06.a4 Notes 02-22-2022 mtg with MellerudFebruary 22, 2022
Mayor Maefsky and Council member Patti Ray were present at City Hall to participate in a
virtual meeting with Municipal Board members of Mellerud, Sweden for the purpose of
discussing a Sister City collaboration between Scandia and Mellerud. Also present at City Hall
were Gammelgarden Museum Director Lynne Moratzka, City Administrator Ken Cammilleri
and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
The meeting began at 9:25 a.m.
The recent exchange of local beverages was shared, with Council member Ray describing that
the Mellerud beer was sampled to visitors attending the Vinterlights celebration. Mellerud
officials explained that the Rustic Roots wine gifted to them was distributed to the local elders’
home for a New Year’s Eve celebration.
A draft charter to establish a Sister City relationship between the two communities was
discussed. No changes to the charter agreement were made. Council member Ray described the
contacts she has arranged to further the goodwill collaboration between shared community
groups such as the Lions Club, Scandia Elementary School, Unexpected Company Chorale, a
farm program, Economic Development Authority, Gammelgarden Museum, a local artist, and
city government. Ray stated that she will send the contact list to Mellerud officials to begin
outreach connections. An antique car club was also proposed as a common interest between the
two communities.
Anneli, a participant with Mellerud officials, suggested a joint Facebook page. Anneli also
suggested matching Swedish settler families together, such as the Issacson and Kuno families. A
list of names with historical ties between the two communities will be sent from Anneli for
communication to family relatives in Scandia.
Morgan Andersson, Mellerud Chairman, stated that they have experience with Sister City
International and are eager to develop a connection with Scandia. It was recommended to
formalize the Sister City agreement at an official signing ceremony on April 20, 2022. The
groups agreed to meet again virtually prior to this date to work out details for the event.
The meeting concluded at 10:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk