Sister Cities

Idaho Falls Sister City Meeting Minutes Monday, March 19, 2018 Members in Attendance: Carole & David Walters, Paul & Sheri Hansen, Cal & Cindy Ozaki, Clarke Kido, Val Haddon, Chelsea & Kris Schneider, Brian & Julie Wartchow, Kevin & Joan Fuhrman, Mary Krupnik, Bill Warner, Guests/New Members: Bryce & Kirsten Shurtliff (joined), Tom Demopoulos, Mary Tashiro Introductions: Members & Guest introduced themselves. Minutes: Approved as read. Treasurers Report: Balance as of 3/19/18 $5706.22 Business:  Discussion and establishment of Committees. Various committees were listed and members were asked to volunteer on which committee they would like to help on. If you did not sign up please contact Cindy as to which committee you would like to be on. Committees are as follows:  FINANCE: Joan, Kevin, Cal, Kris  SOCIAL MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS: Litton, Chelsea, Mary Krupnik, Bill Warner, Brian Wartchow-photographer  BYLAW COMMITTEE:  DELEGATION VISIT PLANNING: Brad, Sheri, Paul  GIFTS:  NEW MEMBERS:  SOCIALS:  HOMESTAYS/ACCOMMODATIONS: Joan  TRANSPORTATION:  We are still waiting on the money from the city for this year’s exchange. Carole & Cindy will check with Kami on when we can get it, (it is usually the first of February) and how much. In the past we have been allocated approximately $3500 per year for the exchange, however last year it was decided that the year we host we would get more than the year we go to Japan. This was for both the youth and adult delegation. After talking with the city we will get a more detailed allocation of the amounts for the finance committee to budget for planning purposes for the exchange.  Brad had given a talk on the new Broadway building when we were in Japan and he will arrange for a tour of the facility during this year’s exchange. He also offered to help with scheduling the new fire station tour.  Homestays were discussed as to have them be just the 2 days as have previously done or offer homestays for the entire exchange. We will need to get a list of those people who can host and if they can do 2 day or full homestay before we offer to Japan. We will also need a list of the Japanese delegates and their preference. Since the visit is in October and not high tourist season it was discussed we could shop around for deals at local hotels. Air B&B’s were suggested as an alternative. The problem as Brian stated is that in getting people gathered up and returned for all the events having people in various places is a nightmare. It is much easier if we have one meeting place for transportation.  Bryce Shurtliff did mention he has a CDL if needed for transportation.  Cindy passed out a preliminary agenda for the exchange. The dates that have been set up are Arrival Friday, Oct 5 with departure Sunday, Oct. 14th. It was discussed that the homestay weekend would be Sat Oct 6, Sun Oct 7 th. Monday is typically City day with Mayor, but it was mentioned that Monday Oct 8 th is Columbus Day and we will need to see if it is a city Holiday before planning. Monday Oct 8th was suggested for the Welcome Reception, and Sat Oct 13 th for Farewell Reception. We need to check on ideas for overnight trips.  Clarke reported on the Friendship Garden. Edward is working with the city and they are planning on marking public parking and private parking in the lots for clarification.  Clarke passed around the Commemorative series of Friendship stamps depicting Japan giving the US the cherry trees and the US sending flowering dogwood trees. The characters on the stamps for friendship is the same one that is on the rock at the garden. It was suggested that this might make a nice gift for the delegates (can be framed). It was mentioned that Linda Milam may have some or has given some in the past so we would check with her first.  It was mentioned that we would like to find a regular time for our meetings each month. Cindy has a list from the city of the days not available. It was suggested that we decide on either Monday or Tuesday and either the 3 rd or 4th one of the month. Wednesday is bad for those involved with Alive after Five and Thursday, Friday too close to weekend. Let Cindy know what your preference would be or if you have other days that would work better. cindyozaki@gmail.com. The next meeting is: TBA Sheri Hansen (Filling in for Lisa Sehlke)