Clearwater Sister Cities committee dissolves two inactive relationships, endorses new partnership and plans Nagano support

The Clearwater Sister Cities Committee voted to dissolve two inactive sister‑city relationships and reviewed steps to back a new partnership while coordinating disaster relief and upcoming student exchanges.

The committee voted to dissolve the sister‑city relationships with the municipalities identified in the meeting transcript as in Greece and in New South Wales, Australia; the motion passed by voice vote. Committee members also reviewed an upcoming city council resolution that would authorize city staff to negotiate and develop a formal partnership agreement with a proposed partner city, and discussed coordinating a $500 donation and other support for Nagano, Japan, after recent storm damage.

The dissolution motion was moved and seconded in the meeting; members voted “aye” and the chair declared the motion passed. The committee chair said staff would “follow the protocols for the solution of relationship” and proceed with the administrative steps required to end the formally listed partnerships.

Chris (city staff member) described the city council resolution that committee members will ask the Council to consider, saying the paperwork “allows for the city to authorize city staff to enter into an agreement … to develop the themes, conquer those cities that can generate new programs, exchanges, and initiatives, and that will then officially get us to the stage at which we create the partnership agreement.” He said the proposed item appears as item 10.1 on the council agenda and is expected to be heard after other legislative business.

Committee members discussed the impact of a recent typhoon on Nagano Prefecture in Japan and agreed to postpone the 60th‑anniversary delegation until Nagano indicates it is ready. Committee discussion noted that some Nagano delegations and exchanges already scheduled — a high school group in December and a middle school group in February — were not expected to be affected. Candy (committee member) reported the committee had “decided the $500 donation from Sister Cities is what we'd like to send over” and that the group prefers to coordinate any monetary aid through official city channels to ensure it follows protocol.

Members reviewed student‑exchange logistics for upcoming visits. The high school exchange scheduled for December was reported to include five travelers and one chaperone; the committee is seeking homestay hosts for five female students and is collecting applications and background checks. Dates discussed for a February exchange were February 7–11 (visit dates as reported in the discussion), and committee members asked staff to confirm academic‑calendar conflicts before finalizing plans.

The committee also reviewed recent and planned fundraising and outreach events, including a moon‑viewing event and the annual Hamburger Mary’s fundraiser for scholarships. Candy reported lower proceeds from the most recent fundraiser compared with prior years and said the group will pursue additional outreach and collection of membership contact information to recruit hosts and volunteers.

The committee closed by directing staff to relay the group’s support for the new partnership at tonight’s council meeting, to coordinate with Nagano officials before finalizing any travel or donations, and to continue outreach to recruit homestay hosts for the December high‑school visit.