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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/05/2025 - Meeting Minutes MINUTES FOR THE SISTER CITIES ADVISORY BOARD November 5, 2025 Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 Roll Call Present: • Ross Chambless • Matilyn Mortensen • Sheri Sorenson • Ahimara Suarez • Rose Kjesbo • Annie Quan • Jane Kim Absent: • Stacee Adams • John Wilson • Nicole Gallo Staff Present: • Jake Maxwell • Olivia Johnson Approval of the September 3, 2025, Sister Cities Board Minutes Board Member Kim motioned, Board Member Mortensen seconded, unanimous approval. Public Comment Michael Mikulich and Iryna Lipp were present. Business Board Co-Chair Chambless noted the background of the Salt Lake City/Quezon City, Philippines relationship, which had been in Emeritus status after being established in the 1980s and the renewed interest in the relationship from the community today. Board Member Mortensen moved that the Board recommend to the Mayor that Quezon City be moved from Emeritus status to Active Sister City status, Board Member Kim seconded, unanimous approval. Pen Pal Updates Trujillo: Board Member Kjesbo noted that the subcommittee met with a group from Rotaract to gauge interest in the program. They will be meeting again to determine next steps. Board Member Suarez noted that the subcommittee was also waiting on a response from the American School in Trujillo about possible participation. Matsumoto: Olivia Johnson noted that she would follow up with the Salt Lake-based teacher for next steps. Chernivtsi: Iryna Lipp noted her interest and connections in Ukraine for the program. She noted the potential of sending postcards rather than full letters and described potential partnerships with libraries. Olivia Johnson noted that staff would follow up. Staff Report International Peace Gardens Korean Pavilion Donation Olivia Johnson noted that the project is moving forward and that construction would likely begin soon. She also noted the potential of video recording the construction process and celebrations for the opening of the pavilion when construction is completed. Chernivtsi Visit Olivia Johnson noted the possibility of trying to set up a virtual visit with Chernivtsi. Olympic Watch Parties Olivia Johnson noted that the Mayor is organizing a series of watch parties for the Milano-Cortina Olympics and that Sister Cities could potentially be involved. Library Partnerships Iryna Lipp described potential ways to partner with the Library, particularly for Ukrainian events to emphasize Ukrainian literature. Board Member Mortensen noted the potential of partnering with local museums for arts and culture programs Cataloging and Display of Sister Cities Art Olivia Johnson noted that Sister Cities art and video of the Korean Pavilion could be displayed at the Airport. She noted the potential for board member, intern, or other assistance in cataloging the art and gift collection for display or loan. Living Traditions Festival Olivia Johnson noted that the Arts Council has begun planning for the Living Traditions Festival and that Sister Cities will be able to table at the event. OPMA Training Olivia Johnson reminded the board to complete their OPMA trainings as soon as possible and send in completed certificates to staff. Current Sister City Updates Chernivtsi, Ukraine • Olivia Johnson noted a few Ukrainian art events happening around the city. Keelung, Taiwan • Board Member Quan and staff noted that there were no updates from Keelung and that they hadn't heard from staff or citizens recently. Matsumoto,Japan • Staff will attempt to connect with the Salt Lake City Pen Pal teacher • Co-Chair Chambless noted a grant opportunity through Sister Cities International Torino, Italy • No updates Trujillo, Peru • Board Member Kjesbo said the Pen Pal program is the focus for now Adjournment Board Member Mortensen motions to adjourn, seconded, unanimous approval. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. V14�6, 1).XL4— Ross Chambless, Co-Chair This document and the recording constitute the official minutes of the Economic Development Sister Cities Advisory Board meeting held on November 5, 2025.