Sister Cities Commission

AGENDA Sister Cities Commission Meeting 5:15 PM - Monday, December 1, 2025 City Hall Council Chambers Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. MEMBERSHIP 3.1. Thank you to outgoing commissions, Brian Filzen and Dick Seeboth, for their years of service to the Sister Cities Commission. 4. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 4.1. Election of 2026 Officers:  Chair (Jayne Maday-Hulke 2025)  Vice-Chair (Dick Seeboth 2025; fulfilled two consecutive terms)  Secretary (Ellie Sveine 2025) 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5.1. Approve the November 3, 2025 Sister Cities Commission meeting minutes. 3-4 SCC minutes 11-03-2025 6. FINANCIAL REPORT 6.1. Approve the financial report for the date ending November 30, 2025. 5-6 Summary of Expenses: General Fund  Stipend payment to Samuel Knoops - $550 SISTER CITIES 11.30.25 SISTER CITIES 11.30.2025 General 7. HANS JOOHS CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM 7.1. 2026 Hans Joohs Exchange Program application process is open until December 31st. To date, no applications have been submitted. 7.2. Thank you letters will be sent to Jensen Motors, Schell's Brewery, and host families. 7.3. Purchase Chamber dollars to send to the host families as appreciation for hosting Samuel. 8. OLD BUSINESS 8.1. Recognition Award (John Vorwerk/Brian Filzen/Tony Beranek) 7  Subcommittee meeting scheduled for December 1st at 4:45 p.m.  Select 2025 Recognition Award Recipient  Select date and location to hold award reception (reception held in January) Page 1 of 12   Order plaque Recipients 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. Motion to continue or discontinue the German Language Camp. 9.2. Committee preferences for 2026 will be selected during the January meeting. 8 - 12 Committee responsibilities are attached for your review to provide information on each committee. Committee Responsibilities 2025 Sister Cities Committee Assignments 2025 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS 10.1. The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. 11. ADJOURNMENT 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 12 Minutes of the Sister Cities Commission Monday, November 3, 2025 5:15 pm Roll call Members present: Jayne Mayday-Hulke, Carolyn Marti-Smith, Ellie Sveine, Larry Mack, Dick Seeboth, Ron Wendinger, John Vorwerk, and Kathleen Backer. Guest; inbound intern Samuel Knoops. Absent: Brian Filzen, Tony Beranek Meeting Called to Order Vice Chair Dick Seeboth called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Approval of Minutes from October 6th, 2025 Larry Mack made a motion to accept the minutes, second by Carolyn Marti-Smith. Motion carried. Financial Report ending October 31, 2025 John Vorwerk made a motion to accept the report as given in the agenda, second by Ellie Sveine. Motion carried. Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange Program The incoming exchange intern, Samuel Knoops was present and gave an update of his experiences of the last few weeks. He is has worked at most every department at Schell’s Brewery, he has only two weeks left at work. He is living with Jim and Konnie Bartels the last 6 weeks. Sam reports that he has traveled to South Dakota, seen the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and Devil’s Tower in Wyoming with Rick Isbel. He also went to a Viking’s game and the WWII monument. He helped with the American Legion Halloween party for the youth in the community. Larry asked how our brewing is different than that in Germany. Sam states the process is very similar, but we use more sugar and malt to speed up the brewing, due to limited space at Schell’s. He states that the Snowstorm this year is very flavorful and compares to their dunkel bier in Germany. Sam works at the Gold Ochsen Brewery in Ulm, their brewery is much larger and also produces soft drinks. Sam has been enjoying singing with the Concord Singers, he sang with them at State Street Theater community concert, and will also join them at Flannel Fest at the K Bar. We are planning a farewell party for Samuel on Monday November 24th at 6:00 pm, it will be held at the Kegel Klub. Carolyn Marti-Smith will reserve the space for this event. Our outgoing exchange intern, Martha Balge joined the meeting via Zoom at 5:30 from Kenosha WI where she teaches German and history. She had a very nice photo show and explained her many wonderful experiences. Here is a summary of her stay in Ulm, Germany. She had only one host family for her full stay, they were husband and wife physicians, Wolfgang and Brigitta, and their three school aged children. They travelled 1 ½ hour away to Allgau (German Alps), they hiked with the family and had outdoor snacks. They had many meals together and often ate outside as the weather is