavlik, Director of Parks and Recreation Department. Tabled till Ms. Gavlik is able to get here around 6:15 p.m. B. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on three members who are currently on the Committee but scheduled to go off. They are Rose Gunji, Javier Morin and Phyllis Roseman. Drue Combs moved to approved recommendation for all three. Westi Horn seconded the motion. The motion passed. C. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on recommendations for 3 more spots. Two for those members who must cycle off, Ann Jaime and Ellen Murry. Also the Committee needs to discuss and approve replacement for Yvonne Cruz. Drue Combs recommended Jorge Brenner. Willie Perez seconded the motion. Discussion. Randy Farrar brought Farley Frazier; saying that his understanding was that Mr. Fraizer wanted to come back on. Ms. Kailas said she thought Mr. Frazier said he would be interested on coming back on at another time. Several other members said they understood both Mr. Farrar and Ms. Kallas' SCANNED understandings. Drue Comb suggested that the Committee select an alternate and that once the City had a chance to check with Mr. Fraizer about his preference; if he wants to come back on, then we don't need the alternate and if he doesn't want to come back on now, we will have someone selected to fill his place. Ms. Gavlik came in around 6:20 p.m. and said that if Mr. Fraizer was removed due to lack of attendance he would need to re-apply to the Committee. With the motion on the floor, the Committee voted to recommend Jorge Brenner. Motion passed. Ellen Murry moved to recommend Maria Jaramillo. Drue Combs seconded the motion. Discussion. Ms. Murry said Ms. Jaramillo has tremendous assets. She said Ms. Jaramillo speaks French, Spanish and Italian along with some German. She is from Columbia. She said Ms. Jaramillo has time to do the work. She is the Director of the World Affairs Council. Ann Jamie said it looks like we are choosing too many people from the University. The Committee voted 13 members for and two were opposed (Ann Jamie and Westi Horn). Heather Moretzsohn suggested nominating Dora Hidalgo. She said Ms. Hidalgo is an advisor to the Mexican Consul General. Willie Perez said she is the past president to Amigos de Mexico and works with Senator Carlos Truan. She frequently travels to Mexico for MHMR. Drue Combs moved to nominate Ms. Hidalgo and Sharon Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed. Back to Item A: DISCUSSION on 2008 Bond Issue: Ms. Gavlik explained that the 2008 Bond package will go before the voters during the November 4th election. She said the Committee could ask questions about the total package or on individual items. She noted that she was allowed to make presentations but not allowed to do solicitations. She was asked if the Committee members could go to the Web site. She said they could do that or she could have Wes Vardeman mail you the packet. Randy Farrar said he would like that better and Brandi Williams agreed. Ms. Gavlik thanked the Committee and left. D. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on payment of Sister Cities International dues. Drue Combs moved not to pay the dues this year. Randy Farrar seconded the motion. Discussion: The dues are $880 and Ms. Combs expressed her belief that the money could do more for the Steering Committee than Sister Cities International does for the local Program. Rose Gunji said the benefits are great. However, if we are not a member in good standing, we could not participate in the International Art Program. Ms. Combs agreed. Willie Perez said membership lends credibility to our Programs. Ms. Combs explained that the Corpus Christi Sister City Program has not always been a paid member. Westi Horn asked how many students participated in the Art Competition. Sharon Phillips said about 50 to 60 students. Brandi Williams asked if the Committee does not pay their dues does it preclude the Committee from participating in the Student Exchange Program. Kevin Aguilar-Ferrari stated that he does not think that the $880 is a lot of money for the credibility the membership provides. Randy Farrar noted that the credibility helps us, especially now when we are going out for additional funds. Ellen Murry expressed opinion that this Committee needs the National affiliation for the status and fund raising. She said, "If we can't say that we are members of the National Organization, it takes away from our being able to enlarge our focus. She said the Committee should try to pay the dues this year. Randy Farrar said the Selection Packet that we send to the Schools has a lot of Sister City International information in it. Kevin Aguilar-Ferrari said parents may not trust us if we are not associated with the International Organization. Randy Farrar called the question. Three voted not to pay the dues this year. The other 12 members voted to pay the dues. The motion was defeated. E. