Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board

Minutes of the February 9, 2005 Regular Meeting

Present:  Nancy Bjorge, Kathleen Hodge, Linda Hyler, Sheila Immel, Jon Josserand, BillKeel, Michael Kennedy, Graham Kreicker, Beth Reiber, Gina Ross, Bob Schumm, Karen Swisher, Andrew Tsubaki.  Also, David Corliss, Assistant City Manager

Absent:  Stuart Boley

Kreicker called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.

Keel moved to approve the minutes of the January 12^th meeting.  Seconded by Hodge and passed unanimously.

In the absence of Treasurer, Stuart Boley, Kreicker presented monthly accounting reports prepared by Office Helpline and the compilation for 2004 prepared by Lowenthal, Singleton, Webb & Wilson, the City’s auditing firm. After reviewing and discussion, Ross moved that they be accepted.  Seconded by Hodge and passed unanimously.

Kreicker introduced a citizen, Jim Reagan who gave an interesting and informative presentation about Lawrence getting a sister city in Ireland.  The Sister Cities International web site lists only a city in Northern Ireland, Crookstown, as seeking a U.S. partner city.  Mr. Reagan and Board members observed that this city is in the United Kingdom and that a city in Ireland would be preferable.  Our standing committee composed of Hodge, Josserand, Reiber, Ross and Schumm will take Mr. Reagan’s proposal under advisement, along with other options, when they next meet.

Kennedy outlined the details of the 2005 student trip to Hiratsuka that will take place from June 15^th to 25^th.  The group will include 18 or 19 pupils and five adults.

The Board discussed the division of the special bank account into funds for the Friends of Hiratsuka and funds for the scholarships.  Records show the total amount is $6,289.17. Schumm moved that 2/3 of the money go to Friends of Hiratsuka and 1/3 of the funds go the scholarship account.  Kennedy seconded.  During discussion Keel offered a friendly amendment to state that $4,200 would go to Friends of Hiratsuka and $2,089.17 go to the scholarship account.  Passed unanimously.

Tsubaki outlined details of the official delegate trip to Hiratsuka in May. About 16 to18 people are planning to participate.

David Corliss gave a report on our by-laws, procedures for revising them and some sections that might warrant revisions.  He distributed copies of the 2001 by-laws, which were never signed by the Mayor.  He said he would locate copies of the 2003 by-laws and distribute them via e-mail. (This was done.  The Mayor never signed that set, either.)

Tsubaki and Bjorge gave a report on the Origami Conference and the report on it that was featured in the Lawrence Journal-World.

Swisher expressed interest in obtaining a volleyball team contact in Japan.  This will be pursued.

At 7:00 Schumm moved that we adjourn.  Seconded by Ross and passed unanimously.