very pleasant Page 3 of 12 with no bugs or humidity. She saw the many sites of Ulm including the Muenster (she even went to the roof top of the Muenster with a Rotarian who was a mason), and local library that was very ornate. She visited many Ulm businesses, including the School of Design. She met and did several things with the Rotary Club; she also met a member of the Optimist Club and had dinner with them. She met up with Samuel at the Gold Ochsen. She connected with past Hans Joohs exchange person Anika Fischer and ran a race with her. Martha went to the Parade of Lights on the Danube River and also went to Nabada River Festival and jousting on the river. She was also able to travel to Lucerne Switzerland by train and visit relatives of her host family. Her first internship job was not fulfilling, but after working with the Sister City group they were able to change her internship to visiting and working in many schools. She noted that Germany has several immigrants and that for many of the children German was their second language. It was interesting for her to see how they dealt with this issue. Martha also worked in a summer care program for children. She visited the Rotary Club and gave a presentation on New Ulm, she was also interviewed on the radio. New Business Recognition award we had 4 people on the committee, Brian Flizen, Tony Beranek, John Vorwerk, and Ellie Sveine, we only need 3, so Ellie will step down from the committee. John will schedule a Recognition Committee meeting to discuss the 2025 recognition award recipient. Hans Joohs information will be sent out for next year’s applicants. Please recommend the program to people you know who may be interested. Adjournment The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 5:15 pm at City Hall Council Chamber. A motion to adjourn made by Carolyn Marti-Smith, second by Larry Mack. Carried. Minutes submitted by Ellie Sveine. Page 4 of 12  Sister Cities Commission Special Projects Fund For the Month Ended November 30, 2025 Beginning Balance: 1/1/2025 8,166.23 Revenue: Interest 118.83 Other Contributions/Sales 526.00 644.83 Expenses: Other (672.46) (672.46) Ending Balance: 12/31/2025 8,138.60 Detailed Revenue and Expenses Revenue: July Brat Stand tips $54.00 September Brat Stand tips (August) $51.00 Brat Stand earnings (July) $161.50 October Brat Stand earnings (August) $259.50 TOTAL REVENUE $526.00 Expenses: April Recognition Award Reception -$192.26 Recognition Award Plaque -$73.50 July Brat Stand Canopy Expense -$53.91 September Car Rental - Hans Joohs S. Knoops -$125.00 October Reimburse Kiosk photo expenses -$21.32 Magnet Vehicle Parade Sign -$40.00 Welcome Reception - S. Knoops -$166.47 TOTAL EXPENSE -$672.46 Page 5 of 12  Sister Cities Commission General Fund For the Month Ended November 30, 2025 Revenues: Budget 0.00 Revenues: 1,650.00 Budget remaining 1,650.00 Percent of budget remaining 0% Expenses: Budget 3,570.00 Expenses (4,057.01) Budget remaining (487.01) Percent of budget remaining -14% Total Budget Remaining 12/31/2025 1,162.99 Detailed Revenue and Expenses Revenue: September Stipend reimbursement from Schell's Brewery - S. Knoops $1,650.00 TOTAL REVENUE $1,650.00 Expenses: January 2025 Sister Cities International Membership -$440.00 March Flight to Germany - M. Balge -$1,817.01 Travel Stipend - M. Balge -$150.00 September Stipend Inbound - S. Knoops -$550.00 October Stipend Inbound - S. Knoops -$550.00 November Stipend Inbound - S. Knoops -$550.00 TOTAL EXPENSE -$4,057.01 Page 6 of 12 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS 2025 2024 Keith Rolloff (posthumous) 2023 Jim Maday & Jayne Maday Hulke 2022 Concord Singers 2021 Joel T. Albrecht 2020 Award was not presented due to COVID-19 2019 Bob and Jess Webb 2018 Carolyn Marti Smith and Sue Marti/Eddie Portner 2017 Ted and Jodi Marti 2016 Leo Guggisberg and Mary Ann Kalz 2015 Jack Minch 2014 Brian and Mary Lou Serbus 2013 Terry Johnson 2012 Rick Isbell 2011 Parker Hannifin 2010 Dan Balge 2009 New Ulm Park & Recreation Department 2008 Martin Luther College and Kurt Wittmershaus 2007 Cash Wise Foods 2006 Hy-Vee Food Stores 2005 Jensen Motors, Inc. 2004 The Journal and KNUJ 2003 Arnold Koelpin 2002 Jim Bartels 2001 Carl Wyczawski 2000 Richard Seeboth 1999 Denis Warta 1998 Dr. Ted Fritsche Page 7 of 12  Revised November 10, 2025 HANS JOOHS CULTURAL EXCHANGE COMMITTEE Outgoing A. Send letters to various colleges, schools, local newspaper, etc. the middle of November with a press release listing deadline to apply for the program. (Lisa Pelzel has list and sends out upon notice from the Commission) B. Set up an interview panel and interview candidates. Criteria for selection 1) German Language Skills; 2) Ties to New Ulm; and 3) Presentation Skills C. Select candidates and send letters of notification. (Lisa Pelzel