§ 335-3 — Policy

335-3. Policy.

The following policies shall be followed in selecting and maintaining sister city relationships or friendship city relationships: 1. There should exist a logical area of mutual interest and involvement with the prospective sister city or friendship city in the areas of culture and business. 2. Strong consideration should be given to factors that contribute to a good balance between the cities, including but not limited to geographic location, governmental structure, comparable size, population composition and education. 3. There should be evidence of strong local community support for the prospective sister city or friendship city relationship in order to assure a strong financial base and interest in exchange. 4. During the selection process, there should be consultation and communication between the city and other related agencies such as Sister Cities International. 5. Consideration should be given to the number of prior relationships held by the prospective city. Some flexibility may be allowed for unusual circumstances. 6. Sister city and friendship city relationships shall expire after 5 years unless extended for another 5 years by council resolution. 7. The sponsoring entity shall submit annual reports to the committee. An annual report shall be submitted within 30 days following each anniversary of the date on which the mayor signed the resolution establishing a sister city or friendship city relationship. 8. No city funds shall be used for travel expenses by city officials in connection with any sister city or friendship city relationship. 9. The mayor’s office shall have oversight responsibility for the sister city program. 10. The total number of sister city relationships adopted should not exceed 10.