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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - AIPCA Meeting Minutes from February 19, 2026Ames International Partner City Association Meeting Minutes 02/19/2026 Attendees: Karla McCollum, Laura Hansen, Marina Kraeva, Nicki Mackey, Tim & Deb Lentsch, Dawn Larson, Katrina Williams, Charlotte Marqueste, Valerie Stallbaumer. Karla called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Laura reported that the treasury total was $6,721.89. Approval of the treasury report was moved by Marina and seconded by Tim. Motion carried unanimously. The Koshu Committee reported that $3,00 was approved from the City of Ames for the Koshu trip. Katrina reported that applications have been received from potential student delegates. The deadline for receiving applications was February 6. By February 9, all 21 applications were given to AIPCA. Katrina noted that she put all the documents that pertain to organizing a Koshu trip on a drive. She also plans to give out some Japanese trinkets to the students interested in the Koshu trip. Plans were being made to interview students for the trip . Nicki stated that the interviews should start next week and two people should be available each time to interview each student. The limit for the Koshu trip will be 17 student delegates. The interviewers should consider behavior factors as well as other criteria. The final student delegates will be coached on cultural specifics and other advice and expectations for the trip. Discussion continued on when airline tickets should be purchased. The Kosovo Committee reported that an initial meeting occurred to discuss the upcoming trip to Podujeva. Cindy Hicks, Nicki, and Marina were present. Cindy formed the agenda. The Kosovo consulate will be involved. They will continue with monthly meetings at 4:00pm. Possible future high school engagement was discussed. The idea of art sculptures or some kind of art could be exchanged between the cities. Dyke Hicks may go on the Podujeva trip. It may be in September instead of June. If the Iowa Governor Reynolds attends, the trip will become more formal. Mention was made of Marina, Karla, Nicki, and Dawn attending the World Food Prize presentation event in Des Moines the following evening with Ames Mayor Haila also being present. Karla reminded the group to finish plans for the annual newsletter. Eric Smidt may be interested in helping. Laura recommended including the names of the student delegates that will be going to Koshu. Valerie has some photos that may be of interest. Katrina would like to write about what some of the past Koshu trip delegates are doing now. The final discussion was about how to update the AIPCA bylaws to eliminate unused committee names and add the current ones. Creation of a bylaws committee was moved by Katrina and seconded by Laura. Motion carried unanimously. Karla will draft ideas about new bylaws for review. Members should be prepared to discuss some ideas at the next meeting. The time of meeting adjournment was not recorded.