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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-1999-063 SISTER CITY - MORELIA, MICHOACAN, MEXICO; AND FORMATION OF SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION.RESOLUTION NO. R-99- 63 A resolution establishing a Sister City relationship with Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico and endorsing the formation of a Sister City Association, whose purpose is to organize and provide support to the Sister City relationship. WHEREAS, The creation of a Sister City relationship between Yakima and Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico brings many exciting possibilities; WHEREAS, The relationship could help develop two-way trade, bringing products to our Hispanic market and create << cultural and educational exchange programs; WHEREAS, The creation of a Sister City relationship . can help increase in tourism for both of our regions; WHEREAS, The Yakima -Morelia Sister City Association will be open ,to individuals and business paying nominal annual membership dues; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Yakima, that Yakima ''endorses the formation of •a Sister City Association, whose purpose is . to organize and provide support to a Sister City Relationship between Yakima, Washington, U.S.A. and , Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City endorses and establishes a Sister City relationship between Yakima and Morelia, to be supported by the Sister City Association. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City encourages interaction between the cities in the form of educational, cultural, business and tourism contact. Dated this 4th day of May, 1999. City Clerk WE INVITE YOU ID JOIN U5! Name: Address: Phone: Check areas of interest: O International trade O Tourism/Hospitality O Education/Cultural/Sports exchanges O Ethnic festivals O Found raisers O Fairs Annual Dues: See inside 0 .071 O U rns V) o * rn H * ON O * os 0 tIl a Morelia The Yakima -Morelia Sister City Association A nonprofit organization promoting Educational, Cultural, Trade and Tourism exchanges between Morelia and Yakima. THE CITY OF MORELIA Michoacan is a Nahuatl Indian word that means "fisherman's place", It is a region rich in history, tradition, culture, art, folklore and gastronomy woven in Indian and Spanish heritage. The State's geography is varied with mountains, lakes, livers, beaches and a variety of beautiful landscapes enhanced by the warmth and friendliness of the people. The capital of Michoacan State is Morelia which is located at 1,951 meters above sea level in the central zone of the Mexican Republic. The unique and rich colonial architecture is enhanced by the average temperature of 75 degrees, making Morella a perfect destination all year. The houses, churches, streets, plaza and gardens maintain their renaissance style and on December 19, 1990 Morelia was honored with the "Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity" UNESCO award. The historic center of the city encompasses 3.45 square kilometers of colonial architecture, folklore and cultural activities which is pride of all "Morelianos". YAKIMA-MORELIA SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION Formed in 1999 by people interested in promoting good will and exchanges in trade, education, tourism and culture between the two cities, The Yakima -Morelia Sister City Association (YMSCA) is a people -to -people group. Being a nonprofit organization, dues, deflations and fund-raisers are relied upon to support the various year-round events and activities. The city of Yakima officially recognizes YMSCA as an important part of the city's international relations. ACTIVITIES: • Business/Trade conferences • Sports team exchanges • Music group exchanges • Tourism support • Visiting Morelia for fairs The chance for people from the two cities to share their culture and ideas is a major drive for the Sister city movement, and YMSCA takes that to heart. As a member you are encouraged to participate in any of the above activities or help coordinate others. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS IN MOFIELIA In May Morelia celebrates the Fair of the State and the International Organ Festival. The International Music Festival is celebrated in Morelia City the last days of June, 1/isitors can see exceptional arts and crafts for just pesos. Consider traveling to Fairs as part of the Sister City delegation Ito make the most of this special festival. HOW TO JOIN THE YAKIMA-MORELIA SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION The Yakima -Morelia Sister City Association Is open to individuals and business paying nominal annual membership dues. To join, please fill out your personal information below and mall it, along wi lh the appropriate dues payment to: YMSCA Troasurer P.O. Box ""***"* Yakima, WA 98908 To contact the YMSCA, please call the President (name) at (telephone number), write to the address above or e-mail at (e-mail address). You are invited to come to the YMSCA meetings on (day -hour). Meeting location may vary so call or e-mail those above for location. Annual Dues (checks payable to YMSCA): Student $15 Small Business...