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City Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Agenda - 09/18/2001
KE�,�T `- WASH IN GTON COUNCIL WORKSHOP CITY COUNCIL September 18, 2001 Leona Orr Council President Phone:253-8556-5712 Fax:253-856-6712 The Council Workshop will be held in Chambers East in Kent City Hall at 5:00 PM 220 Fourth Ave. S. on Tuesday, September 18, 2001. Kent,WA 98032-5895 Council Members: President Leona Orr, Tom Brotherton, Tim Clark, Connie Epperly,Judy Woods, Greg Worthing,Rico Yingling Sneaker Time 1. eGovernment Status Report Marty Mulholland 20 min. Stan Waldrop Dan Meeker 2. Sister City Update Staff 10 min. The Council Workshop meets each month on the first and third Tuesdays at 5:OOPM in Chambers East unless otherwise noted. For agenda information please call Jackie Bicknell at(253) 856-5712. ANY PERSON REQUIRING A DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT (253) 856-5725 IN ADVANCE. FOR TDD RELAY SERVICE, CALL THE WASHINGTON TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE AT 1-800-833-6388. 4000 11Z KENT WAS-GTON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Date: September 11, 2001 To: City Council From: Marty Mulholland, Director of I.T. Re: eGovernment Status Report Next week we look forward to sharing our progress in the area of eGovernment. Our web sites have continued to grow both in size and popularity, and we are eager to share those successes with you and present strategies for moving forward in the future. We intend to make a brief presentation on eGovernment, demonstrate some of our recent projects so you can see what our public experiences, and allow time for questions and answers. KENT W A S H I N G T O N City of Kent 1-eGovernment Status Presented to City of Kent Council September 18, 2001 Prepared by: City of Kent Information Technology Department www.ci.kent.wa.us eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary.................................................................... 3 2. Why eGovernment? .................................................................... 4 2.1.Vision.......................................................................................4 2.2.eGovernment Benefits................................................................5 2.3.Keys to a Successful eGovernment Strategy .................................5 3. Recent eGovernment Successes at the City of Kent.................... 6 3.1.EGovernment preparation - Technology Plan I (1998) ....................6 3.2.Public Web Site (Internet) ..........................................................7 3.3.Internal Web Site (KentNet)........................................................9 3.4.Costs ..................................................................................... 10 4. What eGovernment Projects Would Best Serve Kent? .............. 10 4.1.Web Site Input, Feedback, and Evaluation .................................. 10 4.2.Community Meeting ................................................................. 11 5. eGovernment Projects.............................................................. 13 5.1.eGovernment Project Selection Criteria ...................................... 13 5.2.Internet Site - Current Projects................................................. 13 5.3.Intranet Site (Kentnet) - Current Projects .................................. 16 5.4.Future Projects........................................................................ 18 6. eGovernment Implementation Challenges................................ 18 6.1.Policy Issues ........................................................................... 18 6.2.Technical Issues ...................................................................... 18 6.3.Resource Constraints ............................................................... 19 7. eGovernment - How Do We Move Forward? ............................. 19 7.1.Technology Plan II (2001) ........................................................ 19 8. Measurement of Success .......................................................... 20 8.1.Measurable Outcomes for the Kent Community ........................... 20 8.2.Measurable Outcomes for our internal web site ........................... 20 9. Conclusion ................................................................................ 21 Page 2 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy 1. Executive Summary The purpose of this document is to present the Council with status information and a vision for Electronic Government (eGovernment) at the City. In this document the term "eGovernment" primarily focuses on web-based information and services. In this document, we present a vision for the future with regard to eGovernment at the City of Kent. We also describe a number of sources of input for selecting current eGovernment initiatives and developing the future vision. A key source of input was an event that took place in February 2001. This was a community meeting where we invited community representatives and employees to spend a half-day talking about possible web-based services. The City web sites (both external and internal) have continued to experience increased usage, far beyond what we might have predicted when these web sites were launched in 2000. As a way of introducing the topic of eGovernment, we include some of those statistics and recent successes. Much of the success of the City's web sites is a result of the efforts of our "web authors"—approximately 60 City employees who update our external and internal web sites each week. This document presents a vision for eGovernment as the City moves forward, along with status information on a number of eGovernment projects. The Internet is an exciting way to extend our services and information to stakeholders, and provides a means of"connecting for success" that holds much promise for the future. Because eGovernment is likely to continue to change and evolve, we believe that we will need to continue to provide avenues for public input in the years ahead. September 18, 2001 Page 3 of 21 eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington 2. Why eGovernment? 2.1. Vision During her drive home from work, a Kent resident notices a yellow "Public Notice" sign posted in her neighborhood. She pulls over to read the sign to see what is going on, and notices that there is a web address for more information and to submit comments. When she gets home, she visits Kent's web site and navigates to a web page that shows a map of the city, with yellow Public Notice signs showing where,City construction is planned. She clicks on the one in her neighborhood, and is taken to a web page with all of the details about the construction project. Since public comments are requested for this project, 'there is space at the bottom of the page where she types in her comments, which get emailed to the project manager. While on Kent's web site, she notices a link to information about building a deck. Since she and her husband want to add a deck to their home, she clicks on the link. In addition to all kinds of information about building a deck that conforms to the City of Kent building code, there are simple step-by-step instructions for how to get a permit. She submits her permit application and payment online, and is taken to a web page that shows her permit, which she can print and post. Near her scheduled completion date, she gets a friendly email reminding her to schedule a final inspection. She saved numerous trips to City Hall: one to pick up the permit application, another to turn it in, and a third trip to attend a public hearing on the construction project in her neighborhood. She learned how to build a deck that conforms to the building code, and had it professionally inspected after it was completed. She participated in Kent's democratic process by submitting public comments regarding the construction project in her neighborhood. Since she works in Seattle and is raising a family, she could not take time out of her day or evening to make these trips to City Hall. Our vision for eGovernment is to use the Internet to extend services to our stakeholders in a way that enhances their experience with the City. We will provide efficiency and value to those that take advantage of our Internet-based offerings, and the Internet-based offerings provided will be consistent with the requests and needs of our stakeholders. Page 4 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy Egovernment will enhance our interaction with our customers, citizens, businesses, employees, and the rest of the greater Kent community by providing information, communication, and transactions on our web sites. Electronic Government will extend, not replace, the means we use to provide services to our customers. 