HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11a - Establishing a Friendship City relationship with Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China
DATE: November 19, 2019
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dominic Lazzaretto, City Manager
By: Michael Bruckner, Assistant to the City Manager
Laena Shakarian, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A FRIENDSHIP CITY
RELATIONSHIP WITH DONGFANG CITY, HAINAN PROVINCE, CHINA
Recommendation: Provide Direction
SUMMARY
On October 7, 2019, Council Member Tay submitted a Friendship City Application
(Attachment “A”) and Letter of Interest (Attachment “B”) on behalf of Dongfang City,
Hainan Province, China to establish a Friendship City relationship. Dongfang City is one
of the seven county-level cities of Hainan Province, China. It is located on the western
coast of Hainan Island facing Vietnam across the Gulf of Tonkin, a very strategic
position for trade and commerce in that part of Asia.
Per the City’s adopted Friendship Cities Program Policy, it is recommended that the City
Council provide direction regarding the request to establish a Friendship City
relationship with Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China.
BACKGROUND
A Friendship City is a relationship established between two communities that is mutually
beneficial. City officials or staff and interested community members or organizations
from the cities may periodically keep in contact for the purpose of discussing topics of
mutual interest. Friendship City relationships are usually pursued based upon activities
and thematic areas that are important to both communities, including business, trade,
educational, and cultural interests. A Friendship City relationship is less formal and rigid
than a “Sister City” relationship and can be as active or passive as the participating
cities wish.
At the May 21, 2019, City Council meeting, the Heilongjiang Business Association, a
USA-Cal 501(c)(3), requested that the City of Arcadia consider establishing a
Request for Friendship City Designation with
Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China
November 19, 2019
Page 2 of 4
Friendship City relationship with Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China (Attachment
“C”). Council Member Tay made a motion to bring this item back at a future Study
Session. Council Member Chandler and Council Member Amundson voted in support of
this motion.
At the August 6, 2019, City Council meeting, after a lengthy discussion, a City Council
majority voted to table the adoption of the Friendship Cities Program along with
considering a Friendship City relationship with Dongfang City. After review of the City
Council’s comments, staff updated the Friendship Cities Program Policy to address
concerns expressed during the Study Session. At the September 17, 2019, City Council
meeting, the City Council voted to adopt a Friendship Cities Program Policy
(Attachment “D”). Based on this adopted Policy, application forms were developed and
made available to the City Council.
DISCUSSION
On October 7, 2019, Council Member Tay submitted a Friendship City Application and
Letter of Interest on behalf of Dongfang City to establish a Friendship City relationship.
Dongfang City is one of the seven county-level cities of Hainan Province, China. It is
located on the western coast of Hainan Island facing Vietnam across the Gulf of Tonkin,
which is a very strategic position for trade and commerce in the east Asian region.
The Heilongjiang Business Association (“Association”) is sponsoring this application on
behalf of Dongfang City. The primary activities of the Association are focused on arts
and culture, youth and education, business and trade, and overall community
development. The Association is interested in helping establish a Friendship City
relationship between the Cities of Arcadia and Dongfang, in part because the
organization has an interest in promoting cooperation between China and the United
States, and in particular the Pacific Coast region. Additionally, Dongfang City would like
to develop a racetrack, improve their malls, hospitals, and senior centers, and looks to
Arcadia as an example. According to the Association, a friendship between the two
cities is in the spirit of the Association’s goals, and can be accomplished with minimal
effort on the part of the City since the Association would be willing to do the legwork.
Per the policy, selection and adoption of a Friendship City shall be based upon, but not
limited to, the following:
• Careful consideration of Arcadia’s current and prospective ties to the country;
relevant political, cultural, and economic issues; and an appraisal of the benefits
that would accrue from the friendship relationship.
• Support from individuals, groups, or organizations in the Arcadia community with
a demonstrated interest in the friendship relationship.
