Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board
March 9, 2011
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Bill Keel, Linda Hyler, Jon Josserand, Ken Albrecht, Bob Moody, Kathleen Hodge, Bob Schumm, James Hilliard |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Michael Kennedy, Dennis Christilles, Kelly Herndon, Gina Ross, Lynn Ground, Darrel Ward, Michael Kennedy |
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STAFF LIAISON PRESENT: |
Cynthia Wagner |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
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The meeting was brought to order at 5:50 pm in the Lawrence City Commission chambers by Chair Keel.
Review of Minutes (Josserand)
The minutes were approved for the February 2011 meeting as previously distributed, with corrections for attendance, and the addition of a statement about discussion which occurred relative to the city ordinance pertaining to board re-appointments.
Treasurer’s Report (Herndon)
Herndon was absent due to a family death. With the board’s new policy of quarterly reports, the first 2011 report will be due in April.
Herndon, Josserand, and Keel will be meeting soon to review a draft submission for the required IRS 990 submission for 2010.
Friends of Eutin – (Albrecht & Keel)
A meeting for the Friends of Eutin has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday March 30, at 7:30 pm at the Max Kade Center. The primary issue of importance will be the work associated with the upcoming visit to Eutin by approximately 60 KU students through the auspices of the Eutin Opera Festival. Professor David Neely, who is leading these activities, and others, may be in attendance.
The board was made aware that there is a group of Eutin individuals visiting Lawrence in mid-April. The purpose, in part, is a furthering of business relationships between Eutin and Lawrence, specifically including a relationship between the Lawrence Free State Brewery and its Eutin equivalent (St. Michales Brauhaus http://brauhaus-eutin.de/home )
Approximately 11 students are anticipated from Eutin to attend Lawrence high schools next fall. Stuart Boley will be planning the tradition excursion to Chicago with these students. Herndon will be helping to identify families in Lawrence to assist with this hosting, and to assist with school enrollments.
20th Anniversary Hiratsuka/Friends of Hiratsuka – (Hilliard)
Hilliard indicated that a meeting of the planning committee had recently occurred, and that Ted Kuwana and Carol Shankel had been appointed to a sub-committee which would coordinate overall aspects of this visit. They will be producing a planning document to outline their suggested programming.
As has been previously indicated, some planning is not yet possible due to the April elections in Hiratsuka. It was also indicated that the time periods of September 20-27 and October 4-11 have been suggested to Hiratsuka officials. The difficulty of securing hotel rooms in Lawrence during fall on football weekends is a concern.
The board discussed the possibility of using the Lawrence County Club as a dinner location. It was then also suggested that the possibility of using the newly renovated Carnegie Library be investigated. Costs and considerations will be developed.
It was noted that the Lawrence public has not always been able to participate in these functions, and the possibility of this should be investigated.
It was then also noted that Eutin students and families would be in Lawrence during the Hiratsuka visit time-period.
The concept of combining the fall fund-raiser with the Hiratsuka visit might be explored, with the additional possibility of also including the Eutin students.
Hilliard indicated one student had withdrawn from the 2011 exchange, presumably upon financial considerations. As a result, one of the reserve students will be attending.
Hilliard indicated that despite a small increase in the airfare, that a fare of approximately $1,430 is the currently anticipated fare this year.
Hilliard indicated a continuing concern with the timely deposit of checks through the city on behalf of participants of the Hiratsuka program. Discussion ensued. Josserand volunteered to work with Hilliard and Wagner and the city to minimize these problems for next year.
Hilliard had identified the date of Sunday March 27 as a potential date for the Friends of Hiatsuka. But after reflection, this date is a potential date for NCAA basketball games, and he will attempt to identify another date for the annual meeting. This will be distributed to the general membership once determined.
Scholarship Committee (Keel)
Keel indicated that a meeting had not occurred but it should occur sometime soon.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35.