2019-08-26 Sister City Commission MinutesNotes from August 26t"2019, no quorum established
General Notes:
Wrap up
There will be a wrap up meeting in an exit interview format with chaperones in the next couple
of weeks. This has been informal in the past, but should be a regular addition to the schedule.
Akiko said the interaction between the two delegations was good.
Report on the chaperone comments will be made at the next Commission meeting.
City Council
The presentation to City Council will be in October. Dates to be chosen by chaperones.
Newsletter
Newsletter will come out early October. Items should be sent to Laura by the last week in
September.
Calendar
Next step for Commission is recruiting chaperones. Carolyn will draft a timeline.
Review of visit:
We liked the bus driver this year.
Arrival
Customs/immigration was the hold up this year. Other West Coast airports better set up for
international customs may be an option — San Francisco, Vancouver BC.
Welcome Dinner went well. Food choices were good, but a vegetarian option is needed.
Edmonds Day
The fire station was very popular.
Students liked exploring the Edmonds Community College campus, but mostly enjoyed the
bookstore.
They were served sandwiches for lunch.
Yost Park worked well. Beach walk versus park trails is mainly based on tide tables.
When given the chance to explore downtown Edmonds, most delegates headed to the beach.
State Capitol Day
The day ran pretty much the same as previous. The guard in the Governor's office was helpful
and friendly. The ramen place for lunch was popular.
Snoqualmie Falls Day
Need to outline visit perhaps with map to ensure the group hikes to the bottom of the falls.
Wallaby Ranch was also well -received although the 20 minutes video at the beginning was
difficult to follow. A prepared summary of the information could be handed out instead. The
presenter may be willing to skip the video in future.
Everett Day
There wasn't a lot of individual wandering time for the gallery. Tour guide was engaging and
friendly. The glass blowing furnace was being replaced that day so she focused on the gallery.
More individual wandering time would be good. The craft was suitable except the instructions
were complicated. Quite a few had difficulty following. The materials were not prepared in
advance. Would recommend smaller groups working together and supplies packaged in
individual bags prior to arrival (or have chaperones work on while the tour is going on.)
Pizza was a big hit. They mostly wanted pepperoni. Funko also very popular, probably could
have spent more time there. Lighthouse tour was good. The historical lecture not of huge
interest, but going up to the light was a highlight. They would have liked more time at the
beach.
Seattle Day
The Market was very popular. Trying to keep large groups together was difficult. The Edmonds
delegates need to be aware of their duties as hosts.
Farewell Dinner
Consider procuring supplies locally to save time and hassle. Make a list in advance of items not
available at an Asian market so volunteer can gather. The group ran out of time to prepare.
Perhaps in future, we can review the day with the chaperones and help them with timing. In the
past, the group has begun prepping/decorating while the others went shopping.