$100 Individual$25 Corporate $250 _._ //?,s f9,7 r. -Y O`` V.",;'",' ft, 1 NON-PROFIT CORPORATION APR 1 6 999 ARTICLES- OF- INCORPORATION I f_ OFFICE CF Ci T Y MAN!AGE1 The undersigned, for the purpose of forming a corporation under the nonpr"io tvvs'bi�t�"--• State of Washington, RCW 24.03, hereby adopts the following Articles of Incorporation. ARTICLE j The name of the corporation shall be: YAKIMA/MORELIA SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION The term of existence shall be ARTICLE II a) x perpetual OR b) ( number of years. ARTICLXIII The purpose of this Association is to promote charitable, educational, business, cultural, tourism, sports and -other beneficial exchanges between the cities of Yakima, State of Washington, United States of America and Morelia, Federal State of Michoacan, Mexico. The Association shall be a not for profit corporation registered -with the State of Washington and federal government. The Association shall be non-partisan, and non-sectarian. ARTICLE Iv The name of the Registered Agent of the corporation is: Leopoldo Aguiera The street address of the Registered Office, which is also the address of the Registered Agent, is as fbliows: 4703 W. Prasch Ave. Yakima, Wa. 98908 } ARTICLE V There shall be 3' director(s) serving as the initial Board of Directors. Their names and addresses are as follows: DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTORS ‘et Kest ✓1 ..i dCl D 4.--(Air-ae ARTICLE VI The name and address of each incorporator is as follows: 3/4/N1ste y��4I� w+'et 44/ `fs '` � u<<: �,�\(�� , r 5— Llie r t p 55Y e Z F r A� R, ,4/4 I i% o Z u7fD_ LU . 1:211-A-sG41 Z/e 11,► a c -Q 4 , QiGYSr� 9 ion -x.. � ;m. e�ri:'oa ipt .4 IN WITNESS WHEREOF each incorporator has affixed his/her signature on this 24 day of March , 1924. CONSENT TO APPOINTMENT AS REGISTERED AGENT 1, Leopoldo (Polo) Aguilera , hereby consent to serve as Registered Agent, in the State of Washington, for the corporation herein name I understand that as agent for the corporation, it will be my responsibility to receive Service of Process in the name of the corporation; to forward all mail to the corporation; and to immediately notify the Office ofthe Secretary ofthe State in the event of my resignation or for any change in the Registered Office address of the corporationor which I am agent. 3-24-99 (date) * (must be signed to meet filing requirements) ssf 9- (R 1/87j' Page 2 of 2 Subscri - c%� • - ;4° to - s 24th day of March, 1999. fit AIM _- Luz Baz- Herr-_ My commission expires 12-1-2001. BY LAWS YAKIMA/MORELIA SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION ARTICLE j Msme The name of this non-profit corporation shall be the YAKIMA/MORELIA SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION, hereinafter referred to as the "Association". ARTICLE II .Pitres The purpose of this Association is to promote charitable, educational, business, cultural, tourism, sports and other beneficial exchanges between the cities of Yakima, State of Washington, United States of America and Morelia, Federal State of Michoacan, Mexico. The Association shall be a not for profit corporation registered with the State of Washington and federal government. The Association shall be non-partisan, and non-sectarian. ARTICLE jII Membership SECTION 1. All individuals, businesses or organizations are eligible for membership in the Yakima/Morelia Sister City Association by virtue of their residency and upon paying annual membership dues. SECTION2. Active membership is extended -to these who are current dues -paying members. Active membership carries the right to vote and to become members of the Board of Directors. Corporate membership shall be encouraged. There shall be four types of membership; corporate, individual, small business and student. Each type of membership shall have different dues and shall have one vote. Each member shall be due and payable in January 1st of each year. The amount of dues to be set by the Board of Directors. SECTION 3: Members may not use the Association or its name to conduct personal business, especially when it concerns a contact of a sponsoring corporation, agency or organization and are expressly prohibited from making an appearance of respresenting the Association for personal gain without approval from the Board. SECTION 4: The Mayor of the City shall be an honorary member. 1 AR7T('1.F. N Mon SECTION 1. The elected officers of the association shall be the President. Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and f istorian. SECTION 2. The elected officers are volunteers and shall be elected from within the members in good standing of the association. SECTION 3. The Yakima City Council shall appoint a non-voting representative from the members of the City Council. A1T A SRL___ _ _tt _ _ se -s. .a 1_... �L_� of T% .