Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board

City of Lawrence

Minutes of the May 12, 2004 Regular Meeting

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Kathleen Hodge, Jon Josserand, Bill Keel, Michael Kennedy, Graham Kreicker, Beth Reiber, Gina Ross, Bob Schumm, Andrew Tsubaki. Also, Frank Baron, Friedemann Eisert, Atsuko Wada
MEMBERS ABSENT:	Stuart Boley, Trish Bransky, Sheila Immel, Karen Swisher
CITY STAFF PRESENT:	Lisa Patterson,
PUBLIC PRESENT:	none

Kreicker called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

Keel moved approval of the April meeting minutes, Ross seconded, passed unanimously

There was no Treasurer’s report.

Friedemann Eisert informed the board about the health and financial crisis of the family of a student participating in the Eutin program this summer. She had already received a $700 scholarship based on need. The need is now more critical. After discussion, Keel moved that we make a one time humanitarian assistance grant of $700 to the student based on the family medical emergency. Seconded by Schumm who stated that the funds could come from the scholarship account and our total expenditures from that account for this year would not exceed our guidelines for annual disbursements. After discussion, passed unanimously.

The board reviewed gifts to be taken to Eutin for the 15^th Anniversary observance. They will include:

The Nancy Bjorge art piece for the City, to be displayed in the Library.

A business card holder to be presented to the Mayor for his desk.

Seven Melanie Hadley CDs (produced by Baron) for the Friends of Lawrence Board

Five silver Jayhawk pins and five silver Sunflower pins to for function hosts

Approx. 25 “VW” key rings with lights for guides, drivers, etc.

Due to the high cost of posters and the difficulty in transporting them, Lisa Patterson introduced an attractive packet of note cards featuring four Lawrence scenes. After discussion, Ross moved that we purchase them to give to visiting delegates in September, in lieu of posters. Seconded by Kennedy. Kreicker offered a friendly amendment to include one scene from the Japanese Garden. He will pay for the original art. Schumm offered an amendment to purchase 200 sets of 25, five each of five different scenes, for a cost not to exceed $900.00 After discussion, motion passed unanimously.

Kreicker introduced the third version of City auditor, Tom Singleton’s, compilation of our income, expense and account balances for 2003. He stated that Singleton had filed an extension with the IRS. Patterson will present the figures to City staff to see if they conform to city requirements. Meanwhile, our operating funds have not been approved. Schumm resigned as Treasurer of the Scholarship Account and the Travel Account. However, he will continue to handle the travel account until all funds have been disbursed sometime within the next few weeks.

Tsubaki outlined the need for buses to transport the Japanese delegates. We anticipate the need for two 15-passenger vans for three days at a daily cost of $110 per van, or $660 total. Schumm moved that we authorize the expenditure, seconded by Hodge, passed unanimously.

Atsuko Wada, announced that this would be her last visit to our Board meetings as she will return home on May 24^th. She presented us with home baked cookies and drinks. We presented her with a book featuring photos of homes in Lawrence. Schumm moved and Hodge seconded that we have Tsubaki send a letter in the Japanese language to her supervisors in Japan to express our appreciation for her enthusiasm, charm and diligence while here. Passed unanimously.

Schumm informed the board that it would be necessary to make a 50% deposit now in order to secure a quality band for the Sept. 18^th Sesquicentennial dinner. He and Hodge had previewed the band “Blue Neon” and recommended the group highly. They will underwrite the deposit if there is not adequate funding to pay for the band. Josserand moved that we engage the band and pay the $1,100 deposit. Seconded by Hodge and passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.