COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
Nebraska Information Technology Commission
Feb. 12, 2004
MINUTES
Lincoln: Executive Building, Suite 103, 521 So. 14th Street
Chadron: Chadron State College Student Center, Scottsbluff Room, 10th and Main
Kearney: Public Library and Information Center-2nd Fl., 2020 First Avenue
Omaha: UNMC Biomedical Communications-Rm 4203, 985170 Nebraska Medical Center
Norfolk: NECC MaClay Bldg, Room 122, 801 East Benjamin Avenue
South Sioux City: City Hall, 1615 1st Avenue
Phone bridge: (402) 472-0060
Members Present: Tim Armstrong, K.C. Belitz, Len Benson, John Dale, Norene Fitzgerald, Donna Hammack, Lance Hedquist (only participated in roll call due to technical difficulties), Pat Langan, Georgia Masters Keightley, Michael Nolan (joined at 11:00), Bob Sweeney, Max Thacker, Jerry Vap
Members Absent: Chris Anderson, Roger Keetle, Harold Krueger, Jeanne Saathoff, Ted Smith, Mary Wernke
Call to order, roll call and notice of meeting notice and agenda posting
Co-chair Bob Sweeney, participating via telephone, requested that Anne Byers chair the meeting. The meeting was called to order by Anne Byers at 10:20. Roll was called. The following members were in attendance at roll call: Tim Armstrong, K.C. Belitz, Len Benson, John Dale, Norene Fitzgerald, Donna Hammack, Lance Hedquist, Pat Langan, Georgia Masters Keightley, Bob Sweeney, Max Thacker, and Jerry Vap. A quorum existed to conduct official business. Ms. Byers stated that the meeting announcement was posted on the NITC Web site on Dec. 22, 2003 and the Nebraska Public Meeting Web site on Feb. 5, 2004. The agenda was posted on the NITC and Nebraska Public Meeting Web sites on Feb. 5, 2004.
Approval of Sept. 25, 2003 Minutes*
John Dale noted that Lance Hedquist’s name was misspelled in the minutes. Norene Fitzgerald made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. John Dale seconded the motion. The motioned carried unanimously. Roll call vote: Tim Armstrong-yes, K.C. Belitz-yes, Len Benson-yes, John Dale-yes, Norene Fitzgerald-yes, Donna Hammack-yes, Pat Langan-yes, Georgia Masters Keightley-yes, Bob Sweeney-yes, Max Thacker-yes, and Jerry Vap-yes.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Network Nebraska update
Steve Schafer gave an update on Network Nebraska. Network Nebraska efforts have focused on the development of the network backbone. The backbone is now in place. Phase One connects Kearney, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha using Multi-Point Label Switching (MPLS), which will support multiple network protocols and provide scalability, redundancy and a high level of quality of service. In addition to the University of Nebraska and the State of Nebraska, participants in Phase One include NET and ESU on behalf of a consortium of four ESUs in central and western Nebraska. Lincoln Public Schools is also enjoying cost savings by buying off of a University of Nebraska contract. Phase Two expands the backbone to Alliance, North Platte and Norfolk using ATM technology. Already, the aggregation of bandwidth and Internet 1 traffic will save users more than $110,000 per year.
The next step is to identify a second tier of aggregation points that will connect to the backbone. Policy issues are also being addressed.
Telehealth network update
Dave Glover, a consultant working for the Nebraska Hospital Association, gave an update on the statewide telehealth network. The plans for the telehealth network include connecting hospitals, state labs, the Capitol, and public health departments. Phase I will connect those entities which currently have or are planning to obtain videoconferencing equipment shortly. The telehealth network technical committee has agreed to adopt state standards to ensure compatibility with other entities. A connection at College Park is planned to connect the existing telehealth networks. Dave Glover has been working with David Lawton to obtain equipment for hospitals still needing video conferencing equipment. Efforts are being made to establish collaborative purchasing agreements. Privacy officers from hub hospitals will meet next week to discuss security and confidentiality. Bill England at USAC has been contacted regarding federal USF funding of the network. Phase Two will address scheduling, customer service, maintenance, and sustainability issues.
Technologies Across Nebraska Update
Anne Byers gave a brief update on Technologies Across Nebraska. Seven of the eight communities participating in year one of the IT Planning and Mini Grant program have completed their technology plans. The eighth community is planning to have their plan done this month. The six communities participating in year two of the program are completing their assessments. The next issue of TANgents will be published next week. Members are encouraged to submit articles or ideas for articles.
Ms. Byers also asked members for their feedback on the need for coordinating e-commerce efforts. The group felt that it would be beneficial to meet with e-commerce providers to discuss ways to coordinate efforts and to help businesses implement e-commerce strategies.
Membership - new member:LISA DOMINISSE* (PDF 45k)
Lisa Dominisse, Director of the Rural Development Commission, has agreed to serve on the Community Council. Michael Nolan moved to approve the nomination of Lisa Dominisse. Donna Hammack seconded the motion. The motion carried. Roll call vote: Tim Armstrong-yes, K.C. Belitz-yes, Len Benson-yes, John Dale-yes, Norene Fitzgerald-yes, Donna Hammack-yes, Pat Langan-yes, Georgia Masters Keightley-no, Mike Nolan-yes, Bob Sweeney-yes, Max Thacker-yes.
Strategic funding priorities (PDF 151k)
Steve Schafer explained that in order to take a more proactive role in the prioritization of budget requests, he is asking each council to determine strategic priorities for funding. The strategic priorities from each Council will be given to the NITC at their March meeting. Upon approval of the NITC, these priorities will be used in the prioritization of budget requests. Mr. Schafer suggested that the Community Council consider including its two primary action items—the development of a statewide telehealth network and community IT planning/technology-related economic development. He also suggested including the statewide wireless public safety network. A discussion followed.
Michael Nolan made a motion to include the development of a statewide telehealth network as one of the Community Council’s strategic priorities. Max Thacker seconded the motion. The motion carried. Roll call vote: Tim Armstrong-yes, K.C. Belitz-yes, Len Benson-yes, John Dale-yes, Norene Fitzgerald-yes, Donna Hammack-yes, Pat Langan-yes, Georgia Masters Keightley-no, Mike Nolan-yes, Bob Sweeney-yes, Max Thacker-yes.
Donna Hammack made a motion to include the development of a statewide wireless public safety network as one of the Community Council’s strategic priorities. John Dale seconded the motion. The motion carried. Roll call vote: Tim Armstrong-abstaining, K.C. Belitz-yes, Len Benson-yes, John Dale-yes, Norene Fitzgerald-yes, Donna Hammack-yes, Pat Langan-yes, Georgia Masters Keightley-no, Mike Nolan-yes, Bob Sweeney-yes, Max Thacker-yes.
Norene Fitzgerald moved to include support for community IT planning and technology-related economic development as one of the Community Council’s strategic priorities. Pat Langan seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Roll call vote: Tim Armstrong-yes, K.C. Belitz-yes, Len Benson-yes, John Dale-yes, Norene Fitzgerald-yes, Donna Hammack-yes, Pat Langan-yes, Georgia Masters Keightley-yes, Mike Nolan-yes, Bob Sweeney-yes, Max Thacker-yes.
Statewide technology plan update
Ms. Byers explained that the Council will be updating their action items to be included in the statewide technology plan at the May Community Council meeting.
New business, next meeting date, and adjournment
There was no new business. The next meeting date will be set for May. Ms. Byers adjourned the meeting at 12:00.
Meeting Minutes