__J �a r'i,11-91N "t. 1 nere Will 5175 ku J in !use members ®1 the Doaru. SECTION 5. The officers listed in Sections 1, 2, and 3, constitute the Board of Directors. SECTION 6. The duties of the officers shall be as follows: President: Presides at all general andtspecialmeetings of the Board of Directors, appoints all committee Chairs and fills all vacancies; both actions are subject to the approval of the Board, and is an ex -officio member of all committees. vice Presides: In the absence of the president, the vice president assumes all duties of the president and shalt assist, upon request of the president, with any duties related to the program. Responsible for coordinating all programs between Yakima and Morelia. Recording Secretary: Keeps an accurate recording of the proceedings of all meetings. Keeps a list of paid members and committee members and their chairman; and shall send out notices of meetings. Prepare and mail -an updated roster annually. Mail out dues notice by December 1, annually. Shall read, answer and make copies of all correspondence as directed by the president; Treasurer: Keeps an accurate record of atincome and expenditures deposits income and pays bills; and presents a financial statement at all Board meetings and at all meetings of the organization. The Treasurer shall eo-sign alt checks with the president or vice president. The Treasurer shall cause an annual audit of the financial records to be made and submit an audit report to the Board of Directors and general membership at the annual meeting. inateriatt. Keeps a historian's book containing information concerning all activities of the Sister City Program; keeps an accurate record of alt awards and presentations; and presents the historian's book and a list of awards and presentations for review at the annual membership meeting. 2 Council Representative: Act as liaison to the Board of Directors; and is responsible for coordination between the city government and the Sister City Association. SECTION 7. Officers are elected at the January association meeting and are eligible to succeed themselves in office except for the President and Vice -President who shall not serve more than two successive terms. Members who are efigii1e for office must be an active member for six months or more prior to nomination. The term will be January 1 through December 31 of each year. SECTION 8, Officers and/or members of the Board of Directors who have three unexcused absences at regular scheduled meetings, during their year of service, may be replaced upon prior written notification of their absence. ARTICLE V Board of Directors SECTION 1_ The Board of Directors consists of all the officers listed in Article IV, Section 1, 2, 3 and 4. SECTION'; The Board of Directors shall meet monthly. Special meetings may be caped. SECTION 3. A quorum consists of five (5) Board members. SECTION 4. Duties of the Board of Directors: a. Meets with representatives from Sister Cities to plan the overall annual program. b. Approves the Sister City Association budget. c. Authorizes expenditures of funds. d. Approves fund-raising events. e. Acts on all business of the organization. f. Approves all committee chairmen appointments. g. Determines annual -membership dues. SECTION 5, Directors and officers shall receive no salary. No expense reimbursement shall be allowed to directors or officers without approval of the Board -of Directors. The President may have expenses paid by the association to attend appropriate functions, as approved by the Association, pending available funds. (Room, registration and transportation, if needed): Alt receipts must be presented to the treasurer payable only upon approval of the Board of Directors. 3 ARTICLE VI Committees SECTION 1, The President and members of the Standing Committees shall be appointed by the president. The President shalt be responsible for administering his committee and for preparing the committee's work program. All projects of the committees are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. The committee chair shall prepare and submit a report on their committees' activities at the Association's annual meeting. The Committee Chair shall be appointed for a term of one year. The following shall be standing committees: a. By-�sws and Finance b. Membership c. Hospitality d. Special Events e Publicity j. xaaddsataa®s k. Church Activities 1. Cultural Affairs m. Housing S Cj ION 2. Duties of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall review the activities of the various committees. ARTICLE VII Erection of Offictre SECTION 1'. The President shat appoint a nominating committee consisting of five members at least thirty days prior to the October meeting. The nominating committee shall present a state of officers at the membership meeting in October. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. All nominees must be active members for at least six months prior to election. SECTION 2. Consent of each nominee shall be obtained before his/her name is placed in nomination. SECTION 3; Election is by majority vote of those present and in good standing at the meeting in October (one vote per individual membership, one vote per corporate membership). The new officers shall take office on January 1, at which time all procedure books must be presented. 