December 5, 2016

From: Chad Schaeffer To: Mayor Bemrich and City Council Subject: A Resolution Approving the Sister City Agreement between the City Fort Dodge and Gjakova, .

ACTION: For vote on December 12, 2016

Brief History The Iowa National Guard and the State of Iowa experienced an expanding relationship with the Republic of Kosovo. Along with Iowa Sister States, all have facilitated many military and civilian exchanges. These exchanges are instrumental in helping Kosovo, the newest democracy in Europe, develop a professional and stable security force and economic and political security for its citizens. In 2013 Governor Branstad signed a Sister State Agreement with Kosovo, which made it Iowa's 9th Sister State Partner. The City of Johnston and Fort Dodge will be the only cities in Iowa to form a Sister City Partnership.

Budget Impact Expenditures in regards to this relationship are unknown at this time. As this exchange grows, expenditures will be brought to the Council for discussion and approval.

Subcommittee or Commission Review / Recommendation The Sister City Committee reviewed this agreement during their meeting in the Summer of 2016 and recommend approval.

Staff Conclusions / Recommendations Staff recommends that Council adopt the Sister City Agreement between the City of Fort Dodge, Iowa and the City of Gjakova, Kosovo

Alternatives exists for City Council to not approve the agreement between the City of Fort Dodge and Gjakova, Kosovo.

Implementation and Accountability If Council approves the Sister City agreement between the City of Fort Dodge and Gjakova, Kosovo, Staff will work with its Sister City representatives to help implement the identified initiatives.

Approved By: Department: Status: David Fierke City Manager's Office Approved - 07 Dec 2016 Chad Schaeffer BACGEI Approved - 07 Dec 2016

RESOLUTION NO.

RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE SISTER CITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FORT DODGE, IOWA AND THE CITY OF GJAKOVA, KOSOVO

WHEREAS, The Iowa National Guard is proud of its partnership with Kosovo; and,

WHEREAS, In 2013 Governor Branstad signed a Sister State Agreement with Kosovo, making Kosovo Iowa's 9th Sister State; and,

WHEREAS, The City of Fort Dodge and the City of Gjakova are willing to form this relationship for the betterment of both Cities; and,

WHEREAS, The City of Fort Dodge anticipates collaboration within the areas of City Development, Cultural, Economic and Academic Cooperation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT DODGE, IOWA THAT THE SISTER CITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FORT DODGE, IOWA AND GJAKOVA, KOSOVO IS HEREBY ADOPTED.

PASSED AND APPROVED this _____ day of ______, 2016 by the City Council of the City of Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Ayes:

Nays:

Other:

CITY OF FORT DODGE, IOWA

By: Matt Bemrich, Mayor

ATTEST:

Jeff Nemmers, City Clerk

SISTER CITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FORT DODGE (IOWA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) AND THE CITY OF GJAKOVA (REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO) the Mayor of the City of Fort Dodge and the Mayor of the City of Gjakova

. In consideration of the existing relation of friendship and cooperation between the City of Fort Dodge and the City of Gjakova, referred to as the Parties;

. In consideration of the belief that the strengthening of the dialogue between cities is a fundamental step towards the development and promotion of economic, academic and cultural relations between the Parties;

hereby agree to cooperate on the following themes

Cooperation in the Field of the City Development Both Parties commit themselves to encourage cooperative projects mainly focused on the following areas: - cultural heritage - e-government and computerization of public administration Both Parties commit themselves to interchange experiences and technologies thanks to technical missions led by experts working on key issues and joint projects.

Cultural Cooperation Both Parties shall cooperate to promote and carry out activities which will facilitate exchanges among the cultural organizations of both territories. Economic Cooperation Both Parties shall support and foster, thanks to the economic boards in charge, the cooperation among the enterprises of both cities to promote the commercial and economic development.

Academic Cooperation Both Parties wish to promote international friendship by stimulating and developing intercultural activities and projects among youth and students from Gjakova and Fort Dodge. In this context, the City of Fort Dodge and the City of Gjakova shall support the exchange of students, teachers and internships from Fort Dodge and Gjakova universities and other research centers.

The Cooperation Pact shall be carried out in accordance with the national laws and regulations of both countries and the respective obligations assumed by both Parties under international law as well as their membership in regional and international groupings.

Both Parties declare that any activities aimed at implementing this agreement will not imply any additional charges for the public finance system, according to the financial law in force and will be covered by the proposing Institutions.

The present Cooperation Pact shall take effect on the date of its signature. The provisions thereof may be amended on request of either Party and it will follow the procedures assumed by the national law.

Duration This agreement shall be in effect from and after December 12, 2016 through December 12, 2026. Two original copies, each in the Albanian and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence in the interpretation, the English text shall prevail.

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FOR THE CITY OF FORT DODGE FOR THE CITY OF GJAKOVA IOWA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO MATT BEMRICH MIMOZA KUSARI-LILA MAYOR OF FORT DODGE MAYOR OF GJAKOVA