Danville council to vote on new ‘friendship city’ policy

After several months of discussion, the Danville Town Council is set to consider adopting a policy for establishing “friendship city” relationships during its meeting Wednesday night.

The policy would allow the town to create a partnership between Danville and other municipalities, on a less formal basis than through a formal “sister city” relationship. Recently, the council has discussed possible friendship city partnerships with the communities of New Ross, Ireland and Danville, Ky.

“A Friendship City partnership between the Town of Danville and other domestic or international municipalities are intended to be mutually beneficial, create an atmosphere of goodwill, and initiate information exchanges between communities,” wrote Nat Rojanasathira, administrative services director, in a staff report.

The policy stipulates that a Danville-based nonprofit sponsor would need to coordinate the activities associated with maintaining the partnership, and outlines criteria to determine if a municipality could be a potential friendship city.

Specifically, the criteria focus on four qualities: if the municipality has similar attributes to Danville, in terms of population, cultural and economic issues, vision, mission or goals; if Danville has existing connections or ties to the community’s heritage or culture; if the Danville sponsor has enough volunteer support to maintain a sustainable partnership; and if the proposed friendship city has a history of being a stable and ethical local government.

Town funds would not be used for travel, lodging, meals or gifts related to a friendship city partnership, under the policy.

Wednesday night’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St. The council usually reschedules its meeting from the typical Tuesday night on an Election Day, even when there is no local election, according to town officials.

In other business

* Paul Causey, board president of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San), the town’s sewer provider, will present an update to the council.

* Managers from the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association will present an update on the farmers’ market.

* Council members will consider approving a limited co-sponsorship agreement with Victory Workspace Danville, which offers co-working and meeting space to local small businesses and entrepreneurs. This agreement is part of the town’s plan to support new facilities in underutilized commercial areas that facilitate collaborative work environments.

* The council will consider amending the construction contract with MCK Services, Inc. for the 2016/17 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.

* Council members will consider designating the historic Cooley House, located at 154 East Prospect Ave., as a Danville heritage resource.

* The council will consider approving a notice of completion for trim band repair for the Veterans Memorial Building Capital maintenance project.

*Arts Commission chair Beverly Kumar will give the semi-annual commission report.

*Mayor Renee Morgan and Councilman Robert Storer will present the semiannual school district liaison report.