4 ARTICLE VIII Meetings SECTION 1: There will be quarterly association meetings each year. The date and time shall be set by the Board of Directors. SECTION 2, Special meetings ofthe association may be called by 3 or more of the Board of Directors or at the written request of fifteen members of the association whose dues are in good standing. ARTICLE IX SigerSittAtalistan The City of Yakima affiliation with Morelia, M choacan, Mexico is to be affirmed by both City Councils within the first six months of 1999. ARTICLE X Amendments & Dissolution SECTIO„ These by-laws may be amended by a simple majority of the total association voting membership at any general meeting provided members have been notified in writing a 30' day prior to the meeting. SEES TION 2 The corporation shall be dissolved according to the provisions of applicable State Law and Articles of Incorporation. ARTICLE XI Rules of Order SECTION 1, Robert's rules of order shall govern all association meetings, except as inconsistent with the Articles of these by -la 5 at;��+,•pli4);�E -Alpsx.ter:tat'k�f.:tF4o!.- 1.vli,t�.4�r zay_ami:. •a{ti{ELS FLAk a1:ok.1,'l r Clk :��lk i l%A► ST of `WASHI ,6. SECRETARY' of SWUM - L RALPH MUNRO, Secretary of State of the State of Washington and custodian of its seal, hereby issue this CRRTIFIC'A T I OF EXISTENCE/AUTHORIZATION OF YAKIMA/MORRLIA SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION I FFlilRTHFR C'FRTIFY that the records on tile in this office show that the above named nonprofit corporation mks formed under the laws of the State of Washington and was issued a Certificate oi'Incorporaation in Washington on March 29, 1949_ 1 FtIRTHF.R C al IFY that as of the date ill this certificate, no Articles of Dissolution have been bed, and mat elle corporation is duly authorized to transact business in the corporate ti rrn in the State of Washington. Duo: April 16. 1999 Given under my hand and the Seal of the State of Washington at Olympia, the State Capital i• M,. i r+'77islYsO4Vr,rye,ire r.iqi t :rgaearipftanl 'i i4t1r4)?'tgnlYil2 i\it/gn;i/ui'14Y!iA i4OrioY'rii teii 4 i To7 . o S. VI ko p Ali nen, TO J.'G'd Jwcf*i STISESVEeST BV:eT EGET/9T/VR LOS ANGELES TIMES FCOTLOOSE ' Spanish Influence Persists in Mexico's Morelia I• 0 Mountain town was on the cutting edge of revolution, but it remains Iberian to the core. By BEVERLY BEYER and ED RABEY IVMORELIA, Mexico—In 1541, Antonio de Mendoza, Spain's first yiceroy to its new colony, con- quered only 20 years earlier, .named this town in the central ,Mexico highlands Valladolid, after his Spanish birthplace. He also _encouraged patrician families from the old country to settle here, which has set the cultural and "architectural tone of the city to this `day. In 1828, just seven years after • ¥exico won its independence and hatred of the Spaniards still ran high, Valladolid was renamed Mo- relia, honoring native son Jose "Marfa Morelos, a military leader „who also framed the new country's first constitution. Yet the Spanish colonial influ- ence remains strong in Morelia, Which is about 140 miles west of "Mexico City, and in nearby towns such as San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and Dolores Hidalgo, 'all hotbeds of the insurrection. '-,Morelia today is Iberian to the Ore,, with its Baroque architecture, broad boulevards, endless arcades arid an intricately carved cathedral beside the gigantic ztcalo (main plaza) of manicured laurel trees and flowers. Despite the ethnic influence and, marvelous handicrafts of Tarascan :Indians, who settled the Morelian region 15 centuries before Christ, this capital city of the state of .Michoacan retains its colonial heri- tage architecturally. Any new buildings in the Old Town must adhere to the colonial style com- pletely. Further, they must be Made of the local cantera rosa, a pink sandstone that gives the town a soft and alluring glow. Anyone will enjoy a few days in 'this lovely old city, but it is a special treat for candy lovers. There's a two -block -long mercado "de dukes (candy market) beneath `the arcades and just. a few steps from the zdcalo, and its colors and -variety of sweets create a rainbow of delights. Getting settled in: Few hotels enchant one so immediately and completely for their beauty and t,rapquillity as Morelia's Villa Mon- tana. Seton a gentle hill overlook- ing the city, the villa is a quiet enclave of 40 exquisite rooms and suites, each with at least one .,wood -burning fireplace, marvelous ,Mexican antiques, rustic ceiling beams, gleaming terra-cotta tile .floors and great bowls of fresh flowers. The artwork and tasteful nsP of Inral hanrlierafte rmmnln_ Twin towers of Morelia's highly ornamented 17th -Century cathedral. Guanajuato ®San Migue�' Allende ®® ® Patzcuaro Mexico City os Angeles Times ment the elegance that pervades every nook