Request for Friendship City Designation with
Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China
November 19, 2019
Page 3 of 4
• Strong consideration will be given to cities comparable to Arcadia in areas such
as demographics, culture, geographical similarities, tourism, economics,
business, and population.
Due to the high number of residents in Arcadia who have emigrated from various parts
of China, establishing a Friendship City relationship with a Chinese community is a
natural choice. However, with 813 cities in China having populations over 10,000,
deciding which community might be the best fit is a little more difficult.
The internet provides only limited information on Dongfang City. The table below
compares the population, size, climate, industry, and form of government of the two
cities:
Arcadia Dongfang City
Population 58,156 454,800
Size 11 sq. mi. 871 sq. mi.
Climate Mediterranean Tropical
Industry Health, Science, Technical Chemical, Bio-energy
Government Local/Municipal County
This is the Association’s first attempt at establishing a Friendship City relationship with
another city and Dongfang City has no other Friendship or Sister City relationships in
the United States or any other country. Should the City Council wish to engage in a
Friendship City relationship with Dongfang City, the Friendship City Program Policy
provides some general guidelines for the establishment of this relationship.
By submitting the application, Council Member Tay has certified that he is willing to
serve as the Ambassador between Dongfang City and the City of Arcadia. In addition,
per the adopted policy, Council Member Tay has also stated that he has no financial
interest and will derive no financial benefit from serving as Ambassador. Council
Member Tay will also present more information during the discussions on this item on
why he feels Dongfang City meets the criteria for establishing a Friendship City
relationship.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. Per the City’s adopted Friendship Cities
Program Policy, no costs may be incurred in support of the Friendship Cities Program,
with the exception of minor staff time for administration and other small monetary gifts
for dignitaries.
Request for Friendship City Designation with
Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China
November 19, 2019
Page 4 of 4
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council provide direction regarding the request to
establish a Friendship City relationship with Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China.
Attachments: “A” – Friendship City Application – Dongfang City
“B” – Letter of Interest (English & Chinese)
“C” – City Council Presentation – May 21, 2019
“D” – Friendship Cities Program Policy
FRIENDSHIP CITY APPLICATION
A.BACKGROUND:
A “Friendship City” is a relationship established between the City of Arcadia and a city in another
country that is mutually beneficial. City officials or staff and interested community members or
organizations from the City of Arcadia and its Friendship Cities may periodically keep in contact for the
purpose of discussing topics of mutual interest. The primary goal of a Friendship City relationship is to
open lines of communication between the City of Arcadia and the Friendship City. The Program is
designed to establish an informal relationship between the City of Arcadia and participating
international cities, creating an atmosphere of goodwill.
The first step towards establishing a Friendship Cities Designation is for a City Council Member to
complete the attached application. This application helps to identify the proposed goals of the
relationship, the supporting activities expected, and highlights the areas of interest and strengths or
needs of each party. This information is provided to the City of Arcadia City Council for their
consideration.
B.CRITERIA:
The Friendship Cities Program is coordinated and managed through the City Manager’s Office. The
selection and adoption of Friendship Cities shall be based upon, but not limited to, the following:
1.Careful consideration of City of Arcadia’s current and prospective ties to the country; relevant
political, cultural, and economic issues; and an appraisal of the benefits that would accrue from
the Friendship City relationship.
2.Support from individuals, groups, or organizations in the Arcadia community with a
demonstrated interest in the Friendship City relationship.
3.Strong consideration will be given to cities comparable to Arcadia in areas such as
demographics, culture, geographical similarities, tourism, economics, business, and population.
C.WHO MAY REQUEST A FRIENDSHIP CITIES DESIGNATION?
A Friendship City proposal will require sponsorship and recommendation by a current City Council
Member and must be submitted to, and approved by, a majority of the City Council. The Friendship City
Council sponsor shall submit this application on behalf of the Friendship City and provide background
information to the City Manager’s Office staff for review. Upon receipt of a completed application
packet, the City Manager shall place the item on an upcoming City Council agenda for consideration.
