10/24/2013 SISTER CITIES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 24, 2013
Present: Sallie Parks Chair
Daryl W. Schuster Vice-Chair/Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc.
Paul Gibson Board Member/Councilmember
Danielle Dilday Board Member/Youth Representative
Krista Valentage Board Member
Absent: Terrence Gourdine Board Member
Also Present: Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. at the Long Center.
2 —Approval of Minutes
2.1. Approval of Minutes of July 25, 2013
Member Gibson moved to approve the minutes of the regular Sister Cities Advisory
Board meeting of July 25, 2013, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 —Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda: None.
4— Unfinished Business
4.1. Youth Ambassadors Program — June 2014
Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. representative Schuster said two chaperones have been
selected for the June 2014 Youth Ambassadors Program. One has reserved a Kyoto Guest
House that holds 13 and reserved and made deposit on airline tickets; United Airlines is least
expensive at $1,450 Tampa to Narita (Tokyo) roundtrip. The itinerary is being finalized. The
application deadline is December 1, 2013. Participants must be middle school students, up to
grade 8. It was stated an interviewing committee needs to be formed and prepared to interview
applicants.
Discussion ensued regarding the maximum number of students that can be accepted; 11
was recommended. It was felt the number can be finalized once applications are submitted; all
applicants should be interviewed. It was reported one parent had expressed interest in traveling
with the group. It was stated the program has been promoted in City utility bills and eye-
catching posters have been posted at City libraries, recreation centers, and at some schools.
5— New Business
5.1. Nagano teacher Mr. Tsukada visit
Nagano teacher Shinji Tsukada's itinerary and activities during his current visit were
reviewed.
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Concern was expressed that a Sayonara party was not listed on the schedule. Chair
Parks offered to host the party at her home again and indicated she would welcome teacher
attendees. Member Valentage offered to help coordinate teacher attendance. It was requested
that Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard invite City officials.
Consensus was to schedule the Sayonara party on November 16, 2013. Final plans will
need to be communicated to board members.
5.2. CSCI Report
CSCI representative Schuster said CSCI has a lease agreement with Clearwater High
School and will meet there for the next year; board meetings are on the third Tuesday of the
month. The annual party probably will be held on north Clearwater Beach. A theme of soba
noodles and Nagano wines is being considered.
CSCI will start discussing the visit by Nagano dignitaries to Clearwater in April 2014 to
celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Sister Cities relationship between the two cities. It was
noted that much planning is necessary and many details need to be finalized. It was suggested
that City officials, former exchange teachers, and the Friendship Club be involved. It was noted
that planning also is needed for the Nagano Middle School Exchange student visit in March
2014, during the week prior to Spring Break. It was questioned if a citizen delegation will
accompany Clearwater's dignitaries to Nagano in 2015 to celebrate the 55th anniversary.
It was noted that it soon will be time to send out applications for the June 2014 teacher
exchange. Information regarding the teacher recruiting process was requested.
5.3. Sister Cities Rules and Regulations approval
Member Gibson moved to adopt the Sister Cities Rules and Regulations as amended.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
5.4. Meeting dates for 2014
2014 meeting dates are January 23, April 24, July 24, and October 23, 2014.
'6- Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m.
Next meeting — January 23, 2014 at the Long Center
Sister Cities 2013 -10 -24
Chair - ter Cities Advisory Board
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