CITY OF PEORIA, ARIZONA ACACIA ROOM November 13, 2007 A Regular Meeting of the Sister City Commission of the City of Peoria, Arizona, was convened at 8401 W. Monroe Street at 4:08 p.m. Members Present: Bonnie Apperson, John Buonagurio, James Flonacher, Patty Fusco, and Mary Matheson Members Absent: Bob Ware, Penny Hughes Other Municipal Officials Present: Grady Miller, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Suzanne Stewart, Executive Assistant, Andre’ Licardi, Arts Officer Disposition of Absence(s): 1C Approve the absence of Bob Ware from the regular meeting held on February 27, 2007 A motion was made by Board Member Flonacher to approve the absence of Bob Ware; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Matheson. The absence from the regular meeting of February 27, 2007 were approved unanimously Minutes: 2C Discussion and possible action to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2007 meeting A motion was made by Board Member Apperson to approve the minutes as written; the motion was seconded by Board Member Flonacher. The minutes of the regular meeting of February 27, 2007 were approved unanimously Note: The order in which the items appear in the minutes is not necessarily the order in which they were discussed at the meeting. New Business: 3R Young Ambassador Program Schedule of Events for 2008 Alex Pinachi, Young Ambassador, gave a presentation to the council members at the last council meeting. Terri Smith provided a presentation on the Young Ambassador Program for the Sister City Board. It depicted Young Ambassadors from previous years involved in activities that represented the exchange program. Mr. Miller stated that the program was a great success. Ms. Smith related that the city was in the process of selecting youth for this program at this time. Candidates are usually recommended by principals, scout and church leaders. Ms. Smith suggested the board members make a recommendation for possible youth as nominees. Board Member Flonacher suggested putting the information regarding this program in water bill inserts so it will cover a greater number of youth in Peoria. He also pointed out that many Peoria residents are attending Glendale Schools. Board Member Matheson said that there were misconceptions as to where the program originates and many people are not aware of the program. Mr. Miller will discuss possible ways to publicize this program with the Public Information Office. Mr. Smith provided a schedule for interviews and asked for three volunteers from the board. Board Member Hughes and Board Member Flonacher volunteered. Mr. Miller remarked that this year the board members will be able to go through the entire process of the Young Ambassador Program. Ms. Smith let the board members know that orientation for selected youth will be on February 21, 2008 at 6 p.m. The scheduled date for the visiting ambassadors to arrive and be with the host families is June 29, 2008. The scheduled date for the Young Ambassadors to travel to Ireland is July 19, 2008 and they will be returning on August 2, 2008. There will be a Bon Voyage Party in June and a farewell dinner as well. 4R PUSD Faculty Exhibit at the Ards Art Centre Mr. Licardi provided the board members with a presentation of the PUSD Faculty Exhibit in Ireland. Board Member Apperson inquired as to how the artists were selected for this show. Mr. Licardi stated that the Executive Director of the West Valley Art Center selected the artwork for this show. Mr. Flonacher inquired where the artist’s artwork is displayed in Arizona. Mr. Licardi said for the time being the work is being displayed at the Peoria Unified School District Office for space reasons. He is hoping it can possibly be displayed at the new city library in the future. 5R Traveling Exhibits and Artists Exchanges Mr. Licardi discussed the Arts Partnership with our Sister City. They will be sending artists over from Ireland and the funding has been approved for this. Mr. Licardi distributed guidelines for this exchange and Board Member Apperson made a motion to approve the guidelines as written. Board Member Flonacher seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 6R ASU Photography Exhibit Mr. Licardi distributed a catalog representing a photography collection that was displayed in Newtownards this past September. The photography was originally displayed at Arizona State University and it depicts a collection of pictures of native Arizona Indians. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: No public attended this meeting. Reports from Staff: Mr. Licardi distributed information about an organized trip to Ireland in 2008. Andre’ discussed details for the trip and let the Board Members know that this trip was not connected to or sponsored by the City of Peoria. Mr. Licardi asked that anyone contact him directly if they are interested. Being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was duly adjourned at approximately 5:08 p.m. ________________________ Patty Fusco, Chair _________________________ Suzanne Stewart, Executive Assistant Communications and Public Affairs Sister City Commission Minutes Novemter 13, 2007 Page 3 11/13/07 minutes