Required documents include:
1.Friendship City Application
Attachment "A"
2.Letter of Interest from Friendship City
3.Friendship City background information and summary of proposed benefits
D.RESPONSIBILITIES:
The City Council Member that sponsors the relationship assumes the responsibility of “Ambassador” to
the Friendship City. Ambassador duties may include hosting and organizing City events, visits, and other
official acts in support of the Friendship City relationship.
1.Should a current City Council Member assigned as Ambassador to a Friendship City no longer
serve on the City Council or is otherwise unable to serve as the Ambassador, a current sitting
City Council may assume Ambassador duties for the Friendship City as defined herein.
2.If an Ambassador is not identified, the Friendship City relationship will be terminated.
E.PROCESSING AND APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION:
All Friendship City relationships must be documented by a Friendship City Agreement between both
cities. All Friendship City Agreements must be approved by the City Council and signed by the Mayors of
both cities in order to be valid. The proposed Friendship City Agreement shall include the following
provisions:
1.Adhering to the principle of equality and mutual benefit, both cities will strive to learn from one
another through information sharing opportunities to promote prosperity and quality of life.
2.City officials, relevant City departments, and interested community members and organizations,
may periodically keep in contact for the convenience of discussing topics of mutual interest.
The Friendship City Agreement may be terminated when such action is deemed appropriate by either
City to be in its best interest.
F.FUNDING:
The City of Arcadia’s funding for the Friendship Cities Program shall be limited to: visitor’s gifts such as
City of Arcadia branded pins, pens, and other souvenirs of minor value; nominal City staff time to
coordinate meetings for visiting dignitaries with the City Council and City staff; and securing City-owned
facilities for such meetings, if appropriate. Any additional costs beyond those referenced above,
including costs for travel by City Council representatives to Friendship Cities, shall be at the individual
participant’s expense. No public funds shall be authorized at any time for travel to a Friendship City.
IMPORTANT: Please complete and return the application below, along with all supporting materials,
to the City Manager’s Office. The application will only be processed once all the required documents
have been completed and received.
For any questions regarding the Friendship Cities policy, program, or application, please contact Mike
Bruckner at mbruckner@ArcadiaCA.gov or at (626) 574-5433.
Last Name:
Term Expiration:
APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION
A City Council Member interested in establishing a Friendship City relationship must provide a
completed application that addresses all the questions below in addition to a Letter of Interest from the
proposed Friendship City. Submission of a completed application does not guarantee that the City of
Arcadia will enter into a Friendship City relationship.
1.Arcadia City Council Ambassador
Term (First or Second):
Signature:Date:
Email:
Climate:
Nearest Airport:
By signing this form, I agree that the forgoing is true and correct, and assume the duties of Ambassador as
outlined in the City of Arcadia’s Friendship Cities Policy. I further agree that I have no financial interest in,
or will derive any financial benefit from, serving as an Ambassador to the proposed Friendship City.
2.Proposed Friendship City
Proposed Friendship City (name & country):
Name and Title of Highest Elected Official:
Name and Title of Friendship City Representative:
Mailing Address:
Phone Number:
Website:
Population:
Nearest Major City:
______________________ͺ ____________________________
_________________________________ __________________________
________________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________ ____________________________________
___________________________ͺ
___________________________________ _________________________________
_____________________________ ____________________________
___________________________________________________________________________Demographics:
&Žƌŵ ŽĨ 'ŽǀeƌŶŵeŶt:ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ
Tay
Second November , 2022
10/6/2019
Dongfang, Hainan province, China
Gang Tei, Mayor
Gang Tei , Mayor
3 Office Building, Dongfang City, Haian Province, CN 572600
+011 86 0898 25523399
http://www.chinatoday.com/city/hainan.htm
tropical443,000
Sanya Phoenix internationalSan Yang
population subdividing into the Han, the Li, the Miao, the Hui and other nationalities.