2.2. eGovernment Benefits The many benefits of eGovernment include: • Serving our customers when and where they want to be served by being available 24 hours per day, seven days per week on the Internet. Customers can interact with the City via our web site early in the morning from work, late at night from home, or from anywhere in the world at any time. • Improving customer service by providing common, simple services more efficiently on the Internet. eGovernment even improves customer service for people that don't use the web, since it shortens lines at the counter and enables customer service representatives to spend more time with each walk-up customer. • Saving time and travel for our customers. They will be able to do their business with the City electronically, rather than make multiple trips to City Hall. • Augmenting the communication between the City and the Kent community. It provides an easy way for citizens and businesses to request services, submit public comments, and respond to surveys. 2.3. Keys to a Successful eGovernment Strategy Vision must be supported EGovernment services must provide value to our stakeholders, and have the support of City officials and City departments. Services should be easy to use It must be easy for customers to get the eGovernment services they want. The information on our web sites must be customer- and task-oriented, not department-oriented. Tasks should include clear, step-by-step instructions on how to complete them. Navigation must be helpful and consistent. Our web pages should be easy to read and understand, and available in different languages. September 18, 2001 Page 5 of 21 eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington Keep the processes efficient and similar to in-person experience Applications delivered electronically should provide a customer experience that is similar to what they would receive at the counter or over the phone. If there is a form the customer must fill out, the printed form and the web form should look identical. Before making a service available on the Internet, take the opportunity to study and potentially streamline existing processes. Provide optional step-by-step instructions for customers who are unfamiliar with the process. Keep customers informed If we want our customers to use Kent's eGovernment services, we must actively market them. Target the audience for each eGovernment service, and ensure they know they can get the service electronically. Mention that services are available on our web site in the outgoing messages on City phone-answering machines. Use printed materials, Kent TV 21, and direct mailings to inform the target audiences about eGovernment services. 3. Recent eGovernment Successes at the City of Kent 3.1. EGovernment preparation - Technology Plan I (1998) The City began laying the groundwork for eGovernment when the City Council approved a Technology Plan in 1998. That plan called for a substantial technology investment to bring the City up to a higher standard of technology use in order to improve City operations. As part of that plan, the City put the following into place: Network. Built a reliable network connecting all City facilities. This included the rewiring of almost every City facility to meet modern network wiring standards. Personal Computers. Upgraded all personal computers with new operating systems and office tools. Created a replacement program for desktop personal computers. E-mail. Installed a modern e-mail system. Telephones. Replaced entire telephone system including telephone switches, telephone handsets, and voice mail system. Converted to new telephone numbers to utilize a single prefix. Converted all pagers to a new standard. Page 6 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy Business Systems. Replaced many aging City business systems including -� systems that manage the following functions: business licensing, parks registration, parks facility scheduling, permitting, fire records, fleet management. Recent "go-lives" with new finance system and document imaging systems in July 2001. Converted City Geographic Information System to industry-standard product and offered increased access and training to department employees. Training. Provided training for employees on the use of the above systems, including the purchase of computer-based training programs. Help Desk. Established a help desk system for central management of requests for technical assistance. We will track and respond to almost 10,000 help desk calls in 2001. Web sites. Launched a professional external web site consistent with the City's image. Provided web authoring tool and training for approximately 60 employees who update web content for each department. Launched an internal web site also authored and updated by City employees in a variety of departments. The implementation of Technology Plan I initiatives has enabled us to establish the City as an agency that accepts technological change. The City is therefore in a good "readiness position" to move forward with eGovernment initiatives. Because a number of systems are going live in 2001 and 2002, we need to be cautious not to overburden departments. 3.2. Public Web Site (Internet) The City launched its Internet web site in April 2000. Since launch, the number of web pages on our web site has grown remarkably, from 3 to over 1000, and the number of web visitors has grown by more than an order of magnitude to over 35,000 per month. September 18, 2001 Page 7 of 21 eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington Internet Web Site 40,000 1,200 35,000 1,000 30,000 800 25,000 N 20,000 + 600 a 15,000 400 10,000 i 200 5,000 i 0 0 r- o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Q g --� -' Q (� O Z p n L L 2 Q g -5 �' Q ®Visitors *Web Pages Some of the more popular areas of our web site are: • An up-to-date list of current employment opportunities at the City, with detailed job descriptions and an online job application for candidates to fill in and print. Approximately 85% of our submitted employment applications are downloaded from the Internet. • City Council agendas and minutes. • WebReg (Web Recreation Registration), which allows people to browse our catalog of recreation courses, register for courses, and pay for them online. • Departmental email links so people can send email directly to a department, without having to know a specific person's name in that department. • Sports league information, including current team standings, game schedules, and whether or not games are cancelled due to rain. • Police most wanted: information (including mug shots) about people wanted on misdemeanor warrants. Page 8 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy 3.3. Internal Web Site (KentNet) The City launched its Intranet web site (called KentNet) in July, 2000. In just a year, the number of web pages on KentNet has grown to almost 900, and the number of visits by City staff has grown to over 7,000 per month. KentNet Web Site 8,000 1,000 900 7,000 800 6,000 700 5,000 600 N N d L LS1 N 4,000 500 a� .Q 400 3,000 300 2,000 200 "1 1,000 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0r- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O N O O N N O O O O 0 N N N N O a > fn O Z Q LL 2 ®Visitors Web Pages Some of the more popular Kentnet areas are: • An online Employee Policy Manual. • Benefits information. • A database-driven phone list that the visitor can sort by first name, last name, or department. • The results from the annual Employee Survey. • Online reports for Public Works Operations and Fleet Services. • Current information about Information Technology projects. September 18, 2001 Page 9 of 21 eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington 3.4. Costs Our eGovernment operating costs largely consist of the employee hours ~' involved in maintaining and improving our web sites. Many areas of our web sites are updated on a weekly basis. There are approximately 60 "web authors" who are department employees assigned to this task. We estimate that collectively our web authors spend approximately 100 to 120 hours each month maintaining the City's web sites. Our webmaster spends approximately 20% of his time providing assistance and training to the web authors. We will also pay $2900 per year to continue to use mapping location software. The eGovernment related