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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Sister Cities Committee 09/16/2004-T - \-- CITY OF PALM DESERT SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES September 16, 2004 — 3:00 p.m. Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Talboys called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Patricia Bannon Donna Jean Darby Bill Harris Nancy Jo McIntosh John Marman Rose Mary Ortega Gilbert Slagel Mark Talboys, Chairman Also Present: Buford Crites, Mayor Pro Tem Alibaba Farzaneh, Ex-Officio Member Donna Gomez, Visitor Center Manager Briana Kirkwood, Ex-Officio Member Ignacio Otero, RCF, Division Chief O'Jay Vanegas, Ex-Officio Member Lori Wimbish, Recording Secretary Tamara Kerim, Visitor Frank Valar, Visitor Jim Ron, Visitor Rolf Hoehn, Visitor III. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD JUNE 17, 2004 Motion was made by Nancy Jo McIntosh to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 17, 2004, seconded by Bill Harris, motion carried by a show of hands 8-0. SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES September 16, 2004 Page 2 IV. NEW BUSINESS A. REPORT on Fire Department Trip to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo — Division Chief Ignacio Otero Chief Ignacio Otero made a presentation of the Riverside County Fire Department's trip to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. He said 18 firemen made the trip with their families. They met with the Presidente Municipal, Amador Campos Aburto, and presented him with four city flags. A formal ceremony was held at the "Dia Del Bombero Dinner," wherein they presented the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo fire department with fire and rescue equipment, as well as badges for each fire fighter. Chief Otero said two fire fighters would return on October 24, 2004 to train the fire fighters on the new fire truck that will be delivered to them shortly. He added that he is planning to bring eight to ten firemen from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to Palm Desert for training. He outlined the details of the trip and asked if the Committee would be agreeable to help sponsor the trip. Mark Talboys thanked Chief Otero for addressing the Committee and participating in the humanitarian effort to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. He added that the Committee would discuss his request for sponsorship of the firefighter's training trip. B. REPORT on Sister Cities International Conference — Rosemary Ortega & Patty Bannon Rosemary Ortega passed out a report regarding her attendance at the Sister Cities International Conference. She and Patricia Bannon met Mary Jean Eisenhower, the grown daughter of Dwight Eisenhower, and there is a possibility of scheduling Ms. Eisenhower for a speaking engagement in Palm Desert next year. Ms. Ortega thanked the Committee and the City of Palm Desert for allowing her to attend the conference. She found it interesting and informative. She added that it motivated her to keep on doing more and better things. Patricia Bannon passed out a report regarding her attendance at the Sister Cities International Conference as well. She spoke about an organization called "Alcon Orbit." This organization provides eye doctors for humanitarian efforts in 87 countries. She said this service would be beneficial to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo because they do not have the funds to go to the doctor; so many people go blind. Ms. Bannon summarized the other items in her report. C. RECOMMENDED Priorities and Projects — Humanitarian Subcommittee Ms. Ortega gave an overview of four projects discussed by the Humanitarian Subcommittee. They are as follows: SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES September 16, 2004 Page 3 1. Backpack Program. Collecting school supplies for needy children in designated schools in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. She suggested an article could be placed in the BrightSide for donations. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Sister Cities Committee could also be involved in this project. A possible target date for this program would be May 2005. 2. Wheel Chair Program. This program would send wheelchairs to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. Partnership collaboration could be with the Rotary Clubs, hospitals, and other organizations such as the "Wheel Chair Organization." The involvement of lxtapa-Zihuatanejo would also be needed. They did not discuss a target date for this project. 3. Kids Around the World (Playground Equipment in Parks in Different Countries). She thought this program would need more exploration but could be a possibility. No target date discussed, possibly a two to three year program. 