HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2E: Approval of Overseas Travel Request
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UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Approval of Overseas Travel Request
Meeting Date: September 22, 2008 Agenda Item Number: 2E
Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Mary Walston
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5406
ISSUE STATEMENT
This item is to secure City Council approval of overseas travel by Councilor Pryor to Eugene’s sister
city of Kakegawa, Japan, planned for October 8 - 14, 2008. Section 10.07 of the Eugene City Council
Operating Agreements dictate that if the Mayor or members of the City Council wish to make a council
business-related trip to a destination overseas, the request is to be made in writing and placed on the
Consent Calendar for approval by the City Council.
BACKGROUND
Kakegawa city officials invited a delegation from Eugene to attend the annual fall festival in Kakegawa.
This invitation was shared with the elected officials of Eugene. Councilor Pryor indicated interest in
representing the City of Eugene. The cost of air fare is approximately $1,500 and the cost of lodging,
ground transportation, meals, and related travel expenses during the 7-day trip is approximately $500,
for a total of $2,000. Councilor Pryor will meet with Mayor Totsuka of Kakegawa and will be the guest
of the Kakegawa International Friendship Association.
The City has historically paid for the sister city trips by elected officials. In the summer of 2006, the
City Council approved payment of the travel expenses for both Mayor Piercy and Councilor Taylor for a
12-day trip to Irkutsk, Russia. In October 2005, the City paid for Mayor Piercy’s and Councilor Papé’s
sister city travel to Jinju, South Korea and Kakegawa, Japan. In October 2004, the City paid for Mayor
Torrey’s sister city visit to Jinju, and in 1999, the City also paid for Mayor Torrey’s sister city trip to
Russia and Japan. Going back to 1996, Mayor Bascom visited Jinju and Kakegawa on separate trips
and the City paid the travel expenses for both.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
The City policy governing this issue is found in Section 10.07 of the Eugene City Council Operating
Agreements.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The City Council can approve this request which will result in an expense to the City. Alternatively, it
can deny the request and require Councilor Pryor to personally incur the travel expenses.
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CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager has no recommendation on this item.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to approve the overseas sister city travel request by Councilor Pryor for the visit to Kakegawa in
October 2008.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Mary Walston
Telephone: 682-5406
Staff E-Mail: mary.f.walston@ci.eugene.or.us
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