capital costs from Tech Plan I that have been directly associated with Internet-based services have been as follows: Capital Expenses Item Cost Hardware (Servers, Firewall, 36,000 etc.) Statistics Software 800 Web Authoring software and 10,000 associated training Parks Registration - 20,000 Software & implementation services to register for parks classes over Internet Mapping Software to provide 1,500 location information Total 68,300 4. What eGovernment Projects Would Best Serve Kent? 4.1. Web Site Input, Feedback, and Evaluation The main audiences for Kent's Internet web site (www.ci.kent.wa.us) are: • Residents, including children, families, and senior citizens. • Businesses, including commercial, residential, and industrial real estate developers. • Visitors to Kent. L Page 10 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy A variety of sources are used to gather input regarding the City's Internet site. -. These sources include: • Web Site Statistics - We study how our web pages are being used, which pages are most popular, etc. • E-mail comments directly into the web site - Departments receive input based on their web pages, and our webmaster receives comments and suggestions as well. • Public input - Suggestions come from department communications with the public, with employees, etc. • Peer Agencies - Input from colleagues in other cities about successful eGovernment initiatives. The City participated as one of 22 cities, mostly from the King County area, in a group known as the "E-Gov Alliance". In addition to increasing awareness of eGovernment successes in our region, we also learned about some of the challenges that organizations face when implementing eGovernment initiatives. • Employee input - Suggestions made by employees in order to improve efficiency of operations - we receive suggestions for both our internal web site and our external web site from employees. The continued increase in popularity of our public web site illustrates that the direction we have taken has been accepted by the outside world. However, a special community meeting was conducted to hear directly from City stakeholders about the eGovernment services they would most like to receive. 4.2. Community Meeting The City held an eGovernment Community Forum on February 8, 2001. Sixty- five people attended the Forum, representing the following sectors: • Citizens and Residents • Schools and Students • Businesses • City Employees • Community Organizations • Real Estate Developers • Communications Companies At the Forum, participants were asked to describe what interactions they currently have with the City, and to brainstorm ideas about what information, communication, and transactions they would like to see on Kent's web sites. Each sector then chose their top three suggestions, and reported the answers to the whole Forum. At the end of the Forum, the whole group was asked what they thought were the best ideas presented. September 18, 2001 Page 11 of 21 eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington City employees also attended the City's eGovernment Community Forum. These employees described their current interactions with the City and brainstormed ideas for improving the City's web sites. The most frequently requested suggestions coming from the Community Forum for our external web site are listed as follows: • Permitting: Our customers want application forms to be available online, the ability to check permit status via the web, to have easy instructions on how to get a permit and when a permit is needed, to request inspections electronically, to receive communications electronically rather than via U.S. mail, and to submit and pay for permits without coming to City Hall. Potential extensions of these services would include a presentation of recent hearing examiner findings, publication of any proposed zoning changes, etc. • Community Portal: There are many definitions of a "portal", but the intent coming from our community meeting was to create a central and accessible place for people to learn all about Kent. It would include a calendar of events for the community (beyond City activities) and the ability to be aware of community services and businesses. The ability to be notified via e-mail lists on certain topic of interests was in some cases associated with the portal. Accessibility aspects would include ease of use, multi-language support, design for ADA compliance, etc. The suggestion was to use the City website as an electronic "launch- pad" to the community. • Transportation Information: Help people travel through Kent, be aware of construction projects. Include maps. Include schedules for trains, busses, shuttles. • E-mail Subscription Program: Ability to sign up for electronic lists so that information of interest is automatically sent out. Examples might include employment opportunities, road closures, and monthly parks events. • General: Market the site so the community knows what is available, provide multi-language support, seek ADA compliance on site design, make it very easy to use, include maps, provide "how-to" guides where appropriate, make it easy to contact the City when necessary. The need to market our site more effectively became apparent when several of the suggestions made at the Community Forum were for services and information that already exist on our public web site. Our web site has grown very quickly, so it makes sense that community members are not fully aware of the information available. The City's external site has more depth and complexity than is obvious by looking at the home page, and therefore we need to redesign the home page and structure it to enable customers to get to the features they need more readily. Page 12 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy 5. eGovernment Projects 5.1. eGovernment Project Selection Criteria Our criteria for selecting web projects or for proposing future web services will include the following: • Attempt to make substantial progress on most frequently requested suggestions. • Make progress with existing resources whenever possible. • Take existing projects and vendor/technical issues into consideration. • Take department impacts and availability into consideration. • Take on a blend of simple projects (information-oriented) and more challenging projects (such as taking payments over the Internet). • Make improvements to both the external web site and the internal web site. The following sections provide a detailed list of current web services. Sections 5.2 and 5.3 list projects for our public and internal web sites that are in progress and funded from Tech Plan I. As you can see by the status information, our web sites are not "standing still"— -� we have made substantial progress in eGovernment over the past six months. 5.2. Internet Site - Current Projects The table below lists current projects for the City's external website, www.ci.kent.wa.us, in the following groupings: • Information-oriented (pure information) • Communication-oriented (include an exchange of information) • Transaction-oriented (ability to conduct business, highest degree of complexity) Table A - Current Internet Site Projects Internet Project Description Status Information-Oriented City budget: convert the budget and/or the "budget in brief' Became available into PDF (portable document format) and post it on the web. July 2001. September 18, 2001 Page 13 of 21 eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington Internet Project Description Status City organization chart and information about how City Done July 2001. government works. Included in budget in brief; additional posting areas planned. Community portal: Phase I: Improve "community experience" in City web site Phase I: to be by adding e-mail subscription program, support for multi- delivered. languages, add calendar of events. Redesign home page for greater awareness of site features. The goal is to enhance the accessibility and availability of information on our Internet web site. Phase II: Provide links and/or explore partnerships to Phase II: This will identify best method to provide a Kent community portal be a separate outside of the City's web site. project, to be considered in the Note: This item is listed as an information item but it also future, after �- includes a number of communication elements. Phase I web- based services are delivered. Hearing Examiner information - present agenda In progress, to be information, summaries, and findings. delivered online in 2001. Improve usability of web site: redesign home page to Web authors