4. Dental Health Program. There is an existing dental program in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo that has asked for assistance from the Committee. Also, there are other contacts that can be pursued to help with this program. The target date could be two years. This would depend on the partnering. Motion was made by Gil Slagel to further explore the Backpack Program, seconded by Bill Harris, motion carried by a show of hands 8-0. D. UPDATE from Arts, Culture and Education Subcommittee Donna Jean Darby gave a report on the following proposed programs. 1. Aesthetic Education Program for June 2005. Potential dates for this program will be between June 13th and July 1st. Ms. Darby met with Kajsa to confirm the McCallum Theater. Kajsa would like to have a maximum of four people from Gisborne and four people from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, plus one individual in the Aesthetic Educational Field. She said final application has to be completed by April 2005. Ms. Darby will continue to work closely with Kajsa and also fine-tune the Sister Cities' schedule regarding requirements of hosting and clarification of itinerary. 2. Artists in Residence Program. The target date for this program is within the next 1 to 1 1/2 years. This program enlists an Artist from New Zealand to visit Palm Desert. Ms. Darby spoke with Kajsa about this program also. Kajsa offered the opportunity to allow the Artist to participate in a two -week session in the spring. The Artist could participate in the activities on a limited basis as well as work with the teaching artists. On November 30`h Haley Westenra will be part of the McCallum Gala and will perform with the Boston Pops. Ms. Darby contacted SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES September 16, 2004 Page 4 Mr. Gershenfeld regarding Ms. Westenra's arrival, and will try to arrange a meeting with her. 3. Youth Exchange Program. Ms. Darby turned this program over to Sarah Healy, Briana Kirkwood, and Ms. Bannon. Ms. Healy said they have not yet met regarding this program. Ms. Bannon relayed some information regarding a Youth Exchange Program. Ms. Darby said there is not a target date for this program. Ms. Darby said she would like the Maori art exhibit in the lobby of City Hall to remain until such time it needs to be removed. Ms. Gomez said four pieces of artwork have been sold. Richard Twedt, the City's Art Manager, took the idea of launching a website for the Art Program, which would include the Maori art (up to 20 pieces for each artist), before the Art In Public Places Commission. The Commission agreed to the idea. Ms. Gomez will be working with Mr. Twedt on this project. O'Jay Vanegas spoke about the Agua Caliente bird singers and the Maori Artists. The Agua Caliente Youth tribal leaders are considering a visit to New Zealand. He would like Sister Cities to be a participant and noted that the Agua Calientes would fund the program. Ms. Darby said this connection between these two cultures has been the goal of Sister Cities from day one. She added that Mr. Vanegas has been a terrific representative for Sister Cities. E. UPDATE from Tourism & Economic Development Mark Talboys gave an update on the community -based trip to lxtapa- Zihuatanejo. He said the price of the trip would be $850.00. This includes 6 nights, golf or City tour, and the cost of the airline ticket. The proposed dates are April 4 to April 10, 2005 or April 25 to May 1, 2005. The Committee discussed the trip. Mr. Talboys said he would incorporate the suggestions of the Committee and come back with the final details. Ms. Ortega inquired about the idea of having a community -based trip from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to Palm Desert. Mr. Talboys said, "Yes, they would like to encourage tourism." He thought they could start with the Palm Desert Community going to lxtapa-Zihuatanejo. He said they might have representatives at the golf tournament or the Golf Cart Parade from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The Committee further discussed both the community trip to lxtapa-Zihuatanejo and the prospect of a community trip from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to Palm Desert. V. CONTINUED BUSINESS None. SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES September 16, 2004 Page 5 VI. OLD BUSINESS A. DISCUSSION on Golf Cart Parade Mr. Harris asked for the Committee's opinion on what they would like to do with regard to participation in the Golf Cart Parade. Mr. Marman said if there were enough volunteers the Committee could have three carts, one for each Sister City and the third for the Palm Desert Sister Cities Committee. Mr. Harris said that each cart is $110, if paid before 