Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board
October 8, 2008 minutes
Minutes Approved: November 12, 2008
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Linda Hyler, Jon Josserand, Bob Moody, Andrew Tsubaki, Ken Albrecht, Michael Kennedy, Lynn Ground, Lori Hutfles, Kathleen Hodge, Gina Ross, Kelly Herndon, Bill Keel, Stuart Boley, Bob Schumm. |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Bob Schumm, Kathleen Hodge |
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STAFF LIAISON PRESENT: |
Michael Tubbs |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Herr. Harro Kuenning, Eutin Germany; Alex Hyler, Lawrence; Lisann Maahs, Eutin Germany; Maren Garken, Eutin Germany.
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The Chair announced the presence of a quorum.
Accounting Documents – Boley
The accounting documents were not available to be discussed this month.
Introduction of Special Guests from Eutin (Keel)
Because of the presence of Eutin students in Lawrence, an Eutin teacher, and several students were in attendance. These included Harro Kuenning, a teacher from Eutin; Alex Hyler, Lawrence student; Lisann Maahs and Maren Garken, students from Eutin. The Board enjoyed a conversation with the students about their experiences and impressions of Lawrence and the United States. The Board was particularly interested in discussing the differences between German and American secondary school curriculum structures.
Report from friends of Hiratsuka (Kennedy – Tsubaki)
o A number of people met on September 24 to discuss future exchanges. The group included Hyler, Tsubaki, Kennedy, Tubbs and Kreicker. One of the issues discussed involved the possible visit in 2011 by the Lawrence Children’s Choir to Hiratsuka, which would involve an estimated 70 children and 20 additional parents and organizers. In an October 11 email to Tsubaki, he reports that Hiratsuka is pleased with the potential choir visit, but concerned with their ability to provide logistics and financing for a visiting group of this size. The Hiratsuka city dormitory can handle 90 people.
o In discussing potential groups to visit Lawrence in 2010, there were ideas of a drumming group, tea group, dance group or choir group.
o At the departure ceremony for the Hiratsuka students this fall, there were 101 total attendees. Fifty were Hiratsuka students or host families.
o Herndon reported that Cathy Hilliard, exchange coordinator, had been contacted concerning how to divide the cost of the Membership Event/Hiratsuka Farewell. Hilliard needs to confirm the number of host family members attending the event. Then the cost can be divided.
Friends of Eutin (Albrecht and Keel)
There will be a reception for the visiting students from Eutin at the Lawrence Visitors Center on October 14, which will occur after their introduction to the Lawrence City Commission scheduled about 6:30 pm that evening.
Veterans Park Update (Tubbs)
o Michael Tubbs gave an informational follow up regarding the issue of damage to the Eutin Sundial at Veterans Park at 19th and Louisiana Streets. The sundial has some damage from vandalism, and the location of a traffic control box made this is unfortunate.
o Tubbs inquired as to the interest of the Sister Cities Advisory Board in helping to finance a repair the repair and relocation of the sundial to the Lawrence Visitors Center, which he estimated would cost $2,000.
o This suggestion prompted significant discussion regarding the ownership of the sundial and the responsibility for its maintenance.
o Boley suggested that if these items were still property of the Sister Cities Advisory group, that we should investigate and procure appropriate insurance for the sundial and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
o The Chair and others recounted that the sundial was only one of several improvements to Veterans Park in 1994 for the purposes of honoring the Eutin-Lawrence exchange. As Eutin is noted as “The City of Roses,” the park includes some rose plants in the landscaping.
o Moody pointed out that the Lawrence Visitors Center already has 1) a sundial and 2) sculpture.
o A suggestion was made that if a move from Veterans Park was necessary, perhaps it would be appropriate to devote an entire park somewhere else to the Eutin exchange.
o Members of the Board expressed concern about the responsibility of maintenance for the Japanese Friendship Garden should vandalism occur there. This park was created as the result of a significant fund raising effort by the Board and Lawrence businesses and individuals.
o Tubbs reported that some on the city staff were worried about the vandalism and future possible vandalism in the park.
o Keel asked Tubbs directly who is responsible for repair of the damage in the Japanese Friendship Park. Tubbs indicated it was the city’s responsibility.
Sister Cities Scholarship Fundraiser (Moody & Hutfles)
o This event was held at the home of Evan Williams and was deemed a great success by those in attendance. Total sponsorships received amounted to $2,225, in-kind contributions of $891.74. Additional contributions of $980. Contributions from attendees was $2,050. Revenue over expenses amounted to $3,259.24.
o There was significant discussion about what to do next relative to making a similar event even more successful in the next year.
o Hutfles suggested the following priorities: Thank you notes to sponsors, donors, attendees, including photos with students. Keel will send out the appropriate tax letter to sponsors, donors and attendees.
o It was discussed that sponsorship solicitation for next year should occur early in 2009.
Other Fundraising (Hutfles – Moody)
o Hutfles gave a report regarding possible support for the Lawrence ˝ Marathon event. The work required appeared to be significant.
o Moody gave a report regarding Sister Cities application of support from the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Committee. The request is pending.
o Moody gave a report regarding a local retailer who approached him with an idea to use volunteer labor for students to help finance their Sister Cities exchange trips. After some discussion, there appeared to be a number of logistical and possible legal issues regarding this proposal. Tubbs indicated that the city’s legal department would want input on any such proposal.
Membership List (Keel)
The chair appointed a committee of Moody, Hyler, and Keel to investigate a concern regarding maintenance and accuracy of membership lists, and report back to the Board.
Announcements
o The chair announced that there would be a special meeting on October 29th, requested by Bob Schumm, to discuss the issue of an additional Sister City. Because of the significance of the issue, enough time does not normally exist at a regular Board meeting for a full exploration of the issue, and the meeting is being requested for this purpose.
o Michael Tubbs reported to the Board that this would be his last meeting. Michael has accepted new employment as the Assistance City Manager of the City of Leavenworth. The Chair expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of the Board for all of the good work of Michael, and expressed our good wishes for him with his new responsibilities.
o The Chair indicated he would verify the time and location of the October 29nd special meeting.
o The Chair reminded the Board that a draft budget should be received at the November meeting.
Meeting adjourned.