2022-10-24 Sister City Commission MinutesEdmonds Sister City Commission MINUTES
Monday, October 24, 2022
6:00 — 7:00 pm
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Pos. 1 OPEN
Pos. 4 Anne Nadreau
Pos. 7 lyoko Okano
Pos. 10 Karyn Heinekin
Student Representative:
Pos. 2 Katy Renz
Pos. 5 Gillian Lim
Pos. 8 Michele Fellows
Pos. 11 Colin Torretta
Pos. 3 Greg Lange
Pos. 6 Laura Otto
Pos. 9 Yuri Nishiyama
Pos. 12 OPEN
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In Attendance: Katy Renz, Greg Lange, lyoko Okano, Kary Heinekin, Yuri Nishiyama, Colin Torretta
Absent: Anne Nadreau (ex), Gillian Lim (unex), Laura Otto (ex), Michele Fellows (unex)
Staff Liaison: Carolyn LaFave
Call to Order: Katy
Guests:
Administration:
1. Approve/Amend Agenda: Colin motioned to approve; Katy seconded
2. Approve/Amend Minutes: Colin motioned to approve; Greg seconded
3. Financials: 16k in public fund; 2.5k will be added in December
New Business:
1. New meeting location for hybrid meetings will be in the Brackett Room @ City Hall
2. 2023 Adult Exchange
a. Edmonds and Hekinan on -board for 2023 adult exchange due to Japan travel restrictions
lift: 1) no visa requirements 2) 3 COVID vaccines OR negative COVID test prior to going
3) Japan opened travel to tourist groups such as ours
b. Edmonds to Hekinan — 4/1/2023 — 4/7/2023
c. Hekinan to Edmonds—10/30/2023—11/4/2023
d. 351h anniversary of sister city relationship and Hekinan City's 75th anniversary
e. Applications for Edmonds delegates are due 12/15/2022
f. One, possibly two orientation meetings for Edmonds delegation prior to travel
g. Delegates will purchase their own tickets as in previous years
h. Preparations for Hekinan delegation visit will start after return of Edmonds delegation
i. Set dates so far for Hekinan delegation visit: 1) Mayor's reception upon arrival on
10/30/2023 2) Anniversary celebration reception 11/1/2023
j. Planning for at least two Commissioners per day for Hekinan visit itinerary
3. Discussion regarding creation of a Washington State Japan Sister City organization. Yuri was
asked by deputy consul general about the possibility of Edmonds creating this organization.
After discussing the Commission voted unanimously not to pursue this venture for various
reasons. Colin thanks Yuri for her work on presenting this to the Commission.
Continued Business:
1. Response from Hekinan was favorable
2. Edmonds English translations/answer were sometime too lengthy for Hekinan to understand
3. Overall went smoothly, sharing sessions went well, and it was a nice opportunity to get together
with Hekinan
4. Possibly plan more of these; caveat, keep time to a limit, provide more opportunities for
discussion
Next Meeting: November 28, 2022
Adjourned: 7 pm