The Town Council has approved a resolution that establishes a new Sister Cities Advisory Commission for the Town of Fountain Hills.

According to Town Manager Grady Miller, the proposed commission would be a seven-member commission that would report to and advise the council on issues related to Sister Cities.

Miller said the new commission would not be a replacement of the existing Sister Cities Corporation.

“This is a common practice of cities and towns throughout the country to ensure the continuity and viability of its Sister City relationships,” Miller said.

A vote on the resolution was delayed from an earlier meeting after the Sister Cities Corporation board asked for some clarification on the proposal. It also asked that there be three members of the corporation board named to the commission.

After meeting with Miller Jan. 11, the Sister Cities Corporation voted to support the resolution for the commission.

Councilwoman Cassie Hansen asked Miller whether the new commission could be considered consistent with the significant effort made by the town over the past year to consolidate advisory commissions.

Miller said he would take ownership of the proposal for the Sister Cities Commission.

“We enter into these relationships for the long-term, which is something we need to take responsibility for,” Miller said. “This is an essential part of the town structure to maintain (Sister Cities) over the long term.

“This benefits the (corporation) in providing additional resources for fundraising.”

Vice Mayor Henry Leger asked about the process for selecting members for the new commission.

Miller said the corporation board would provide a letter of recommendation as to three of its members and the process for naming the others would be the same as for other commissions – those interested submit an application and stand for an interview with a council subcommittee, with the mayor bringing forward the recommendations for final approval.

Fountain Hills has four Sister City relationships including Ataco, El Salvador; Dierdorf, Germany; Kasterlee, Belgium and Zamosc, Poland. The commission would help provide for coordination of Sister City activities and communication between the town and the non-profit organization.

The corporation would continue to provide support thorough fundraising for student exchange, organizing and hosting delegations and special events.