Commissioners in attendance: Hull, Wehrbein, Slader, Williams, Ruth, Curran, Mitchell, Johnson, Stokes, Moulton, and Sommer.
Commissioners gaiashkibos and Smith were absent.
A quorum was satisfied.
Chairman Hull called the meeting to order at 9:10AM and welcomed everyone to Mahoney State Park. Hull started off by asking that the minutes from the June meeting be approved. Williams mentioned that the address of the new National Park Service needed to be corrected. Slader motioned to approve the minutes and Curran seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman’s Report – Hull started off by informing everyone that the Saturday evening performance at Elmwood Park would be taped. He then went on to ask the commission to subsidize NETV’s expenses that they would incur in doing the taping. After brief discussion, it was discovered that the expenses would total $4700-$5000. Upon brief discussion Wehrbein motioned and Curran seconded the reimbursement. A roll call vote was then taken.
Aye – Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams, LeRoy Stokes, Gary Moulton
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos
Motion Approved.
Hull then went on to state that the Commission’s next meeting would be August 19th at Mahoney State Park – Riverview Lodge at 9:00AM. Among the topics to be discussed include the following: frequency of meetings through 2006, ideas to consider for the trek back down the driver, and how to move ahead with funding.
Hull then commented on the governor’s press conference at Fort Atkinson. The press conference, slated to begin at 9:00AM on the Native American Stage, will be open for everyone to attend. He also mentioned that he would like to have every commissioner in attendance. Larry Ruth mentioned that it was important to make sure that the word prayer and not blessing be used during the conference. Hull stated that Governor Johanns will open up with words of welcome and then Wehrbein will talk about the Mouth of the Platte organization. Matt Jones wanted to make sure that the closing prayer came before opening it up to the press. Hull then mentioned that there would be a different press conference on the Riverfront in Omaha. Mary Ethel Emanuel stated that the press conference would take place at Lewis & Clark landing at 3:30 on Monday. Rhian then added that there would be a short meeting to follow at the new National Park Service regional headquarters office.
Larry Ruth’s Report – Ruth started out by alerting the commission of new contracts that were needed to ensure the success of the commemoration. Ruth mentioned that because of the additional help needed for the Elmwood Park events, the executive committee has proposed an extension of services contract with Vic Gutman & Associates for an additional $10,000 worth of services. Ruth moved to approve the extension and Williams seconded. Before being voted upon, Williams wanted an update on the financial position of the commission. Rhian assured that ample money was available to fulfill the commission’s need in such an area. Swenson reiterated the importance of having someone to coordinate the move from Fort Atkinson to Elmwood Park. A roll call vote was then taken.
Aye – Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams, LeRoy Stokes, Gary Moulton
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos
Motion Approved.
Ruth then went on to mention that the contract with Bat Shunatona Dancers & Company is finalized. Ruth stated that the contract for $14,370 included $7200 for fees, $3600 for mileage, $2720 for daily expenses, and the rest for additional expenses incurred. Ruth moved for the approval and ratification of the proposed contact. Slader seconded the motion. Before being voted upon, Dr. Mitchell wondered how long they would dance. Bat Shunatona stated that they would perform twice a day, each day, for an hour in duration. A roll call vote was then taken.
Aye – Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams, LeRoy Stokes, Gary Moulton
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos
Motion Approved.
Ruth then mentioned that a contract with Annette Murrell had been drawn up. The contract with the singer was for $500 + $225 for expenses. Hull then mentioned that she is a truly fabulous singer. Ruth moved to approve the contract and Stokes seconded. A roll call vote was then taken.
Aye – Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams, LeRoy Stokes, Gary Moulton
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos
Motion Approved.
Ruth then mentioned that he is prepared for emergency contracts that may be needed.
Swenson then stated that the office of risk management had made recommendations for the site. The event insurance now includes terrorism insurance. Ruth motioned the proposed contact with Dunbar, Peterson, & Associates. Williams seconded. Before being voted upon, Moulton wanted more information on the insurance policy. Swenson stated that the policy would assure that the individual state agencies would not become individually liable in the case of a lawsuit. He went on to state that the event is covered for $1 Million for each occurrence, with anything in excess of that having to be filed against the State of Nebraska. Swenson also commented that the risk management office would have 2 follow-up meetings for the event. Moulton questioned whether the property involved in the event would be insured. Ruth then stated that everyone is personally liable for damages to their own property. Sommer then stated that the Historical Society is insuring the Lewis & Clark documents on site. Wehrbein then wondered if there was a food-poisoning clause built in to the contracts. Rhian stated that the vendors have already submitted their insurance policies. A roll call vote was then taken on the contract with Dunbar, Peterson, & Associates.
Aye – Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams, LeRoy Stokes, Gary Moulton
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos
Motion Approved.
Commissioner Hull then stated that the dedication to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Nebraska City would be on Friday, July 30th and 10AM. He also mentioned that Nancy Hoch would appreciate attendance at the dedication.
Executive Director’s Report – Swenson started off by saying that a rock-surfaced road had been added to the site. He stated that he walked the site just yesterday with Maddux and informed the commission that the site looks good and that the fire index is low. He then mentioned that there would be a private showing of the historical Lewis & Clark documents on display to members of the Otoe-Missouria tribe. He also commented that there would be 24-hour/day security for the documents up through August 3rd. Ruth then mentioned the possibility of adding an additional document with the ones already scheduled to be on site. Moulton then commented on the botanical tag from the expedition that was given to him. He stated that the plant for which the tag was issued was collected at Council Bluff. Then, after discussion, it was decided that the tag would be labeled as donated for viewing by Gary Moulton.
Williams then questioned if there would be interpretive material for the documents. Matt Jones then stated that an interpretive article that was published from an Oklahoma source could be used. Ruth then mentioned the importance of getting authorization from that source and from Bat Shunatona as well for the interpretive materials.
Swenson then went on to state that the governor has requested gifts to be given to the Otoe-Missouria tribe at the press conference. He stated that a blanket that signified friendship, and a framed flag of Nebraska would be given to them. He also commented that Corps II would be moving into Omaha in the near future. He also mentioned that the reservation deadline for the Mouth of the Platte dinner is tomorrow. He then stated that the 200th anniversary of the exact time and date of the original tribal council would be commemorated with a monument dedication on August 3rd at 9:00AM.
Swenson then wondered if the sponsors list had been added to the website. Bob Pawloski stated that it had been added. Swenson informed the Commissioners that according to scouting administration, the Boy Scouts of America have identified the Signature Event as an official scouting activity, therefore
the BSA liability insurance binders, instead of a hold-harmless agreement will protect the state against claims, for the volunteer efforts of the scouts.
Coordinator’s Report – Rhian started off by discussing the 2003-04 fiscal year report. She stated that all state funds were spent and that the commission was still well within its budget. She also informed the commission that Iowa has begun planning events for 2005. Mark Monson (Iowa Commission) stated that they would be assisting with educational programs for schools. Rhian also stated that she was prepared to make last-minute invitations to the VIP reception following the premiere of the First Tribal Council.
Sommer questioned whether commissioners needed to attend that reception. Hull then informed the commissioners that he would like them to attend the press conferences and at least one of the nighttime events. In particular, he would like them to attend Saturday and Tuesday night so that they could assist with the dignitaries backstage.
Rhian then went on to say that Lieutenant Governor Heinemann would be speaking at the Nickel Launch Press Conference. She also stated that First National Bank would have $60,000 worth of nickels on hand at the launch. Butch Bouvier wanted to know if there was anything else that the keelboat was needed for. The commissioners thought that it would be a good idea to get a picture with everyone on the keelboat.
Vic Gutman’s Report – Gutman started off by saying that the site is ready and that other near-by communities are trying to get people to come to their events. He announced that a special section on the event would be in this upcoming Sunday’s Omaha World-Herald. He stated that the programs to be handed out at Fort Atkinson were ready and that traffic control and security is set. Hull then expressed his admiration for the way that Gutman dealt with stress. Gutman then thanked the commission for the opportunity to work on this exciting project.
Wehrbein stressed the importance of adequate signage, especially on site. Gutman stated that ample signage would be available. Ruth then questioned what the volunteers that signed up would be doing. Gutman stated that they would be working the informational booths, helping with clean up and shuttles, and other various duties. Ruth stressed the importance of giving them ample thanks for their help. Hull then mentioned that he would take every possible opportunity to mention to the public that there would be commemorative programs for sale. Hull then passed on that his biggest concern would be the possibility of having to turn away people at the Saturday performance at Elmwood Park. Gutman estimated that the park could hold approximately 4500 people.
