Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board
April 8, 2009 minutes
Approved May 13, 2009
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Bill Keel, Stuart Boley, Bob Schumm, Jon Josserand, Ken Albrecht, Michael Kennedy, Gina Ross, Kelly Herndon, Bob Moody, Lynn Ground, Kathleen Hodge, Linda Hyler |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Andrew Tsubaki, Lori Hutfles |
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STAFF LIAISON PRESENT: |
Jonathan Douglass |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Friedemann Eisert
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The meeting was held in the city commission chambers at City Hall at 5:30 on April 8, 2009. Bill Keel, Chair, announced the presence of a quorum.
Introduction of guests:
Stuart Boley introduced Chip Blaser, Executive Director of the Douglas County Community Foundation. Mr. Blaser explained the nature of the community foundation and the way the organization operates. It has been suggested that student scholarship monies held by the advisory board be transferred to the community foundation as a way of simplifying its books and perhaps improving on returns. A number of technical issues were discussed by the board.
This possibility will continue to be investigated and considered.
Chair Keel introduced Friedemann Eisert, longtime coordinator of the Eutin School Exchange Program.
Review of Documents:
Minutes from the March meeting were approved as corrected.
Accounting documents for March were presented for any questions.
Old Business – Committee Reports:
Public Relations Committee (Hodge)
Hyler wanted to alert the board to a possible calendar conflict of the annual membership meeting being conducted in too close proximity of the annual fundraiser. She will revisit this issue in the future.
New Sister Cities Committee (Schumm)
Schumm announced that he and his wife, and Kathleen Hodge and her husband, will be making a trip to Iniades Greece as individuals as a goodwill informational visit to Iniades, Greece, which is seeking closer relations and possible sister cities status with Lawrence. They will stay a number of days in the Iniades area to learn more about the area and to meet individuals in Iniades who are promoting these with their existing cultural programs. A motion was made to authorize $175 from the appropriate account for a token gift to Iniades officials. The motion was approved. Schumm will also be investigating the possibility of obtaining of an informal letter of greetings from the Mayor of Lawrence to Iniades officials.
20th Anniversary of Eutin Exchange (Keel)
In association with the Eutin visit to Lawrence, a request was made to process a payment for a deposit to Maceli’s Catering for $500 ($250 x 2). The motion was approved.
The issue of financing of a third guitarist to Eutin is now moot.
Efforts regarding the photo exhibit in Eutin are underway.
Unfortunately, the Mayor of Eutin will not be able to visit Lawrence during this exchange.
Keel reported that city funds for the first half of the year have been requested of the City.
20th Anniversary of Hiratsuka Exchange (Tsubaki)
Keel reported on the condition of board member Tsubaki, who has had recent serious surgery. Flowers were sent on behalf of the board. The motion to pay for these was approved.
Membership Project (Boley & Josserand)
Keel reported that a membership mailing for lapsed members had been made of approximately 250. This has not been done for a couple of years, and many addresses may be stale.
Eutin School Exchange
Eisert reported to the board about a situation involving two students who were selected for the Eutin exchange who have subsequently been disciplined for a violation of school rules. The teacher -chaperones have informed these students they may no longer participate in the exchange. Discussion ensued. The students may be appealing their circumstances with the teachers. Keel indicated a special meeting may need to be called regarding this matter.
Next Regular Meeting: May 13, 2009, 5:30 pm at City Hall