emphasize links organized by customer and task, reorganize trained on ADA content into customer-oriented tasks; improve search compliance. engine results, translate content into multiple languages, Search engine comply with ADA recommendations. requirements analyzed. Researching alternative designs. Targeted for delivery by year-end 2001. Page 14 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy Internet Project Description Status Location maps that show how to get to all City facilities. Selected MapQuest as vendor. Will be available by end of year 2001. Marketing of web site: Ongoing. We have written two articles for the Kent Reporter, have participated in a Mayor's Forum, have distributed a flyer as a utility stuffer, and will be creating targeted marketing plans to audiences of specific web-based services. Municipal code: make it easy for the public to find what Done. Currently they're looking for, and easy to keep up to date as hosted at ordinances, rules and regulations, and the municipal code Municipal change. Research Service Center web site. Permit Center web: clear, step-by-step information about Launched permit how to get a building permit. Convert all permit forms into center web in PDF format and post them on the web for remote printing July, 2001 with on demand. forms available online. Property information: provide links to King County web sites Done. that provide information about property taxes and parcel information. Transportation web: information about road closures, Launched in detours, major road projects, Shopper Shuttle, bus June, 2001; more schedules, train schedules, traffic cams, neighborhood improvements traffic control, ride matching, and categorized links to other under way. regional transportation information on the web. Communication-oriented Online permit status checking so permit applicants can Launched in July, enter their permit number and see where it is in the 2001. application or inspection process. Transaction-oriented September 18, 2001 Page 15 of 21 eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington Internet Project Description Status ~' Building inspections interactive voice response system. Researching (This is a touch-tone telephone inspection system. While alternatives for not technically an Internet-based service, touch-tone implementation in offerings are often offered in parallel to Internet-based late 2001 / early services in order to serve those that do not have Internet 2002. access.) Class registration online and via touch-tone telephone for Launched in Parks & Recreation activities. Register for classes over the August, 2001. City's web site and also via touch-tone telephone. 5.3. Intranet Site (Kentnet) - Current Projects The table below lists current projects for the City's internal website, in the following groupings: • Information-oriented (pure information) • Communication-oriented (include an exchange of information) • Transaction-oriented (ability to conduct business, highest degree of complexity) Table B - Current Kentnet Projects KentNet Project Description Status Information-oriented City Central, the employee newsletter. Will be including on Kentnet as PDF in future. Holiday schedule of when the City is closed. Done. Internal service requests: Facilities, Multimedia Services, Will add to etc. Kentnet as resources become available. Page 16 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy KentNet Project Description Status -. Online forms: post internal forms for departments on Ongoing; some KentNet, with instructions for using them. forms already available. Online policy manuals and other documentation to Employee Policy replace/supplement printed versions. Manual launched in November, 2000. Pay scale table, showing salary levels and steps. Under construction. Recruitment instructions: step-by-step information on how Under to hire a new employee, reclassify an existing employee, and construction. other Employee Service functions, including the forms needed. Wellness information and activities. Launched in April, 2001. Web-based reports: make selected database reports Public Works available online. Operations and Fleet reports launched in March, 2001. Permit reports under construction. Transaction-oriented Electronic forms: add functionality to selected online forms Will take on as so they can be completed and submitted online. resources are available. Manage employee benefits online. Under construction. September 18, 2001 Page 17 of 21 eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington 5.4. Future Projects We intend to propose additional eGovernment projects when Technology Plan II is presented to the Council. Projects will be consistent with the guidelines and vision presented in this document. 6. eGovernment Implementation Challenges As we move forward with the proposed web-based projects, we will need to overcome challenges that can get in the way of eGovernment success. Below we've listed some hurdles that will need to be considered as part of our planning processes. 6.1. Policy Issues Signatures. By requiring a signature on a form, that form cannot be submitted via the web. Digital signatures are not yet widely adopted by the public, since they are expensive and confusing to apply for and use. We will need to research each of our proposed eGovernment initiatives to determine if an investment in digital signatures will be necessary, or if we can amend our procedures instead. Transaction Costs. Some agencies have struggled with the approach for paying for electronic transactions. Our approach at the City is to absorb the processing costs associated with online payments as a part of doing business, rather than passing a convenience fee on to our customers. Telecommuting. Although City employees did not identify telecommuting as a major eGovernment initiative, we have experienced an increase in employees requesting to work from their homes, or to access City networks when they are out of the area. Administrative policies with regard to telecommuting will need to be reviewed and refined in order to establish standards and guidelines in this area. 6.2. Technical Issues Security. There will be many security issues to resolve, particularly when we begin connecting our external web site to internal data systems through the firewall. We have recently enhanced our security systems at the City, and anticipate some added enhancements. Online Payment Setup. We will need to establish online payment systems that will integrate with our multiple back-end systems, crediting the proper accounts. There are many parties involved in establishing this function, including the City's bank. Digital Signatures. We need to explore where digital signatures might be necessary and determine how the City will enable electronic forms so they can be digitally signed. Page 18 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy 6.3. Resource Constraints Department Readiness. Although the City is well positioned to move forward with eGovernment, department impacts associated with eGovernment initiatives need to be considered . System Development and Maintenance Resources. If vendors'web functions don't satisfy our requirements, we will have to explore development. Budget. We have been able to add a number of features to our web sites using internal resources and existing Tech Plan project funds. As part of the Tech Plan II development process, eGovernment costs will be evaluated against all proposed technology initiatives, and the highest priority Technical projects will be recommended to the City Council. 7. eGovernment - How Do We Move Forward? 