and cranny of this magnificent Spanish colonial inn. Several flowery terraces and patios, one with a formidable col- lection of pre -Colombian artifacts, create a garden of serenity be- twean thr units- ThP mini and tennis court provide recreation, and Villa Montana surely has more character than any hotel in our recent memory. Posada de la Soledad began life in 1719 as a convent and later became a posada (resting place) for mule skinners and their animals, similar to Spain's paradores. In the 18th and, 19th centuries, it was a coaching -stop innfor travelers to and from Mexico City, an eight-day journey. The mid -city posada is built in convent style around a huge open courtyard embraced on, all sides by three stories of arcaded gallerias spilling bougainvillea. Bedrooms are modest in size and furnishings, but. the breakfast buffet over whelms one with its choice of Mexican dishes. The Saturday buf- fet of ranchero food is also a very festive affair. Hotel Virrey de Mendoza, on a corner of the zOcalo, is a 1744 private home named for Spain's first viceroy in Mexico. It, too, is built around a courtyard, this one covered by an impressive stained- alass ceiling. Bedrooms are of me - Garden statue in, Villa Montana. dium size and have old -fashion' furnishings, but the hotel has just reopened after a renovation tha' restored the formal luster it en' joyed seven years ago when first visited. The restaurant al bar are much -frequented by loci thanks to the excellent location an affable bartender named°se] Regional food and drank: Mica. aean means "land of the fist man," which makes sense since state has more lakes than a\ other in Mexico. (The Indian wo; is also the origin of the name of the U.S. state of Michigan.) Hence, freshwater fish appear on every menu—mainly trout, catfish, carp, whitefish and charales, a tiny fish deep-fried whole and served with chile sauce and guacamole. Morelians claim their carnitas and tamales are superior to the garden variety elsewhere. Rabbit, enchiladas and other foods appear on some menus placero or callejer- as—charbroiled in the manner of plaza or street vendors. Mexico's red and white wines keep getting better with each of our visits, and we consider the country's beer vastly superior to our own. Good local dining: Meson San Diego (Fray Antonio de San Mig- uel 344) is a former private home where one may dine at tables in a galieria running the length of a long and lovely pool, often with flowers floating about. There are also several formal rooms opening onto the galleria, all handsomely decorated. Fresh trout is the. specialty, but the meson also owns a farm that raises pheasant, quail and duck. Smoked trout and other hors d'oeuvres run about $5, and trout or seafood main dishes are $8. The , chicken mole is $7:50, and the wine list includes fine bottles from Mexi- co and four other countries. Please see FOOTLOOSE, L15 BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. / 7 For Meeting Of 5/4/99 ITEM TITLE: Consideration of a resolution establishing a Sister City relationship between Yakima, Washington, U.S.A. and Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico and supporting the formation of a Sister City Association, whose purpose is to organize and provide support for the Sister City Relationship. SUBMITTED BY: Glenn K. Rice, Assistant City Manager Polo Aguillera, Chair of the Yakima -Morelia Sister City Committee CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Glenn K. Rice, 575-6040 Marketa George Oliver, 575-6040 SUMMARY EXPLANATION: The Morelia Sister City Committee has been meeting on a regular basis and working hard to establish a non-profit organization to handle expenses related to a proposed sister city relationship with Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. The concept has been discussed informally since 1997, when the City of Yakima received a letter from the Municipal President of Morelia requesting consideration of such an understanding. At that time, it was the consensus of the Council that a Sister City Relationship would be acceptable if it was supported by members of the community, both conceptually and financially. A Committee was then formed and has been working for the past several months. The Committee has filed articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State and is in the process of filing paperwork with the Internal Revenue Services to be recognized as a 501c-3 (non-profit) organization. (This will enable donors to receive a tax credit for contributions to the Association.) A Sister City relationship would be established to promote educational, cultural and business exchanges. The attached resolution establishes a Sister City relationship with Morelia and supports the formation of a Sister City Association. Resolution Ordinance — Contract X Other (Specify) Funding Source There is no financial support provided by the City and therefore no funding soure identified. APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: This is a Council policy decision. COUNCIL ACITON: