NEBRASKA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION
Thursday, September 9, 2004, 10:00 a.m.
Union Pacific Center, Classroom D
1400 Douglas Street, STOP 0680, Omaha, Nebraska
APPROVED MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Lieutenant Governor Dave Heineman, Chair
Linda Aerni, Chief Executive Officer, Community Internet Systems
Greg Adams, Mayor, City of York
Dr. Eric Brown, Manager, KRVN Radio
L. Merill Bryan, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Union Pacific
Susan C. Heider, Chief Information Officer, Regional West Medical Center
Trev Peterson, Attorney, Knudsen, Berkheimer, Richardson, and Endacott, LLP
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dr. Doug Christensen, Commissioner, Nebraska Department of Education and Dennis Smith, University of Nebraska
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND MEETING NOTICE
Lieutenant Governor Heineman called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. There were seven members present at the time of roll call. A quorum existed to conduct official business. It was stated that the meeting notice was posted to the NITC Web Site on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 and on the Public Calendar Web Site on Tuesday, August 10, 2004. The meeting agenda was posted to the NITC Web Site on Wednesday, September 1, 2004. Lieutenant Governor Heineman thanked Commissioner Bryan for hosting the meeting. He also thanked the Commissioners for accommodating his schedule because Lieutenant Governor Heineman had to leave at noon. Commissioner Bryan agreed to chair the meeting during the chair's absence. Commissioner Heider was welcomed to the Commission.
APPROVAL OF JUNE MINUTES
Commissioner Brown moved to approve the June 3, 2004 minutes as presented. Commissioner Bryan seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Adams-Yes, Aerni-Yes, Brown-Yes, Bryan-Yes, Heider-Yes, Heineman-Yes, and Peterson-Yes. Results: 7-Yes, 0-No. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
RECOMMENDED STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: VIDEO AND AUDIO COMPRESSION STANDARD FOR SYNCHRONOUS DISTANCE LEARNING AND VIDEOCONFERENCING
Mike Beach, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission
The Technical Panel approved the draft standard. Public comments were received and given responses. Testing was done with actual users of the system. The changes were minor and did not change the substance of the recommendation. The Technical Panel has reviewed the revised document and approved the recommended standard for final approval by the NITC. Mr. Beach entertained questions and comments.
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Recommended Standards and Guidelines for Video and Audio Compression Standard For Synchronous Distance Learning and Videoconferencing (PDF 145k). Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Peterson-Yes, Heineman-Yes, Heider-Yes, Bryan-Yes, Brown-Yes, Aerni-Yes, and Adams-Yes. Results: 7-Yes, 0-No. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
GTCF SECURITY GRANT APPLICATION
Steve Schafer, Chief Information Officer
A couple of years ago, the NITC awarded a Government Technology Collaboration Fund (GTCF) grant to the Chief Information Officer to conduct a security assessment of state government. Since then, two vulnerability scans were done. Some agencies have made some changes. At their last meeting, the State Government Council approved the grant request for funding with the recommendation to seek additional funding sources. Mr. Schafer will work with the Security Work Group to determine the scope of this grant. The work group will also assist with the RFP process. It is anticipated that the RFP bid will go out in January after funding sources are verified.
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve funding for the Security Assessment Government Technology Collaboration Grant (PDF 178k). Commissioner Aerni seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Adams-Yes, Peterson-Yes, Aerni-Yes, Heineman-Yes, Brown-Yes, Heider-Yes, and Bryan-Yes. Results: 7-Yes, 0-No. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
STATEWIDE TECHNOLOGY PLAN
Lieutenant Governor Heineman stated that the Statewide Technology Plan will be a dynamic document with periodic reports. Commissioner Aerni recommended changing the term "metropolitan" to "urban" in the document. Mr. Schafer entertained questions and comments.
Commissioner Heider moved to approve the 2004 Statewide Technology Plan (PDF 532k). Commissioner Adams seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Bryan-Yes, Heider-Yes, Brown-Yes, Heineman-Yes, Aerni-Yes, Peterson-Yes, and Adams-Yes. Results: 7-Yes, 0-No. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
DISCUSSION OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Steve Schafer, Chief Information Officer
It has been two years since the NITC prioritized IT budget requests. Last spring, the NITC discussed their role, goals and mission in relation to the budget request process and decided to take a more active role. The Technical Panel and each of the councils assisted with the development of draft Strategic Initiatives and action plans. It would be used as a tool for making recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. Disscussion of this agenda item was postponed until after the presentations.
PRESENTATION – E-LEARNING DEMONSTRATIONS
Sheran Cramer, University of Nebraska-Omaha, accessed the Web Site of A Family Financial Planning Course she taught using Blackboard. Links provided for students to access discussion boards, modules, pretests, and team projects were demonstrated. Ms. Cramer entertained questions and comments.
Brenda Zabel and Collette de Frey, Westside High School, accessed the Web Site of a science course using Blackboard. Students have access to PowerPoint presentations, copies of class notes, video tapes, and a virtual discussion tool. Blackboard is also being used at the kindergarten level as a communication tool with parents. The Web Site has had 45,000 hits so far this year. Ms. Zabel and Ms. de Frey entertained questions and comments.
PRESENTATION – TELEHEALTH UPDATE
Dave Glover, Telehealth Consultant
Mr. Glover expressed thanks to all entities and individuals who have been very instrumental with this endeavor. The Public Service Commission has approved funding for Telehealth Network up to $900,000 per year retroactive to July 2003. The Public Service Commission agreed to provide the support equipment costs and backbone connectivity. The network is up and running. The first two tests of the system involved 40 connected sites. Testing went fairly well. There will be another test in September. It is hopeful that more hospitals will be connected before the next test date.
Funding for the network comes from a variety of sources:
- Equipment funding comes from federal grant such as the Rural Utility Service grants and the Congressionally mandated grants. The Nebraska Health and Human Services System also is providing support to a number of hospitals for equipment and even wider number of hospitals for systems support.
- The hospital themselves will provide support.
Support equipment will be purchased and provide as support by the Nebraska Telecommunications providers. Ongoing transmission line funding comes from several sources:
- The University Services Administration Company (USAC) will provide support down to a level of approximately $267 per month.
- The Nebraska Public Service Commission will be providing the additional support to rural endpoint hospitals.
- The endpoint hospitals themselves will be providing $100 per month in support.
Alltel and Qwest have been cooperative regarding tariffs. Lt. Governor Heineman stated the need for the Network to have the capability to videoconference for homeland security and terrorist threats. Mr. Glover was acknowledged for his work and efforts.
PRESENTATION – NETWORK NEBRASKA
Brenda Decker, Director, Division of Communications
Proposals were solicited from providers for aggregation of the bandwidth in the Scottsbluff/Gering area. The pilot project consists of a shared DS-3 from Scottsbluff to Grand Island, with the State’s portion continuing on to Lincoln. Installation occurred in January of 2003. The project was successful and has become a piece of the Network Nebraska backbone.
Phase I was completed in October 2003 and Phase II was completed January 2004. As of August 2004, the backbone goes from Omaha to Norfolk, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney and then from Grand Island to North Platte, Scottsbluff and Alliance. Contracts are for services only. Services added include Internet I service through the University of Nebraska as a SEGP Internet II provider. A contract has been signed to give CAP the ability to offer this service. IP Video services are currently being provided via the backbone to all NVCN locations and Chadron State College.
Five goals for CAP for the remainder of the FY05 include:
- Develop and offer Internet I services to eligible participants no later than January 2005.
- Identify Tier II communities that offer opportunities for aggregation for services onto the network – ongoing.
- Create a service level agreement for use by CAP and the eligible network participants no later than November 1, 2004.
