File #: ID#21-8821    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Special recognitions and Presentations (Proclamations, service awards, or other special recognitions. Presentations by government agencies or groups providing formal updates to Council will be limited to ten minutes.) Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 2/1/2021 In control: Council Work Session
On agenda: 3/4/2021 Final action: 3/4/2021
Title: Sister Cities Advisory Board 2020 Annual Report - Board Chair Michael Ballard

SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:

Title

Sister Cities Advisory Board 2020 Annual Report - Board Chair Michael Ballard

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SUMMARY: 

The Sister Cities Advisory Board is appointed by the City Council to make recommendations for the effective functioning of Sister Cities activities and advise the Council of Sister Cities program issues that might impact the expansion or development of the program.

The board is composed of seven members: one member of the City Council, a representative of the local business community, the Pinellas School Board World Languages Coordinator, a Clearwater Sister Cities representative, a Clearwater Arts Alliance representative, a youth member 19 years old or younger, and an at-large member.

Global events of the past two years have had a significant impact on program activities. In 2019, typhoon Hagibis forced the cancellation of the 60th Anniversary Delegation visit to Nagano. Further exchanges were cancelled due to COVID-19, including the 60th Anniversary Delegation visit to Clearwater and all teacher and student exchanges through 2021.

Board Chair Michael Ballard is presenting a summary of the Board’s activities in 2020 as well as continued programs and developments for 2021.