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<br /> Anita Leplin, Diana Beanstalk, and Peter Uccelli, of Redwood City <br /> International, a Sister City Organization, described the City of Zhuhai, <br /> China and the four year history of Redwood City International's efforts to <br /> forge the sister city relationship being proposed at this time. <br /> Vice Mayor Bury advised he was very pleased with the people of Redwood City <br /> International and the citizens committee they formed to consider a sister <br /> city for Redwood City, but added he believed a broader public awareness was <br /> necessary before the Council could approve a sister city relationship with <br /> any city. Vice Mayor Bury recommended further public input into this issue. <br /> M/S: BURY/BUCHAN TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING TO ALERT PEOPLE THAT THE COUNCIL <br /> WOULD BE CONSIDERING A SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP WITH ZHUHAI, CHINA, AND <br /> INVITE THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS DECISION <br /> Anita Leplin described in detail the efforts to involve the public in the <br /> discussion of a sister city with Zhuhai, China. <br /> Councilman Murray advised that it was very important to have a unanimous <br /> vote from the Council on a sister city relationship, as it will send a <br /> strong and positive message to the citizens of both cities. Councilman <br /> Murray described China's large population and old society and what it could <br /> teach the rest of the world, and suggested a public forum might be helpful. <br /> Diana Beanstalk described her twenty year relationship with China, first <br /> visiting twenty years ago as President Nixon's communications specialist, <br /> and visiting several times a year since then. Ms. Beanstalk suggested the <br /> Council remember sister cities are people to people associations and <br /> discussions should not get bogged down in the body politic. <br /> Councilwoman Buchan advised that the Council is not discounting the <br /> wonderful and productive work done by Redwood City International and <br /> described the proposed public hearing as just one more step to reach the <br /> public and communicate directly with the citizens of Redwood City which is <br /> very important. <br /> Peter Uccelli described the work done over the last four years and how <br /> difficult it was to get the public involved throughout the process. Mr. <br /> Uccelli advised a delay might cause the people of Zhuhai to back away from <br /> the sister city relationship and that a delay could be harmful. <br /> Anita Leplin advised that a contingent of artists from Zhuhai is planning to <br /> visit Redwood City in February of 1993 and a delay at this point might be <br /> detrimental. Ms. Leplin stated that until a sister city relationship is <br /> established the public just does not show any interest. <br /> Mayor La Berge thanked Anita Leplin, Peter Uccelli, and Diana Beanstalk for <br /> the excellent job they had done with the Sister City Program and for their <br /> efforts in getting the community involved. Mayor La Berge agreed that the <br /> selection of a Sister City had been a long and fruitful public process and <br /> it was time to go forward and support Zhuhai, China as Redwood City's first <br /> Sister City. <br /> Regular Meeting Minutes <br /> October 5, 1992 <br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 Page 4 <br /> Page No. 214 <br />