Sister Cities Commission

City of Naperville 400 S. Eagle Street Naperville, IL 60540 Meeting Minutes - Final Wednesday, February 8, 2023 6:30 PM NEU Sister Cities Commission Sister Cities Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 8, 2023 A. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Fuhrer called the Sister Cities meeting of February 8, 2023 to order at 6:35 p.m. B. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Donofrio, Luo, Saboo, Rudolph, Lowe, Fuhrer, Chamberlain, Mani ABSENT: Wang STUDENTS PRESENT: Wu, Vemula, Habeeb and Shah Students Absent: Ramkuma C. PUBLIC FORUM: Terry O'Dowd and Matt Jones attended our meeting to discuss the upcoming Irish Festival. Sister Cities Foundation and the Irish Festival organizers have decided to collaborate on the costs of the fencing. Commissioner Lowe introduced the idea of adding Ireland as a Sister City. Terry O'Dowd stated that he has worked with the Irish Consulate and that they would be happy to provide a connection. When asked, what does becoming a Sister City mean? Chairman Fuhrer responded with food and sports and also adding that we want to be in a place where we can dialogue in real time. Patty Gustin: We would like to discuss government and foster more business aspects. Lowe: We would like to work with a City Council that is interactive. Fuhrer: We have a list of criteria that we look for, such as that there is a college in that town, high schools, secondary schools, performing arts and a similar population to what Naperville has. D. OLD BUSINESS: E. REPORTS: Approve Sister Cities Commission minutes of January 24, 2023 City of Naperville Page 1 Printed on 6/13/2023 Sister Cities Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 8, 2023 Commissioner Rudolph moved, seconded by Chamberlain to approve the Sister Cities minutes of January 24, 2023. Motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Donofrio, Luo, Saboo, Rudolph, Lowe, Fuhrer, Chamberlain, Mani Chairman's Report - Chairman Lance Fuhrer Commissioner announced that everyone was sent information from Sister Cities International which is now accepting applications for the 2023 Young Artists and Authors. Sister Cities Update/News - Chairman Alan Lowe More discussion on adding a Sister City. Commissioner Neelam suggested that we teach English, education and language. Prithvi said that have video chats with Taiwan exchange students and are able to teach these things. Commissioner Lowe: We would like to add a Sister City where we can have an interactive relationship and these suggestions are a stop in the right direction. Sister Cities Foundation Update - Chairman Shafeek Abubaker Shafeek and Alan stated that the Foundation has submitted all of the permits for the Hispanic Festival in 2023. Shafeek and Patty Gustin would like to grow their Foundation and are looking for new members. Alebrije Sculpture Update - Chairman Donofrio Chairman Donofrio reported that the Alebrije Sculpture was not coming to Naperville this year. Donofrio expressed an interest in becoming a Sister City with a city in Panama. He has a connection that he feels can help and would like to invite them to a future meeting. Commissioner Rudolph suggested perhaps a city in India or China. Commission Mani wondered if we should pursue one at a time to which Commissioners thought it may be better to look at more than one place at a time. Commission Fuhrer said that there should be a commission there. That should be one of the criteria. Chairman Fuhrer suggested to Donofrio to invite his connect to a future meeting. We would love to hear their story. Treasurer's Report - Chairman Neelam Saboo Chairman Saboo presented the Treasurer's Report. The report for January 8, 2023 has been received and filed. City of Naperville Page 2 Printed on 6/13/2023 Sister Cities Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 8, 2023 Budget Report for year FY 2022 The Budget Report for the fiscal year 2022 was received and filed. F. NEW BUSINESS: G. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Donofrio moved, seconded by Commission Chamberlain moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 pm. Motion passed by voice vote. City of Naperville Page 3 Printed on 6/13/2023