ShoFirst Name: ________________________________
ϯ.Sponsorship Organization
Is a third party organization sponsoring this application in support or on behalf of the proposed Friendship
City? If yes, please provide their information below͘ /Ĩ ŶŽ͕ ƉůeĂse sŬiƉ tŚis seĐtiŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶtiŶƵe tŽ seĐtiŽŶ ηϰ͘
Organization Name:
Name and Title of Organization Representative:
Mailing Address:
______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
Is the Organization a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit in good standing? If yes, please provide verification of
non-profit status and a copy of their most recent tax returns.
___________________________
What is the mission of the Organization?
Phone Number: ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ ŵĂiů:
Website: ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ
Heilongjiang Buisness Association
Binying Qi and Lihua Song
P. O. box 62, Sierra Madre, Ca 91025
Qibinying@yahoo.com626-456-0032
Yes, Tax documentation for the Organization is on file with the City of Arcadia
To promote business and cultural relations between China and the United States.
What is the relationship between the Friendship City and the Organization?
What is the Organization’s experience in developing activities, events, programs, and exchanges in support
of Friendship City relationships? Please provide examples.
The organization promotes education, culture, tourism and development
between the United States, particularly the West Coast and China
This is the Heilongjiang Business associations first attempt supporting Friendship
City relationships. There are no examples of previous efforts.
ϰ.&ƌŝĞŶĚƐŚŝƉ ŝƚLJ ĂĐŬŐƌŽƵŶĚ /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ
Please provide some background information about how your relationship with the proposed Friendship City
was established.
Žes tŚe ƉƌŽƉŽseĚ &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ itLJ ŚĂǀe ĂŶŽtŚeƌ &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ Žƌ ^isteƌ itLJ ƌeůĂtiŽŶsŚiƉ ǁitŚ Ă h͘^͘ itLJ͍ /Ĩ
LJes͕ ǁŚeƌe is tŚe &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉͬ^isteƌ itLJ ůŽĐĂteĚ͍
The President of the Heilongjiang Business Association, Lihua Song, is working on the
development a pilot training school and air transport facility in Dongfang City, and is
involved in educational and cultural and travel activities
No. Dongfang City has no friendship or sister city relationships in the United States
Does the proposed Friendship City have ŽtŚeƌ &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ Žƌ ^isteƌ itLJ relationships in other countries? If
yes, where is the Friendshipͬ^isteƌ City located?
WŚĂt Ăƌe tŚe &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ itLJΖs ĐŽŵŵƵŶitLJ ĂŶĚ ĐƵůtƵƌĂů ĂĐtiǀities͍ ;i͘e͘ Ăƌt ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵs͕ sƉŽƌts teĂŵs͕ ŚŽsƉitĂůs͕
ŵeĚiĂ͕ ĨestiǀĂůs͕ ĐŽŵŵƵŶitLJ eǀeŶts͕ etĐ͘Ϳ
No, Dongfang City has no friendship of sister city relationships in other countries
Dongfang culture resources:
The Baicha Shipform Cultural Village
Fuque Xinxian Square
The Hainan Railway Development Museum
The Modern Agricultural Tourism Demonstration
China Scholarship Council, Dongfang International Center for
Education Exchange
Dongfang Film Festival
The Oriental Minority Festival (February)
Red Dragon Fruit Festival in February.
