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education; did each sister city committee have its own focus? Ms. Nathanson asked whether it was <br />time for the council to discuss whether the Eugene Sister City Program could evolve into <br />something else. She had faith in the program and its mission but thought more could be <br />happening. She asked if anyone had discussed how to foster collaboration between the foundation <br />and other organizations with overlapping interests or similar activities to determine if combining <br />certain costs, such as those for location and staff, might not realize some greater results than could <br />be achieved now. She suggested the groups meet together in a summit format. <br /> <br />Ms. Bettman asked how resources were distributed among the four sister city committees and if <br />the four committees were equally active. Regarding Ms. Nathanson's suggestion for airport <br />parking vouchers, Ms. Bettman assumed that the foundation budget would cover such expenses. <br />Ms. Walston responded that the foundation spent the City's contribution on staff, rent, and <br />mailings. Each committee applied to the foundation for funds throughout the year. She believed <br />the funds were generally equally split among the four committees. Ms. Walston said the <br />committees differed in terms of activity levels. Some, such as the Kakegawa, Japan committee, <br />had more frequent delegations to and from their sister city. She did not think that the foundation <br />reimbursed volunteers for expenses such as airport parking costs, but asked members of the <br />foundation to verify that. <br /> <br />Ms. Nathanson noted information related to the allocation of resources included a recent <br />foundation annual report. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor liked Ms. Nathanson's suggestion for airport parking vouchers. She believed that the <br />City needed to be more aware of how important its sister city relationships were, particularly for <br />young people. She said the program fostered international understanding between peoples. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor encouraged councilors to visit the foundation's new offices in downtown. She invited <br />comments from the foundation president, Mr. Dougher. <br /> <br />Mr. Dougher thanked the council for its support. He said that the foundation had recently had to <br />relocate to a higher cost location because its former office site was being demolished. The <br />foundation felt the additional cost was worth it because it was responding to council direction to <br />become more visible. The relocation had the additional benefit of bringing more people to <br />downtown. Mr. Dougher invited questions. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner endorsed the foundation's move, adding that it would be telling if no one went there, <br />although he did not think that would be the case. He wanted the public to get the same <br />information the council received in the form of the newsletters. Mr. Meisner suggested they be <br />sent with utility billings annually and with City newsletters. He wanted the foundation to have <br />greater public support. He did not think the annual booth at the Asian Celebration was sufficient <br />public outreach. Mr. Meisner endorsed Ms. Nathanson's suggestion for collaboration with other <br />groups with a related purpose. He did not think the council needed to be involved in that effort, <br /> <br /> MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 24, 2001 Page 9 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br /> <br />