Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board
January 14, 2009 minutes
Approved February 11, 2009
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Bill Keel, Stuart Boley, Bob Schumm, Kathleen Hodge Linda Hyler, Jon Josserand, Andrew Tsubaki, Ken Albrecht, Michael Kennedy, Gina Ross, Kelly Herndon |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Lynn Ground, Bob Moody |
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STAFF LIAISON PRESENT: |
Cynthia Boecker |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
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Chair Keel announced the presence of a quorum.
Board Vacancies
Keel asked Boecker about the status of the open appointments to the board. Boecker indicated that the mayor has a significant number of appointments pending on his desk and that this may take some time. Boecker reminded people that appointees hold their terms until reappointed or a new appointment is made.
Minutes
The draft minutes from the December, 2008 meeting were distributed. Minor changes were suggested and the minutes were approved as amended. Motion approved.
Accounting Documents – Boley
Accounting documents for previous year were distributed.
Boley indicated that $13,000 has been received for the Eutin student trip, and that some receipts have been processed for the Hiratsuka student trip. Boley reviewed and explained the balance sheet, and the budgeted vs. actual sheets.
Boley answered a number of questions regarding the documents and the necessity of maintaining trip accounts in the overall accounts of the sister cities organization.
The reports were accepted as submitted.
Report from friends of Hiratsuka (Kennedy and Tsubaki)
Professor Tsubaki reminded the group that a Hiratsuka group is coming in 2010. In exchange we will be sending a group in 2011. Tsubaki would like more information regarding the timing and commitment of a possible visit from the Lawrence Youth Choir. It was recommended the anniversary planning committee meet to obtain more information.
Friends of Eutin (Albrecht and Keel)
A communication has gone out in an effort to solicit participation in an exchange to Eutin this spring for the five year visit. Arrival in Eutin is anticipated for May 29 and departure about June 4. Keel encouraged board members to give serious consideration in joining this exchange.
Approval of Budget for 2009 (Hyler)
Hyler reviewed the budget and received suggestions for changes. The budget was tentatively approved as changed.
Review of Scholarship Policies (Keel)
As a result of the discussion of scholarships held at the December 2008 meeting, a copy of the Lawrence Sister City Advisory Board Scholarship Policies (revised 10 November 2004) was distributed for review and possible changes
A number of modifications were made to this policy. It will be redistributed next month when those changes are incorporated in the text.
Committee preferences for 2009 (Keel)
Keel distributed a list of committee preferences for 2009. Keel requested that members who want their assignments to be changed to contact him.
Update on Iniades (Schumm & Hodge)
Schumm met recently with a developing “Friends of Iniades” group and answered their questions about the existing sister cities programs, and the affiliation process which the Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board has established. Schumm updated the Board on this meeting. He was impressed with both the group and the continuing strong interest expressed from the officials of Iniades to cultivate a stronger relationship with Lawrence. A press release was recently distributed reflecting the Board’s knowledge and discussion of this group and the Board’s general support for further exploration of a stronger relationship with this region. A subsequent article was published about this topic in the Lawrence Journal World.
The meeting was adjourned.
The next scheduled meeting of the Board is: Februrary 11, 2009, 5:30 PM at City Hall Commission Chambers.