Nebraska Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission
Meeting Minutes – Approved 1-18-07
November 16, 2006 Platte River State Park Mallet Lodge
Commissioners in attendance: Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Gary Moulton, John Slader, Judith Johnson, Richard Williams and Mike Smith. Commissioners not in attendance: Judi Gaiashkibos, Christian Hornbaker, Larry Ruth, and Roy Smith
Staff in attendance: Jim Swenson. Staff not in attendance: Kim Bastemeyer, Sue Sitzmann
Special Guests/Advisors in attendance: Carly Barth, Bob Pawloski, and Bat Shunatona. Ernie Ricehill joined us at 10:35 am.
A quorum was satisfied.
Chairman Ron Hull called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. At that time Commissioners Moulton and Williams and Bat Shunatona stepped forward to present commemorative Pendelton blankets to Chairman Hull for his work with the Commission, and Executive Director Swenson for his work with the Circle of State Advisors and state Commission. These blankets were specially commissioned by the National Council to honor contributions of individuals and partners, and were initially presented during final signature event ceremonies at St. Louis in September.
Hull asked a motion to approve the minutes from the September 2006 meeting. Gary Moulton moved to approve the minutes and John Slader seconded. Unanimous voice approval.
Chairman’s Report:
Chairman Hull reminded the group that the contract with Kim Bastemeyer expired in mid-November, but that the executive committee had voted to extend the contract through the balance of November in order for Kim to finish final reports for the National Park Service, coordinate final payments for outstanding bills, and draft a final summary report for our Commission. The extension would expire on November 30, 2006. Those attending agreed with this decision.
Hull introduced Carly Barth, representing Vic Gutman and Associates. Ms. Barth provided copies of VGA’s final event report and summary marketing report. Various Commissioners and Executive Director were given copies to keep and a set was provided for archive material. The event report outlines VGA’s planning and involvement as related to the Omaha activities held September 8 and 9. Bob Pawloski suggested that information from the report be posted on the Commission’s website and those attending agreed. Ms. Barth will provide Bob Pawloski with an electronic format of the report, for this purpose. Commissioner Moulton asked Ms. Barth if our events were conducted within budget. Ms. Barth indicated that the event was executed under budget, most of the savings realized when the outdoor concert and fireworks display were cancelled due to weather issues. Commissioner Moulton asked about attendance numbers, Commissioner Wehrbein responded by reading those numbers from the report, total of 11,350 for Omaha. In addition to this attendance estimates from Nebraska City (1,982) and Ponca State Park (7,500) bring the total number to 20,832 participants.
Hull reminded the group that the Native American Art Show was Mary Ethel Emanuel’s idea, and that she was able to attend the opening reception briefly on September 8th. Hull informed the group that the exhibit has now traveled to Winnebago, Nebraska for display and will travel to Ft. Robinson and Lincoln in the future.
Hull inquired with the group about arranging a meeting with Governor Heineman during which a final report and closeout plans for the Commission could be discussed. The group suggested that perhaps this meeting be conducted with some media coverage and possibly include presentation of a commemorative blanket for the Governor. Commissioner Moulton made motion to purchase some commemorative blankets for presentation to the Governor and other dignitaries. Commissioner Johnson seconded that motion. Discussion amongst the group identified the number of blankets to purchase at 3 and a roll call vote followed. Voting Aye: Hull, Johnson, Moulton, Slader, Smith, Wehrbein and Williams. Motion carried with unanimous vote in favor. Hull assigned Swenson to contact the National Council and make arrangements to purchase the blankets.
Hull then asked for a status report on the Commission’s budget. Swenson handed out a summary as of November 16th. That report included information about outstanding invoices, yet to be paid, and pending grant receipts due from the Department of Tourism and National Park Service. Swenson explained that a final report has been submitted for the Tourism grant, and that a final report for the National Park Service grant would be completed and forwarded very soon. Swenson also explained that there might still be a few small bills arriving for payment as well. In summary, after all invoices are paid there will be a budget surplus remaining.
Hull then asked for ideas as to how to best invest remaining funds. He suggested that the Commission consider legacy possibilities and requested ideas. Hull lead the discussion by suggesting that a contribution could be made to the Nebraska Humanities Council to serve as seed money for developing an educational history fund. Proceeds from such a fund could be used to develop teacher training programs or workshops, or to help fund graduate student projects, etc. No comments were registered.
Swenson passed around a copy of the Montana Bicentennial Commission’s final report that summarized the bicentennial in that state. This document is supplemented by a DVD disc. Swenson stated that this is precisely the type of report that he had expressed need for during a prior meeting, and that information could become a part of the archive and help with future commemorative planning. Swenson suggested that the Nebraska State Historical Society could perhaps compile the report as a part of their Nebraska History publications. Commissioner Williams expressed that this was a good idea and that Nebraska should do something similar to the Montana example and asked if Swenson could obtain an idea of cost from the Montana Commission. Swenson will contact the Montana Commission. Commissioner Moulton also expressed support for this idea but feels it should be expanded to include the Nebraska Commission’s original visions and objectives, and how final events and successes fulfilled those goals. He also expressed that the document should include a bio for each Commissioner and staff member. Commissioner Smith asked who would write such a document and group discussion leaned towards performing this via contract. Commissioners Moulton, Smith, Hull, Wehrbein, and Williams expressed that this project needs further investigation and discussion, and could be something that would be presented to the Governor at the Commissions termination. Chairman Hull appointed a subcommittee of Commissioners Smith and Moulton to research possible development of a final report. A committee progress report will be presented to the Executive Committee in December.