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on updating Sister City Information on the City's web site and development of the Steering Committee's own web site to be linked to the City's site. This item was tabled till a later time. F. DISCUSSION AND ACTION on student presentations and ceremony during the October meeting. Heather Moretzsohn explained that last year the Committee had all the students, including the student who went Toledo, Spain's Intensive Language Study Program, make their presentations at the same time. All the students, their family members, teachers, counselors, principals, Mayor and City Council Members were invited for the presentations and a "pot luck" reception following their presentations. She asked how the members felt about that process or if there were any other suggestions. Randy Farrar said the student's need to be timed. It was explained that last year, all the students made their presentations using a science poster board and that process made it easier for us the cut them off. Sharon Phillips suggested that the students could make their reports as teams. It was suggested the teams be given about 10 minutes each to make their report. Ms. Moretzsohn asked if the Committee liked the PowerPoint or Poster Board presentations. The Committee said they liked the poster boards because they could better control the time and there were no problems with the equipment. Sharon Phillips asked if the Committee had given the student's an outline to follow in preparation for their reports. Mr. Farrar said no. He said he would make an outline and Brandi Williams agreed to do the publicity for the meeting, presentations and reception and get invitations to everyone previously listed. It was noted that the Agenda for this particular meeting is usually short. Randy Farrar said he would like to see at set time of 45 minutes for the regular meeting. Heather Moretzsohn passed around a sign up paper for food and drink for the "Pot Luck" reception after the meeting and presentations in October. Kevin Aguilar-Ferrari moved to table Item G for a moment to deal with Item H since it relates to this Item. Willie Perez seconded the motion. The motion passed. H. DISCUSSION AND ACTION concerning meeting time. Randy Farrar moved to keep the meeting the same and not move it for just a few people. The motion was seconded by Sharon Phillips. Ellen Murry said we need to keep the meeting time consistent. Brandi Williams noted that those taking classes or teaching would miss 3 months. Drue Combs said this time works better for her. The Committee voted to keep the current meeting time of 5:45 p.m. Randy Farrar will tell the students that they should be ready to start presentations at 6:30 p.m. G. DISCUSSION concerning nominations for General Chair, to be inaugurated at the October Meeting. Heather Moretzsohn offered for nomination as General Chair, Brandi Williams. The nomination was seconded by Rose Gunji. Westi Horn nominated Randy Farrar. Mr. Farrar withdrew his nomination saying he is too busy these days. Ann Jamie nominated Kevin Aguilar-Ferrari. Ellen Murry said that Ms. Williams handled this summer's student incident very well and already has a relationship with the Media. In Ms. Murry's opinion, Ms. Williams would make an excellent General Chair. Heather Moretzsohn checked the by- laws to see if the Committee could vote on a General Chair now. The by-laws said voting would take place during the October meeting. Randy Farrar suggested we present this slate at next month's meeting. VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Keelung, Taiwan —Tim Dowling — No report. B. Toledo, Spain, Flicka Rahn, Javier Morin, Melissa Melendez and Ann Jaime— Flicka Rahn reported that Javier Morin sent an e-mail and they are waiting to learn if Ms. Diaz would accept the various performance venues for the visiting Spanish Choir. C. EXPO Planning Committee —The Sub-Committee met for lunch today. Those in attendance were Drue Combs, Phyllis Roseman, Janice Garrett, Ellen Murry, Westi Horn, Heather Moretzsohn, Sally Gavlik, and Chris Kailas. It was reported and Ms. Gavlik seemed to like the idea of sponsoring an International Cultural Festival with the City, to be held indoors, and adding the EXPO component during the second year. With the event being held indoors, it becomes a fund raising event for the Sister City Steering Committee. It was suggested that the Committee go to the Houston International Festival, which is held over two weekends in April to see what they do. Also, the Committee discussed holding the local event the first weekend of November at either the Convention Center or the Ortiz Center which offers both an indoor and outdoor venue. D. Fund Raising Committee — Ellen Murry, Danny Williams, Willie Perez— Ellen Murry reported that the Committee may have a patron. She had hoped to have good news for the Committee at this meeting but, the person is not yet fully committed. E. Publicity Committee - Brandi Williams, Danny Williams — No report at this time. F. Playa Del Carmen — Heather Moretzsohn asked Ann Jaime to report on the Official Visit. She said she discussed doing a "Wheelchairs for Peace" program and a 3 day rehabilitation conference with the Host. She reported that Chief Brian Smith and his officers paid out of pocket. She wanted the Committee to be aware that this issue may come up. Kevin Aguilar-Ferrari asked if the City paid them a per-diem. Heather Moretzsohn asked them to gather the receipts. Ellen Murry suggested the Committee not worry about this till we hear from them. G. Agen, France -Ann Jaime— Ms. Ann Jaime reported that she talked with both Robert Isaac and Michele Stephanus. They were very pleased about their students experience here in Corpus Christi. The Pecouls are willing to host another student next year. Heather Moretzsohn said we need to revisit the number of students we send to France each year. H. Monterrey, Mexico -Almira Flores and Willie Perez —Almira Flores reported that her contacts said they were very happy with our students this year. Mr. Dingier said they are having an International Citizens Forum in November and would like the