CITY OF PEORIA, ARIZONA ACACIA ROOM February 27, 2007 A Regular Meeting of the Sister City Commission of the City of Peoria, Arizona, was convened at 8401 W. Monroe Street at 5:32 p.m. Members Present: Bonnie Apperson, John Buonagurio, James Flonacher, Patty Fusco, Penny Hughes and Mary Matheson Members Absent: Bob Ware Other Municipal Officials Present: Grady Miller, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Suzanne Stewart, Executive Assistant, Andre’ Licardi, Arts Officer Disposition of Absence(s): None Minutes: 1. None Note: The order in which the items appear in the minutes is not necessarily the order in which they were discussed at the meeting. Unfinished Business: 1. None New Business: 1. Discussion and possible action regarding the selection of Chair and Vice Chair for the Sister City Commission The commissioners and staff introduced themselves briefly before the meeting began. After the introductions Mr. Miller explained the procedure for electing the Chair and Vice Chair. Patty Fusco nominated herself as Chair and James Flonacher nominated himself for Vice Chair. Commissioner Apperson made a motion to nominate both Patty Fusco as Chair and James Flonacher as Vice Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matheson and upon vote passed unanimously. 2. Discussion and overview of the Sister City Commission and its roles and responsibilities Mr. Miller explained to the commissioners how and when the Sister City Commission was formed. Mr. Miller stated that when we began researching a possible Sister City in 2001 and the city elected the Borough of Ards in Ireland as our official Sister City. The Sister City Commission was formed in January 2002. Mr. Miller explained to the commissioners that their duties included advising the Mayor and Council on Sister City issues, advocating the Sister City Program and assisting occasionally with the Young Ambassador Program. He encouraged the commissioners to voice what they felt was important to the Mayor and Council. Mr. Miller discussed the Young Ambassador Program with the commissioners. The program has high school students from both cities visit in the summer. There will be an interview panel next week to select this years Young Ambassadors. Mr. Miller let the commissioners know that if they were interested on being on the panel to contact Terri Smith. 3. Discussion regarding the Young Ambassador interviews for the summer of 2007 student exchange – March 5, 2007 – 5:30 p.m. and March 8, 2007 – 5:30 p.m. Ms. Smith gave an overview of the Young Ambassador interviews that were scheduled for the following week. She explained how students from the high schools are selected. Usually the candidates that are selected have been in the program the previous year, although this year the candidates have not been involved in the program previously. The interviews are scheduled for March 5th and 6th at the Public Safety Administration Building and the candidates must bring a parent to the interview. After the Young Ambassadors are selected they are informed of the panel’s decision, passports are issued and they are to attend an orientation in April. Travel takes place in July. Mr. Miller suggested that two commissioners sit on the interview panel. The commissioners discussed it amongst themselves and Commissioners Hughes, Matheson and Flonacher all volunteered. 4. Discussion regarding visits by the Borough of Ards * March 7 – 10, 2007 * April 29 – May 5, 2007 Mr. Miller informed the commissioners that Councilmember Ronnie Ferguson and Ards Tourism Director Mark Mohan will be visiting in March. The visit will be brief so they will not have any time to visit with the commissioners. There will be a reception at the Irish Cultural Center in April/May and the city will be sending out invitations for this event shortly. Mr. Miller stated that the staff will keep the commissioners informed of any future visits. 5. Discussion regarding the 2007 Arizona Sister Cities Conference to be held in Peoria, April 26 – 27th The City of Peoria will be hosting the 2007 Arizona Sister Cities Conference this year. The conference will be held at the Public Safety Administration Building. Mr. Miller encouraged the commissioners to attend and to submit their registration to Ms. Stewart as soon as possible. Mr. Miller stated that other Sister City Commissions and Sister City related boards will be attending this conference. 6. Discussion regarding a tour to Ireland for the summer of 2007 available to the community Mr. Licardi presented the commission with information regarding a tour of Ireland that is available to the entire community. Mr. Licardi organized the trip that will take place in July 2007 and provided details of the agenda as well as the cost and procedures. The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is advertising this excursion through their office. There must be 20 people who sign up for the trip or it will be cancelled for this year. Mr. Miller let the commissioners know that the city is not encouraging them to attend this trip, but only providing the information in the event that any commissioners are interested. Mr. Licardi asked anyone who is interested to contact him directly. Reports from Staff: NONE Being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was duly adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m. ________________________ Patty Fusco, Chair _________________________ Suzanne Stewart, Executive Assistant Communications and Public Affairs