HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__01-16-24_0406_540
NOTICE OF MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
Chairman Bev Tall
Vice Chairman VACANT
Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell
Commissioner Randy Crader
Commissioner VACANT
Commissioner Lisa Ristuccia
Commissioner VACANT
TIME:4:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
WHEN:TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024
WHERE:FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Commissioners of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s Council, various Commission, Committee or Board members may be in attendance at the Commission meeting.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. §1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a
right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child. Meetings
of the Commission are audio and/or video recorded and, as a result, proceedings in which children are present may be subject
to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town Clerk to such
recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may be made. If a
child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents pursuant to A.R.S.
§1-602.A.9 have been waived.
REQUEST TO COMMENT
The public is welcome to participate in Commission meetings.
TO SPEAK TO AN AGENDA ITEM, please complete a Request to Comment card, located in the back of
the Council Chambers, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion of that item, if
possible. Include the agenda item on which you wish to comment. Speakers will be allowed three
contiguous minutes to address the Commission. Verbal comments should be directed through the
Presiding Officer and not to individual Commissioners.
TO COMMENT ON AN AGENDA ITEM IN WRITING ONLY, please complete a Request to Comment card,
indicating it is a written comment, and check the box on whether you are FOR or AGAINST and agenda
item, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion, if possible.
Sister Cities Advisory Commission Meeting of January 16, 2024 1 of 3
1.CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Tall
2.ROLL CALL – Chairman Tall
3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters NOT listed on the
agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Commission, and (ii) is subject to reasonable
time, place, and manner restrictions. The Commission will not discuss or take legal action on matters raised
during Call to the Public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. At the conclusion
of the Call to the Public, individual commissioners may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to review a matter, or
(iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future Commission agenda.
4.UPDATE: New Commissioner
5.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appoint a Commission Chairman.
6.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appoint a Commission Vice Chairman.
7.REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER
8.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of
January 18, 2023.
9.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of
September 20, 2023.
10.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Selection of a New Sister City.
11.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Future Agenda Topics.
12.NEXT MEETING DATE: Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
13.ADJOURNMENT
Sister Cities Advisory Commission Meeting of January 16, 2024 2 of 3
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF NOTICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing notice was duly posted in accordance with the statement filed
by the Sister Cities Advisory Commission with the Town Clerk.
Dated this ______ day of January 2024.
_____________________________________________
Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5199 (voice) or
1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting or to obtain
agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the Commission with this agenda are
available for review in the Town Manager's Office.
Sister Cities Advisory Commission Meeting of January 16, 2024 3 of 3
ITEM 4.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/16/2024 Meeting Type: Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Sister Cities Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: New Commissioner
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 12/19/2023 04:02 PM
Final Approval Date: 12/19/2023
ITEM 5.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/16/2024 Meeting Type: Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Sister Cities Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND
POSSIBLE ACTION: Appoint a Commission Chairman.
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 12/19/2023 04:08 PM
Final Approval Date: 12/19/2023
ITEM 6.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/16/2024 Meeting Type: Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Sister Cities Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND
POSSIBLE ACTION: Appoint a Commission Vice Chairman.
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 12/19/2023 04:08 PM
Final Approval Date: 12/19/2023
ITEM 7.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/16/2024 Meeting Type: Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Sister Cities Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): REPORTS BY
COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/17/2023 10:52 AM
Final Approval Date: 10/17/2023
ITEM 8.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/16/2024 Meeting Type: Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Sister Cities Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND
POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 18, 2023.
Staff Summary (Background)
The intent of approving meeting minutes is to ensure an accurate account of the discussion and action
that took place at the meeting for archival purposes. Approved minutes are placed on the town's
website and maintained as permanent records in compliance with state law.
Staff recommends the APPROVAL of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 18, 2023.
Attachments
SUMMARY MINUTES
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/17/2023 10:52 AM
Final Approval Date: 10/17/2023
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS SISTER CITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
JANUARY 18, 2023
1.CALL TO ORDER – Vice Chairman Tall
Vice Chairman Tall called to order the regular meeting of the Sister Cities Advisory
Commission at 4:05 p.m.
