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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Sister Cities Committee 11/18/2004\\-' CITY OF PALM DESERT SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES November 18, 2004 3:00 p.m. Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER_ Chairman Talboys called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Patricia Bannon Donna Jean Darby Bill Harris Rolf Hoehn Nancy Jo McIntosh John Marman Rose Mary Ortega Gilbert Slagel Mark Talboys, Chairman Staff/Others Present: Donna Gomez, Visitor Center Manager Sarah Healy, Ex-Officio Member Briana Kirkwood, Ex-Officio Member Ignacio Otero, Ex-Officio Member O'Jay Vanegas, Ex-Officio Member Lori Wimbish, Recording Secretary Gary Walker, Guest III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Talboys welcomed Rolf Hoehn as the newest member of the Sister Cities Committee. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD OCTOBER 21, 2004 Motion made by Nancy Jo McIntosh to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 21, 2004, seconded by John Marman. Motion carried by a show of hands 8-0. Rolf Hoehn abstained. V. NEW BUSINESS A. PRESENTATION OF STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM — ACE SUBCOMMITTEE SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES November 18, 2004 Page 2 Sarah Healy gave a presentation on the Student Exchange Program. Mr. Hoehn could not support the recommendation regarding a parent being able to accompany the student to New Zealand. He also felt the 2- week time period was not a sufficient amount of time to have a cultural experience. The subcommittee thought a 2-week period was prudent for the first year of the Program. Other committee members were in agreement that the involvement of a parent would be contrary to the Programs purpose. On the whole, the committee agreed with the concept presented. Motion was made by Mr. Hoehn that the concept be approved and that the ACE Subcommittee continue the process by contacting Gisborne and following up with Palm Desert High School, seconded by Donna Jean Darby. Motion carried by a show of hands 9-0. B: REPORT ON VISIT BY DR. CANTU, PRESIDENT IXTAPA- ZIHUATANEJO SISTER CITIES Mr. Talboys gave a synopsis of the meeting with Dr. Cantu and thought it was constructive and timely. Ignacio Otero added that the Fire Chief from Ixtapa Zihuatanejo had been appointed to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Sister Cities Humanitarian Committee. There was further discussion among the committee members regarding the meeting with Dr. Cantu. Mr. Talboys thought they could look forward to a productive relationship with Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. C. CONSIDERATION OF WORDING FOR SISTER CITIES IDENTIFICATION IN CIVIC CENTER PARK The committee discussed and made suggestions about the wording for the Sister Cities identification in the Civic Center Park. A request was made to create a stronger statement that would convey solidarity between the Sister Cities, and also, to leave space on the stone for future add itions. CONSIDERATION OF ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM Mr. Talboys received an e-mail from Miriam Swarbrick, which indicates that she is focusing on a painter/sculpture for this program. He said the committee should decide on the kind of artist they want for this program so it can be communicated to Ms. Swarbrick. The committee discussed their ideas and came to consensus on the following: someone who is interested in the artistic concepts and experiential aspects of art as well as someone who is vocal enough and who can write well enough to take the concept back with them to Gisborne. Whether they are good at one medium or another is not important, it is the entire imaginative and creative process. Motion was made by Ms. McIntosh to change the concept of the Artist in Residence Program to recommend that an artist come to Palm Desert to SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES November 18, 2004 Page 3 participate in the McCallum Program in the spring of 2005. The intent is for that individual to take the concept of the McCallum Program back to Gisborne and develop a similar program there, Ms. Darby seconded the motion. Motion carried by a show of hands 9-0. E. CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSAL FOR MAORI ARTWORK Chairman Talboys referenced correspondence received from Miriam Swarbrick wherein she asked if the Sister Cities Committee would accept the artwork remaining as a gift. Ms. McIntosh inquired about the process Mr. Vanegas was making on his proposal to exhibit the artwork. O'Jay Vanegas said the exhibit is a go with the Aqua Caliente Cultural Museum. The artist's name and history will be displayed with each painting. There will be a single sign stating that the pieces can be purchased. Mr. Talboys asked Mr. Vanegas to provide complete details to Donna Gomez so she in turn can provide that information to Ms. Swarbrick. Motion was made by Ms. McIntosh to request that Mr. Vanegas communicate to Ms. Swarbrick that the Aqua Caliente Cultural Museum has offered to exhibit the artwork, publicize the exhibit, host the exhibit, and make the pieces available for sale, seconded by Mr. Marman. Motion carried by a show of hands 9-0. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF EXPANDING SIZE OF SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE Motion was made by Ms. Darby to request the City Council to expand the number of committee members from nine to 11, seconded by Ms. McIntosh. Motion carried by a show of hands 9-0. VI1. OLD BUSINESS A. GOLF CART PARADE Chairman Talboys said Sister Cities was represented nicely in the parade. Two committee members, Nancy Jo McIntosh and Patricia Bannon, have offered to be co-chairs for the next parade, which will be in January 2006. VIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY COUNCIL None. SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES November 18, 2004 Page 4 B. COMMITTEE CHAIR Chairman Talboys mentioned three things that were ongoing: 1) expansion of the City's website to include more information on Sister Cities, 2) the Sister Cities brochure, and 3) the Sister Cities stationery, which was passed around for the committee members to review. C. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Mr. Hoehn said travel arrangements have been made for the firefighters coming to Palm Desert from Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. D. SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS a. Art, Culture & Education b. Tourism & Economic Development c. Humanitarian Ms. Ortega reported that the 2nd fire engine was ready to be transported to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. Ignacio Otero is continuing his good work and efforts with the Fire Department. She also asked for help with disposing of medical supplies and equipment that could not be sent to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. Mr. Talboys said he would help her. E. STAFF Ms. Gomez passed out raffle tickets for the three trips to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. The proceeds will be used to finance the visit of firefighters from Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. ay. Lori Wi'mbish, Recording Secretary *Reminder: Our next meeting will be held December 16th at 3:OOp.m.