TECHNICAL PANEL

Nebraska Information Technology Commission

Tuesday, April 12, 2004, 9:00 a.m.

Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege Street

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

Walter Weir, University of Nebraska

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Christy Horn, University of Nebraska, Compliance Officer
Kirk Langer, Lincoln Public Schools

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 March 11, 2005 and that the meeting agenda was posted to the NITC web site on April 8, 2005. Four members were present at the time of roll call.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

APPROVAL OF MARCH MINUTES

Mr. Henderson moved to approve the March 8, 2005 minutes as presented. Mr. Beach seconded. Roll call vote: Beach-Yes, Decker-Yes, Henderson-Yes, and Weir-Yes. Results: 4-Yes, 0-No. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.

DISCUSSION: MURPHY MODEL
Thomas J. Murphy Consulting Inc.

Mr. Weir provided a brief history of the NITC Technical Panel and introduced members and guests. Mr. Murphy provided an overview of a Decision Making Model to analyze and insure effective planning and management of IT investments. For the tool to be useful, policy makers and the NITC Commissioners would need to be involved in establishing priorities and qualitative values. Mr. Weir stated that Mr. Murphy will be designing a tool for the University of Nebraska to evaluate the university’s student information systems. He will update the panel once the university’s model has been designed and implemented.

DISCUSSION: LB689

Mr. Rolfes reported that the membership was revised and the bill is on select file. The proposed membership includes:

• The chairperson and one other member of the Education Committee of the Legislature;
• The chairperson of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee of the Legislature;
• The chairperson of the Appropriations Committee of the Legislature;
• One representative of educational service units;
• One representative of distance education consortia;
• One representative of the State Department of Education who has expertise in technology infrastructure;
• One representative of the Public Service Commission;
• Two representatives of the Nebraska Information Technology Commission;
• Two representatives of postsecondary education who have expertise in technology infrastructure, distance education, or dual-enrollment courses;
• One representative of the Governor;
• Two members who are either school district superintendents or public school principals; and
• One representative of the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission who has expertise in technology infrastructure or distance education.

The appropriations bill was approved for $10,000 to fund the work of the task force. Dr. Emal reported on a luncheon held with Senator Stuhr and Senator Raikes. Some of their concerns centered around the following: $30 million funding amount; the cost to local school districts; the Universal Service Fund; the value of distance education and future costs; and the management of Network Nebraska and distant education. Legislators need a clear picture of what is being proposed.

REGULAR INFORMATIONAL ITEMS & WORK GROUP DATES

Due to time constraints, Mr. Weir asked if there were any questions regarding any of the work groups. There were none.

OTHER BUSINESS

Ms. Decker announced that an article written by Anne Byers published in TANGENTS describing the various policy issues related to public entities offering telecommunications services. The article has been picked up by Government Technology and other publications/websites.

NEXT MEETING DATE AND ADJOURNMENT

Lieutenant Governor Sheehy will be at the next meeting of the NITC Technical Panel, Tuesday, May 10th at Varner Hall in Lincoln. The June meeting will need to be rescheduled due to the NITC meeting held that same day. The panel will meet on June 7th at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Becker will notify the other members.

Ms. Decker moved to adjourn the meeting, Mr. Weir seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Weir-Yes, Henderson-Yes, Decker-Yes, and Beach-Yes. Results: 4-Yes, 0-No. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

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

Meeting Minutes