COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Nebraska Information Technology Commission
Friday, May 4, 2001, 1:30 p.m.
Bremer Center, 16th and L Streets on Highway 14, Aurora, Nebraska
APPROVED MINUTES
ROLL CALL, INTRODUCTIONS, NOTICE OF POSTING OF AGENDA
The meeting was called to order by co-chair, Jeanne Saathoff, at 1:10 p.m. Roll call was taken. There were nine members present at the time of roll call, therefore a quorum existed to conduct official business.
Members present: Chris Anderson, Local Government; Gene Hand for Anne Boyle, Resource; Len Benson for Harold Krueger, Health; Pat Langan for Stu Miller, Resource; Michael Nolan, Local Government; Jeanne Saathoff, Libraries; Craig Schroeder (via phone bridge) and alternate Jo Lowe present in Aurora; Ted Schultz (via phone bridge), Health; Gary Warren, Resource; Lance Hedquist, Local Government (via phone bridge).
Members absent: Donna Hammack, Health; Ron Heezen, Libraries; Gerry Kluck, Agriculture; Jim Lowe, Agriculture; Ted Smith, Libraries; Bob Sweeney, Business; Max Thacker, Health;
Others present: Michael Winkle, NITC Executive Director; Anne Byers, NITC Community Council IT Manager; Jen Soucie, NITC Research Staff Assistant.
Ms. Saathoff stated that the meeting announcement and agenda were posted on the NITC web site and the Nebraska Public Meeting web sites on May 1, 2001.
APPROVAL OF APRIL 6, 2001 MINUTES
Mr. Schroeder had a change to the April 6, 2001 minutes. He suggested that the minutes be amended to read, "Mr. Schroeder questioned whether political subdivision GIS projects should be a priority of the Council." Gene Hand moved to approve April minutes as amended. Michael Nolan seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY FUND UPDATE (PDF 11k)
Community Council Manager Anne Byers reported that on April 25, 2001 the NITC approved funding twelve projects from the 2001 Community Technology Fund, including the Aurora Technology Business Incubator project. The total amount awarded was $273, 522.00. At the NITC meeting, Steve Schafer offered to add approximately $47,000.00 to the Community Technology Fund. Approximately $47,000 had been returned from a previous grant but due to accounting rules the funds were not allowed to be returned to the Community Technology Fund. The additional funds offered by Mr. Schafer were intended to replace the $47,000 returned. With increased funding available, the NITC Commissioners approved funding the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District's Creating A Common Framework for Integrating Surface Water Data project. The Commissioners also approved funding projects for the full amount requested up to $25,000 to the extent possible with the available funds.
Ms. Byers also stated that all-official notification documentation such as contracts and rejection letters were sent the week of May 1, 2001.
Two entities re-submitted proposals based on their proposals from last round and were funded this year. These entities were the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Village of Brainard.
Ms. Saathoff asked the Council to carefully develop criteria for the next round of grants, for she was uncomfortable with this round and how the grants proceeded. Mr. Winkle added that the Commissioners were also uncomfortable with the recommendations from the Community Council. He asked the Council to clearly state their priorities in the guidelines for the next Community Technology Fund round. Ms. Byers stated that guidelines should be released in early November so the Council will have to approve the new guidelines in the fall.
APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND ACTION PLAN DEVELOPMENT (PDF 12k)
NITC Executive Director, Michael Winkle reported that the NITC is in the process of developing the 2001 Statewide Technology Plan. The Community Council priorities needed to be approved at the June NITC meeting for inclusion in the 2001 Statewide Technology Plan.
Ms. Byers drafted an additional priority. , Saathoff said it was an excellent addition. The added priority states: "Fostering collaborative and innovative uses of technology by local governments to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service." In the discussion of the priorities, Mr. Nolan and Mr. Anderson were concerned about the language of the third and fifth priorities and what they encompassed; they felt that these priorities excluded recruitment of IT individuals.
It was suggested that the final priority read: "Fostering awareness and collaborative and innovative uses of information technology by local governments to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service."
Mr. Gene Hand move to approve the priority as amended, Mr. Michael Nolan seconded the motion. All were in favor, motion carried.
CURRENT ACTION PLAN IDEAS and COMMUNITY COUNCIL DIRECTION
Ms. Byers created a table listing the prioritized action plan ideas with suggested lead entities. Michael Winkle reported that the CIO, himself and others meet bi-weekly with the Lt. Governor to facilitate the relationship between the NITC and other included parties. He suggested that the Community Council consider reorganizing itself to focus its efforts on workgroups, including a group on rural and community technology development, local government, and telehealth. Mr. Winkle suggested that members of Community Council take part in all three subcommittees/workgroups.
Craig Schroeder motioned to approve participation in the NITC's subcommittees/workgroups. Gary Warren seconded the motion. All were in favor, but a quorum was no longer present.
MEMBERSHIP
Ms. Byers addressed the membership issue to make the council aware of terms and organization of the membership. There are two members with terms that expire in 2001. Ms. Byers also suggested that if the council would like to make any changes to the charter, this would be an appropriate time.
Mr. Chris Anderson and Mr. Warren agreed to participate in the Community Council for another term.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Anderson inquired about the meeting schedule for the NITC's local government work group. In addition, his concern included internet access to the City of Ashland. Mr. Anderson revealed that the City of Ashland is having difficulty gathering internet service providers to support their information technology needs. Mr. Warren revealed that Hamilton Communications have provided high speed internet connection for about 2 years and that it is becoming more economically feasible to provide high speed service.
NEXT MEETING DATES AND LOCATIONS, ADJOURNMENT
The next Community Council meeting will be held June 1, 2001 in Lincoln. Ms. Byers will coordinate meeting arrangements.
Ms. Saathoff adjourned the meeting at 3:21 p.m.
Minutes were taken by Jen Soucie and reviewed by Anne Byers of the Office of the CIO/NITC.
Meeting Minutes