- Create a Network Nebraska Level 1 helpdesk no later than November 1, 2004.
- Create a Network Nebraska Web Site no later than December 15, 2004 .
The Commission recessed for lunch. Lieutenant Governor Heineman left for another commitment. In his absence, Commissioner Bryan chaired the remainder of the meeting.
CONTINUE DISCUSSION OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Nebraska Statewide Telehealth Network (PDF 94k). The objective of the Nebraska Statewide Telehealth Network will provide the opportunity for all hospitals and public health departments to connect, providing access to consultations with medical specialists, continuing medical education, transmission of digital clinical information, bioterrorism alerts and training for homeland security and other emergency management issues. There were no questions from the Commissioners.
Network Nebraska (PDF 89k). The primary objective of this initiative is to develop a broadband, scalable telecommunications infrastructure that optimizes the quality of network services to every public entity in the State of Nebraska. A question was raised as to what the criteria is to determine a Tier II community. The Division of Communications and the University of Nebraska will start by assessing locations that would be a good aggregation point.
Statewide Synchronous Video Network (PDF 98k). The objective of this initiative is to achieve a statewide synchronous video network capable of enhancing educational opportunities and citizen services through the exchange of interactive video between and among various sectors. Mr. Beach stated that there are currently two parallel systems operating in the state. The goal is have one system that can do all.
Community I.T. Planning and Development (PDF 97k). To remain competitive in the global economy, Nebraska communities must use information technology to enhance economic development opportunities and quality of life. Nebraska businesses can utilize information technology to expand markets, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. It was stated that the Secretary of State’s office has been instrumental in funding county Web Site development.
Nebraska eLearning Initiative (PDF 101k). The primary objective of this initiative is to promote the effective and efficient integration of technology into the instructional process and to utilize technology to deliver enhanced educational opportunities and affordable basis. Jim Zemke, University of Nebraska, and Mr. Rolfes provided information on the eLearning Initiative Planning Workshops that will be held across the state. The purpose of the workshops is to gather input from a broad spectrum of educators, administrators, and other interested parties from al levels of education throughout the state to develop a plan to advance the eLearning Initiative. Some of the workshop products will include: a refined set of prioritized statewide eLearning goals and objectives; definition of a framework for future collaboration to address the issue of definition, structure, organization, representation, accountability, authority, etc.; identification of potential sponsor(s) and funding source(s) and a collaborative funding strategy; and development of an eLearning action plan and timeline. Contributions and input from the workshops will be synthesized into a single report. K-12 is on the verge and early development of Information Technology use in the classroom. Standards are being developed for content management in many environments like Blackboard and Angel. The following dates are tentative: October 11th in Norfolk; October 13th in Omaha; October 14th in Lincoln; October 18th in Scottsbluff; October 19th in North Platte; and October 20th in Grand Island.
Enterprise Architecture (PDF 106k). Enterprise Architecture is a structured process for deciding what information technology is needed for the enterprise and how to provide information technology services within the organization. Mr. Schafer stated that the objective of the Enterprise Architecture is a structured process for deciding what information technology is needed for the enterprise and how to provide information technology services with the organization. This is new direction for the State of Nebraska. It is anticipated to have a first draft by January 31, 2005.
Egovernment (PDF 411k). The E-government Strategic Plan provides the actions necessary to improve the availability of information and online serves to citizens and businesses.
Security and Business Resumption (PDF 118k). The objective of this initiative will define and clarify policies, standards and guidelines, and responsibilities related to the security of the state’s information technology resources. Information security will serve statutory goals pertaining to government operations and public records. There were no questions from the Commissioners.
The Commissioners agreed by group consensus that the documents were being developed in a manner that would be helpful to them and the budget request process. Staff will further develop the document for final approval at the November meeting.
