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HomeMy Public PortalAboutSister City PolicyPage 1 of 2 COUNCIL POLICY Effective Date April 27, 2020 Amended Date: November 14, 2023 Page 1 of 2 SECTION: Corporate Services TITLE: Sister City(ies) Policy PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines within which Sister City relationships are established and maintained. A Sister City relationship is intentionally created by two or more governments through a formal agreement. GUIDING PRINCIPLE: Sister City relationships between communities can foster a range of cultural, educational, recreational and economic benefits and opportunities. This policy recognizes the current Sister City relationships with the Town of Bandai (Japan) and Lake Chelan (Washington, USA). PRINCIPLES: The Sister City model is based on community to community relationships. These relationships will be built on the following principles: Similarity There are identifiable similarities or mutual interest between the Town of Oliver and the Sister City, or proposed Sister City. Exchange There is potential for cultural, educational, recreational and/or economic exchange. Reciprocity As a Sister City there are reciprocal benefits and opportunities for both parties to develop relationships through cultural, educational, recreational and economic activities. Community Driven There is active leadership, involvement and support by the community, through an existing organization or business, to both establish and maintain the relationship. Sister City(ies) Policy Page 2 of 2 Strategic Benefit The short-term and long-term benefits of the relationship outweigh the public costs of entering into or maintaining the relationship. GIFTS: In the development of the Sister City relationship elected officials, or their representatives, exchange gifts that represent the cultural, educational, recreational, economic exchange or similar recognition of their community. All items that are exchanged, or donated, or in memoriam, are not to be disposed without prior authorization from Council. BUDGET: Sister City relationships may benefit from an ongoing base budget allocated specifically for expenses associated with: a) Hosting visiting delegations from Sister City(ies) b) Purchase of gifts to be given by the Town of Oliver when visiting Sister City hosts. The base budget funds that are allocated, are to host delegates and purchase gifts. The Town of Oliver will manage budgeted funds, including those in reserves for any funds not used each year. The Town of Oliver’s Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Corporate Officer will meet annually to outline the services delivered and a financial report, which will include a reserve continuity schedule. DELEGATIONS/TRAVEL: The long-term relationship established between the Town and Bandai (Japan) has resulted in funds being accrued, through financial gifting from Bandai. These funds are only to be used to assist youth and chaperones from the Town for trips to Bandai. Youth and chaperones must also fundraise to assist with associated travel costs. Council members and officers approved for participating in a delegation to a Sister City may be reimbursed for expenses in the same manner as set out for conventions in the Town of Oliver Travel and Expenses Bylaw.