Town of Cary
SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Minutes of March 21, 2002 Meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm.

Present: Mary Lou Addor, Jinnie Davis, Scotty Elliot (Town of Cary), Samuel Fudzie, Barry Mitsch (Chair), and Nadette Welterlin-Hugg..

Meeting Summary Approval: February 21, 2002 approved with following changes:

Guest: Ian Henshaw attended not Luiz Mineiro

Treasurer's Report – Barry Mitsch

Barry Mitsch reported for Tom in his absence that the Association account could expect the $500 refund soon, including the $60 received for membership in Sister Cities Association. Sister City Commission member, Mary Lou Addor, joined the Sisters Cities Association.

Cultural Affairs and the Arts - Scotty Elliott

Scotty reminded the Commission about an upcoming event: Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival, Saturday, April 27, 2002, from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Sharon Hannigan and Mary Lou Addor will host the table representing the Sister Cities Association/Commission, Scotty will provide table and tent.

The St. Patrick’s Day-March 12th event went well with about 34 people in attendance. The Irish Bagpiper, Sam O’Kane, performed from 7-7:30pm, followed with the slide presentation of Jack Crosson. Refreshments were available as well as association applications. Scotty suggested for future events that a date and time is picked when a majority of the Commission can attend.

Database and Website – no report.

LeTouquet, France - Nadette Welterlin-Hugg

Nadette reported the official liaison for LeTouquet is Ms. Anne Margaratte. Consequently, Nadette believes arrangements between the two Sister Cities will progress steadily because of this relationship. Nadette also informed the Commission about a letter from Mr. Leonce Deprez, Mayor of LeTouquet to the Mayor of Cary, Mr. Glen Lange. The letter called for future activities to build on the established relationship. Nadette offered ideas on possible activities, functions, and events the two towns could share in developing to influence a positive relationship:

• Anniversary Celebration: Work with the LeTouquet Office of Tourism to promote cultural and social collaborations between the two cities. One idea is working on a 10^th anniversary celebration between the two cities to celebrate the relationship.

• Culinary Exchange: Another idea is a cooking workshop or French cooking event. Barry reminded the Commission of an existing exchange between the Wake Tech Community College and the LeTouquet Culinary School. For instance, the Culinary School students may participate in a Wake Tech workshop, reside in host families that the SAS institute often provides. Barry mentioned he would like to see a similar educational exchange between Meath and Markham regarding technology. 

Markham and Toronto, Ontario - Barry Mitsch.

Markham visit on schedule for April 25-28, 2002. Initial focus is on economic alliance between Cary and Markham. Three town council members plan to attend, two Sister City Commission members (Barry and Tom), and others associated with the Chamber of Commerce.

County Meath, Ireland – Mary Lou Addor

Sharon, Mary Lou, and Sarah are in the progress of reviewing proposals from travel agencies and Sharon will present their findings at the April Commission meeting. The proposals submitted are based on criteria specified in the RFP and closing date for bids is March 22, 2002. Barry said Tom is drafting a contract for the selected travel agent.

Hsinchu City, Taiwan – Jinnie Davis

Jinnie Davis responded from the Commission to the letter received from the newly appointed mayor of Hsinchu City, Taiwan.

Nadette expressed her preference for seeing a more visible relationship between the Commission and Town Council members. She thinks it is important that the Town Council is aware of the Commission’s activities, the importance of the Commission in building international -working relationships, and educating each other in developing unique solutions to complex urban problems.

Mary Lou expressed her preference to recognize the linkage the Commission and Association can play in promoting "sense of community". Mary Lou would like to explore what role Sister Cities International could have in supporting efforts of Cary’s Sister City Commission/Association through its online Community Resource Center and grants program. Mary Lou will look into, provide a report to the Commission in either April or June regarding potential opportunities and limitations in establishing a linkage between SCI and SCC.

Scotty will follow up with Sue Rowland on the interest for Council to become more informed of the Commission’s activities. Barry offered to speak at a Council meeting on Commission activities.

Next Meeting: April18, 2002 @7:30pm, Conference B of Cary Town Hall.