2014-12-15 Sister City Commission MinutesEdmonds Sister City Commission
Meeting Date: December 15, 2014
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:10pm
Attendance: Pos. 1 Michelle Van Tassell Pos. 2 open Pos. 3 Pamela Erickson
Pos. 4 Marlene Friend Pos. 5 open Pos. 6 Rita Ikeda
Pos. 7 lyoko Okano Pos. 8 Michelle Fellows Pos. 9 open
Pos. 10 Karyn Heinekin Pos. 11 open Pos. 12 Paul Anderson
Student Rep. Michelle Rockstead
Commissioners Absent: Michelle Rockstead, Karyn Heinekin (excused)
Staff Liaison: Carolyn LaFave
Guests / Public Comment: none
Agenda: moved and seconded
Minutes: Minutes for November approved
Treasurer's Report:
• Current balances are private fund $530.70, public fund $829.19.
• The city council approved the matching grant. The commission will receive $500 to
match the Lanning family donation. Carolyn wrote a letter to the council stating that
funds would be used for some or all of the following: education program, transportation,
cultural programs for grade schools, membership costs for Sister Cities International.
Chair's Report: Michelle will give Carolyn copies of all previous agendas.
PR Report: Michele F applied for the lobby display case at the Edmonds Library.
Staff Report:
• We received a Christmas card from the Seattle Japanese Consulate.
• Noriko Tseng was interviewed for a commissioner position.
Student Representative Report: none
Official Correspondence: lyoko received a letter from Isigashi-san regarding the AET position (see
AET in Old Business).
Old Business
Cultural Event:
• Carolyn shared that there are rules about how any private and public funds received by the city
are spent. The money cannot be spent on food, beverage or gifts.
• Pam said that the estimated costs for the Arista event would be: $300 room rental, $50 PR
(postcards and postage). The commission approved $400 by a vote with 5 in favor, 2 opposed.
• Marlene proposed an idea that we not consider this a fundraiser in any way but instead a means
of increasing awareness of the Commission and its purpose. We will not provide food or do any
auction but instead ask Arista to host the event with the sake tasting and if there are funds
above their costs, they could donate them to ESCC. Pam will look into this option.
• There was discussion as to how we will go forward in the future with the budget criteria. We
discussed being a non-profit. Carolyn is going to spend some time with the city's financial
director regarding our options.
Chaperone Planning for 2015 No applications have been received at this time. The deadline will be
extended to 12/30/14.
Student Recruiting for 2015: Nothing at this time.
Fund raising: We are planning to go ahead with the Red Onion fundraiser, but because of the use of
funds limitations, we will wait to see what the Finance Director recommends. It is important that we are
able to use the money the students raise toward their costs for the trip.
AET Planning Update:
• The letter received contained updated information as to the requirements set by Hekinan. They
include that they want a certificated teacher with ESL experience; good character; mature
personality; professional appearance; ability to work with junior high students; age preferred
30-45 years old; enthusiastic; able to teach American culture; Edmonds resident or nearby
community; ability to converse in Japanese language.
• lyoko explained the past history of the AET relationship.
New Business:
Commissioner Recruiting: Noriko Tseng was approved for a commissioner position and a meeting
with the Mayor and confirmation from the City Council will be set up as soon as possible after the
holidays.
Next Meeting: January 26, 2015
Adjournment: 8:14pm