TECHNICAL PANEL
Nebraska Information Technology Commission
Tuesday, March 8, 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 9:05 a.m. The meeting notice was posted to the Nebraska Public Meeting Calendar and the NITC web sites on February 11, 2005 and that the meeting agenda was posted to the NITC web site on March 3, 2005. Five members were present at the time of roll call.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Henderson moved to approve the February 8, 2005 minutes as presented. Mr. Beach seconded. Roll call vote: Beach-Yes, Decker-Yes, Henderson-Yes, Horn-Yes, Langer-Yes, and Weir-Yes. Results: 5-Yes, 0-No. Motion was carried by unanimous vote. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
PROJECT REVIEW
Worker’s Compensation Court-Court Re-engineering-Adjudication (Revised)
(Summary Sheet (PDF 99k) and Revised Project Proposal (PDF 235k))
Randy Cecrle, I.T. Manager for Workers Compensation Court, was available to answer questions from the panel. There was a concern expressed regarding decisions on software. Mr. Cecrle stated that no purchasing decisions regarding software have been made and that the project will hire a consultant to evaluate all options. The agency currently utilizes Oracle but would like to explore what other options and software is available to provide web based services for workflow and content management. The ability to share information with external and internal entities is vital to the agency. Systems should be able to communicate and operate together. The Directory Services enterprise effort may help with document management. The revised project received a higher score.
Ms. Decker moved to approve the technical review of the revised Court Re-engineering-Adjudication project request (PDF 235k) from the Worker’s Compensation Court. Mr. Beach seconded. Roll call vote: Weir-Yes, Langer-Yes, Henderson-Yes, Decker-Yes and Beach-Yes. Results: 5-Yes, 0-No. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
Mr. Cecrle asked if the panel would write a letter regarding the project’s technical score. The agency has a budget hearing on Friday, March 11th. Mr. Becker will draft a letter from the Technical Panel.
STANDARD GUIDELINES – DISCUSSION REVIEW OF REQUESTS FOR EXCEPTIONS
A request was received the Commission on Public Advocacy (PDF 64k). Mr. Becker presented this to the panel for input on the review process before any action is taken. This will be discussed again at a future meeting.
DISCUSSION: REVISED WHITE PAPER, “CONVERTING DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORKS TO A HIGH BANDWIDTH INFRASTRUCTURE”
Tom Rolfes, Education Information Technology Manager
At the February 8th meeting of the Technical Panel, discussions were held with K-12, distance learning, and ESU staff regarding the white paper. Suggestions and input from that meeting have been incorporated as appropriate. As of the date of this meeting, LB689 has come out of committee but is has not been prioritized. Discussions occurred regarding the NITC’s role and stance on LB689, as well as risks involved if LB689 does not pass during this legislative session. The Technical Panel could make recommendations regarding technical feasibility to the NITC. Members felt that an additional statement or paragraph be included regarding the risks to schools if LB689 is not passed.
Ms. Decker moved to endorse the revised white paper, “Converting Distance Learning Networks To A High Bandwidth Infrastructure” (PDF 413k) with the caveat that the Technical Panel approve the additional risk information prior to the document being forwarded to the NITC for the March 15th meeting. Mr. Beach seconded. Roll call vote: Henderson-Yes, Langer-Yes, Weir-Yes, Beach-Yes, and Decker-Yes. Results: 5-Yes, 0-No. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
Mr. Rolfes was commended on his efforts.
UDPATE: NITC STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
This is a detailed update of the progress made on the NITC’s Strategic Initiatives (PDF 996k). NITC Commissioners will have an opportunity to discuss this at their March meeting.
DISCUSSION: TECHNICAL PANEL CHARTER AND MEMBERSHIP (PDF 97k)
With the recent changes regarding the state CIO position, the Technical Panel will need to re-evaluate their charter. Membership issues need to be addressed. Staff will develop a revised document with recommendations for a future meeting.
REGULAR INFORMATIONAL ITEMS (as needed)
Accessibility. Ms. Horn was not available to report.
CAP, Brenda Decker. The group met last month to discuss the white paper. The next meeting is scheduled for today right after the Technical Panel meeting.
Security Work Group, Steve Henderson. The work group has not met as a group but some of the members have been working on the RFP.
Statewide Synchronous Video Network Work Group, Mike Beach. The funding group has met to discuss issues, including LB689. The research on scheduling software continues. Demonstrations will be conducted soon.
OTHER BUSINESS
At a future meeting, Mr. Weir wants a discussion regarding NEMA monies and how the State of Nebraska may be able to utilize this funding source.
The University of Nebraska has been developing a Network Nebraska CD-Video for distribution at events and for general information purposes.
Senator Phil Erdman has accepted Governor Heineman’s request to serve as an ex-officio member of the NITC.
NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME, LOCATION AND ADJOURNMENTS
The next meeting of the NITC Technical Panel will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, 9:00 a.m. at the University of Nebraska-Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Ms. Decker moved to adjourn. Mr. Henderson seconded. All were in favor. Motion was carried by unanimous voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Meeting minutes were taken by Lori Lopez Urdiales and reviewed by Rick Becker of the Office of the CIO/NITC.
Meeting Minutes