07/23/2009
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 23, 2009
Present: Linda S. Damsky Chair
Robert A. Freedman Vice-Chair
Carlen Petersen Board Member/Councilmember
Lois Sewell Board Member/Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc.
Katie Bosley Board Member/Youth Representative
Absent: C.E. Snedeker Board Member
Also Present: Felicia Leonard Administrative Support Manager
Elizabeth Minor Cultural Affairs Programmer
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. at the Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order
.
2 – Approval of Minutes
– April 23, 2009
Member Petersen moved to approve the minutes of the regular Sister Cities Advisory
Board meeting of April 23, 2009, as submitted in written summation to each board member.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3– Old Business
4.1 Postponement of Summer Exchange Programs
Cultural Affairs Programmer Elizabeth Minor reported that following Nagano’s
postponement of this summer’s exchange program due to swine flu concerns, Continental
Airlines imposed a $350 per ticket fee ($1,750 total) to cancel reservations and extend the
airline tickets’ expiration date to June 30, 2010. Councilmember Cretekos’ wife, a Continental
Airlines employee, helped with negotiations. It was noted that American Airlines had cancelled
reservations for other program participants and provided fee-free vouchers that expire June 30,
2010. Discussion ensued regarding letters to be sent to Continental’s CEO, explaining
circumstances of the postponement and requesting a fee waiver. Students may have to
participate in additional fundraising activities to cover that cost. Administrative Support Manager
Felicia Leonard will provide a list of fundraising opportunities at City events. Exchange students
will begin meeting again after school convenes in the fall.
Pinellas County high school graduations are scheduled for June 10, 2010. It was stated
that visits must overlap; all participants cannot travel at the same time due to limited Nagano
staff and airport transfer capabilities. The various groups will coordinate their visits, which must
conclude by June 30, 2010.
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4.2 Japanese Culture and Lantern Festival
Ms. Minor reviewed activities and performances at the April 25, 2009 Japanese Culture
and Lantern Festival, held at Station Square Park. The Japanese Counsel General drove from
Miami to participate. Approximately 2,000 people attended, with many wearing native dress.
To encourage patronage of downtown restaurants, food vendors were not invited. Hosting the
event was expensive and took significant staff time; the Japanese Counsel General’s
contribution was a help. Ms. Leonard said staff has spoken with the Fourth Friday organization
about coordinating several cultural events each year. It was suggested that a Fourth Friday
event in the Spring could feature a Japanese festival to coincide with a visit by Nagano
residents; staff will provide information regarding the itinerary. The Counsel General may be
willing to provide financial support.
4 – New Business
4.1 Update on 50th Anniversary Celebration - October 2009
Ms. Leonard said travel dates for the October trip to Nagano have not been finalized.
Member Petersen said she cannot participate; the other four Councilmembers and their
spouses plan on attending. Concern was expressed that the visit may be cancelled if the
number of swine flu cases increases. Discussion ensued regarding cancellation insurance.
The group will stay in hotels; home stays will not be provided due to swine flu concerns.
4.1 Nagano Teacher Visit to Clearwater - October 29, 2009
Ms. Minor reported that Nagano has not determined if a teacher will be sent to
Clearwater in October.
4.3 CSCI Report
Clearwater Sister Cities representative Lois Sewell said a bonsai program is scheduled
at the Main Library on September 15, 2009. For presentation to Nagano, CSCI is putting
together a commemorative booklet featuring photographs and newspaper articles on the 50-
year alliance. More materials covering 1959 through 1980 are needed. Clearwater Sister
Cities’ members have not yet booked reservations for the October visit due to postponement
concerns.
5 – Items not on the Agenda
Display Cases Featuring Items from Nagano
It was stated that the display cases, moved from the Harborview Center, have a much
more prominent location at the Main Library entrance. Ms. Leonard said staff will install
plaques.
2010 Meeting Calendar
The schedule of 2010 meetings was requested.
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6 - Upcoming Events
6.1 - City Hall Lobbv Exhibit: through August 28 - Ray Paul abstract paintings
6.2 - Main Library Exhibits
Osceola Gallery: through August 27 - Taylor Oliver photography
Carnegie Gallery: through August 27 - Julie Leiman Weaver paintings
Osceola Gallery: through August 28 - S1. Petersburg College Faculty ceramics
6.3 - Cleveland Street District: July 24 - Fourth Friday Party
6.4 - Ruth Eckerd Hall: August 19 - Creative Aging Workshop
7- Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
Next meeting - October 29, 2009 at the L
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