12/17/2009
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 17, 2009
Present: Linda S. Damsky Chair
Carlen Petersen Board Member/Councilmember
Lois Sewell Board Member/Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc.
Katie Bosley Board Member/Youth Representative
Empty Seat Board Member
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 4:09 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
– July 23, 2009
Member Sewell moved to approve the minutes of the regular Sister Cities Advisory
Board meeting of July 23, 2009, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Old Business
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3.1. Update on 50 Anniversary delegation to Nagano - October 2009
Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard said the delegation’s visit to Nagano
was successful. Staff met with participating Councilmembers and documented their
perceptions, opinions, and commitments to the program. The City signed an agreement to
continue the Sister Cities’ relationship with Nagano.
3.2. Nagano Teacher (Mr. Yukinobu Ito) visit to Clearwater – Oct. 18-Nov.16, 2009
During his visit to Clearwater, Nagano teacher Yukinobu Ito stayed one week with each
of four home-stay families, visited 10 local schools, USF (University of South Florida), and
Bright House Field, and rode a Harley Davidson motorcycle. He also met with the Mayor and
was introduced at a City Council meeting where he offered greetings from the Mayor of Nagano.
Discussion ensued. It was stated that most schools are familiar with the visiting teacher
program. Scheduling issues are being addressed. Transportation worked well. It was
recommended that two days at the Chi Chi Rodriguez program be scheduled for the next visit.
It was stated that the City had done a great job organizing the visit. CSCI (Clearwater Sister
Cities, Inc.) helped with the Sayonara party.
4 – New Business
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4.1. Resignation – Robert Freedman
Ms. Leonard announced that Robert Freeman, the board’s Clearwater Arts Foundation
representative, had resigned. The City Council will need to approve the foundation’s
replacement nominee, Margo Walbolt.
4.2. Delegation from Nagano - 2010 visit
Ms. Leonard said hosting the City’s Welcome or Sayonara party for approximately 30
people on the Main library patio would help lower costs. Funds are limited. A planning meeting
is scheduled for January 28, 2010, following the Sister Cities Advisory Board meeting.
Entertainment for the delegation will be discussed and costs estimated. Two- or three-night
home stays for 30 people need to be arranged. It was recommended that the Superintendent of
Schools be advised of this visit. The CSCI has offered to host the welcoming dinner. It was
suggested that student art be matted for presentation to delegation members.
4.3. Update on Student Exchanges
Ms. Leonard estimated that obtaining new airplane tickets for the four local exchange
students will cost $650 each. The trip to Japan is planned for June 12 – 26, 2010. The travel
agency is in contact with the ticket broker. Discussion ensued regarding fundraising
opportunities to offset costs.
Nagano students are scheduled to visit Clearwater in February and March. Staff is in
contact with Nagano regarding a Disney World visit by high school students. Clearwater
Fundamental Middle School’s assistance principal has arranged 10 home stays. The school
provides an in-house network of support for the program. A visit to Chi Chi Rodriguez and the
driving range was recommended.
4.4. CSCI Report
Member Sewell reported that the Young Ambassadors were able to exchange their
airline tickets for the new travel dates at no cost, except for a new $50 Narita Airport charge.
The group will depart Clearwater on June 10, 2010. The entire original group cannot
participate. Students have been interviewed for the open seats. Orientation will begin in
January. The graphic designer has been provided all available materials for the historical
review of Sister Cities visits; some old articles may not be legible after scanning.
4.5. Nagano Lantern Festival – cutout panels
Cultural Affairs Programmer Elizabeth Minor thanked volunteers for help cutting out
panels for the lanterns. Nagano sent enough panels to construct 30 lanterns; 18 are completed.
4.6. 2010 meeting dates
2010 meetings are scheduled for January 28, April 22, July 22, and October 28 at 4:00
p.m. at the Long Center.
5 – Items not on the Agenda
– None.
6 – Upcoming Events
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December 30, 2009
January 10, 2010
January 10, 2010
Hilton Clearwater Beach - Outback Bowl Beach Day
Capitol Theatre - Ottmar Liebert & band Luna Negra
Peace Memorial Church - Pipe organ and keyboard concert
with James Jordan & Steven Brittain
7- Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
Next meeting - January 28
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