7.1. Technology Plan II (2001) Technology Plan II will be presented to the City Council in late 2001. Key elements will include: Technology Baseline Investments. We will review all major technology systems and programs including network components, telephone systems, personal computers, replacement programs, etc., and indicate what investments need to be made in order to continue to be reasonably current with our technical infrastructure. Public Safety Systems. We have a number of aging systems in our public safety areas that were not addressed as part of Technology Plan I, and we will provide upgrade/replacement recommendations. Mobile Computing - Wireless Network Access. Employees in Police and Fire need to access their systems from the field, and mobile computing technology will benefit other field-based computing functions as well. We need to determine the best method for providing wireless access to our networks. Business Systems. As part of Technology Plan II, we will also identify some business systems outside of the public safety area that might need to be replaced or upgraded. EGovernment. Additional eGovernment services consistent with the vision put forward in this document will be proposed for Technology Plan II. Technology Plan II will represent the overall technology initiatives and funding for the years 2002 - 2004. September 18, 2001 Page 19 of 21 eGovernment Strategy City of Kent, Washington 8. Measurement of Success `— The continued increase in usage of our web site is one obvious indicator that providing information and services via the Internet is of benefit to our stakeholders. The sheer number of different types of suggestions coming from our community is an indicator that our web sites still have significant potential for improvement. Below are measures that will be used to monitor our progress: 8.1. Measurable Outcomes for the Kent Community • The percentage of Recreation class registrations completed via the Internet and interactive voice response (touch-tone registration). • Continued increase in web site visitors and page views. • The percentage of job applicants that complete the online employment application. 8.2. Measurable Outcomes for our internal web site • The percentage of staff that enroll for benefits online. • Continued increase in KentNet usage. • Number of information systems doing web-based database reporting. • Reduction of pre-printed forms that are available online instead. Page 20 of 21 September 18, 2001 City of Kent, Washington eGovernment Strategy 9. Conclusion Two years from now, our same Kent resident notices a yellow "Public Notice"sign posted in her neighborhood. She doesn't pullover to read the sign, because she knows that she can learn about the project later at her convenience on the City of Kent web site. jWhen she sees an article in the paper about the new Kent Station development, she is confident that she can f nd out more about the status of that project by accessing the City web site, which by now is on her `favorites" list of web sites. When her neighbor mentions that he is thinking of starting a business in Kent, she tells him to check out the City's web site, because it's so easy to use. Her eighth grade son Mark uses the City web site to complete a project for his Local government class, and also regularly checks out the Kent sports league scores to see how his baseball team is doing in the City tournament. Her twenty-year-old daughter Anne applies for a job over the City Internet site, and after she becomes an employee of the City she learns that all of the official forms and documents she needs to sign up for City benefits are available for her on KentNet to access and change at her convenience. Anne also can look up computer training classes and can choose to take the class in a traditional classroom setting or she can sign up to take a computer-based training on a self-paced basis. As an employee, Anne likes the fact that she doesn't spend too much time chasing around paperwork. All of these electronic interactions with the City were professionally prepared and easy to use. This family has formed a lasting and positive impression about Kent City Government. The City has made significant progress in eGovernment since our first major public web site launch in April 2000, and our first internal web site launch in July 2000. We've listened to our customers, and are rapidly making progress on a number of new services to our stakeholders that reflect the input we've received. EGovernment is likely to evolve rapidly over the next few years. Well need to continue to provide avenues for public input as we use the Internet to extend our service offerings. September 18, 2001 Page 21 of 21 Kent Sister Cities Association Mission: (Strategic Initiatives: Communication, Collaboration, Celebration & Community) ]Our mission is to establish and promote relationships with cities throughout the world in order to encourage educational,cultural, *ecreational,governmental and economic exchanges in the spirit of international goodwill and cooperation. his mission is accomplished in part by reaching into our own local neighborhoods,and partnering with local and area organizations to promote and encourage cultural awareness and understanding. KSCA 2001 Goals Working With Our Community Partners Working With Our Sister City Partners to develop: to improve or develop: W Communication(website,newsletters,etc.) W Focused Workplans W Young Artists Program W Focused Exchanges W Kids Spring Camp Kaleidoscope Cornucopia Strengthened KSCA Program Highlights Committee Recent Programs & Projects Future Plans for Programs & Projects KSCA Young Artists Expand participation,local and abroad Kaleidoscope Seek grant funding for Kaleidoscope entertainment Cornucopia Continue presence at Cornucopia Spring Kids Camp Continue Kids Camp Program Peace Pole Dedication "rway Volleyball Exchange Planning Reschedule volleyball to Spring/Fall 2002 +� Friendship Delegation to Norway Establish service organization exchange Signed 2002 Workplan Complete GRCC/PLU/Norway Student scholarship proposal Arrange Official/Committee delegation to Norway Yangzhou Business,Municipal,Education Del to Kent Establish visiting teacher program with KSD China/UN Small Town Dev Delegation Establish youth TV production exchange Business delegation to Yangzhou Arrange Official/Committee delegation to Yangzhou Youth Ambassadors to Yangzhou Continue Youth Ambassador program Facilitated Workplan Dev. Meetings Partners mutually develop a focused workplan Kherson Friendship visits to Kherson Develop Humanitarian medical assistance project Young Artists visit to Kent Humanitarian Fact-finding delegation to Kherson Partners mutually develop a focused workplan Castlereagh Soccer exchange with GRCC Sign Sister-College relationship-GRCC and CNI College Pen-Pal Teddy Bear Exchange Establish additional sporting exchanges,I.., ice bowl,soccer Mystery Night Fundraisers Partners mutual commitment to jointly expand workplan Arrange Official/Committee delegation to Castlereagh Kaibara Mayor Umegaki visit to Kent Send Kent Youth Ambassadors to Kaibara (Kaleidoscope,Peace Pole,APC Continue one-year high school student exchange program Junior High Youth Ambassadors to Kent Partners mutually develop a focused workplan One-Year High School Student Exchange Arrange Official/Committee delegation to Kaibara SiQter City Messages: and KSCA members received communication from each of our sister cities following last week's attack on America. These are messages from the hearts of our sister cities friends abroad. Council(009-01) Home Page - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 1 of 1 Employment •me . . . �r .. ICEN1'W A5..1N�G?ON O Kent Sister Cities Association . The Kent Sister Cities Association (KSCA) has five sister city partnershi Kent Sister with cities located in Northern Ireland, Japan, Ukraine, Norway, and China. Each partnership has a Kent committee which conducts its Cities business independently, through a variety of programs. Members com Association from all walks of life, all ages and interest, and ethnic origins. Events Calendar News Mission Membership Links Our mission is to establish and promote relationships with cities Board & throughout the world in order to encourage educational, cultural, Committees recreational, governmental and economic exchanges in the spirit of 40 Castlereagh, international goodwill and cooperation. Northern Ireland This organization offers to opportunity to get to know your neighbors it News the Kent community, and opens the doors to worldwide friendships. • Kaibara, Japan News Activities • Kherson, Ukraine Social events, pen-pal programs, youth ambassador programs, student News exchanges, cultural, municipal and educational programs and exchang( community events, member travel opportunities, and more. 40 Sunnfjord Area, Norway Non-Profit News 4 Yangzhou, China 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. News 4 Programs 4 Sister Cities Intn'l OKent Sister Cities Association City of Kent 220 Fourth Ave S Kent, WA 98032 206-242-4998 By visiting this and other City of Kent web www.ci.kent.w2 pages, you expressly agree to be bound by © 2001 City of Kent, Washing the terms and conditions of the City of Kent Last updated 18 Sep 2( web site. it Webma� http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/default.htm 9/18/2001 Programs - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 1 of 2 EmploymentHome 140 Opportunities Departmei �" Ic NT IVAS-IN C.1014 Programs Student Exchange and Youth Ambassadors