STATUTORY REPORTS – OVERVIEW OF PROCESS
Mr. Schafer informed the Commissioners that by statute the following reports are due to the Legislature by November 15th:
Budget Request Prioritization (Process) (PDF 49k)
Requests are due by September 15. A timeline was given to Commissioners. By October 8, reviews will be completed. Scores and comments will be compiled in a summary sheet. The Technical Panel and each council will review and comment. At which point, their comments will be added to summary sheets. During the week of October 25, a joint committee meeting will be held comprising of two representatives of the Technical Panel and each of the councils to recommend a prioritize list to the NITC for the November 10 meeting.
Biennial Progress Report to the Legislature. There is a related statute that the Legislature and Transportation Committee are to jointly review the progress of the NITC. Mr. Schafer will discuss this further with Lieutenant Governor Heineman.
OTHER REPORTS
Community Council Report - Anne Byers, Community I.T. Manager
Ms. Byers distributed a written report. Much of the Community Council Community IT Planning and development efforts are in partnership with TAN (Technologies Across Nebraska). The communities and counties participating in the I.T. Planning and Mini-grant Program for 2004-2005 are Chappel, Cheyenne County, Cuming County, Hartington, Kearney, and Nemaha County. Two of these participants are planning to apply to further their efforts by applying for Public Service Commission’s “community” funds. The TANgents newsletter goes out to approximately 1500 persons. A reader survey has indicated that TANgents was a useful source of information. Ms. Byers entertained questions.
Education Council - Tom Rolfes, Education I.T. Manager
The Education Council has met once since the last NITC meeting. The next meeting will be September 17 at UNMC. The co-chairs will be part of the Joint Committee meeting in October to assist in prioritizing budget requests. Activities and tasks that the Council has been addressing include:
Education portal enhancement. The CIO ’s office, through a grant from the State Records Board, is working with NOL on three enhancements to the education portal: 1) the development of a searchable data base of degrees offered by Nebraska higher education institutions; 2) the development of an I.T. training calendar of courses available; and 3) the development of a universal application of admission for higher education institutions. The latter has been challenging due to specific needs of each institution.
SEGP Internet2 awareness at school levels. Nebraska is the 34th state to participate. Speaking engagement dates are tentatively being planned to draw awareness and participation. Thanks were given to Bruce Rieker for his assistance in seeking funds for the Statewide Synchronous Video Network. Mike Beach, Wayne Fisher, and Gene Hand, Public Service Commission were also acknowledged. Mr. Rolfes entertained questions.
State Government Council - Rick Becker, Government I.T. Manager
The State Government Council has met three times since the last Commission meeting. Two of the meetings were work sessions focusing on enterprise architecture including presentations by NASCIO and three states. The Council also had demonstrations of the State of Utah’s online business registration system and Nebraska’s Directory Services Project. A written update on a Unified E-mail System for State Government (PDF 63k) was distributed to the Commissioners. Mr. Schafer entertained questions.
Technical Panel - Walter Weir, Chief Information Officer, University of Nebraska
The Technical Panel has met twice since last Commission meeting. Larry Zink, provided an update on the GIS Steering Committee. The committee will be developing standards for the Technical Panel’s review and adoption. The panel completed project reviews for a Security Assessment grant for the CIO’s office and two State Records Board Grants. The Technical Panel also approved recommendation of the Statewide Video Synchronous Standard for final approval by the NITC. Mr. Weir announced that the University of Nebraska Board of Regents will be recognizing Rick Golden at their meeting this week.
OTHER BUSINESS
A list of upcoming Councils and Technical Panel meeting dates was distributed to Commissioners and they were encouraged to attend.
ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING DATE AND TIMES
The next meeting of the Nebraska Information Technology Commission will be held on November 10, 2004. Time and location will be announced at a later time.
Commissioner Brown moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Peterson seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion was carried by unanimous voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:41 p.m.
After the meeting, Commissioner Bryan provided a tour of the Union Pacific Center.
Meeting minutes were taken by Lori Lopez Urdiales and reviewed by the staff of the Office of the CIO/NITC.
Meeting Minutes