Sister Cities Commission - 16 Sep 2024 CANCELLED

AGENDA Sister Cities Commission Meeting 5:15 PM - Monday, September 16, 2024 Kegel Klub Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 3.1. Election of 2024 Officer:  At the August 5, 2024 meeting, Lorie Rieser was elected as secretary  Lorie resigned from the commission  Secretary (Elaine Haala 2024; resigned effective June 3, 2024) 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Approve the August 5, 2024 Sister Cities Commission meeting minutes. 3 SCC minutes 08-05-2024 5. FINANCIAL REPORT 5.1. Approve the financial report for the date ending August 30, 2024, including the 4-5 following.  Revenue o to the Special Fund (830) Brat stand earnings from July in the amount of $315.50 and tips from August in the amount of $76.00  Expense o from the General Fund (101) stipend payment on August 7th and August 21st to Annika in the amount of $275.00; totaling $550.00 SISTER CITIES 08.31.2024 General SISTER CITIES 08.31.2024 6. HANS JOOHS CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM 6.1. 2024 Outbound Intern: 6  Anne Howard's internship will conclude on August 6th  Anne's required article has been submitted to The Journal for publication (attached) Ulm Exchange Reflection - Anne Howard Article 6.2. 2024 Inbound Intern:  Annika Fischer dates are July 1 (arrived in New Ulm June 29) - September 22  Host family - Jayne/Jim Hulke will host August 11 - September 22 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1. A letter was mailed to the Friends of Sister Cities Commission on August 6, 2024 to update contact information or be removed from the group. Fourteen individuals have returned the letter with contact information and eight Page 1 of 6  individuals have not returned the letter. A few have asked to be removed from the list. 8. ADJOURNMENT 8.1. The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. at City Hall Conference Room. If someone would like an item discussed at an upcoming Sister Cities Commission meeting, please send an email to lisap@newulmmn.gov so the item can be added to the Agenda. The SCC meets the first Monday of the month. In order for an item to be added to the Agenda, please submit the information five (5) days prior to the meeting. Page 2 of 6 Sister Cities Commission Meeting August 5, 2024. 5:15 p.m. Roll Call: Brian Filzen, John Vorwerk, Dick Seeboth, Larry Mack, Carolyn Marti, Ron Wendinger, Lori Reiser, Kieth Rolloff, Tom Schmitz, Jeremy Reed, Ex Official Mayor Backer. Absent: None Election of Secretary: Ron Wendinger made a motion for Lori Reiser for secretary, with a 2nd by John Vorwerk, motion carried Lori Reiser appointed secretary starting in September 2024. Approval of minutes Ron Wendinger made the motion, 2nd Larry Mack, motion carried. Financial Report – Carolyn Marti made a motion to approve the expenses, Jeremy Reed 2nd motion carried. Motion and second for approval of payment for the following from the Special Fund (830) to Ron Wendinger reimbursing for mileage and parking to pick up Annika from MSP in the amount of $138.30 to Concordia Lanes for Annika's welcome reception in the amount of $178.39 to Printwear Graphics for a polo shirt for Tom Schmitz in the amount of $33.00 to Keith Rolloff for food tray boats for the brat stand in the amount of $44.14 and from the General Fund (101) stipend payment on July 10th and July 17th to Annika in the amount of $275.00; totaling $550.00. The commission will work on scheduling a farewell when both are in New Ulm. Will look into and schedule as the calendar of events allows. Brat Stand updates were given. 8.1 & 8.2 Dick Seeboth made a motion for Farewell and Sister Cities Commission meeting on September 16, 2024. Jeremy Reed 2nd, motion carried Farewell will take place a Kegel Klub following the Sister Cities Commission meeting at 5:15 on September 16, 2024. Discussion was held on German Camp and to have a plan on the Agenda by March for approval. Larry Mack made a motion to adjourn 2nd by Carolyn Marti, motion carried meeting adjourned at 5:36 p.m. Submitted by Jeremy Reed Page 3 of 6  Sister Cities Commission General Fund For the Month Ended 08/31/24 Revenues: Budget 0.00 Revenues: 1,650.00 Budget remaining 1,650.00 Percent of budget remaining 0% Expenses: Budget 3,570.00 Expenses (3,010.00) Budget remaining 560.00 Percent of budget remaining 16% Total Budget Remaining 12/31/2024 2,210.00 Detailed Revenue and Expenses Revenue: Hans Joohs Stipend Park & Rec $1,650.00 TOTAL REVENUE $1,650.00 Expenses: February 2024 Sister Cities International Membership -$440.00 June Reimburse flight to Germany -$1,320.00 Travel Stipend - '24 Out-Bound Hans Joohs Exchange -$150.00 July Stipends Inbound -$550.00 August Stipends Inbound -$550.00 TOTAL EXPENSE -$3,010.00 Page 4 of 6  Sister Cities Commission Special Projects Fund For the Month Ended 08/31/24 Beginning Balance: 1/1/2024 8,714.03 Revenue: Interest 142.79 Other Contributions/Sales 447.50 590.29 Expenses: Other (1,217.33) (1,217.33) Ending Balance: 12/31/2024 8,086.99 Detailed Revenue and Expenses Revenue: June Interest $142.79 July Brat Stand - Tips $56.00 Brat Stand - Earnings $315.50 August Brat Stand - Tips $76.00 TOTAL REVENUE $590.29 Expenses: February Recognition Award -$73.50 July Car Rental - Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange -$250.00 Hans Joohs Mileage/parking -$138.30 Narren Stipend - Germany Trip -$500.00 Annika Welcome Reception -$178.39 SCC Polo Shirt -$33.00 Brat Stand expenses -$44.14 TOTAL EXPENSE -$1,217.33 Page 5 of 6  This summer, my adventure with the Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange Program took me to Germany, where I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in both professional and cultural experiences. I began my journey by shadowing Dr. Herald Gackle, an esteemed ophthalmologist. Dr. Gackle guided me through fascinating ophthalmological procedures and introduced me to Germany's rich history and beauty. Our excursions to Bergenwald and the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle were highlights, offering a perfect blend of professional learning and cultural exploration. I not only found mentorship but also friendship in Dr. Gackle. Following my rotation with Dr. Gackle, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Jens Schuler, a renowned neurosurgeon. Assisting Dr. Schuler with minor neurosurgeries provided invaluable hands-on experience and deepened my understanding of neurosurgical practices. Communicating exclusively in German was both challenging and rewarding, enhancing my language skills and allowing me to engage fully with the German medical environment. One of the memorable experiences with Dr. Schuler was our visit to Blautopf, a picturesque blue spring in Blaubeuren. It was a refreshing and enjoyable diversion from the rigorous schedule of surgeries and an excellent way to appreciate the region's natural beauty. During my time with Dr. Schuler, I was hosted by the Keisling family, who made my stay incredibly enriching. They introduced me to the vibrant Danube Festival and arranged a private tour of Ulm-Erbach with Baron Constantin. Participating in local markets and Schwormontag festivities added a lively cultural dimension to my stay. My final accommodation was with Anna Kohler, daughter of Frank Kohler, in Tübingen. Experiencing the dynamic student life there was invigorating and highlighted the balance between work and personal pursuits. Overall, this experience has reinforced the importance of international medical competency and demonstrated that achieving a work-life balance is possible. As I look forward to applying to medical schools like Charité in Berlin, I am excited about the future and hope to inspire others to explore the world and broaden their horizons. Anne Howard 2024 Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange intern Page 6 of 6