HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 12-03 CCP Work Session AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WORK SESSION
December 3, 2012
Immediately Following Regular City Council and EDA Meetings Which Start at 7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers
City Hall
A copy of the full City Council packet is available to the public. The packet ring binder is
located at the front of the Council Chambers by the Secretary.
ACTIVE DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Sister City Relationship—Voinjama, Liberia
MEMORANDUM COUNCIL WORK SESSION
DATE: November 30, 2012
TO: City Council
FROM: Curt Boganey, City Manage6w.1
SUBJECT: Sister City Relationship
Recommendation:
Background:
On September 4, 2012 the City hosted a visit from The Honorable Joseph N. Boakai, Vice
President of The Republic of Liberia. During the round table discussion the Vice President
introduced the idea of establishing a Sister City relationship with Voinjama, Liberia.
Following the meeting in September the Mayor and I have met with Pastor Alexander Collins
who has continued the Sister City discussions. During our meetings we outlined some of the
potential benefits of meaningful a sister city relationship. The benefits include. 1. Shared
learning opportunities for both cities. 2. Potential municipal partnerships where the Cities could
work together to help solve problems by exchanging cultural, educational, technical, leadership
development knowledge and skills. 3. Cultural exchanges where City officials from each city can
explore and experience different cultures.4. Transformational benefits that would include
increased Liberian involvement in the City of Brooklyn Center and Voinjama would see
strengthened economic development and community engagement.
At our meeting with Pastor Collins an offer was made that the Mayor of Voinjama along with
other government officials would come to visit Brooklyn Center with the expectation that a
specific Sister City request would be made. It is also expected that an invitation to visit
Voinjama would be extended. It is my understanding that if City Officials agree to visit
Voinjama a decision would be made following the visit as to whether a formal Sister City
relationship would be established.
We were notified last week that the Mayor of Voinjama, The Honorable Younger Sherman and
the Deputy Minister of Urban Affairs, The Honorable Florence Geebae Dukuly will be in
Brooklyn Center December 2-5th and that they would like to formally address the City Council
on December 3`d,2012.
Policy Issues:
Is it in the interest of the City to continue to explore the possibility of establishing a Sister City
relationship with the City of Voinjama?
Council Goals:
Strategic:
6. We will increase the engagement of all segments of the community
Mission:Ensuring an attractive,deem,safe,inclusive community that enhances the duality of life
for all people and preserves the public trust