2.ROLL CALL – Vice Chairman Tall
Present: Vice Chairman Bev Tall; Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell; Commissioner Lisa
Ristuccia; Commissioner James Wilson
Absent: Commissioner Marlene Fahrenbach
Staff
Present:
Town Manager Grady Miller; Executive Assistant Angela Padgett-Espiritu
3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters NOT listed on the
agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Commission, and (ii) is subject to
reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Commission will not discuss or take legal action on
matters raised during Call to the Public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action.
At the conclusion of the Call to the Public, individual commissioners may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to
review a matter, or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future Commission agenda.
No one from the public spoke.
4.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of September 21, 2022.
MOVED BY Vice Chairman Bev Tall, Commissioner James Wilson to APPROVE the
minutes of the September 21, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Sister Cities Advisory
Commission.
AYE: Vice Chairman Bev Tall, Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell, Commissioner Lisa
Ristuccia, Commissioner James Wilson
5.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appoint of a Commission Chairman.
MOVED BY Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell, Commissioner Lisa Ristuccia to APPOINT Vice
Chairman Bev Tall to Chairman of the Sister Cities Advisory Commission.
AYE: Vice Chairman Bev Tall, Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell, Commissioner Lisa
Ristuccia, Commissioner James Wilson
6.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appoint of a Commission Vice Chairman.
MOVED BY Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell, Commissioner Lisa Ristuccia to APPOINT
Commissioner James Wilson to Vice Chairman of the Sister Cities Advisory Commission.
AYE: Vice Chairman Bev Tall, Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell, Commissioner Lisa
Ristuccia, Commissioner James Wilson
7.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Selection of a New Sister City.
A discussion ensued between the Commissioners and Town Manager regarding the
criteria and selection process for a new Sister City.
The Commission discussed selecting a new sister city to replace Kasterlee. They agree
guidelines should be created first to help determine the compatibility and suitability of
potential new sister cities.
A collaborative team is proposed for creating the guidelines, comprised of members from
the Sister Cities Commission, the Sister Cities Association Board, and the wider
community. The Commission would use examples from other cities as models when
drafting their guidelines.
There is debate around whether Sister Cities International (SCI) approves and recognizes
sister city relationships. It's clarified that SCI mainly doesn't allow the same foreign city to
have multiple U.S. sister city partners.
Discussion covers responsibilities and activities between the Commission and the
Association Board. A flow chart is suggested to clearly lay out roles, overlap, and gaps.
It's agreed personal connections to candidate countries are very valuable in fostering
enduring sister city ties, but relationships cannot overly rely on individuals as people
eventually move on. Succession planning and developing wider connections are important.
The merits of possible Asian sister cities are raised given existing European links,
however, ease of travel and communication needs to be assessed.
8.NEXT MEETING DATE: Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
The next regular meeting of the Sister Cities Advisory Commission will be held,
Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
9.ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Commissioner Lisa Ristuccia, Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell to ADJOURN the
regular meeting of the Sister Cities Advisory Commission at 4:50 p.m.
AYE: Vice Chairman Bev Tall, Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell, Commissioner Lisa
Ristuccia, Commissioner James Wilson
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
____________________________
Bev Tall, Chairman
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
______________________________
Angela Espiritu, Executive Assistant
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular
Meeting held by the Fountain Hills Sister Cities Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council
Chambers on the 18 day of January, 2023. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a
quorum was present.
DATED this 16 day of January, 2024.
_________________________________
Angela Espiritu, Executive Assistant
ITEM 9.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/16/2024 Meeting Type: Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Sister Cities Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND
POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 20, 2023.
Staff Summary (Background)
The intent of approving meeting minutes is to ensure an accurate account of the discussion and action
that took place at the meeting for archival purposes. Approved minutes are placed on the town's
website and maintained as permanent records in compliance with state law.
Staff recommends the APPROVAL of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 20, 2023.
