CITY OF ANAHEIM
SISTER CITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
August 26, 2024 – 4:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Lori Dinwiddie, James Dinwiddie, Monika Sargent, Marlena Truong, Simin Heydari,
Chiarina Piazza, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, Joseph
Aihara, Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler, Deana Helmy
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Kristin Erickson, Juan-Carlos Mendez, Anthony Al-Jamie, David Bracey
STAFF PRESENT: Kimberly Kelemen, Community Services
Taylor Griffin, City Administration
Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Anaheim City Hall.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Marlena Truong called the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024.
II. FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner James Dinwiddie led the flag salute.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
NA
IV. OATH OF OFFICE
Staff Kimberly Kelemen administered the Oath of Office to Commission Member Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler. Commissioners went around and re- introduced themselves to Susan.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Vice-Chair Lori Dinwiddie offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10- 0; Absent: Kristin Erickson, Juan-Carlos Mendez, Anthony Al-Jamie, David Bracey (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does Anaheim Sister City Commission
August 26, 2024
hereby approve the minutes from the ASCC meetings held on July 1, 2024, and July 22, 2024, as presented.
VI. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT
MOTION: Commissioner James Dinwiddie offered a Motion, seconded by Vice-Chair Lori Dinwiddie, AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10-0; Absent:
Kristin Erickson, Juan-Carlos Mendez, Anthony Al-Jamie, David Bracey (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the Treasurer’s Report dated November 23, 2022.
VII. APPOINT NEW CHAIR
MOTION: Chair Marlena Truong offered a Motion to open nominations for new Chair. Vice-Chair Lori Dinwiddie nominated herself, AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 9-0; Abstain: Jim Dinwiddie, Absent: Kristin Erickson, Juan- Carlos Mendez, Anthony Al-Jamie, David Bracey (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the appointment of Vice-Chair Lori Dinwiddie as Chair.
VIII. APPOINT VICE-CHAIR
MOTION: Deana Helmy offered a Motion to defer votes for Vice-Chair to next meeting.
IX. DISCUSS INBOUND STUDENT EXCHANGE
Chair Lori Dinwiddie discussed her and Commissioner James Dinwiddie’s experience as hosts and did a rundown of the various activities they did, and the places visited. Also, Lori suggested exploring better ideas for the welcome party next year. She went on to talk more about the overall itinerary.
Staff Kimberly Kelemen thanked the commissioners for attending and helping at the various events throughout the student exchange.
Staff Taylor Griffin discussed some items and said there was room for improvement for more information ahead of each location visit. Reviewing the timeline for each event more carefully to use time more wisely. Taylor went over the visit to the Fire Station and how much fun the students had. Suggested keeping this on the itinerary next year and possibly starting with that since it’s so close to City Hall.
Commissioner Joe Aihara spoke about the surveys given to the students that just came for the exchange and will be getting them back soon to review. Staff Anaheim Sister City Commission
August 26, 2024
Taylor Griffin also worked on a survey for the students that were here, to get a 2nd perspective of the students.
Staff Kimberly Kelemen made a suggestion of moving around some of the late- night activities.
Commissioner Joseph Aihara spoke about his tour of Western High School. He mentioned it could have been better if our regular students had been there so there could have been some interaction.
Staff Taylor Griffin talked about the possibility of moving the student exchange during the school year.
Chair Lori Dinwiddie and Staff Taylor Griffin discussed some details regarding the City Hall Visit. Staff Kimberly Kelemen also discussed visit to the Packing House, Angels Tour with Council Member Stephen Faessel, talked about visiting the MUZEO, cookie decorating activity, and the Project Say teens performance. Lori also went over their Disneyland day.
Staff member Kimberly Kelemen asked for thoughts in regard to the Sayonara Dinner at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. Families came together, kids performed for their families and the food was great. Commissioner James Dinwiddie made the suggestion to push the dinner to 6pm. One suggestion to get earlier rsvp’s was made by staff member Taylor Griffin. This will help with planning food and seating arrangements in a timely manner.
Commissioner Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez made accommodations at the new Northgate Market in Costa Mesa for the students to come by visit and eat lunch and dessert.
Staff member Kimberly Kelemen spoke about the opportunity of taking the kids to the City’s National Night Out event at Modjeska Park.
X. DISCUSS OUTBOUND MITO EXCHANGE
Commissioner Joseph Aihara spoke about his experience participating in the out-bound trip with Staff member Anaheim Sporn, from Community Services.
There were some challenges while in Mito, Japan with some of the students. It came to be mainly about “cultural differences” and lack of communication and not looking at it as an ambassadorship, as it should be. Commissioner Joseph went on to emphasize the need for cultural training and preparing the students better ahead of the trip. Commissioner Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler asked if the kids sign a contract ahead of trip and Chair Lori Dinwiddie, responded stating “no” the students do not sign a contract. Commissioner Susan Klaren- Hatzenbuhler suggested the need of a contract, Commissioner Monika Sargent concurred.
Anaheim Sister City Commission
August 26, 2024
Chair Lori Dinwiddie asked about the students’ ages, Commissioner Joseph Aihara responded with the students ages and their backgrounds. Commissioner Klaren-Hatzenbuhler asked how much money the students pay for this program and Staff Kimberly stated it is $300 per student.
XI. FUNDRAISING/BUDGET AND SISTER CITY APPLICATION
COMMITTEES
Chair Lori and Commissioner Deana Helmy suggested working with the students a year in advance and raising funds for the program. Chair Lori suggested increasing the amount the students pay for the program.
Chair Lori Dinwiddie would like to discuss fundraising and student exchange applications. She will also be sending out emails to the Commissioners asking what committees they would like to be a part of.
XII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler asked if we will be discussing Spain.
Commissioner Joseph mentioned that 2026 is the 50th anniversary of the Mito Sister City relationship.
Commissioner Simin Heydari asked if there is a host survey for the Anaheim hosts and staff member Kimberly responded yes; city staff are working on getting the survey out.
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS
NA
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m. to Monday, September 23, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.