Sister City Exploration Committee

Sister City Exploration Committee City Hall – Conference Room 302A 10 N. Division Street Monday, November 18, 2019 1:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Jacob Schacht, Comm. Chris Simmons, Pastor David Liasom Laisum, Pastor Biak Lian Thang, Edward Thawnghmung, Christina Hneon Vansuihnem Sawnset, Mark Haddock Committee Members Absent: Others Present: Victoria Houser, City Clerk Guests: Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:00 P.M. Public Comment: There were no public comments. New Business A. Discuss Purpose and Goals for Committee: to explore the feasibility of a sister city relationship with Falam, Chin State, Burma. Mr. Schacht noted this endeavor would require a number of resources, including people, time and funding. Mr. Schacht noted it would be beneficial to encourage participation by other partners and organizations, expressing a need that the community show interest and want to participate. Mr. Schacht provided a brief history of the sister city relationship with Takasaki, Japan, noting the initial economic reasons for a relationship, and going beyond to promote cultural activities in the city for the Japanese companies and staff members who were to become a part of the community. Mr. Schacht noted a lot of the work to establish the sister city relationship was done by the International Relations Committee and Battle Creek Unlimited. Mr. Thawnghmung provided a history of the Burmese in the Battle Creek community, noting there are currently over 3,000 Burmese residents. a. Review recommendations from Sister Cities International and past City Experience Mr. Schacht informed the committee that the establishment of a sister city relationship may take some time, possibly 2 years or more. Mr. Schacht discussed the difference between a Sister City and a Friendship City relationship, noting Fort Wayne, Indiana established a Friendship City relationship with Mawlamyine, Myanmar in 2016. Mr. Schacht emphasized the importance of establishing why the relationship is being created and to determine what type of relationship both organizations are envisioning. Mr. Schacht also stated there must be a unified understanding when conversing with community members, determining the goals and purpose of the relationship. Committee members agreed there was no political purpose for the relationship, instead to create a cultural connection with the community they now consider home, to learn of others traditions and history. Comm. Simmons also noted the economic benefit the Burmese community brings to the city, noting they are part of the workforce in the Fort Custer Industrial Park and the community. b. Discuss Tentative Timeline and Activity Mr. Schacht recommended the committee determine their goals and purpose, also to identify people or groups to talk with to determine their interest in participating or supporting a sister city relationship. Mr. Schacht noted it was important to set up expectations of the relationship, such as setting up a high school exchange between the cities. Mr. Schacht also requested the committee clarify the purpose and goals with Falam, stating this may be best done in person with a small delegation to Falam. Once complete, the committee would make a recommendation to the City Commission, stating his goal was to have the relationship established by December 2020. Committee members discussed the best time to travel, noting Falam’s heavy rains between June and September, recommending travel between October and May. Committee members agreed it may be best to plan for a trip in May 2020 as the initial sister city request was about a year prior. Mr. Schacht informed the committee that the International Relations Committee had some available funding for travel expenses. 1  Pastor Liasom shared that the lodging, transportation and meals while in Falam would be provided by the Falam Organization. Pastor Thang stated his church and the community were also conducting fundraising for the travel expenses. Comm. Simmons suggested requesting BCU and the Battle Creek Community Foundation also be requested for funding. Mr. Haddock noted establishing the sister city relationship was important as Burmese residents were neighbors, employees, students, and church members, noting they are a good economic force in the community. Mr. Haddock stated benefits would include cultural enrichment and understanding. Comm. Simmons also noted the Burmese are part of the population, which is important for census data and related governmental funding, and future business development. B. Introduction of Falam Mr. Schacht provided a handout comparing Falam to Battle Creek, both similarities and differences. C. Meeting Time and Frequency Discussion Committee members agreed the third Monday of the month was a good time to meet. Public Comment: No additional public comment took place. Board Comments: No additional board comment took place. Next Meeting: Monday, December 16, 2019 at 1:00 pm. Adjournment: Mr. Schacht adjourned the meeting at 2:01 pm. 2