Sister Cities Commission

SISTER CITIES COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025 AL LARSON PRAIRIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS / CONFERENCE ROOM A NOTES MEMBERS PRESENT: Caren Chisesi Vandana Jhingan Tom LaMantia Kazuko Mino Annie Miskewitch Suzanne Poeschel Bob Schmidt Jose Skrobot Ally Zinck MEMBERS ABSENT: Neil Khot Kiran Nuthulapaty STAFF PRESENT: Tiana Weiler, Director of Cultural Services CALL TO ORDER: Suzanne Poeschel called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Kazuko Mino to approve the Sister Cities Meeting Minutes from September 9, 2025. Caren Chisesi seconded. MOTION CARRIED. A motion was made by Kazuko Mino to approve the Sister Cities Japan Subcommittee Meeting Minutes from October 28, 2025. Ally Zinck seconded. MOTION CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS: A. Germany Subcommittee Report - SDAG visit to Schaumburg, IL 2025 No new report. As of now the April 2026 visit is still happening. Ms. Poeschel reported she is waiting for the exact dates to be confirmed. B. Japan Subcommittee Report Ms. Mino shared an update from the Japan Subcommittee meeting that was held with Mr. Niwa and Mr. Matsui. The discussion was about the 2027 Anniversary celebration in Namerikawa. It was noted they would like Mayor Dailly to attend. They are interested in us determining the best dates to come, if July 4, the anniversary date doesn’t work. The committee discussed April/May, when the Firefly Squid Festival takes place, would be a good time to schedule the visit. C. South Asia Subcommittee Report No report. D. 2026 Meetings  This discussion has been tabled and there will be no change in the meeting date/time in 2026. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Ms. Zinck brought the updated brochure for the committee to review. Ms. Zinck will email it to the committee for additional review and comments. This topic will be added to Continuing Items portion of the agenda moving forward. CONTINUING ITEMS: 1. Sister City Facebook Page Jose Skrobot reported that we have had good shares and likes on recent Facebook posts. He asked that members reshare and continue to like new posts. In addition, he requested members continue to share ideas for Facebook posts to keep the content fresh. 2. Proposal for Use of Sister City Funds Mr. Skrobot provided an update on the scholarship proposal. The scholarship application will be presented and ready for discussion at the January meeting. A motion was made by Tom LaMantia for the commission to use funds from the commission’s liability account to procure $200 in gift cards to be donated to families through the Schaumburg Township. In addition, another $200 will be donated to the District 54 Foundation program Families in Crisis Fund. Jose Skrobot seconded. MOTION CARRIED DEFERRALS: No deferrals. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: ADJOURNMENT The Commission decided to forgo their meeting in December and instead meet for a holiday gathering. A motion was made at 6:00pm by Jose Skrobot to adjourn. Tom LaMantia seconded. MOTION CARRIED. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 5:30 pm