HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/06/2026 - Meeting Minutes MINUTES FOR THE
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY BOARD
March 4, 2026
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Roll Call
Present:
• Ross Chambless
• Matilyn Mortensen
• Sheri Sorenson
• Ahimara Suarez
• Annie Quan
Absent:
• Stacee Adams
• John Wilson
• Nicole Gallo
• Rose Kjesbo
• Jane Kim
Staff Present:
• Olivia Johnson
• Jake Maxwell
• Spencer Madanay, City Recorder's Office
• Jennifer Newell, Mayor's Office
Approval of the January 14, 2026, Sister Cities Board Minutes
Board Member Quan motioned, Board Member Mortensen seconded, unanimous
approval.
Public Comment
No public comments were provided.
Business
Jennifer Newell discussed the possibility of Sister Cities connecting with the YouthCity
program to strengthen youth programming. The Board also discussed potentially working
with libraries on similar after school programming for the Pen Pal program.
Staff Report
Quezon City
Olivia Johnson noted that a call was scheduled with Quezon City to plan celebrations.
Strategic Planning
Olivia Johnson noted the low response rate for the question to the Board of goals for
strategic planning and the plans to have time set aside at the next meeting to do this.
Events
Olivia Johnson noted that Sister Cities was again planning to table at Nihon Matsuri on April
25, 2026. The Board determined that Sister Cities would table at the Asian Festival on June
6, 2026, as well.
Korean Pavilion
Olivia Johnson noted that the permit and construction process for the Korean Pavilion was
moving forward.
Miscellaneous
Olivia Johnson noted that the video for Matsumoto was posted to the Sister Cities website,
the Mayor had a successful visit with Torino during her trip to the Olympics, there was no
word yet on the grant application, and that there was still community support for a
potential Sister City with Guadalajara. Assistance for the program archiving and cataloging
position was still being pursued.
City Report:
• Chernivtsi - Sheri Sorenson provided an update on upcoming events focused on
Ukraine.
• Keelung - Board Member Quan said that there had not been contact with anyone in
Keelung recently.
• Matsumoto - Board Chair Chambless noted that there would be a visit in July with
youth from Matsumoto.
• Torino - Olivia Johnson was going to connect with city staff in Torino for goal setting.
Adjournment
With the loss of a quorum, the meeting was adjourned.
Ross Chambless, Co-Chair
This document and the recording constitute the official minutes of the Economic
Development Sister Cities Advisory Board meeting held on March 4, 2026.