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TECHNICAL PANEL

Nebraska Information Technology Commission

Tuesday, June 7, 2005, 9:00 a.m.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Varner Hall

3835 Holdrege, Lincoln, Nebraska

APPROVED MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mike Beach, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission

Brenda Decker, Chief Information Officer, State of Nebraska

Steve Henderson, Department of Administrative Services, State of Nebraska
Kirk Langer, Lincoln Public Schools
Walter Weir, University of Nebraska

MEMBERS ABSENT: Christy Horn, University of Nebraska, Compliance Officer

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND MEETING NOTICE

Mr. Weir called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. The meeting notice was posted to the Nebraska Public Meeting Calendar and the NITC web sites on May 3, 2005 and that the meeting agenda was posted to the NITC web site on June 3, 2005. Five members were present at the time of roll call.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Beach moved to approve the April 12, 2005 Minutes as presented. Mr. Henderson seconded. Roll call vote: Beach-Yes, Decker-Yes, Henderson-Yes, Langer-Yes, and Weir-Yes. Results: 5-Yes, 0-No. Motion carried.

STANDARD GUIDELINES – WEB BRANDING AND POLICY CONSISTENCY
Rick Becker, Government I.T. Manager

The standard has been out for 30-day public comment. There was some discussion regarding accessibility and adherence to the standard.

Ms. Decker moved to recommend the Web Branding and Policy Consistency Standard (PDF 28k) to the NITC for final review and approval. Mr. Henderson seconded. Roll call vote: Weir-Yes, Langer-Yes, Henderson-Yes, Decker-Yes, and Beach-Yes. Results: 5-Yes, 0-No. Motion carried.

STANDARD GUIDELINES – SECURITY STATEMENT – STATE OF NEBRASKA HOMEPAGE
Rick Becker, Government I.T. Manager

The State of Nebraska homepage does not currently have a security statement. Only one comment (PDF 30k) was received.

Mr. Henderson moved to recommend the Security Statement-State of Nebraska Homepage Standard (PDF 23k) to the NITC for final review and approval. Mr. Beach seconded. Roll call vote: Henderson-Yes, Langer-Yes, Weir-Yes, Beach-Yes, and Decker-Yes. Results: 5-Yes, 0-No. Motion carried.

STANDARD GUIDELINES – E-MAIL STANDARD FOR STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (REVISED)
Rick Becker, Government I.T. Manager

The current standard was adopted a year ago. A revision was needed to reflect a new basic e-mail product. Another change was the exception process that is now the responsibility of the Technical Panel., Mr. Weir recommended the following wording for section 5.2 “Agencies/entities utilizing an application, other than a supported Web browser, to access Basic E-mail accounts are responsible for installation, support, and security of the applications.” Mr. Weir also recommended adding "instant messaging" to the definition in section 3.2.

Mr. Langer moved to recommend the E-Mail Standard for State Government Agencies (PDF 36k) to the NITC for final review and approval. Ms. Decker seconded. Roll call vote: Langer-Yes, Weir-Yes, Beach-Yes, Decker-Yes, and Henderson-Yes. Results: 5-Yes, 0-No. Motion carried.

STANDARD GUIDELINES – GEOSPATIAL METADATA STANDARD
(SET FOR PUBLIC COMMENT)

Larry Zink,GIS Steering Committee

Mr. Zink distributed copies of Deuel County’s SSURGO Soils FGDC metadata as an example. Metadata is data about data. Most people relate this with GIS data. Mr. Zink stated that the real problem with metadata is lack of documentation of the numerous variables and assumptions of the datasets. When an agency staff member develops data they are often the only ones who know the "how" and "what" of the data. And when that persons leaves the agency, so does their specialized knowledge. The national standard is also included in the proposed standard. The proposed standard with set some structure for all agencies to follow. For the definition of geospatial data, map coordinates were used. The GIS Steering Committee has approved the standard to be forwarded to the Technical Panel and NITC. Questions were entertained.

Mr. Langer moved to post the Geospatial Metadata Standard (PDF 34k) for the 30-day comment period. Mr. Henderson seconded. Roll call vote: Weir-Yes, Langer-Yes, Henderson-Yes, Decker-Yes, and Beach-Yes. Results: 5-Yes, 0-No. Motion carried.

PROJECT REVIEWS – STATE RECORDS BOARD
NEBRASKA PUBLIC DOCUMENTS DIGITALIZATION PROJECT – UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN LIBRARIES

The University of Nebraska would like to bring records that are currently stored in the New York Library back to campus to be digitized. The records are in “reel” form. The UNL-Libraries has the equipment and expertise to get it done but need added financial resources to complete the project.

Mr. Henderson moved that the Technical Panel, having reviewed the State Records Board grant application entitled Nebraska Public Documents Digitalization Project-University Of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries (PDF 225k) and based on the technical information provided, finds that:

  • The project is technically feasible.
  • The proposed technology is appropriate for the project.
  • The technical elements can be accomplished within the proposed time frame and budget.

Ms. Decker seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Weir-Yes, Henderson-Yes, Langer-Yes, Decker-Yes, and Beach-Yes. Results: 5-Yes and 0-No. The motion was carried.

DISCUSSION – TECHNICAL PANEL CHARTER

Members discussed the Technical Panel Charter (PDF 97k). Discussion on the Chief Information Officer and the representative from the Department of Administrative Services was tabled until a statutory change is made. Mr. Becker will begin developing a revised draft. Members were asked to send their suggestions as to who should have authority to nominate members and length of term and/or term limits.

REGULAR INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND WORK GROUP UPDATES (AS NEEDED)

CAP, Brenda Decker. The group is meeting today. Agenda items include NOC and the network and LB689.

Security Work Group, Steve Henderson. The work group held a meeting to discuss reorganization ideas. Another meeting will be held within the next couple of weeks.

Statewide Synchronous Video Network Work Group, Mr. Beach. The most important issue at hand is scheduling. With the passing of LB689, a meeting will be planned soon.

OTHER BUSINESS

Ms. Decker alerted the panel to the following bills that passed during this legislative session:

LB 645 (Brashear, Dw. Pedersen) Prohibit an agency or political subdivision of the state from providing certain telecommunications services. A study on broadband issues will be conducted and the Broadband Services Task Force is created. The members shall be appointed as follows:

  • Three members appointed by the Executive Board of the Legislative Council;
  • Six members appointed by the Governor, of whom one member shall be appointed from each congressional district and shall represent consumers and three members shall be appointed on an at-large basis;
  • Three members of the Public Service Commission;
  • Three members of the Nebraska Power Review Board or their designees; and
  • Three members of the Nebraska Information Technology Commission or their designees.

The membership appointments must be made by September.

LB 343 (Baker) Change and eliminate provisions of the Nebraska Public Safety Wireless Communication System Act. The Division of Communications will now be statutorily responsible for wireless and public safety communications.

NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME, LOCATION AND ADJOURNMENT

The next meeting of the NITC Technical Panel will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2005, 9:00 a.m. at the University of Nebraska-Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.

In lieu of the regularly scheduled September 13th Technical Panel meeting, members were asked to consider meeting on September 16th for the NITC meeting with the Education Council.

On August 9th, the Technical Panel will hold a collaborative meeting with the Community, Education and State Government Councils.

Ms. Decker moved to adjourn. Mr. Langer seconded. All were in favor. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Meeting minutes were taken by Lori Lopez Urdiales and reviewed by Rick Becker of the Office of the CIO/NITC.

Meeting Minutes