The Moses Lake City Council meeting on April 22, 2025, featured a significant proclamation celebrating the long-standing sister city relationship with Yanazawa, Japan. Mayor's report highlighted the formal ties established in May 1981, emphasizing the mutual benefits and cultural exchanges that have flourished over the past 40 years.
The proclamation acknowledged the ongoing student exchanges and annual visits from Yanazawa, which have strengthened the friendship between the two cities. It also noted the positive impact on local infrastructure, including the development of Yanazawa Boulevard and Park in Moses Lake. The mayor recognized members of the sister city committee, including Jenny Hirai, Terry Moore, Wendy Parks, Vivian Ramsey, and former Mayor Karen Liebrecht, inviting them to commemorate the occasion with a photo.
In addition to the proclamation, the city manager introduced Colton Hallett as the new IT enterprise applications administrator. Hallett, who joins from Springfield, Oregon, will assist with the rollout of various technology services, including finance, HR, payroll, and utility billing systems.
The meeting underscored the importance of international relationships and advancements in city services, setting a positive tone for future collaborations and community development.