9/24/05, and $170 afterwards. Each cart fee includes 1 driver, 3 riders and 5 walkers. Alibaba Farzaneh offered to sponsor Sister Cities in the parade by donating the cost of three carts. Patty Bannon, Brianna Kirkwood, and Nancy Jo McIntosh volunteered to serve on the Golf Cart Parade Subcommittee. B. DISCUSS Donation of Hotel Gift Certificates Ms. Gomez said the Committee has two remaining gift certificates for two Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo hotels each being four night stays. The hotels are the Presidente Intercontinental with an expiration date of April 6, 2005, and the Bungalows Pacifico with no expiration date. Ms. Gomez suggested to the Committee that they could conduct a raffle for these certificates. Mr. Harris suggested that the proceeds from the raffle be used to help sponsor the trip for the firefighters in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to come to Palm Desert. A discussion ensued about the idea of drawing the winners of the raffle at the Golf Cart Parade. Mr. Talboys suggested that a small group be formed to take care of the details for the raffle. Motion made by Ms. McIntosh to approve the following: a raffle for the two certificates at the cost of $10.00 per ticket; and that the proceeds go to the Riverside County Fire Department in order to bring the firemen of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to Palm Desert. Motion seconded by Ms. Ortega. Carried unanimously by a show of hands 8-0. C. REVIEW of Goals & Objectives Mr. Talboys briefly went over the Goals & Objectives from the retreat of October 25, 2003. There was discussion on the individual subcommittees and the number of members on each subcommittee. Ms. Ortega asked if there was a completion date for the brochure. Ms. Gomez said the publisher has everything they need to get it started. She expects to have a sample by the October 21st meeting for the Committee's approval. Mr. Talboys said the creation of a marketing subcommittee should be addressed possibly in January 2005. There was further discussion about marketing the Sister Cities Committee. SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES September 16, 2004 Page 6 VIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY COUNCIL Mayor Pro Tem Buford Crites provided the Committee with copies of a Agua Caliente Cultural Museum article regarding the "New Zealand Sister Cities Exchange 2004" and copies of correspondence from Charles J. Swindells, Ambassador of the USA, Wellington, New Zealand. B. COMMITTEE CHAIR The Southern California Sister Cities Annual Conference will be in Riverside on Saturday, November 6, 2005. Mr. Talboys thought it a worthwhile conference to attend. The Committee would cover the cost of the conference. The concern by the Committee was that the date is the day before the Golf Cart Parade. Mr. Talboys said Ms. Goff had an accident over the summer. The Committee sent a get -well card, and he said she is back at work. Mr. Talboys made a recommendation that Assistant Chief Ignacio Otero be appointed an Ex-Officio member. Recommendation accepted by the Committee. Chief Ignacio Otero accepted the appointment. C. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Ms. Bannon made a recommendation that Sarah Healy be appointed an Ex-Officio member. Recommendation accepted by the Committee. Ms. Healy accepted the appointment. Ms. Bannon gave a copy of e-mail to Ms. Gomez from a gentleman in lxtapa-Zihuatanejo regarding a digital camera. Mr. Harris asked if City Council approved their budget. Ms. Gomez said the budget was approved as submitted giving the Committee $49,000 for the fiscal year 2004-05. Mr. Harris would like to see the close of last years budget. Ms. Gomez said that would be available to the Committee at the October meeting. Ms. Gomez said there is a separate revenue account for money raised during the year. Mr. Harris asked about progress regarding the logo. Ms. Gomez said the logo is going on the Sister Cities Brochure, business cards, and letterhead, if that is what the Committee wants. The Committee was in agreement with the uses suggested by Ms. Gomez. D. SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS - Art, Culture & Education - Tourism & Economic Development - Humanitarian SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES September 16, 2004 Page 7 E. STAFF Ms. Gomez asked Ms. Ortega if the Humanitarian Subcommittee discussed the scholarship program that Mayor Pro Tem Buford Crites wanted to establish for Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo students. Ms. Ortega said they have not discussed this program yet. IX. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Talboys adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m. Lori Wimbish, Recording Secretary