HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-10-23-79-Adjourned Regular Meeting - Joint Meeting w Sister City CommA"
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
JOINT MEETING - SISTER CITY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 23, 1979
The City Council of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting
at 6:30 p.m., October 23, 1979, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall,
Mayor Kenneth J. Miller presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Milton R. Mackaig
Theodore H. Jackman Mayor Pro Tem
Lyell W. Swearingen
William L. Greene
Kenneth J. Miller Mayor
ALSO PRESENT: Ervin Spindel, Acting City Manager
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer
Sister City Committee:
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Felix
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Haynes
Mr. Amado Tapia
Mr. and Mrs. John Sziebl
Mayor Miller gave a brief review regarding the concept of the Sister City
Program and what the Council perceives it to be.
Councilman Jackman reported on his recent trip to Guadalajara along with
Mayor Miller. He mentioned he still has reservations above Downey having
Guadalajara as a sister city, and he indicated the manner in which the present
sister city program operates does not reflect the true intent of the activity.
Councilman Jackman suggested that after December, 1979, the Sister City Committee
attempt to find another sister city for Downey.
Councilman Greene commented the Sister City Program was originally conceived
as a people -to -people undertaking.
Councilman Jackman said the program, in a sense, does function as such but
needs more emphasis on cultural exchange.
Mrs. Haynes said the committee has considered changing the functional mode
of the sister city activities even to the possibility of picking up another city
in Mexico and retaining Guadalajara as a secondary sister city.
Mr. Tapia agrees with Councilman Jackman and the Council. He stated Downey
is one of several sister cities associated with Guadalajara and perhaps a smaller
city would be more in keeping with Downey.
Mrs. Haynes pointed out that.Enrique Rosales Shamon has been of great assist-
ance in the Clinica el Colli program, and he is president of the International
Sister City Program. She said consideration could be given to implementing a
sister city program with a smaller city in Baja California.
Councilman Greene favored such an idea because closer communications would
exist.
Councilman Swearingen does not fully agree with Councilman Jackman's observa-
tions. He pointed out that Guadalajara is Downey's first sister city and said
this status must be maintained. If it is absolutely necessary to make a change,
it should be accomplished gradually.
Councilman Greene questioned how anyone would be offended if Downey changed
its sister city.
Mrs. Haynes mentioned all sister city functions are referred to Enrique Shamon.
Mrs. Sziebl explained the concept of the Sister City Program, noting it is
more socially oriented and should have something more enriching.
.Council Minutes 10/23/79 (adj.) -1-
6457
Councilman Swearingen inquired regarding the student exchange program.
'Mrs. Haynes responded that a school -to -school plan is being considered.
Also, the Police and Firemen exchange program is anticipated to begin after the
holidays between the cities of Downey and Guadalajara.
Councilman Swearingen said emphasis should be placed on the student
exchange program.
Mrs. Haynes said two weeks is adequate for a student exchange program.
Mr. Tapia commented the student exchange was one of the greatest events
the City had in the Sister City Program. it created many lasting friendships.
However, the people -to -people concept is not as strong as was originally in-
tended when established by the late President Eisenhower.
Mrs. Haynes has investigated possible Baja communities. Tecate is an ideal
locality as a sister city, as well as Guadalupe Valley which is 20 miles east of
Ensenada.
Councilman Mackaig stated cost can no longer be a factor. He feels the
Sister City Program is not costing the City any money. (Council Members pay
their own way to Guadalajara.)
Mrs. Haynes rendered a description of the Clinica el Colli.
Mr. Tapia cited what an excellent activity the student exchange program is.
Mayor Miller asked how many (Downey) families would be involved in a reacti-
vated program.
Mr. Tapia replied eight or ten families would probably suffice.
Councilman Greene commented it would be nice if the sister city group could
be in Downey for the annual parade.
Mrs. Sziebl mentioned the persons from Downey participating in the student
exchange program would have to take a test in Mexico in order to qualify.
Mrs. Haynes reported there are 18 Sister City Committee members in Downey,
and it is hoped a youth program will be implemented in 1980. Plans are pending
to go to Tasco.
Mayor Miller inquired if any of the Mexican political officials have
journeyed to Downey.
Mrs. Hayes replied they have. However, most Mexican officials must be on
hand in Mexico on January lst of each year for official reasons.
Councilman Swearingen commended Mrs. Haynes and the Committee for its
efforts in keeping the program alive.
Mayor Miller extended his thanks to the Committee on behalf of the Council
for attending the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Kenneth J. Mi er, Mayor
Council Minutes 10/23/79 (adj.) -2-