Number
060220
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to policies and procedures for the selection and maintenance of sister city relationships.
Sections
335 cr
Analysis
This ordinance establishes policies and procedures for the selection and maintenance of sister city relationships.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Chapter 335 of the code is created to read:
CHAPTER 335
SISTER CITIES
TABLE
335-1 Definitions
335-3 Policy
335-5 Application Process
335-7 Renewal
335-9 Termination
335-1. Definitions. In this chapter:
1. COMMITTEE means the sister cities committee established under s. 320-47.
2. SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP means a formal sister city relationship approved by
the common council under this chapter, or the establishment of friendly relations by the common council leading to a formal sister city relationship.
335-3. Policy. The following policies shall be followed in selecting and maintaining sister city relationships:
1. There should exist a logical area of mutual interest and involvement with the prospective sister city in the areas of culture and business.
2. Strong consideration should be given to factors that contribute to a good balance
between the cities, including but not limited to geographic location, governmental structure, comparable size, population composition and education.
3. There should be evidence of strong local community support for the prospective sister city relationship in order to assure a strong financial base and interest in exchange.
4. During the selection process, there should be consultation and communication between the city and other related agencies such as Sister Cities International.
5. Consideration should be given to the number of prior relationships held by the prospective city. Some flexibility may be allowed for unusual circumstances.
6. Sister city relationships shall expire after 5 years unless extended for another 5 years by council resolution.
7. The sponsoring entity shall submit annual reports to the committee.
8. Any expenditure associated with a sister city relationship shall be approved by the common council.
9. The mayor’s office shall have oversight responsibility for the sister city program.
10. The total number of sister city relationships adopted should not exceed 10.
335-5. Application Process. 1. A local organization that wishes to sponsor a sister city relationship shall submit a letter of intent to the committee. The committee shall invite the organization to make a presentation to the committee regarding the proposed sister city relationship. Following the presentation, the committee shall decide whether to invite the organization to submit a formal application to the common council.
2. An application for a sister city relationship shall be submitted to the city clerk on a form created by the committee. The application shall require the following information:
a. Name of the organization seeking to establish the sister city relationship.
b. Name of the person in charge of the organization.
c. Information about the city with which the relationship is to be established, including information about the local organizational structure in the proposed sister city which will support the relationship.
d. Description of the goals of the sister city relationship.
e. Methods the organization will use to meet the goals of the sister city relationship.
f. Any other relevant information that the committee finds necessary or useful.
3. Upon receipt of an application, the city clerk shall submit a resolution to establish a sister city relationship to the common council and refer the application to the committee. The committee shall hold a public hearing on an application to determine whether the proposed sister city relationship complies with the requirements of this chapter and whether the applicant will manage a sister city relationship that has a reasonable prospect of meeting the goals identified in its application. The committee shall forward its recommendation to the common council. Neither the common council nor any standing committee of the council may consider the resolution to establish a sister city relationship until a recommendation has been received from the sister cities committee.
335-7. Renewal. No later than 6 months prior to the expiration of a sister city relationship, the sponsoring entity may submit a renewal application to the city clerk on a form prepared by the committee.
335-9. Termination. The common council may terminate a sister city relationship whenever it finds that the applicant has failed to make sufficient progress toward attaining the goals of the sister city relationship or the applicant has failed to comply with standards established by Sister Cities International, the common council or the committee.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
_________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date:_____________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date:____________________
Requestor
Sister Cities Committee
Drafter
LRB-06481-1
RDL:AW
09/18/06