Attachments
SUMMARY MINUTES
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/17/2023 10:53 AM
Final Approval Date: 10/17/2023
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS SISTER CITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
1.CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Tall
Chairperson Tall called to order the meeting of the Sister Cities Advisory Commission at
4:05 p.m.
2.ROLL CALL – Chairman Tall
Present: Chairman Bev Tall; Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell; Commissioner Lisa
Ristuccia
Absent: Vice Chairman James Wilson; Commissioner Marlene Fahrenbach
Staff
Present:
Interim Town Manager Rachael Goodwin; Executive Assistant Angela
Padgett-Espiritu
3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters NOT listed on the
agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Commission, and (ii) is subject to
reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Commission will not discuss or take legal action on
matters raised during Call to the Public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal
action. At the conclusion of the Call to the Public, individual commissioners may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask
staff to review a matter, or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future Commission agenda.
Christine Colley, President of the Fountain Hills Sister Cities Corporation was present.
4.REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER
Chairman Tall, emphasized the importance of Sister Cities for students to experience
different cultures and languages. Chairman Tall believes that America lacks the
significant differences in cultures and languages that other countries have. Chairman
Tall said that she joined Sister Cities to promote this and encourage students to travel to
different countries to see the world.
5.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of January 18, 2023.
Item was tabled by Chairman Tall due to the minutes being in verbatim format. The item
will be brought back at the January 2024 meeting in summary format for reconsideration.
6.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: on Proposed 2024 Meeting Dates.
MOVED BY Commissioner Lisa Ristuccia, SECONDED Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell to
MOVED BY Commissioner Lisa Ristuccia, SECONDED Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell to
APPROVE the proposed 2024 meeting dates of the Sister Cities Advisory Commission.
AYE: Chairman Bev Tall, Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell, Commissioner Lisa Ristuccia
7.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Selection of a New Sister City.
There was extensive discussion about the criteria and process for selecting a new sister
city. The committee is working to refine the criteria and will report back to the
Commission. Getting input from Sister Cities International on cities looking for
partnerships was suggested.
Discussed challenges of finding engaged community members/leaders to champion a
new sister city relationship. Student exchanges are already at capacity with current sister
cities.
8.UPDATE: on the City of Zamosc Mayor Official Visit.
- German exchange students are visiting Fountain Hills in October. Sister Cities
Corporation will help provide funding for their visit, including expenses for tours and
transportation. The Town previously contributed funding as well, so Sister Cities will
request support again.
- Representatives from Zamosc, Poland will visit in October, including the Mayor, who
has not been to Fountain Hills before. There will be a welcome reception hosted at the
home of a Sister Cities Corporation member, and the delegation will attend a reception at
the October 17th Town Council meeting.
9.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Future Agenda Topics.
No discussion or action taken.
10.ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Commissioner Lisa Ristuccia, SECONDED Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell to
ADJOURN the regular meeting of the Sister Cities Advisory Commission at 4:48 p.m.
AYE: Chairman Bev Tall, Commissioner Zarrin Caldwell, Commissioner Lisa Ristuccia
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
____________________________
Bev Tall, Chairman
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
______________________________
Angela Espiritu, Executive Assistant
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular
Meeting held by the Fountain Hills Sister Cities Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council
Chambers on the 20 day of September 2023. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a
quorum was present.
DATED this 16 day of January, 2024.
_________________________________
Angela Espiritu, Executive Assistant
ITEM 10.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/16/2024 Meeting Type: Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Sister Cities Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE
ACTION: Selection of a New Sister City.
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
New Sister City Selection Criteria
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/17/2023 10:52 AM
Final Approval Date: 10/17/2023
ITEM 11.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/16/2024 Meeting Type: Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Sister Cities Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE
ACTION: Future Agenda Topics.
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/17/2023 10:52 AM
Final Approval Date: 10/17/2023
ITEM 12.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/16/2024 Meeting Type: Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Sister Cities Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): NEXT MEETING DATE:
Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 12/19/2023 04:02 PM
Final Approval Date: 12/19/2023