02/10/2010 - Joint Council and Sister Cities
CITY COUNCIL/SISTER CITIES BOARD SPECIAL JOINT WORKSESSION MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 10, 2010
Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor
Carlen Petersen Councilmember/Sister Cities Board Member
John Doran Councilmember
George N. Cretekos Councilmember
Lois Sewell Sister Cities Board Chair
Margo Walbolt Sister Cities Board Vice-Chair
Linda S. Damsky Sister Cities Board Member
Absent: Paul Gibson Vice-Mayor
C.E. Snedeker Sister Cities Board Member
Katie Bosley Sister Cities Board Member/Youth Rep.
Also Present: Felicia Leonard Administrative Support Manager
Elizabeth Minor Cultural Affairs Programmer
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Sister Cities Chair called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Nagano Visit in 2005
Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard discussed activities during the 2005
visit by the Nagano delegation.
Nagano Delegation Visit
– April 22 - 25, 2010
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2010
Ms. Leonard said the Nagano delegation will fly in from Miami in the afternoon or early
evening. The 30-member delegation will include approximately 9 officials and 20 members of
the public. Delegate names are not yet available. One translator will accompany the
delegation; they have requested that Clearwater provide three translators.
Suggestions were made that limousines may be available for transportation and that
staff should contact the Consulate-General of Japan office in Miami and welcome his
participation. It was noted that no events are scheduled at Ruth Eckerd Hall or the Capital
Theater during the visit. It was suggested the group could visit Bright House Fields.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The entire delegation will spend the first night at a hotel; delegation officials will spend
the entire stay at the hotel. Public members prefer home stays for the remaining visit.
Councilmembers/Members spoke in support of the delegation staying at the same hotel. It was
Council Special Joint Work Session with Sister Cities 2010-02-10(2) 1
noted that the Sheraton Sand Key had been extremely accommodating during previous visits. It
was suggested that the Hyatt and Sandpearl be considered.
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010
FRIDAY MORNING
Discussion ensued regarding the welcome ceremony. Councilmembers/ Members
spoke in support of serving the delegation a continental breakfast at Water’s Edge, followed by
a ceremony at Council Chambers. Suggestions were made for entertainment in Chambers
followed by the official gift exchange. Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. is preparing a book
highlighting the history of this relationship.
FRIDAY LUNCH
It was suggested that the delegation have lunch at the Belleair Country Club.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Suggestions were made that some may wish to golf while others may wish to meet with
school officials and visit schools. St. Petersburg College is amendable to acting as host. It was
suggested that Friday could be a commerce day with Mike Meidel of Pinellas County Economic
Development, a Tampa Bay Partnership representative, and Economic Development staff.
Visits to the Dolphin Encounter or Clearwater Marine Aquarium also were suggested.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Suggestions for Friday night included cruising on the Starlight Majesty, visiting the
th
Sailing Center, dining in a private room at the Island Way Grill, attending the downtown 4
Friday celebration, or another beach activity. Concern was expressed that funds are limited; the
Sister Cities budget has a balance of $1,200.
It was suggested that staff contact businesses regarding sponsorships. The Sister Cities
Chair said Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. will donate some funds for the visit.
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2010
SATURDAY MORNING
It was recommended that the City survey delegation members prior to their visit to
determine their interests. If there is interest in Clearwater’s government, the City could host a
breakfast panel discussion at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center featuring City
department representatives. Others could tour Beach Walk and/or Ruth Eckerd Hall.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
The Mayor agreed to host the delegation at his home.
SATURDAY EVENING
Council Special Joint Work Session with Sister Cities 2010-02-10(2) 2
Ms. Leonard reported a Sun n’ Fun jazz event is scheduled on Saturday evening at
Coachman Park. Councilmembers/Members spoke in support of holding the sayonara party
reception at the Main Library. Following the reception, the delegation can be introduced to the
audience before proceeding to their reserved seats. It was suggested the delegation could be
escorted on stage with flags and lanterns.
Adjourn
The work session adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Council Special Joint Work Session with Sister Cities 2010-02-10(2) 3