2008-10-02 Special CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY- - OCTOBER 2, 2008- -6:00 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Special Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Vice Mayor
Tam led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers deHaan, Gilmore,
Matarrese, Tam, and Mayor Johnson - 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA ITEM
(08 -410) Recommendation to approve Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) regarding the formation and implementation of Sister City
Relations between Alameda, California, the United States of America
and Jiangyin, the People's Republic of China.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Mayor Johnson introduced Alameda County Supervisor Alice Lai -
Bitker.
Ms. Lai - Bitker expressed her sincere congratulations to Jiangyin
and Alameda for the formation of the Sister City relationship;
stated that she looks forward to many wonderful exchanges between
the two cities; thanked committee members and Social Services Human
Relations Board (SSHRB) for all the hard work.
Stewart Chen, SSHRB, introduced Mayor Wang Xinan and the delegation
from Jiangyin.
Mayor Johnson welcomed Mayor Xinan and the delegation; stated today
is an important day for Jiangyin and Alameda; that she hopes the
delegation enjoyed the tours; Jiangyin and Alameda face some of the
same problems; that she hopes both cities can learn how to deal
with common problems and issues and that successes can be shared
also; thanked the Chinese government and people of China for the
great 2008 Olympic games; stated the Chinese athletes performed
very well and set many standards in various events; that she hopes
that mutual visits will occur in the future; today, Alameda and
Jiangyin join a great international tradition; cities have formed
Sister City relationships as a way to empower citizen diplomats to
build good will and understanding across borders; local
governments, businesses, and citizen volunteers form relationships
across cultures to enhance the social, educational, and business
partnerships that promote good will; the newly formed Sister City
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October 2, 2008
relationship will be a long -term partnership between the two great
communities; signing the Agreement will formalize intentions to
promote good will and positive partnerships; common interests are
celebrated and residents are encourage to build the understanding
and good will that can lead to lasting peace in the world.
Deputy Consul General Wu Wenxiang expressed warm congratulations
for the formation of Sister City relations between Jiangyin and
Alameda; stated Jiangyin looks forward to future cooperation and
exchanges; that he hopes the relationship will bear fruit in the
time to come.
Mayor Xinan stated that he is privileged to come to Alameda to sign
the Agreement establishing the City Sister relationship between
Jiangyin and Alameda; the friendship between the two cities has
entered a new stage; cooperation and friendship will be expanded in
the fields of culture, education, as well as government; Jiangyin
is economically developed and industrially modernized; United
States investors have invested in Jiangyin; Jiangyin's local
entrepreneurs are investing in the United States; cooperation
between the two cities will be very successful; Alameda has a
highly sufficient government; Jiangyin can learn a lot from
Alameda; he hopes that the relationship between Jiangyin and
Alameda will be everlasting; extended an invitation to everyone to
visit Jiangyin.
Cynthia Wasko, SSHRB, read a statement from Governor
Schwarzenegger; thanked Mr. Chen for all of his work.
Francisco Hsieh, 12th Assembly District, read a statement from
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma.
Mayor Johnson and Mayor Xinan signed the MOU.
Mayor Xinan presented the Council with Chinese -Asian artwork
symbolizing friendship between Jiangyin and Alameda.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Special Meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lana Stoker
Acting City Clerk
Agenda for meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
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October 2, 2008