2014-03-24 Sister City Commission MinutesEdmonds Sister City Commission
Meeting Date: March 24th, 2014
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:01pm
Attendance: Pos. 1 Michelle Van Tassell Pos. 2 Ray Olitt Pos. 3
Pos. 4 Marlene Friend Pos. 5 Kay Vreeland Pos. 6 Rita Ikeda
Pos. 7 lyoko Okano Pos. 8 Pos. 9 Joseph Fletcher
Pos. 10 Pos. 11 Pos. 12 Paul Anderson
Student Rep. Michelle Rockstead
Commissioners Absent: Ray Olitt (on leave), lyoko Okano (In Japan), Marlene Friend (In Japan)
Staff Liaison: Carolyn LaFave
Guests / Public Comment: Karyn Heinekin, who has been selected to be a chaperone for this
year's student delegation, attended the meeting and gave a brief introduction and status of her
activities.
Administration
Agenda: An addition was made under the PR section concerning the finalization of the farmer's
market participation plans.
Minutes: February meeting minutes were updated with minor spelling and punctuation corrections.
Minutes for January and February 2014 were approved by the Commission.
Chair's Report:
PR Report: Kay mentioned two art exhibits that are being displayed in Edmonds. During April, the
Edmonds has a photography exhibit featuring Kiyotaka Sugiura's lighthouse photographs and the Arts
Festival Foundation is displaying a selection of works from the Hekinan collection at the Frances
Anderson Center. Also, ESCC will have a booth at the summer market on August 16t" —there will be no
cost for this booth.
Staff /Treasurer's Report: Carolyn reports that 6 individuals were interviewed and Karen Heinekin
was selected. Two other individuals are also high on the list for chaperone positions. The current the
number of students warrants only a single chaperone. Should more students apply, we will ask one of
the other chaperone candidates to go. There is some concern about one student who has an allergy to
peanuts. Carolyn is making some preliminary actions to pave the way for this student to participate if
s/he chooses to do so. Student interviews are underway. The students range from 14 to 18 years old.
The price for the trip has decreased somewhat. It is now around $1500.00 for the airfare. Seventeen
tickets have been allocated.
The orientation timeline is being developed. Target dates are April 23rd, May 141", May 28t", June 25tn
and July 9t". The departure date is July 21St
The agenda for the orientation meeting is in development.
Carolyn is planning for a story to be included in the Edmonds school district E-News letter.
Student Representative Report: Michelle R. started a FB event page for the Summer Market in order
to find participants. She has had a number of responses.
Correspondence: None
Old Business
Student Delegation: Michelle V. is working with the Rotary Club to discuss scholarship support
opportunities. Host Family recruiting is continuing. Hekinan is 'okay' with the idea of up to two
students staying with one family. Karyn mention that this effort is a good topic for inclusion in the
school PTA newsletter.
Fund raising: Mariner's night is confirmed for Tuesday, August 121". Fund raising letter has not been
completed — this is for Joseph and Michelle V. to complete. The Red Onion has an available fund raising
night on Tuesday, August 191" (which is one day following the delegation departure). Carolyn has the
details on this opportunity. This event could be advertised at the Summer Market.
Commissioner Recruiting: Rita visited Sal Nacion, who is interested in the commissioner position.
Her decision is pending due to family concerns.
New Business
Delegation visit Itinerary: Carolyn provided an early draft of itinerary. There are some items which
have predetermined dates, however many items are yet to be fully conceptualized.
Five -Year Plan Update: No update this month.
Local Correspondence: None.
Review of Action Items:
Items Tabled: None
Next Meeting: April 28t", 2014
Adjournment: 8:03pm