Minutes of the Nebraska Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission

June 6, 2002

Nebraska State Office Building, Lower Level F Conference Room

A list of attendees is attached.

Ron Hull called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m.

Hull introduced the following guests:  Gerard Baker, National Park Service, Amy Mossett, Circle of Tribal Advisors, Sammye Meadows, National Council, Rocky Rockwell, Congressional Liaison.

John Slader moved, seconded by Richard Williams to approve the minutes of the April 23, 2002 meeting.  Motion passed.

Hull announced that pictures will be taken at Snitily Carr Production Group immediately following the Commission meeting for the Press Kits. 

Larry Ruth gave a legislative update.  The first appropriation granted by the Legislature to the Commission was $3500.  The Legislature then appropriated $95,300 in FY 2001-2002.  FY 2002-2003 appropriation now stands at $89,000.  Ruth reported there is a high probability that most or all of the funding from the Legislature will be cut in the Special Session.  In the last regular session the Governor cut the Commission budget in half.  The Commission needs to do innovative and creative things to continue to operate.  The Commission cannot depend on the State of Nebraska for continued funds.  Ruth asked Commissioners to begin to think about changing the mindset of what we can or cannot do.  If funding is cut the Commission will lose their staffer.  The Commission needs to look at the possibility of contracting staff.

Rocky Rockwell began the Congressional Delegation discussion by stating the national supplemental of $3 million that is currently in the Senate budget will be vetoed by President Bush. 

Rockwell also reported that they are still trying to replace the D.C. liaison.  Gerard Baker is trying to finalize the position.

Judi gaiashkibos presented to the Commission the Native American proposal for their participation in the commemoration. 

1. Otoe-Missouria Proposal, discussed at the April meeting
2. Omaha Proposal—Dr. Rudi Mitchell stated that the Omaha tribe will be celebrating their commemorative event, the Annual Harvest powwow and it will be difficult for the Omaha tribe to be supportive of the Bicentennial and the Omaha, NE powwow.
3. Trial of Standing Bear Outdoor Drama Production—gaiashkibos stated the Ponca Tribe Economic Development Corporation is working on this as well as an Earth Lodge Village.  These projects may not be complete by 2004.
4. First Annual Nebraska Lewis & Clark Powwow in Omaha—gaiashkibos stated this would be co-sponsored by the Commission on Indian Affairs.  Mayor Fahey has written a letter of support for this idea and is working with gaiashkibos on a venue.  There may be a Miss Indian Great Plains pageant, Arts & Crafts, Indian Rodeo, concerts.  Famous Dave’s may be a corporate sponsor.
5. Established budget for the Nebraska Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission’s Signature Event activities—Native American component.  Gaiashkibos will get a draft budget to the Commission for incorporation into this proposal.
6. Letters of support for above activities from Nebraska Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission.
7. Technical assistance on Grant Proposal from Nebraska Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission.
8. Seed monies of $10,000 for First Annual Nebraska Lewis & Clark Powwow in Omaha
9. Dedicated Tax (similar to the North Dakota Model) on all products with the official Nebraska Lewis & Clark Bicentennial logo or seal on them.  A percentage of the proceeds to go to the Omaha, Otoe-Missoria and Ponca.

gaiashkibos asked the Commission for their decision on the level of participation and support for each of the items listed above in writing.

Ruth asked for the approximate cost.

gaiashkibos responded $350-400 thousand dollars for the powwow.

Dr. Mitchell stated the Omaha tribe wish to support this proposal and will do their commemorative event on August 11th.  The Ponca traditional powwow is still scheduled as planned.

gaiashkibos moved to table the discussion of this proposal.  Second by Williams.  Motion passed.

Sammye Meadows presented to the Commission the Circle of Tribal Advisors (COTA) proposal for guidance with Tribal Involvement in the Signature Evens.  The National Council will be sending to the Signature Event Coordinators an amendment to the MOU for their Signature Event.

Gerard Baker gave an overview of Corps II, the traveling educational exhibit that will be touring the country throughout the Bicentennial.  Baker challenged the Commission to “get young people” involved in the commemorative events.  Contact information for Gerard is (402) 514-9311.

Ruth questioned Baker on the restrictions of vendors selling trivialized trinkets.

Baker responded that the National Park Service cannot control the vendors who set up outside of the footprint of Corps II.

Production company proposals were discussed. 

Hull disclosed his participation as a member of the Repertory Theatre Advisory Board.  He has resigned from that committee.

Wehrbein lead discussion on the determination of a company with whom to begin contract negotiations. 

Ruth moved, “The Commission select the Department of Theatre Arts and the Nebraska Repertory Theatre for the production of the Signature Event.  Representatives from the Nebraska Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission are asked to discuss the proposal further with the Department of Theatre Arts and the Nebraska Repertory Theatre particularly the terms of a contract.  A proposed contract is to be prepared and presented to the Commission at its next meeting for final review.  In the event that the negotiated contract is not approved by the Commission the selection is reopened to competition.”  Seconded by Williams.  A roll call vote was taken.  Voting aye:  Hull, Wehrbein, Johnson, Curran, Ruth, Slader, Williams; Abstaining from voting:  gaiashkibos, Mitchell; Absent: Moulton, Sommer, Stearns, Stokes

Engel gave the Coordinator’s report.

At the February retreat, the Commission approved payment of $25,000.00 to Vic Gutman and Associates to prepare the Signature Event plan and Strategic Plan for the Commission.  The Commission received a $20,000.00 grant from the National Park Service for this work.  Friends of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial have contracted with Vic Gutman and Associates for this work on behalf of the Commission.  The Commission needs to pay the remaining $5000.00 to Friends in order for Friends to make payment to Vic Gutman and Associates.  Wehrbein moved, seconded by Johnson to approve the disbursement of $5000 to Friends of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial for payment to Vic Gutman and Associates for the production of the Signature Event plan and Strategic Plan for the Nebraska Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission.  A roll call vote was taken.  Voting aye:  Hull, Wehrbein, gaiashkibos, Johnson, Curran, Mitchell, Ruth, Slader, Williams; Absent:  Moulton, Sommer, Stearns, Stokes.  Motion passed.

Hull gave the Chairman’s report.  Hull reported that he will be meeting with Tribal leaders as a part of Executive Committee meeting with gaiashkibos facilitating that meeting.  Hull also met with Bereuter to update the Congressman on the progress of the Commission.

Mary Ethel Emanuel gave the Marketing Director’s report.  The Division of Travel and Tourism continue to support and promote the bicentennial and the Signature Event.

Bob Pawlowski will be on the agenda for the next Commission meeting to discuss the Peter Kiewit Institute and its involvement with Corps II.

Jim Morley stated that Orland Joe was selected to be the sculptor for the Washington County Monument.

Williams reported bids will go out from the National Park Service for the Nebraska City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor’s Center in August.

No other Commissioners had a report for the Roundtable.

The next Commission meeting will be held July 18, 2002 at Mahoney State Park.

The meeting adjourned at 12:00pm.