Sept. 29, 2009

Dear Commissioners,

Recently, we forwarded to you, through the City Manager’s office, an official report regarding the ongoing interaction covering more that a years activity between the cities of Lawrence and Iniades, Greece.  In that report, we recap for you all the work and effort that has taken place, as well as both cities having exchanged citizens to determine if there is mutual advantage and value to pursuing the materialization of a sister cities agreement.

During our last Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board meeting held on September 16, 2009, the Board heard a request from Dennis Christilles, co-chair of the Friends of the Iniades group, proposing the formalization of official Sister City status for Lawrence and Iniades.  The board was informed that an official delegation from Iniades, Greece would arrive in Lawrence on October 19, 2009 and were in hopes of finalizing this endeavor.  If it is not approved at this time, it is presumed that both groups would continue to work towards official status at some later date.

Board discussion followed and after lengthy debate, a motion was approved by a 10 - 2 vote to forward to the Lawrence City Commission a request to support declaring Iniades, Greece and Lawrence sister cities.

The Advising Board is especially aware of the fact that in the current economic climate, the city needs to be cautious of any new program which may require new funds to operate.  As demonstrated in the report already submitted to you, there are ample retained savings in our account which should cover several years of activity between Iniades and Lawrence.  To further demonstrate to the City Commission and the public that there will be no need of any net new dollars for the activation of this new sister city, the Lawrence Sister City Advisory Board, at this past meeting of Sept. 16, 2009, agreed to seek no increase in funding for it’s 2011 budget year.  (2010 will remain the same as 2009 as well).  Thus far, the amount of money spent on this Iniades initiative has been approximately $235.00.  As you can see, because we rely on lots of volunteerism for everything we do, the cost is minimal for the value received.  We believe that formalizing this agreement now would present the city with tremendous cultural, business and student exchange opportunities. 

Thank you for your consideration regarding this request.

Sincerely

Bob Schumm

Chair of New Sister Cities