|
| | | | This will be a virtual meeting conducted via GoToMeeting. Should you wish to join this meeting from your phone, tablet, or computer you may go to https://meet.goto.com/303957709. You can also dial in using your phone United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 and Access Code: 303-957-709. | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 1. | | Call to order.
Minutes note: Meeting called to order at 10:08 a.m. | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 2. | | Roll call.
Minutes note: Present (4) - Stamper, Cheney-Trawinski, Szopinski, Tovar
Excused (1) - Durtka
Also present:
Deborha Moore, City Clerk's Office
Dr. Christine Mosore, Mosorec International Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Dele Ojelabi, Milwaukee Action Network, Inc.
Dr. Sequanna Taylor, Milwaukee County Supervisor 5th District
Stefan Dostanic, St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
Rayhaino Boynes (Ray Nitti), Community Within the Corridor | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 3. | | Introduction of new membership.
Minutes note: Members welcomed Ms. Cheney-Trawinski.
Member Cheney-Trawinski introduced herself as the Executive Director to St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation and involvement with the Lincoln Board Village Association and Harbor District Board. She has traveled to abroad to countries like Poland, Uganda, Kenya, Ireland. She knew member Durtka well. | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 4. | | Review and approval of the previous meeting minutes from September 6, 2023.
Minutes note: Meeting minutes from September 6, 2023 were approved without objection. | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 5. | | Discussion on the establishment and/or status of current and prospective sister city relationships.
Minutes note: A. Tema, Ghana local sponsorship and signing ceremony
Local sponsorship representatives did not appear to provide an update.
Mr. Lee gave context that officials from Tema planned to visit Milwaukee between March 21-26, 2024; however, there has been a lack of communication and involvement from the local sponsor, Ghana-Milwaukee Association, Inc. for the past several months. Their involvement would be necessary to continue establishing the relationship, especially an agreement signing ceremony.
Members and participants (Dr. Mosore, Dr. Ojelabi, Dr. Taylor) discussed to hold the matter in an attempt to reach out to the Ghana community (Isaac Ashun and Dennis Anan) to inquire on the association's level of involvement going forward.
Later in the meeting, Mr. Ashun appeared but could not speak due to technical difficulties.
Ald. Stamper directed for Mr. Ashun to contact him offline and directly to provide to him an update on the local sponsorship.
B. Abuja, Nigeria signing ceremony
Dr. Ojelabi provided an update. The target date for an agreement signing ceremony was December 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. VISAs were approved for 2 officials, and approval was still pending for 4 more officials.
Ald. Stamper said that staff (Mr. Lee and Ms. Moore) would help MANI, Inc. to prepare for the ceremony and that he would help provide City resources towards food and a disc jockey (Ray Nitti).
C. Kragujevac, Serbia signing ceremony
Mr. Dostanic provided an update. The target date for an agreement signing ceremony was January 26, 2024 at 11 am. Officials from Kragujevac had confirmed their travel without any issues. St. Sava church were also holding their St. Sava - Savindan Celebration the next day on January 27th and all were invited.
Ald. Stamper said that staff (Mr. Lee and Ms. Moore) would work with St. Sava to prepare for the ceremony.
D. British Virgin Islands application
Mr. Boynes provided an update. There was still interest to submit an application. He was still connected to the islands via the tourism board. However the timing was not right yet due to political changes in the British Virgin Islands. There was a new prime minister. He needed time to rebuild a relationship with the new officials. Also, other priorities were being focused on first, such as the focus on water supply.
E. South Africa prospective city
Mr. Lee said the committee wanted to explore establishing a relationship in South Africa.
Ald. Stamper and Supervisor Taylor said that they would discuss further and to hold discussion to the next meeting. There was interest from Nelson Mandela's daughter, who was in that region and Capetown.
F. Other
There was no other discussion. | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 6. | | Discussion on sister city related events and activities.
Minutes note: A. Holiday Folk Fair sister cities booth (Nov. 17-19, 2023)
Ms. Moore provided an update. The booth at the Holiday Folk Fair was being planned. There would be one booth for all the sister cities to volunteer staffing and contribute items for cultural display, which was needed from all. There would be miniature flags from all sister cities. Volunteers would be given free tickets.
B. Milwaukee-Tarime Sister Cities & Tanzania Day (Nov. 9, 2023)
Dr. Mosore provided an update. This event would be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Milwaukee City Hall, 1st Floor, Rotunda. It would be open and free to the public for all ages and would be family friendly with food and entertainment performances. The event would highlight the 7-year anniversary of the sister city relationship. She thanked Ald. Stamper, the Mayor's Office, and City Clerk staff for their assistance. Tarime officials were invited but unfortunately could not travel to attend the event. There would be a City Hall tour given to students in attendance as well.
Ald. Stamper said that flyer should be sent out the promote the event and that this event would be a model for other sister cities to celebrate their sister city relationships.
C. Meet-and-greet for 2024
Members and participants discussed to set the next meet and greet event for September 2024 to avoid schedule conflicts in the summer and to allow schools to be in session so students could attend.
D. Other
There was no other discussion. | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 7. | | Public comments.
Minutes note: There was no public comments. | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 8. | | Announcements.
Minutes note: Supervisor Taylor said that Sister Cities International was doing a NBA Basketball Without Borders Junior Pilot Program giving youths from the United States to engage with African counterparts and go to Africa to play there. Former NBA basketball player Dwayne Wade was involved with contributing resources to the program. The program would also incorporate mental health, entrepreneurship, and cultural aspects. Nigeria and the Milwaukee Bucks were also involved. There would be a December 9th tryout at a Milwaukee Public Schools location.
Ald. Stamper added that there would be a committee to develop the program here in Milwaukee further, which would include MPS and Running Rebels.
Dr. Mosore asked Supervisor Taylor's assistance to invite MPS students to Milwaukee-Tarime Sister Cities & Tanzania Day.
Supervisor Taylor replied that she will try to reach out to some MPS youth ambassadors.
Ald. Stamper asked that MPS students also be invited to attend the Holiday Folk Fair. | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 9. | | Next steps.
Minutes note: A. Agenda items for the next meeting
Update on Tema, Ghana and discussion on a South African prospective city. Other agenda items to be determined.
B. Set next meeting date and time
To be determined. | | | |
|
Not available
|
|
| | 10. | | Adjournment.
Minutes note: Meeting adjourned at 11:03 a.m.
Chris Lee, Staff Assistant
Council Records Section
City Clerk's Office | | | |
|
Not available
|
|