Tourist Festival in January
Traditional Banboo Dance Festival (United Nations Cultural
Heritage registered)
WƌŽǀiĚe iŶĨŽƌŵĂtiŽŶ ŽŶ tŚe &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ itLJΖs eĚƵĐĂtiŽŶ sLJsteŵ: ;i͘e͘ ŵĂũŽƌ ĐŽůůeŐes͕ ƵŶiǀeƌsities͕ teĐŚŶiĐĂů͕
tƌĂiŶiŶŐ iŶstitƵtiŽŶs͕ etĐ͘Ϳ
deůů Ƶs ĂbŽƵt tŚe &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ itLJΖs eĐŽŶŽŵiĐs ĂŶĚ tŽƵƌisŵ͘ WŚĂt Ăƌe its ƉƌiŵĂƌLJ iŶĚƵstƌies ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽĚƵĐts͍
/s it Ă ĚestiŶĂtiŽŶ ĨŽƌ ǀisitŽƌs ĂŶĚ bƵsiŶesses͍
Government supported Elementary, Middle and High School System Dongfang
Institute of Technology
Dongfang Pilot School
School for Students with Special Needs
College for Hospitality Services, Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism
Hainan Island has a long and complex history. The indigenous Li and Miao ethnic
peoples each have distinct cultures and customs. Hainan was administered as part
of Guangdong Province until 1988. Since then it has been designated a Special
Economic Zone (SEZ) and has become a magnet for investment and has developed
a large tourist infrastructure.
Being nation's tropical crop base, produces rubber, sisal hemp, coffee, coconut,
pineapple, tea, cocoa, condiment and perfume. The reserves of titanium, crystal
and precious stone run the first place in China. Coconut, tea and pepper are its
famous local and special products.
Known as “China’s Hawaii,” Dongfang attracts visitors from China and beyond,
especially to its southern beaches around Sanya. The major scenic spots include
Wugong Temple and Hai Rui's Tomb in Haikou; The Remostest Corners of the
earth Scenic Spot, Luhuitou Park and Wuzhi Mountain in Sanya.
Describe iŶ ĚetĂiů ǁŚĂt beŶeĨits ĂŶĚͬŽƌ ĐŚĂůůeŶŐes LJŽƵ ĂŶtiĐiƉĂte Žƌ edžƉeĐt ĨŽƌ tŚe itLJ ŽĨ ƌĐĂĚiĂ iŶ
ĚeǀeůŽƉiŶŐ tŚis &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ itLJ ƌeůĂtiŽŶsŚiƉ͘ /teŵs ŵĂLJ iŶĐůƵĚe:
esĐƌibe iŶ ĚetĂiů ǁŚĂt beŶeĨits ĂŶĚͬŽƌ ĐŚĂůůeŶŐes LJŽƵ ĂŶtiĐiƉĂte Žƌ edžƉeĐt ĨŽƌ tŚe &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ
itLJ iŶ ĚeǀeůŽƉiŶŐ tŚis ƌeůĂtiŽŶsŚiƉ͘ /teŵs ŵĂLJ iŶĐůƵĚe:
•Areas of interest upon which the relationship will focus.
•Opportunities for growth and potential outcomes.
•Areas of interest upon which the relationship will focus.
•Opportunities for growth and potential outcomes.
If the two cities, Arcadia and Dongfang City can form a friendship relationship, that
implies that residents of different ethnicities can accept each other. And this
“friendship city" relationship will not bring financial burden to Arcadia and will
present a good image for both cities. Arcadia is also the immigrant city in the
hearts of the Chinese people.
The establishment of sister cities in the two cities can promote the economic
development of the two cities, and Dongfang City welcomes Arcadia residents to the
East (the cost is much cheaper than Hawaii), and the eastern residents can also come
to Arcadia for a holiday.
Arcadia has a racecourse, botanical gardens, shopping malls, hospitals, and elderly
activity centers. Dongfang City would like to develop a racecourse and improve their
malls, hospitals and senior centers and looks to Arcadia as an example. Hainan province
is very much like Hawaii, and is also a great tourist destination.
