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TECHNICAL PANEL

Nebraska Information Technology Commission

Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 9:00 a.m.

University of Nebraska - Varner Hall

3835 Holdrege, Lincoln, Nebraska

APPROVED MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Brenda Decker, Chief Information Officer, State of Nebraska

Steve Henderson, Department of Administrative Services, State of Nebraska

Christy Horn, University of Nebraska, Compliance Officer
Bob Huber, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission

Kirk Langer, Lincoln Public Schools
Walter Weir, University of Nebraska

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Mr. Weir called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. A quorum was present at the time of roll call. The meeting notice was posted to the NITC website on September 15, 2005 and the Nebraska Public Meeting Calendar on October 7, 2005. The meeting agenda was posted to the NITC Website on October 6, 2005.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER MINUTES

Ms. Horn moved to approve September 13, 2005 the minutes with the correction of Mr. Becker’s name under “Other Business”. Mr. Henderson seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Huber-Yes, Decker-Yes, Henderson-Yes, Horn-Yes, Langer-Yes, and Weir-Yes. Results: Yes-6, No-0. Motion carried.

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY FUND GRANTS REVIEWS
Steve Henderson, I.T. Administrator, Planning and Project Management

The CIO’s office has $20,000 available to fund community I.T. projects. The grants submitted this year were not very high tech in nature. Before the NITC can take action on the grants, the Technical Panel must approve the technical grant reviews. After discussion, it was recommended that projects submit regular reports.

Mr. Langer moved to approve the technical reviews of the Community Technology Fund grants (PDF 132k). Ms. Decker seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Weir-Yes, Langer-Yes, Horn-Yes, Henderson-Yes, Decker-Yes, and Huber-Yes. Results: Yes-6, No-0. Motion carried.

2006 DEFICIT BUDGET REQUEST
Rick Becker, Government I.T. Manager

Mr. Becker alerted the panel members that the deadline for agencies to submit budget deficit requests to the Budget Office and the NITC is October 28th. If there are I.T. related projects submitted, Mr. Becker will be in contact with Technical Panel members.

STATEWIDE TECHNOLOGY PLANNITC STRATEGIC INITIATIVES (PDF k) ACTION ITEMS
Brenda Decker, Chief Information Officer

At the September 23rd meeting, the NITC approved Version 1 of the Statewide Technology Plan which included the eight approved initiatives. Version 2 of the plan will include detailed action items to achieve the initiatives. Mr. Weir commented that milestones should be included for the action items.

On November 18th, the NITC will provide a briefing to the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee and the Transportation & Telecommunication Committee. On-going communication from the NITC to the legislature was stressed. It was also suggested that information on the NITC be part of orientation for new legislators, as well provide a briefing at the beginning of every legislative session.

Mr. Weir asked members to give consideration to the work groups of the Technical Panel for future discussion. The work groups will be reviewing their charters.

Mr. Weir will draft a Technical Panel vision paper for members to review. The vision paper would be used to communicate to the legislature on a yearly basis the issues being addressed by the panel, as well as progress and accomplishments made.

Action item discussions will remain an agenda item until the NITC meeting in January and/or February.

DISCUSSION – ACCESSIBILITY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The original goal of the charter has been accomplished: the creation of an accessibility of information technology policy for state governmental agencies and educational institutions. Training regarding the accessibility clause is still needed. There is not enough staff to provide training. The Charter needs to be reviewed and include new/different members.

Discussion followed regarding purchasing agents’ and vendors’ understanding of the accessibility clause. The questions being asked are not specific enough in regards to software. The 508 quick reference guide is very lengthy. Most people will not take the time to review it completely. It was recommended that on online checklist for vendor products be developed that would be easy to understand.

INFORMATION ITEMS FROM WORK GROUP (as needed)

Accessibility, Christy Horn. Report was given earlier in the meeting

CAP, Brenda Decker. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 14th. There are other customers that would like to be part of Network Nebraska. Mr. Golden reported that he has been in communications with Metro Community College and several Education Service Units interested in becoming part of the network.

Security Work Group, Steve Henderson. Steve Hartman, IMServices, will be the lead person for the work group. The first meeting will be held Thursday, October 13th. The Governor has signed a proclamation designating October as Cyber Security Month. In cooperation with MSIAC, printed posters will be sent to state agencies that will read “Distributed by the Nebraska Information Technology Commission”. The posters are very practical and easy to understand.

Statewide Synchronous Video Network Work Group, Bob Huber. Focus has been on tracking the efforts of the LB 689 Distance Education Task Force.

OTHER BUSINESS

Ms. Decker invited members to attend the November 18th NITC briefing and asked members to provide any input or recommendations. Lt. Governor Sheehy will be attending the briefing.

The Nebraska Fusion ‘05 E-Government Conference will be held on November 15th, at the Embassy Suites. Registration is free. Members were invited to attend.

Ms. Decker stated that she also serves on the State Records Board. The Technical Panel has done technical reviews of the State Records Board grant projects. Ms. Decker requested that the Technical Panel Chair submit a letter to the State Records Board and the Legislative Council, regarding the panel’s involvement and intent. Mr. Becker will draft the letter.

Ron Cone invited members to the 2020 Vision Conference, November 1, 2005 in Kearney. The conference is sponsored by ESU 10, ESU 11 and the University of Nebraska-Kearney and will cover issues regarding security and technology in the classroom. Lieutenant Governor Sheehy is the keynote speaker.

ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING DATE AND TIME

The next meeting of the NITC Technical Panel will be held on Tuesday, November 8th, 9:00 a.m. at Varner Hall in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Ms. Horn moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Huber seconded. All were in favor. Motion was carried by voice vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

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

Meeting Minutes