Kent Sister Cities Kent students interested in a year-long education exchange with Kaiba High School during the 2002-2003 school year may contact Glenn Tam Association of the Kent-Kaibara Sister City Committee for further information. Gler Events Calendar may be reached at 425 228-9971, or by email at gtamai@yahoo.com. News Membership Students interested in a three-week Youth Ambassador exchange with Links Yangzhou, China, during the summer of 2002 may call Jane Qualmann Board & further information. Jane may be reached at 253-854-5417. Committees # Castlereagh, Cornucopia Booth Drawing Winners Northern Ireland News Visitors to the KSCA Cornucopia Booth included drawing winners Tarek Ahmed and Mina Tong of Kent. Mayor White presented Mr. Ahmed a • Kaibara, Japan certificate for a Tillicum Village Trip for two donated by Sally Goodgion News Catalyst Travel. Mayor White presented Ms. Tong a gift certificate from B. Foote Winery in Buring for a Wine Tasting Party for 30, donated by f • Kherson, Ukraine and Mrs. Tom Brotherton of Kent. News 0 Sunnfjord Area, Young Artists Program Norway Winners in the SistE News Cities International �m • y Yangzhou, China Young Artists Progri a "`� raj ya , competition, includi News students from Kent, and four of Kent's +0 Programs sister cities. 0 Sister Cities Intn'l See 2001 Finalist ElKent Sister Cities Association City of Kent Kaleidoscope - Kent Sister Cities Celebrate the Cultur 220 Fourth Ave S Kent, WA 98032 The Kent Sister Cities Association members collaborated with the City Diversity Advisory Board, and the Kent School District, in a day of cultL 206-242-4998 celebration on May 5 at the Kent Senior Center. This first time event offered a mix of ethnic entertainment, hand on crafts, games for the ki cultural displays and sister city members in native folkwear. A ChinesE tea service drew the interest of many ages, while the Hyogo Business z Cultural Center of Seattle captured the attention of kids in games, and Japanese crafts. From Eastern European Ukrainian egg painting, and strains of the Ukrainian Christian band, complemented the performano �- of music and dance troupe, Radost. http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Programs/default.htm 9/18/2001 Programs - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 2 of 2 Local organizations provided Irish, Mexican and Philippine dance workshops, pinata making, puppetry theaters. Daniel Elementary's Galaxy Voices and Northwood Junior High Jazz Choir, followed the overwhelming performance by Kent's own Stewpot Theater production from "Alphonse in Wonderland". A tribute to Northwest Black Pioneer Exhibit, courtesy of the Bon Marct drew significant interest. The mammoth display, featuring photograpt and accompanying stories, filled the entire mid-section of the Senior Center. Honored guests at the event included Mayor Takahasi Umegaki, and English teacher Chris Shiomi of Kent's Sister City in Kaibara Japan. Cynthia Maka of the Washington D.C. headquarters of Sister Cities International, and Washington State Sister Cities Coordinator Pat Hale spent several hours at the event, in addition to an approximate 1,000 1 1,500 attendees. The Kent Sister City Association world map display evidenced 52 different countries identified by attendees as their countr or city of family origin. Passports To The World Spring Kids Camp Kent Parks and Recreation Kids Spring Camp 2001 was the setting for cultural sharing Kent Sister Cities Association second annual "Passports To The World" program. The program featured the cultures and customs of r., Kent's sister cities including arts, crafts, games, and stories. The young campers placed a pin in the world map to identify their ancestral country of city. From schottish lessons to Japanese ink paintings, and from folklore to language, ending with a bag of desserts from each of the sister cities, this wonderful day of sharing ended with the smiles, laughter and thank-you of the young campers. By visiting this and other City of Kent web www.ci.kent.w2 pages, you expressly agree to be bound by © 2001 City of Kent, Washing the terms and conditions of the City of Kent Last updated 18 Sep 2( web site. 0 Webma! http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Programs/default.htm 9/18/2001 Castlereagh, Northern Ireland - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washingt(... Page 1 of 1 EmploymentHome Opportunities Department \'Z KENT Castlereagh, WA,_,NCrDN eag , Northern Ireland The Kent-Castlereagh Sister City Committee Kent Sister Cities The Kent-Castlereagh Sister City Committee invites you to join this MAN, Association group to promote friendship with Events Calendar the people of Castlereagh, Northern ., f News Ireland. Membership Links This Committee is made up of Board & individuals with a variety of reasons Committees for being involved, from their own40 personal heritage, to perhaps 6 Castlereagh, business and economic potential. Northern Ireland News Newly formed in May, 1999, The F • Kaibara, Japan Kent-Castlereagh Sister City News relationship sports diversity in membership both in Kent and • Castlereagh, with the hopes of Kherson, Ukraine developing a program filled with News cultural, educational, economic, 0 Sunnfjord Area, municipal and people to people sharing and exchanges. Norway News Situated at the foot of the Castlereagh Hills southeast of Belfast, Castlereagh is one of the most attractive areas of Northern Ireland, in 40 Yangzhou, China area of high tech expansion. News We welcome you to join with us in our monthly meetings, the second 46 Programs Tuesday each month, at 7:00 p.m. in Kent City Hall Council Chambers. 0 Sister Cities Intn'I For further information, please contact Charlene Shaw at 206-205-212 OKent Sister Cities Association City of Kent 220 Fourth Ave S Kent, WA 98032 206-242-4998 By visiting this and other City of Kent web www.ci.kent.we pages, you expressly agree to be bound by © 2001 City of Kent, Washing the terms and conditions of the City of Kent Last updated 18 Sep 2( web site. 121 Webma� http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Castlereagh/default.htm 9/18/2001 News - Castlereagh, Northern Ireland - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, W... Page 1 of 3 EmploymentHome Opportunities Departmerr.- \--.7KENT w.T.,Nr.rON Castlereagh News Kent Sister Castlereagh College Soccer Team Competes in Kent Cities Green River Community College and the Kent Sister City Association sponsored one of the top collegiate soccer clubs from Northern Ireland Association arriving in June to take part in a five-game soccer exhibition with local Events Calendar teams as part of the 2001 Soccer Exchange. Green River Community News College hosted the team and their coaches for this first time event. Membership Links Castlereagh College located in East Belfast, Northern Ireland, played Board & matches with a Green River Community College club team, and with Committees Eastside and United Tacoma club teams. Castlereagh recently defeated Regent House in the finals of the Northern Ireland Youth Cup. The club • Castlereagh, also won the Belfast and District Under-18 League Trophy for the sever Northern Ireland year in a row. News • Kaibara, Japan The team was headquartered at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. News addition to the soccer games, cultural activities were scheduled throughout the Puget Sound region. The Kent-Castlereagh Sister City • Kherson, Ukraine Committee hosted team members on their final night of the exchange, News with a potluck dinner at the home of Tom and Cass Brotherton, who al: provided sleeping accommodations for the whole crew for the night. 