name of a contact person for that event. Veracruz, Mexico - Melissa Melendez— No report. J. Yokosuka, Japan - Westi Horn and Drue Combs — Ms. Horn reported that the students are back and very happy. K. Selection Committee— Randy Farrar and Brandi Williams — Mr. Farrar noted that we removed one of our local students from the program for inappropriate behavior while in France. He said that the student seemed relieved that the Committee was not going to require him to reimburse the airfare. Brandi Williams explained that a Keelung, Taiwanese student complained that her local family did not respect her nor allow her to participate in various activities. She said that the situation was handled beautifully by former member Yalee Shih. In her own language, the students was told that some of the activities she wanted to participate in were family activities planned by the families of the student who went to France. Her family had other activities planned. Ms. Shih told her that her behavior was inappropriate. Ellen Murry said that Ms. Shih explained that our cultures are very different. Ms. Murry said that maybe this culture is the most difficult to assimilate into our culture. Ms. Shih also told her she was not acting as an ambassador and that the child had lived a sheltered and privileged life. Westi Horn explained that we need to be more understanding and provide for some dietary differences, like rice at more meals, for the Japanese and Taiwanese students. She said she had invited them to her house for a traditional meal with rice. She also suggested we encourage the families with these students to try to provide rice and other familiar food more often. Ann Jaime left at 7:30. Everyone clapped as she left her last meeting. Kevin Aguilar-Ferrari suggested we add sensitivity training to our curriculum for the parents and students. Chris Kailas explained that she has already had calls from school counselors saying they have had inquiries about the exchange program. She will send a copy of last year's Selection Packet to both Ms. Williams and Mr. Farrar so they can update the packet. Ms. Williams said they take the packets to each of the schools and hand-deliver them. Kevin Augilar- Ferrari suggested they give a packet to the Homeschool Association. It was explained that they get a packet each year. Ellen Murry noted that our current students need to promote the program to their under-classmates. Mr. Augilar- Ferrari asked if we had students from the Flour Bluff High School. He suggested we invite the Base Commanding Officer who acts as a Mayor to the Base. He feels it is appropriate to invite him. He said he will e-mail the name and address to Ms. Kailas, Ms. Williams and others. t,. Activities Committee, Westi Horn, and Danny Williams —Westi Horn thanked everyone for their work during our week of activities. She said it was a huge success. Sharon Phillips and Westi Horn left at 7:35 p.m. M. Art Competition Committee - Rose Gunji and Sharon Phillips — Ms. Gunji said they have their Committee, and asked if Sharon Phillips would chair the Committee. This program is an International Sister Cities program and we must be a member to participate. N. Curriculum/Training Committee - Brandi Williams, Melissa Melendez, and Danny Williams — Ms. Williams asked if there were any comments on the last training program. She said a couple points stand out. Phyllis Roseman said she would like to see some guidelines for the students and parents hosting an international student. Kevin Augilar-Ferrari said the Committee might want to use the Military Sensitivity Training films. Ms. Moretzsohn said Dr. Melendez did the sensitivity training with the students. It was noted that educating the families is something that could be added. Ms. Williams said that 90% of the students and families got it and noted that we only had one who did not. It was suggested that some changes be made to the selection process. Westi Horn suggested that a simple reminder about meals would be good. It was suggested we could take the students grocery shopping and make it one of their family activities. Another suggestion was to have a list of things the families could do with their visiting students. It was suggested we could add key words and phrases to the list to help students feel a bit more communicative. Ms. Williams said she is open to more suggestions before next year's training. 0. Evaluation Committee, Ellen Murry and Ann Jaime — Ms. Murry said that activity on both, Bethinda, India and Netanya, Israel are on hold at this time. P. Pen Pal Program - Danny Williams — No report. VII. GENERAL CHAIR'S REPORT— Ms. Moretzsohn said she already made the Chair's report during the meeting. VIII. STAFF REPORT— Mr. Wes Vardeman re-introduced himself to those who where not at the last meeting. He said he has lots of ideas for Heritage Park to make it shine. At this time, he is experiencing a learning curve as he learns about our programs, the park and other responsibilities. He said he looks forward to working with this Committee. IX. CURRENT CONCERNS —Willie Perez announced that he is running for an At-Large position on the School Board. X. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. /t/_ :4 4(/ Chris Kallas, 'lister City Recording Secretary Cultural Services Division Parks & Recreation Department The following guide explains the attendance code: AE —Absence Excused for those who were absent due to illness or Sister City Travel R— Resigned Examples of arrival or leaving times—arrival, 6:07 p.m.; or leaving, L7:00 p.m.