Nebraska Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission

Approved - Meeting Minutes

March 15, 2007

E. T. Mahoney State Park     Red Oak Room

Commissioners in attendance: Ron Hull, Gary Moulton, John Slader, Richard Williams and Judith Johnson.   

Commissioners not in attendance: Jeanene Wehrbein (e), Judi Gaiashkibos, Mike Smith (e), Larry Ruth (e), Christian Hornbaker and Roy Smith

Staff in attendance: Jim Swenson – Ex. Director.

Special Guests/Advisors in attendance:  Bob Pawloski

A quorum could not be satisfied.

As no quorum was realized, an official business meeting could not be conducted.  Chairman Ron Hull asked that status reports and relevant information be shared with the group of Commissioners who were present, and called the information meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. 

The January meeting minutes could not be officially accepted or approved so this action will be tabled until the March meeting. 

Chairman’s Update:

Chairman Hull informed the group that the “Journey Home - Native American Art Show” did take place on the rescheduled date of March 2nd, at the Great Plains Art Museum in downtown Lincoln, but that attendance was minimized by the snow storm that was occurring.  Ernie Ricehill was unable to attend due to weather, but one of the artists was present.  A group of about 15 guests were present, including Hull, Ruth, Moulton and Swenson.  Commissioner Moulton gave a wonderful presentation as a part of the event.  Hull was complimentary of the Great Plains gallery staff for their presentation, food and service.  The exhibit will be displayed for approximately 1 month.

Chairman Hull next informed the group that he has not yet received an update from the Department of Tourism regarding the status of the $13,000 grant that was awarded to the Commission for 2006 event marketing.

Chairman Hull next informed the group that the Executive Committee has proceeded to negotiate and will finalize a contract with Dr. Bob Pawloski/UNO for the development of the Commission’s final report to the Governor/Legislature, and legacy report.  The draft contract was read to the group.  Authority to proceed in developing the contract and securing services was previously approved by the Commission.

In Commissioner Ruth’s absence, Hull described the scope of work and timeline given to Dr. Pawloski. 

Legacy Inventory Project Update:

Commissioners Slader and Williams, and Executive Director Swenson provided the group with a status report of progress with the legacy inventory project.  They informed the group that 4 recruitment sessions had taken place, locations being; Niobrara (January 30), South Sioux City (February 7), Omaha/Council Bluffs (February 20) and Nebraska City (February 15).  Key volunteers attended the meetings.

It was also shared that two training sessions had been conducted, Omaha (March 5) and Ponca State Park (March 13).  Both sessions were well attended and productive.  A session will also be held at Nebraska City on March 16.

Executive Director’s Update:

Swenson provided the group with a current budget document and explained that information.  The budget reflects expenditures and receipts to date, and also shows obligations not yet paid.  The Tourism grant is not included yet.  The group voiced much concern about the status of that grant and stressed the importance of getting the matter resolved.  Swenson indicated that it appears there will be remaining funds and the Commission should begin to formulate ideas on how best to commit those funds.

Swenson reported to the group that future maintenance of the web site should be discussed during a future meeting.  Issues to consider are; Who will maintain the website and finance the associated costs?  Who will administer the site?  Will the Commission be interested in committing a portion of the remaining funds held within the Friends of the Nebraska Lewis and Clark Bicentennial account to website maintenance?

Swenson reported that he has obtained information regarding a request from Commissioner Wehrbein.  Her request is to provide each public and school library with a copy of the special issue Nebraskaland Magazine “America Looks West”.  Swenson will share that information at the next meeting and ask for a vote on how to proceed.

Board Comments:

None

Advisory and Guest Comments:

Bob Pawloski thanked the group for the support given to him through the years and for their confidence in him as he prepares the final reports.  He complimented the Inventory project team of Swenson, Williams, Slader, and National Park Service staff for their diligent efforts in performing the inventory task and developing the process.  Pawloski did encourage the group to consider utilizing the various trail heritage foundation chapters for administering the website and as possible recipients of any remaining funds.  He also spoke about creating a group similar to the former Nebraska/Iowa Coordinating Council, perhaps from a combined membership of Commissioners and the various trail heritage organizations.

Meeting adjourned at 10:07 am.  Next meeting is scheduled for May 17, 2007 in the Riverview Group Lodge at Mahoney State Park, beginning at 9:00 am.

Minutes recorded, prepared and submitted by Executive Director Swenson.