40 Sunnfjord Area, Norway Officials at both Green River Community College and Castlereagh Colle. News are exploring the possibility of forming a sister college relationship. Former sister college agreements with other schools have led to faculty 0 Yangzhou, China and student exchanges as well as cultural enrichment. News 40 Programs Friends Across the Sea 4P Sister Cities Intn'I Little teddy bears and little letters have traveled back and forth betweE O Sister Cities elementary schools in Kent and Castlereagh. Kent elementary school Association ciation F Kent teacher and committee member Mary-Murphy Johnson spearheaded th City program, with twelve classrooms in Kent each outfitting and naming a Ken Fourth Ave S pair of teddy bears for their first trip to Northern Ireland. The teddy be Kent, WA 98032 took with them photos, a bit of history about the Kent area, and letters from their elementary school students to their counterparts in 206-242-4998 Castlereagh. The bears enjoyed their leisurely visit in the classrooms and homes of I Castlereagh students, and returned home to Kent in the Spring accompanied by pairs of Castlereagh bears outfitted by their respectivE classrooms, and carrying greetings and messages from the young Castlereagh students. http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Castiereagh/news.htm 9/18/2001 Kaibara, Japan - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 1 of 1 Home Employment Browse/Sear(- 40 •••'� KEEN T Kaibara, Japan The Kent-Kaibara relationship spans Kent Sister a period of almost 40 years. This friendship organization was rq> Cities established initially to promote r ." ': Association annual student exchanges. The ara. Events Calendar official adoption of the sister city News relationship was declared in 1995. , Membership Links Kaibara, a small agricultural community of about 10,000 is nestled Board & against the lush green Chugoku mountains. Rather than states, Japan Committees divided into areas called prefectures. Kaibara is located in the Hyogo Prefecture, in the Kansai region north of Kobe. • Castlereagh, Northern Ireland We welcome you to join with committee members on the third Monday News each month, at 7:00 P.M. in Council chambers, at Kent City Hall. • Kaibara, Japan For further information, please contact Sharon Taniguchi at 253-630- News 7546. • Kherson, Ukraine Located in Seattle, the Hyogo Business and Cultural Center provides a News wide range of Hyogo Prefecture information in addition to business, 0 Sunnfjord Area, cultural and educational services. Norway News 0 Yangzhou, China News 40 Programs 0 Sister Cities Intn'l ElKent Sister Cities Association City of Kent 220 Fourth Ave S Kent, WA 98032 206-242-4998 By visiting this and other City of Kent web www.ci.kent.wa pages, you expressly agree to be bound by © 2001 City of Kent, Washing the terms and conditions of the City of Kent Last updated 18 Sep 2( web site. 0 Webmas http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Kaibara/default.htm 9/18/2001 News - Kaibara, Japan - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 1 of 3 EmploymentHome Opportunities Department \.1.7KENT W^15-�N�10N Kaibara News Kaibara Youth Ambassadors Visit Kent Kent Sister Cities 10 young Kaibara Junior High School students and their three chaperor visited Kent in July. Homestays were provided by the Kaibara, Association Castlereagh and Norway sister city committees. A Mariner's game Events Calendar complete with Ichiro tee-shirts, and local sightseeing followed an officiz News welcome dinner by hosted by the Kent-Kaibara Sister Committee and t Membership City of Kent. Among guests were Mayor White, Council member Tom Links Brotherton and wife Cass, and the Vice-Consul of the Seattle Japanese Board & Consulate. The kids loved pizza, laughter and of course, shopping. The Committees farewell potluck hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Kato brought tears and sobs fr the youngsters as goodbyes were being said. A box of kleenex was 0 Castlereagh, distributed liberally between the guests and their hosts. Northern Ireland News Mayor Umegaki Visits Kent 0 Kaibara, Japan News Mayor Takashi Umegaki, Mayor of Kent's Sister City in Kaibara Japan, along with Chris Shiomi, visited Kent for three days in May to participa 40 Kherson, Ukraine in several local events. This was Mayor Umegaki's first visit to the Unil News States and Kent, and he was delighted to meet many Kent Sister City Association members, and participate in the Peace Pole dedication, �'- 0 Sunnfjord Area, Kaleidoscope, and of course a Mariner's game. Norway News For Chris Shiomi, this visit to Kent was a return to his "second home". Chris was an exchange student from Kaibara a number of years ago, a 4 Yangzhou, China now teaches English at a high school in Japan. News Following potluck gatherings and hosting at the homes of Kent-Kaibara +r Programs Sister City Committee members, Mayor Umegaki and Mr. Shiomi atten( the Seattle sponsored Asian-Pacific Conference. * Sister Cities Intn'i OKent Sister Cities Japanese Exchange Student to Study in Kent, by Gler Association Tamai City of Kent 220 Fourth Ave S Akiko Ishii, age 17 and a sophomore at Kaibara Sr. High, will be arrivir Kent, WA 98032 in Kent some time in August from her rural town of Kaibara to begin hE one-year student exchange program at Kentwood sponsored by the Ke 206-242-4998 Kaibara Sister City Association. From Kentwood High School, Kent's exchange student, Matthew Evans, 17 crossed the Pacific Ocean in April to attend Kaibara Sr. High for a year. After only eight weeks or so in Kaibara, according to his teacher, Matt has already been learning the Japanese characters, or Kanji. `,. Akiko eventually wants to study English or Education at a college to become an English teacher. The youngest of three, her two elder http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Kaibara/news.htm 9/18/2001 Kherson, Ukraine - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 1 of 1 Employment : . , 40 Home Opportunities Links Forms Contact Us Department 11-111-7�lc V- N T WAS—N.:oN Kherson, Ukraine The Kent-Kherson Kent Sister sister city relationship was , Cities relationship in 1989, Association but became inactive Events Calendar during the News dissolution of the Membership Soviet Union. Links t Board & Renewed interest by Committees both Kent and Kherson sparked the 0 Castlereagh, reactivation of the Northern Ireland Kent-Kherson News committee in February, 2000. -0 Kaibara, Japan News In 1999 and 2000 Kherson participated in the International Sister Citie Youth Art Program, submitting 4 entries each year by children in their 0 Kherson, Ukraine city. One of the 1999 entries was awarded top honors in the internatiol News competition. 0 Sunnfjord Area, Built as a Black Sea fortress and shipyard for Catherine the Great, Norway Kherson was named after the ancient Greek city, Chersonesus. The firE News stone of the fortress was laid by General I. Hannibal, grandfather of po Alexander Puskin. 0 Yangzhou, China News We welcome your interest in this sister city relationship, and invite you • Programs join with us in our monthly meetings. • Sister Cities Intn'I For further information, please contact: Bob Babione OKent Sister Cities c/o Kent Sister Cities Association Association 220 4th Avenue S City of Kent Kent, WA 98032 220 Fourth Ave S Kent, WA 98032 206-242-4998 By visiting this and other City of Kent web www.ci.kent.wa pages, you expressly agree to be bound by © 2001 City of Kent, Washing the terms and conditions of the City of Kent Last updated 18 Sep 2( web site. 121 Webmw http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Kherson/default.htm 9/18/2001 News - Kherson, Ukraine - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 1 of 1 Browse/Sear 1 ` Opportunities me ' •ntact Us 1 epartmen L \S ICENT Kherson N ews Kherson Deputy Mayor to Visit Kent Kent Sister Cities A long-awaited visit of a Kherson City official will materials in October, with arrival of Kherson City's Deputy Mayor, Andriy Yatsenko. The Dep� Association Mayor will be accompanied by Sister Cities International Youth Art awa Events Calendar winners Zhenya Sorokino and Katya Dolgaya. The Kent-Kherson News Committee funded the trip for the Zhenya and Katya through donation: Membership air travel miles and committee funds. The trio will be home-hosted for Links two weeks by members of the committee, and meet with City and Board & committee officials in planning discussions on future plans between the Committees two sister cities. 41 Castlereagh, Northern Ireland News Kent-Kherson Sister City Committee Reactivates • Kaibara, Japan News After many years of no contact with its Kherson counterpart, the relationship has begun anew, and with such enthusiasm. Committee • Kherson, Ukraine members include some from Kherson, others with Ukrainian heritage, News still others with deep interest. The Committee is currently exploring mz meaningful ideas in advance of selecting its specific Kherson focus. 