WůeĂse ĂĚĚ ĂŶLJ ƉŚŽtŽs͕ ůiŶŬs tŽ tŽƵƌisŵ Žƌ ƉƌŽŵŽtiŽŶĂů ǀiĚeŽs͕ ŵeĚiĂ͕ Žƌ ŽtŚeƌ iŶĨŽƌŵĂtiŽŶ tŚĂt ĐĂŶ ƉƌŽǀiĚe
Ă ǀisƵĂů ƌeƉƌeseŶtĂtiŽŶ ŽĨ tŚe ƉƌŽƉŽseĚ &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ itLJ͘
REMINDER: /ŶĐůƵĚe Ă ůetteƌ ŽĨ iŶteƌest ĨƌŽŵ tŚe ŚiŐŚest ƌĂŶŬiŶŐ ŽĨĨiĐiĂů ĨƌŽŵ tŚe ƉƌŽƉŽseĚ &ƌieŶĚsŚiƉ itLJ
ǁitŚ LJŽƵƌ ĂƉƉůiĐĂtiŽŶ͘
WůeĂse ĂĚĚ ĂŶLJ ĂĚĚitiŽŶĂů iŶĨŽƌŵĂtiŽŶ ĂbŽƵt tŚis ƉƌŽƉŽseĚ ƌeůĂtiŽŶsŚiƉ ĂŶĚͬŽƌ tŚe iŶǀŽůǀeĚ ĐitLJ ĂŶĚ
ŽƌŐĂŶinjĂtiŽŶ͘
See attached
Dongfang Municipal People's
Government
DFH No. 〔 2019 〕 86
Letter from Dongfang Municipal People's Government on the
Intention to Establish Sister City Ties with Government of the City of
Arcadia
Arcadia Municipal Government:
Arcadia is an historic, beautiful and wealthy city with a long history,
convenient communication and a rich culture. It is known as "the City of Trees"
and is a resort for tourism and recreation. The city has made remarkable
achievements in economic growth, urban management, humanist education and
leisure tourism, which are worthy of our study and reference.
Dongfang city is one of the three major coastal cities in Hainan, with a
long history, rich resources and a pleasant climate. It has been known as the
"Land of Thanksgiving and Pears." The city has the largest tropical plain in
Hainan, and is an important energy and chemical industry base in Hainan. It is
the only city port with a border trade policy and designated port of entry for fruit
in Hainan, making it one of the most promising areas in Hainan.
We believe that Arcadia and our city are both committed to building
prosperous areas, economically, culturally, and for tourism. W e hope to further
strengthen the economic and social cooperation and exchanges with your city,
as well as mutual exchanges, enhance friendship, and jointly promote the
complementary advantages, resource sharing, strategic cooperation and win-
win development of both sides through the establishment of sister city ties. We
plan to visit your city in June or July to discuss matters related to the
establishment of sister city ties. We hope your city can support our idea and
reply as soon as possible. At the same time, we invite the leaders of your city to
visit and provide guidance on Dongfang city.
Contacts:
Shan Jiliang (Director of the Municipal Party Committee Office of the
Communist Party of China), Tel: 1397666 1161,
Li Weibo (Director of the Office of the Dongfang Municipal People's
Government), Tel: 136376 00789
Hereby issue this letter.
Dongfang Municipal People's Government
April 16, 2019
Attachment "B"
Attachment "C"
CITY OF ARCADIA
FRIENDSHIP CITIES PROGRAM POLICY
PURPOSE
The purpose of Arcadia’s Friendship Cities Program is to create opportunities for the City of Arcadia to
establish ongoing communication with similar municipal governments around the globe and to learn
from one another.
DEFINITIONS
A “Friendship City” is a relationship established between the City of Arcadia and a city in another
country that is mutually beneficial. City officials or staff and interested community members or
organizations from the City of Arcadia and its Friendship Cities may periodically keep in contact for the
purpose of discussing topics of mutual interest.
POLICY
The Friendship Cities Program is a way for the City to initiate relationships on a municipal government to
municipal government basis with international cities on a less formal basis than through an official Sister
City relationship.
