TECHNICAL PANEL

Nebraska Information Technology Commission

Wednesday, December 11, 2002, 9:00 a.m.

Varner Hall-Board of Regents Room

3835 Holdrege, Lincoln, Nebraska

MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mike Beach, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission

Brenda Decker, State of Nebraska, Department of Administrative Services

Christy Horn, University of Nebraska, Compliance Officer

Kirk Langer, Lincoln Public Schools, K-12 Representative

Steve Schafer, Chief Information Officer, State of Nebraska

Walter Weir, University of Nebraska

ROLL CALL AND MEETING NOTICE:

The Chair, Walter Weir, called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. Roll call was taken. All members were present at the time of roll. The meeting notice was posted to the NITC and Nebraska Public Meeting Calendar Websites on November 8, 2002. The agenda was posted to the NITC Website on December 6, 2002.

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 8, 2002 MINUTES

Mr. Schafer moved to approve the November 8, 2002 minutes as presented. Mr. Beach seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Beach-Yes, Decker-Yes, Horn-Yes, Langer-Yes, Schafer-Yes, and Weir-Yes. The motion was carried by unanimous vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

TELEHEALTH NETWORK PLAN
Roger Keetle, Nebraska Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
Roger Hahn, Nebraska Information Network

Mr. Keetle’s Telehealth presentation (PDF 1MB) explained the Missouri Telehealth Network; potential value and benefits to consulting specialists, physicians, and patients; and showed Nebraska’s Critical Access Hospital Networks.

Mr. Hahn’s AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) presentation (PowerPoint 184k) provided maps of existing connections; proposed connections though the use of already in place assets and collaboration efforts and use of the satellite for multi-point discussions; as well as, proposed costs utilizing state and federal Universal Service Funds.

Discussion occurred regarding barriers, needs of health professionals, criteria for the network, firewalls, and cost charges.

The Telehealth Subcommittee provided the Telehealth Network Plan (PDF 182k) to the Public Service Commission to receive Nebraska Universal Service Funds. The PSC will make a decision next week. If funded, the project will be a phased plan. The panel recommended that the Telehealth Subcommittee coordinate with the CAP (Collaborative Aggregation Partnership) group.

VIDEO-OVER-IP AT ESU’S (PDF 24k)
Wayne Fisher

The presentation was provided to the panel for informational purposes. Mr. Fisher stated that this is not a new network but it is implementing IP on an existing network. Funding will come from unused funds from a federal program. The Department of Education spends about $400,000 on travel costs. Due to budget cuts, the agency’s plan is to put video conferencing units and equipment at each ESU to cut staff travel costs.

Mr. Fisher entertained questions and discussions regarding: T1 connections; Polycom units complying with standards and guidelines set by the NITC; and collaboration and coordination.

The timeline for deployment was January but the bid had to be put out again so deployment will not occur until March.

STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES-COMPUTER BASED FAX SERVICES BY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

No comments were received during the public comment period.

Mr. Schafer moved to recommend endorsement of the Standards And Guidelines-Computer Based Fax Services By State Government Agencies (PDF 114k) for review and final approval by the NITC. Ms. Horn seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Weir-Yes, Schafer-Yes, Langer-Yes, Horn-Yes, Decker-Yes, and Beach-Yes. The motion was carried by unanimous vote.

CHARTERS:

Network Architecture Work Group (NAWG) (PDF 41k). Ms. Decker recommended that the work group not be responsible for policies but rather focus on network needs. Current members are looking and reviewing it right now and will bring forth a recommendation to the panel.

Network Policy work Group (NPWG) (PDF 100k). Mr. Becker distributed an organizational chart (PDF 53k) showing the relationship between the NITC, the councils and NPWG (Network Policy Work Group) and NAWG (Network Architecture Work Group), and CAP (Collaborative Aggregation Partnership). The NPWG would focus on issues such as pricing, possibly intergovernmental structure, legal and statutory issues. CAP is operational. This proposed organizational chart is going to the councils for input as well before final approval. Mr. Schafer offered to sponsor the NPWG.

Mr. Weir distributed an article titled “The Missouri League vs. FCC and Baby Bells” (PDF 3MB) for future discussion.

REGULAR WORK GROUP UPDATES

Wireless. Ms. Decker reported that SCAN (Statewide Communications Alliance of Nebraska) group is meeting this week. No decisions have been made. Bids were received but rejected.

Network/NETCOM. Ms. Decker reported that the work group is revising the current charter.

Security Architecture Work Group. Sharon Welna, UNMC’s Information Security, will be invited to the January meeting to discuss HIPAA. Mr. Weir will forward her presentation to members. Mr. Schafer reported that the Security Assessment Project is in the process of choosing a vendor. The Work Group had not met recently but will be since the Disaster Planning Procedures for Information Technology have been approved by the NITC.

Accessibility Work Group. Due to the students developing training, Ms. Horn reported that the work group has not recently met. The question was asked if the accessibility issue with NIS had been corrected. Mr. Schafer reported that NIS issue has been resolved. Ms. Horn offered to demonstrate an assistive technology computer software program at a future meeting.

NIS. Mr. Conroy was not available for a report. Mr. Schafer reported that Human Resources is scheduled to go-live on January 1st. JD Edwards is in process of correcting some HTML issues. The project plans to conduct readiness assessment for financials in mid January for the February 1st go-live date.

ELECTION – TECHNICAL PANEL CHAIR FOR 2003

Mr. Schafer nominated Mr. Weir to serve as Chair of the Technical Panel. Ms. Decker seconded the nomination. Roll call vote: Horn-Yes, Decker-Yes, Beach-Yes, Weir-Abstained, Schafer-Yes, and Langer-Yes. Results: 5-Yes, 1-Abstained. The motion was carried by majority vote.

ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME AND LOCATION

Ms. Decker moved to adjourn. Mr. Langer seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion was carried by voice vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:38 a.m. The next meeting of the NITC Technical Panel will be held on Wednesday, January 8th, 9:00 a.m. at Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.

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

Meeting Minutes