0 Sunnfjord Area, Norway News 4 Yangzhou, China News 0 Programs 0 Sister Cities Intn'I MKent Sister Cities Association City of Kent 220 Fourth Ave S Kent, WA 98032 206-242-4998 By visiting this and other City of Kent web www.ci.kent.we pages, you expressly agree to be bound by © 2001 City of Kent, Washing the terms and conditions of the City of Kent Last updated 30 Aug 2( web site. 0 Webma! http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Kherson/news.htm 9/18/2001 Sunnfjord Area, Norway - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 1 of 1 Employment i • 4 HomeLinks Forms Contact Us 40 Opportunities Department \S7 ICENT Sunnf'ord Area Norway The Kent-Norway Sister City Kent Sister Committee invites you to join with friendly folks committed to the , { Cities promotion of friendship with the Association Kommunes of Forde, Jolster, ` Events Calendar Naustdal and Gualar, located in the News Sunnfjord area of Norway. Membership Links The relationship between Kent and ^ Board & the Sunnifjord area began in 1993, n �{' d Committees and was formally proclaimed as a sister city relationship in 1996. The , 40 Castlereagh, sister cities have steadily Northern Ireland exchanged delegates and shared News their cultural heritage. 0 Kaibara, Japan The Sunnfjord area is rich in tradition and culture. The area is home fo News many artists, handcrafters, folk musicians and dancers. Nearly every home in the area has a least one member involved in preserving the 0 Kherson, Ukraine Scandinavian culture. News �... 0 Sunnfjord Area, The natural beauty of the Sunnfjord area is spectacular. Deep fjords, mountain valleys and the largest glacier in Europe are well protected b Norway News the environmentally conscious Norwegians. 0 Yangzhou, China We welcome you at our Committee meetings, held monthly on the thin News Saturday, at 8:00 AM at a Kent restaurant location. +0 Programs For further information, please contact Florence Amundsen at 253-852 0507. 4 Sister Cities Intn'l OKent Sister Cities Association City of Kent 220 Fourth Ave S Kent, WA 98032 206-242-4998 By visiting this and other City of Kent web www.ci.kent.wa pages, you expressly agree to be bound by © 2001 City of Kent, Washing the terms and conditions of the City of Kent Last updated 18 Sep 2( web site. 121 WebmaE http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Sunnfjord/default.htm 9/18/2001 News - Sunnfjord Area, Norway - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washinc... Page 1 of 2 EmploymentHome Opportunities Department KENT �.,-,Nr.ro Norway News Volleyball Exchange - Sunnfjord Girls Volleyball Tear Kent Sister to Compete in Kent Cities Association The Kent-Sunnfjord Sister Cities Committee will host 18 members of tV Events Calendar Sunnfjord Volley Team September 12-19. The team will participate in t volleyball competition at Kentwood High School, on September 15 News beginning at 9:00 AM. The team will compete against Kent high schoo Membership Links teams, and other high school teams from around Washington State. Board & Traveling with the delegation will be Jostein By, the Joster Kommune Committees "radman" (City Administrator), and sister cities coordinator for the • Castlereagh, Sunnfjord area Kommunes of Jolster, Gaular, Forde and Naustdal. Mr. Northern Ireland will meet with City and committee officials, and Green River Communit News College in planning discussions on the jointly developed scholarship program. • Kaibara, Japan News In addition to area sightseeing, the delegation will be honored at the official welcome dinner, hosted by the Sons of Norway and the City of • Kherson, Ukraine Kent, and an introduction during Council session. News 40 Sunnfjord Area, Norway Spring Kids Camp, by Howard Olivers News 40 Yangzhou, China KSCA Sunnfjord Norway members participated in the Parks & Recreation Spring News break program at Scenic Hill Elementary 4 Programs School April 17th. Nils Ladderud told the children about experiences of immigrants 40 Sister Cities Intn'l coming to America. Passports were stamped and replicas of Norwegian currency given to ElKent Sister Cities the children. An attempt to teach Association Scandinavian dances was part of the r City of Kent program. F 220 Fourth Ave S Kent, WA 98032 i 206-242-4998 High School Studies in Japan, by Howard Olivers http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Sunnfjord/news.htm 9/18/2001 Yangzhou, China - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 1 of 1 Home • Links Forms Contact Us • 40 Opportunities Department \-11-7KENT WAn-r MOSON Yangzhou, China The Kent-Yangzhou Sister City Committee Kent Sister Cities The Kent-Yangzhou Sister City Committee invites you to join this Association dynamic and diverse group of Events Calendar individuals to promote friendship News with the people of Yangzhou, China. Membership Links This Committee is made up of Board & individuals of all ages, representing Committees a variety of cultures, interests, education and working 4 Castlereagh, backgrounds. But they all have Northern Ireland something in common - their News curiosity and interest in China. 40 Kaibara, Japan The Kent-Yangzhou Committee was formed in 1993, under the Kent News Sister City Association. The formal agreement officially uniting the two cities in a sister city relationship was signed in 1993, leading to a Kherson, Ukraine continuous exchange of information and delegations in cultural, News economic, educational, municipal, and friendship interests. 0 Sunnfjord Area, Norway Several trips have been made to Yangzhou by members of the News committee, for first hand experiences of life in this beautiful, ancient ci of China. Located north of Shanghai, Yangzhou's cultural charm includE 4 Yangzhou, China the history of Marco Polo, the beauty of gardens and lakes, and the News world-renowned Yangzhou cuisine. 40 Programs We welcome you to join with us in our monthly meetings, held the four Tuesday each month, at 5:30 p.m. in Kent City Hall Council Chambers. i Sister Cities Intn'I For further information, please contact Lois Deusen at 253-856-5264. MKent Sister Cities Association City of Kent 220 Fourth Ave S Kent, WA 98032 206-242-4998 By visiting this and other City of Kent web www.ci.kent.we pages, you expressly agree to be bound by © 2001 City of Kent, Washing the terms and conditions of the City of Kent Last updated 18 Sep 2( web site. 0 WebmaE http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Yangzhou/default.htm 9/18/2001 News - Yangzhou, China - Sister Cities Association - City of Kent, Washington Page 1 of 4 Home • . .• . . . rtment- KENT WAS-IN 0rov Yangzhou News Kent Sister Dazzling Yangzhou Performance at Canterbury Faire Cities Nine talented Yangzhou teens and their music teacher brought the mug and dance of China to Kent with their exceptional performance during Association Canterbury Faire. The students from Affiliated Middle School to Yangzh Events Calendar University thrilled the audience with the grace and beauty of Chinese News regional and national dances, Wushu martial arts, and erhu, saxophon( Membership and percussion instrumentals. Links Board & The Affiliated Middle School offers a broad spectrum education, with Committees special emphasis on visual and performing arts. Students from the schl 40 have received honors in many different arts competitions. The delegati Castlereagh,Northern Ireland presented performances in Westport, Ct and Los Angeles, CA. News -6 Kaibara, Japan News Kent Youth Ambassadors Visit Yangzhou 0 Kherson, Ukraine Blaire Boziti, a sophomore at Kentwood High School, and Bo Yingling, e News 2001 graduate of Kent-Meridian High School, were selected as the Ken Yangzhou Sister City Committee's Youth Ambassadors for 2001. Blaire 40 Sunnfjord Area, and Bo traveled to Yangzhou in July for a three-week stay. While in Norway Yangzhou, Blaire and Bo were home-hosted by the families of Yang Tia News tian and Yang Liniag-ji respectively. Tian-tian and Linia-ji are both students at the Affiliated School to Yangzhou University in Yangzhou, 0 Yangzhou, China China. News 46 Programs Friendship Delegation to Visit Yangzhou 40 Sister Cities Intn'l A friendship delegation composed of committee members, representatives of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and others will vi OKent Sister Cities Yangzhou mid-September. One of the highlights of the visit will be the Association presentation of the Honorary Citizen award to committee member Jane City of Kent Qualmann. This prestigious award will be presented to Jane by the May 220 Fourth Ave S of Yangzhou, in honor of her teaching accomplishments and friendship Kent, WA 98032 with the people of Yangzhou during a six month stay in 2001. Since 19 this award has been presented to 11 people, including Kent Mayor Jim 206-242-4998 White and Kent-Yangzhou Sister City Committee Chair, May Miller. Oth who have been honored by the award are from Japan, and several arei in China. Pen-Pals, by Jane Qualmann http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/SisterCities/Yangzhou/news.htm 9/18/2001