sends) D. Send letter to Office of the Burgermeister advising of whom will be coming, their required type of work and approximate dates. E. Selected candidate will arrange travel to Germany. Candidate will submit airline receipt for reimbursement. F. Secure advance of $150.00 which is given to the candidate to help defray cost of getting to the host family (could be used for passport, train from airport to town, etc.). G. Instruct candidate he/she is required to e-mail to City of New Um three (3) reports on the experiences/job in Germany which are published in The Journal. Incoming A. Find job for incoming-candidate. B. Provide link to candidate to apply for visitor visa. B. Find host families. C. Arrange for rental car with Jensen Motors. Take he/she on a driving expedition (City will insure he/she but he/she is responsible for gas). D. Arrange to pick up candidate from the Airport. E. Arrange speaking engagement schedule. F. Arrange interview with The Journal and KNUJ. G. Secure check from the City to get Chamber dollars ($50) for host families. (Lisa Pelzel will process claim for check and mail along with thank you letter) H. Arrange travel for the trainee exchange to the airport when leaving. I. Contact intern and suggest possible topics for presentation to groups. J. Schedule meeting to introduce to Mayor and Lisa. K. Appoint commission member as the contact person for intern. Keeps a schedule of events and maintain communication with Mayor, commissioners and Lisa. Page 8 of 12  ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE FEBRUARY Call Cash Wise and get dates for the Brat Stand (two sessions). Find workers for Brat Stand. MARCH Schedule workers for Brat Stand. JUNE Arrange for interview for Intern Exchange person (this varies from year to year). JULY Assist with German Language Camp. Arrange to participate in Bavarian Blast parade (varies depending if intern is in New Ulm – update magnetic name signs for vehicle) SEPTEMBER Sister Cities State Meeting. OCTOBER Arrange to participate in German-American Day parade (varies depending if intern is in New Ulm – update magnetic name signs for vehicle) Other Arrange for exit interview on KNUJ and farewell for Intern (this varies from year to year) Page 9 of 12  RECOGNITION COMMITTEE A. Select recipient for the "Special Recognition Award". B. Arrange date for award (usually held in conjunction with a regular meeting). C. Order plaque. D. Arrange to have recipient during the award reception. E. Arrange a photograph (Journal news department). Page 10 of 12  YOUTH GERMAN LANGUAGE CAMP COMMITTEE (2014 inactive committee due to lack of German instructors) • Get registration information into community resources ▪ Call Park & Recreation for summer recreation registration info (February) ▪ Contact New Ulm Journal for Editor’s Mailbag notices (Lisa Pelzel will submit as needed following registration) • Secure use of Martin Luther College (February) ▪ Address letter to President of college • Secure teachers (teacher to participant ration 1/12) (February) ▪ Contact lead teacher o Determines curriculum o Buys supplies and gets reimbursed from receipts o Meets and orients with other teachers o Responsible for day-to-day functioning of camp ▪ Contact MLC students or others that have had extensive German experience • Provide program information to Park & Recreation to include with the summer brochure online registration (March 1st) • Secure snacks for five breaks (weeks leading up to camp) • Secure treats/trinkets for participants on last day (weeks leading up to camp) (Letter gets sent from Lisa Pelzel at City Hall.) • Make arrangements for lunch on last day (weeks leading up to camp) ▪ Grocery stores have often provided much of the food • Arrange schedule of commission members to help with break and lunch (last commission meeting prior to camp) • Ask mayor to speak at Friday culmination (last commission meeting prior to camp) • Send out note to parents with reminder and list of supplies for children to bring (Lisa Pelzel sends them from City Hall a couple of weeks before camp. Instructor usually supplies letter) • Send out note to parents to remind them of the culminating activity on Friday of camp week (Wednesday of camp—teachers take care of this) • Take pictures, keep mementos, etc., for scrapbook of camp • Write thank you letters to vendors/businesses for contributions and support (Lisa Pelzel sends them from City Hall.) Page 11 of 12  Sister Cities Committee Assignments 2025 Advertising Committee: Carolyn Marti-Smith Larry Mack Tony Beranek Hans Joohs Exchange Committee: Jayne Maday Hulke Larry Mack John Vorwerk Recognition Committee John Vorwerk Tony Beranek Brian Filzen German Language Camp Jayne Maday Hulke Ellie Sveine Carolyn Marti Smith Chair and Vice-Chair attend all sub-committee meetings. Page 12 of 12