October 18, 2005
SUBJECT: Request to Appoint a Delegate to Attend the Second Annual Taipei International Healthy Cities Conference and Exhibition 2005
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City has received an invitation from the Office of the Mayor, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan for a delegate from the City of Sunnyvale to attend the Second Annual Taipei International Healthy Cities Conference and Exhibition 2005 to be held October 29-31, 2005 at the Taipei International Convention Center. The invitation also includes the Healthy City Leaders Roundtable on October 30, 2005. The conference program addresses topics of community safety, cultural sustainability, environmental protection and healthy lifestyles for residents. Additional topics include the role of health policy-makers and a global healthy cities network. The relationship would build international networking opportunities for the City of Sunnyvale in the area of community health and safety. The hosting agency will cover roundtrip airfare to Taipei and four nights lodging.
The invitation was received on September 21, 2005. Due to time constraints, the City has responded that it will be sending a delegate to the conference contingent on Council’s appointment of a delegate.
BACKGROUND
The objective of the Second Annual Taipei International Healthy Cities Conference and Exhibition 2005 is to create a forum where cities can exchange practical knowledge in creating healthy cities. The international nature of the conference is intended to facilitate the creation of global partnerships between civil organizations and municipal administrators. Participants include international organizations, regional and local authorities, non-governmental organizations and private sector enterprises.
DISCUSSION
The advantage of sending a delegate from the City of Sunnyvale would be to benefit from the information and networking opportunities at the conference. Attendance by a City of Sunnyvale elected official would also promote business and exchange relationships between Sunnyvale and both Taipei and Taiwan.
FISCAL IMPACT
All airfare and lodging expenses will be paid by the hosting agency. The City would pay only for meals and incidentals and would be absorbed by Council’s existing travel budget. Additional costs are limited to City staff and administrative time to facilitate travel arrangements.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda and report on the City’s official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City’s Web site, and the availability of the report in the City Clerk’s office and Library.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Accept the invitation from the Taipei City Government and appoint Mayor Dean Chu as the City of Sunnyvale’s delegate to attend the Second Annual Taipei International Healthy Cities Conference and Exhibition 2005 to be held on October 29-31, 2005 at the Taipei International Convention Center, with the delegate’s airfare and lodging expenses to be paid for by the host agency.
2. Accept the invitation from the Taipei City Government and appoint another Councilmember as the City of Sunnyvale’s delegate to attend the Second Annual Taipei International Healthy Cities Conference and Exhibition 2005 to be held on October 29-31, 2005 at the Taipei International Convention Center, with the delegate’s airfare and lodging expenses to be paid for by the host agency.
3. Do not send a delegate to the Second Annual Taipei International Healthy Cities Conference and Exhibition 2005 to be held on October 29-31, 2005 at the Taipei International Convention Center.
4. Other action as directed by Council.
RECOMMENDATION
In view of the roundtable of mayors attending the conference, staff recommends Alternative #1.
Reviewed by:
Robert A. Walker, Assistant City Manager
Prepared by: David Kahn, City Attorney
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager
Attachments
A. Invitation to the Second Annual Taipei International Healthy Cities Conference and Exhibition 2005(pdf)