Commissioners Slader and Williams then suggested that remaining funds should also be utilized for creating an inventory of Lewis and Clark assets in Nebraska. Executive Director Swenson expressed support for this idea and indicated that he has been involved with designing a final inventory report sheet as a part of his COSA duties. The inventory effort currently underway in Missouri was offered as an example. Swenson, Williams and Slader stressed the importance of a current and accurate inventory for validating requests for future financial support from the National Park Service or similar partners. The inventory would also allow us to have a base line for determining condition of existing resources; future maintenance needs, map making, etc. and would help with future event planning. Swenson and Slader further suggested that a Commission work group could carry out the inventory effort, meeting at various locations along the trail. Bob Pawloski offered to assist with this and suggested utilizing some partner organizations such as Mouth of the Platte, perhaps part of their annual meeting. Swenson indicated that a small budget would be required to cover travel expenses, partner group meetings and printing of documents. Chairman Hull stated that this needed to be developed and appointed a subcommittee of Commissioners Slader and Williams, Executive Director Swenson and Bob Pawloski to do this. The subcommittee is to report to the Executive Committee in January.
Commissioner Williams made motion that the group approve the appointment of two subcommittees to research conducting an inventory and creating a final report, and determine related cost estimates. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. No further discussion. All present voted Aye and the motion carried.
Further group discussion included comments as to how the Department of Tourism would be involved in the legacy work. Possibly maintaining the website, maps, etc. Chairman Hull will solicit thoughts from Commissioner Hornbacker at a future meeting. Chairman Hull ended the discussion by stating that cost estimates for an inventory and final report need to be identified to determine if we have enough budget to do anything additional.
Executive Director’s Report:
Swenson indicated that the budget information and copy of the Montana Report were reported upon earlier and asked if there were any other questions on those items. No questions were asked.
Swenson reminded the group to start gathering their commemoration files and documents in order to turn them over for archiving. Swenson encouraged the group to not throw anything away until it is sorted and duplicate information is identified. Swenson further suggested that perhaps some of the Commission’s remaining funds could be utilized to support a seasonal staff person at Fort Atkinson to begin sorting and combining the information.
Swenson reminded the group that Commissioner Ruth had previously suggested providing remaining Commission funds to Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in order to support future Lewis and Clark programming, and asked that this item still remain in consideration.
Swenson provided a copy of a thank you letter received from a Florida resident that had traveled the entire Lewis and Clark trail; 11,000+ miles and wished to express their appreciation for Nebraska’s efforts during the bicentennial. Swenson has already drafted a reply to that letter, and copied the same to the Commissioners.
Swenson also shared some information that he had received from the Shannon Trial supporters, relevant to their recent award, which they received in Vermont this fall.
Commissioner Wehrbein asked Swenson if all of the special issue Nebraskaland magazines (America Looks West) had been distributed. Swenson indicted that there were some remaining, Wehrbein suggested that these extra copies could be distributed to
Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota libraries, and perhaps the Lewis and Clark Commission could help finance this. Swenson will check into this.
Other Business:
Chairman Hull indicated that he would check with the Governor’s office about possible meeting dates and to discuss ideas for developing a public event in which a commemorative blanket and final report could be presented to him. Commissioner Wehrbein suggested that this be done during a monthly press conference. Hull will report back to the Commission with what he learns.
Hull invited final comments from the Commissioners and guests.
Commissioner Slader reminded the group about the opening of the art show at Winnebago and indicated that he would attend on behalf of the Commission.
Ernie Ricehill clarified that the event would be on November 17th at 2 pm in the Woodland Trails gallery.
Commissioners Williams and Moulton jointly summarized the final signature event at St. Louis in September. They described the event to the group and expressed that it was a very appropriate closing ceremony.
Swenson asked Williams about status of the Corps II exhibit, noting that there was interest in obtaining this exhibit after surplus for use at Ponca State Park. Williams indicated that it had been surplused to Haskell Community College.
Commissioner Wehrbein stated that she had attended a very good presentation by Mike Smith, held at the Plattsmouth Museum.
Bat Shunatona informed the group that he was now the newly elected Otoe-Missouria Tribal Treasurer. He expressed that his tribe wishes to remain involved with the Nebraska Commission.
Bob Pawloski informed the group that there was a Mouth of the Platte meeting scheduled for next Tuesday night, November 21, at the Dodge Riverside Grill. Gary Moulton will be the guest presenter. He reminded the group of the need to maintain the website and suggested that this follow the model established by Washington state.
Next meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2007 in the Cedar Room of the Peter Kiewit Lodge at Mahoney State Park.
Meeting adjourned at 11:05 am.
Minutes prepared and submitted by Executive Director Jim Swenson