Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board
June 9, 2010
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Bill Keel, Jon Josserand, Kelly Herndon, Ken Albrecht, Darrel Ward, Gina Ross, Kathleen Hodge, Dennis Christilles, Linda Hyler, Lynn Ground, Michael Kennedy, James Hilliard, Bob Moody |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Bob Schumm |
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STAFF LIAISON PRESENT: |
Cynthia Wagner |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Ted Kuwana, Frank Baron |
The meeting occurred at 5:30 pm in the Lawrence City Commission chambers. Chair Bill Keel announced the presence of a quorum.
Introduction of guests & announcements
Ted Kuwana and Frank Baron were introduced as being in attendance. Prof. Baron explained that a World Cup Soccer viewing event would occur soon which involves both the Free State Brewery in Lawrence and St. Michaels Brauhaus in Eutin. The two brew-pubs will be connected by interactive two-way tele-video for the US-UK first round soccer game.
Prof. Baron also described the need for home stay opportunities for two Eutin interns who will be visiting Lawrence this fall.
An announcement will be sent out to the sister cities email list regarding both of these two matters.
Minutes – Accounting Documents
Minutes of the May 2010 meeting were approved as revised. The treasurer’s report was approved as submitted.
20th Anniversary Hiratsuka—Plans for October Delegation Visit (Hilliard)
The committee is looking for commitments from potential participants for the 20th anniversary trip to Hiratsuka. Commitments are being sought by the first week in July. Potential preliminary interest in participation has been indicated by several city commission members.
Discussion occurred relative to the possible need to raise additional private monies to assist public officials to participate in the 20th anniversary exchange. Moody explained that the historic city funding of commissioner transportation for such visits, which has occurred in the past is not feasible in light of the current budget situation.
Discussion ensued involving the possibility of raising additional monies or utilizing friends reserve accounts to fund public officials’ participation. Strong opinions were expressed.
Extensive debate occurred regarding the appropriateness of such support, and the manner in which it should be determined and communicated.
Without any formal vote, it was generally agreed that this issue was one which should be first recommended to the full board from the 2010 exchange committee and friends group, and that the full board would be required to approve any such support. But first, the amount of need should be determined. The Chair directed Moody to contact these public officials to determine what level of financial need exists which would be required to be addressed to have these individuals participate in this activity. Some expressed the opinion that any potential support be limited at the most to one chair of the Lawrence delegation. It was obvious that there were a wide range of strong opinions on this matter.
Hilliard noted a small change in the date of arrival in Hiratsuka from October 6 from October 7. Home stays would be on the 8-10. The official ceremony with Hiratsuka would be on October 8th.
Discussion ensued relative to the issue of transportation of and purpose of the sculpture. Board members volunteered to assist with this issue, including freight and potential taxation issues which have not yet been resolved by the committee. Discussion occurred about the need for a base and perhaps a plaque.
Inge Theatre Reception and Fundraiser (Christilles)
The Theatre Department decided to withdraw its offer to provide theatre tickets for the board to sell for a performance on August 28 by the students who will spend the summer in Iniades and to permit the board to use the occasion for a reception to raise scholarship funds. This decision may have been based on a misperception of the board's overall interest in this proposal. Several board members volunteered to meet with theatre personnel to clarify this and attempt to do something similar in the future.
Student Trip Refund Policy (Herndon/Josserand)
Herndon and Josserand distributed a draft student trip refund policy and briefly reviewed it, asking that board members review it in more detail for future consideration. It is fairly lengthy.
Student Exchange Coordinator for Hiratsuka (Hodge)
Hodge indicated she had spoken to Sue Hack regarding her participation in the committee. She also mentioned an individual who is currently an assistant principal at West Junior High might be interested in involvement as a trip coordinator.
Hilliard indicated a change in his previous announcements. He indicated that Cathy Hilliard is available to be the trip sponsor next year and potential chaperones had also been identified.
Of this announcement no official action of the board was requested or taken.
The meeting was adjourned.