Friendship City engagement with foreign municipalities will foster increased global cooperation and
communication at the municipal level for the benefit of participating cities. The program allows the City
to form flexible ties with international cities without having to apply the more formal process
established under the guidelines of Sister Cities International.
No public funds shall be used in support of a Friendship City engagement with the exception of limited
staff time to support the establishment of a Friendship City relationship and small gifts for Friendship
City dignitaries.
GOAL
The primary goal of a Friendship City relationship is to open lines of communication between the City of
Arcadia and the Friendship City. The Program is designed to establish an informal relationship between
the City of Arcadia and participating international cities, creating an atmosphere of goodwill.
Friendship City relationships may include the exchange of correspondence between Mayors, City Council
Members, and other community leaders regarding areas of mutual interest. While funding limitations
may preclude travel or more formal program activities, the Friendship Cities Program provides the
opportunity to initiate information and cultural exchanges, and the ability to generate community
interest and support.
Attachment "D"
PROCEDURES
1. The Friendship Cities Program is coordinated and managed through the City Manager’s Office.
2. Selection and adoption of Friendship Cities shall be based upon, but not limited to, the
following:
a. Careful consideration of City of Arcadia’s current and prospective ties to the country;
relevant political, cultural, and economic issues; and an appraisal of the benefits that
would accrue from the Friendship City relationship.
b. Support from individuals, groups, or organizations in the Arcadia community with a
demonstrated interest in the Friendship City relationship.
c. Strong consideration will be given to cities comparable to Arcadia in areas such as
demographics, culture, geographical similarities, tourism, economics, business, and
population.
3. A Friendship City proposal will require sponsorship and recommendation by a Member of the
City Council and must be submitted to, and approved by, a majority of the City Council. The
Friendship City Council sponsor shall submit an application on a form provided by the City
Manager’s Office on behalf of the Friendship City and provide background information to the
City Manager’s Office staff for review. Upon receipt of a completed application packet, the City
Manager shall place the item on an upcoming City Council agenda for consideration. Required
documents include:
a. Friendship City Application.
b. Letter of Interest from Friendship City.
c. Friendship City background information and summary of proposed benefits.
4. The City Council Member that sponsors the relationship assumes the responsibility of
“Ambassador” to the Friendship City. Ambassador duties may include hosting and organizing
City events, visits, and other official acts in support of the Friendship City relationship.
a. Should a current City Council Member assigned as Ambassador to a Friendship City no
longer serve on the City Council or is otherwise unable to serve as the Ambassador, a
current sitting City Council may assume Ambassador duties for the Friendship City as
defined herein.
b. If an Ambassador is not identified, the Friendship City relationship will be terminated.
5. All Friendship City relationships must be documented by a Friendship City Agreement between
both cities. All Friendship City Agreements must be approved by the City Council and signed by
the Mayors of both cities in order to be valid. The proposed Friendship City Agreement shall
include the following provisions:
a. Adhering to the principle of equality and mutual benefit, both cities will strive to learn
from one another through information sharing opportunities to promote prosperity and
quality of life.
b. City officials, relevant City departments, and interested community members and
organizations, may periodically keep in contact for the convenience of discussing topics
of mutual interest.
c. Friendship City Agreement may be terminated when such action is deemed appropriate
by either City to be in its best interest.
6. The City of Arcadia’s funding for the Friendship Cities Program shall be limited to: visitor’s gifts
such as City of Arcadia branded pins, pens, and other souvenirs of minor value; nominal City
staff time to coordinate meetings for visiting dignitaries with the City Council and City staff; and
securing City-owned facilities for such meetings, if appropriate. Any additional costs beyond
those referenced above, including costs for travel by City Council representatives to Friendship
Cities, shall be at the individual participant’s expense. No public funds shall be authorized at any
time for travel to a Friendship City.
7. The City Manager shall have authority to develop and implement administrative policies,
practices, and materials deemed necessary to support City Council-approved Friendship City
agreements and administration of the Program.