Commissioner Round Table –
Curran thanked Vic Gutman and his staff for all of their hard work on the events to come.
Slader then thanked the Game Commission for their help in site preparations. Curran then went on to thank Slader for all of his hard work in event preparation.
Slader wondered how many cases would be available for the viewing of the historical documents. Sommer stated that there may be a fourth case and that a copy of the documents would be made to keep on display at the visitor’s center.
Dr. Mitchell informed everyone that the Omaha Tribe’s Commemoration would be August 11th at 10:00AM. There would be a radio telecast on August 19th and that the Omaha Powwow is scheduled for August 26th-29th.
Wehrbein thanked all of the commissioners for coming to Plattsmouth. She commended the World-Herald for their coverage on the event. She also expressed her concern on the readability of the downloadable map on the website. She requested that a different print be used for the map.
Hull informed the executive committee that there would be a meeting after the commission meeting.
Judy Johnson mentioned that how far everything has come over the years. She stated that it would be wonderful to see all of this hard work pay off.
Williams stated that this Saturday at 10:00AM would be the National Park Service Building dedication. Then the press conference for Corps II would be the following Monday.
Sommer alerted the commission that he will not be in attendance for the August meeting.
Special Advisor Round Table –
Bob Pawloski informed everyone of the number of hits on the Lewis & Clark website. In Jan/Feb. there were about 60 hits/day. In March/April, there were 70/day. In May, approximately 83/day. In June, approximately 121/day. And now in July, there are about 175/day. Pawloski requested the commissioners to inform him of any website corrections that needed to be made. Swenson then questioned how long the website would be maintained. Pawloski stated that the life of the website would be contingent on funding. Hull commended Pawloski on his great work on the website.
Mark Monson stressed the importance of publicizing the shock to the economy that such an event will have. He stated that there are more events and activities in this stretch of the trail than in any other. He also mentioned that steps need to be taken to ensure that the impact of such an event lasts beyond 2006. Curran reiterated the importance of the economic impact from such an event.
Matt Jones stated that the Shallow River Festival was good. He said that he has been busy with book signings among other things. He stressed the fact that he was having fun throughout all of this.
Mary Ethel reiterated the importance of publicizing events other than the signature event. Such events are important to the historical/cultural tourism areas. She stated that the commemorative program is being proofread and that it would be available for purchase by the general public. After brief debate, the commission decided that the cost of the program would be $3, with tax included in that price. Mary Ethel also wondered whether the governor’s schedule would be affected by Mahoney’s death.
Bat Shunatona then unveiled his designs for commemorative hat and t-shirts. In all, he stated that there were eight different designs. Ruth then mentioned that Shunatona is putting up his own money for t-shirt sales. Ruth wondered whether there would be enough shirts on hand for the public to purchase. Stokes then stated that the commission probably should look back into helping out with the t-shirt sales.
The commission then discussed the possibility of buying the shirts that Shunatona doesn’t sell. After the discussion ceased, it was decided that the commission would guarantee him sales of 500 shirts. Williams motioned and Johnson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was then taken.
Aye – Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams, LeRoy Stokes, Gary Moulton
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos, and Dr. Mitchell
Motion Approved.
It was then decided upon that the financial discussions for the guarantee would take place during the executive committee meeting that was to follow.
Meeting adjourned at 11:45AM.
List of Attendees
Commissioners
Ron Hull
Jeanene Wehrbein
Dan Curran
Judy Johnson
Dr. Rudi Mitchell
Larry Ruth
John Slader
Larry Sommer
Dick Williams
Gary Moulton
LeRoy Stokes
Staff
Mary Ethel Emanuel
Jim Swenson
Paula Rhian
Tony Dowling
Others in Attendance
Bob Pawloski (MOP/UNO)
Bob Hastert (MOP)
Mark Monson (Iowa Commission)
Bat Shunatona (Otoe)
Matt Jones (Otoe)
Randy Yates (Mid-American Council BSA)
Patricia Ruth
David Hendee (Omaha World-Herald)