Commissioners in attendance:  Hull, Wehrbein, Johnson, Williams, Mitchell, Slader, Curran, Stokes, Moulton  A quorum was satisfied.

Chairman Hull called the meeting to order at 9AM.  Johnson moved that the minutes from October’s meeting be approved, Williams seconded.  Minutes were unanimously approved.

Hull introduced Chairman Jim Grant from the Otoe-Missouria tribe and David Hendee from the Omaha World Herald.  Hull reported on the meeting that was held November 19th at the Governor’s mansion with Chairman Grant and stated that the meeting helped to create times and partnerships for lasting legacies.

Chairman Grant stated that it is an honor to be here.  I know a lot of work has gone into this.  I have been involved on a limited basis but will be more involved as we get closer.  He was honored to meet with the Governor.  Chairman Grant expressed an interest in having some PR in Oklahoma about the event.  He stated that this is good way for the tribe to get some exposure on something other than gaming or tobacco.  Chairman Grant said they are looking forward to the event and there will be more people coming up for meetings.  He stated that going to Fort Atkinson yesterday brought it to reality for him.  Hull invited questions.  Jean Nauss asked what is the overall feeling towards the commemoration?  Chairman Grant replied that out of their 800 local members probably only 50 knew about it, as with any tribe forcibly removed there will be concern but education can overcome that.  Williams asked if they were involved with COTA and if it was a good source of information for the tribe.  Grant replied yes to both questions.  Johnson asked what the Commission could do to help spread the word.  Grant replied to send him any relative information.  Deb Skinner inquired what would be the best newspapers and magazines to target in Oklahoma.  Grant replied the Native American Times and the Daily Oklahoman.  Slader asked would some photos of the site help others to visualize what will happen.  Grant said yes they would and Slader offered to send some.  Mitchell stated that having been a Chairman himself Chairman Grant could use all the support we can give him.  Hull stated that Chairman would be appointing a small committee to work with us on accuracy in the script and costumes.  Chairman Grant offered Yellowhammer CDs to the Commissioners.

Chairman’s report – Hull reported that he and Jeff Elwell went to Chicago and heard a draft reading of the script.  He enjoyed what he heard.  Sacagawea is used as a narrator (in a flash back to this time of her life) and the script gives French and Native American attitudes.  The pivotal point of the play is the meeting with the Otoe-Missouria. Moulton asked if we would get to see the script.  Hull replied yes and we will take it to OK and work with the tribe.  Slader asked what the running time was.  Hull replied that it was an hour but will be cut to 40 minutes.  Williams inquired where the Glass piece fits in.  Hull replied that the second movement would be played before the dramatization each night.  Nauss asked if the dramatization would be accurate.  Hull replied yes and Dr. Moulton will be checking it for accuracy.  Moulton added that he understands the creative moment can help, we will be accurate but we need a balance between the creative and the facts.

The final contract with UNL for the production of the dramatization was introduced.  Wehrbein moved and Moulton seconded to approve it.  A roll call vote was taken.

Aye – Johnson, Williams, Hull, Mitchell, Slader, Wehrbein, Curran, Stokes, Moulton

No –

Contract approved unanimously.

Vice-Chair’s report – Wehrbein reported that the Signature Event Committee would meet directly following the Commission meeting today.  They will be discussing vendor issues.  She stated that a site plan was handed out at last months meeting and Randy Yates had some excellent ideas on logistics. 

Regional Marketing Committee report – Debbie Skinner requested the use of the Commission’s logo for a link on the Greater Omaha CVB’s website.  She explained that he regional marketing committee includes the four counties of Douglas, Sarpy, Washington and Pottawatamie.  They have subcommittees including website, marketing and PR, and motor coach tours.  They are working on a notebook for visitor services and the Blair FBLA will be assembling it.  They are also developing a contact sheet for frontline tourism people.  Moulton asked the Commission if they needed to vote on the approval of the logo.  Moulton moved and Williams seconded that the Executive Committee handle this and all future requests.  This was passed unanimously.

Executive Director’s report – Swenson reported that the COTA grant application is in but still needs the tribal resolution that will be voted on in a few weeks.  He stated that there would be a meeting in St. Louis January 16-18 and it is mandatory for Signature Event advisors.  He stated that it is important that some members attend this meeting.  It was discussed that Slader, Wehrbein, Rhian and Swenson should attend.  Moulton moved and Williams seconded to send these appointees.  A roll call vote was taken.

Aye – Johnson, Williams, Hull, Mitchell, Slader, Wehrbein, Curran, Stokes, Moulton

No –

Motion was approved unanimously.

Swenson stated that he had a copy of the latest COTA newsletter and that he would send a copy to Chairman Grant.  He reported that there will be a Lewis and Clark stamp issued May 14th, 2003.  The USPS is looking for a location to hold an issuing ceremony and Swenson offered Fort Atkinson for that.  He reported that he had given four presentations since the last commission meeting and asked the commissioners to please help their local schools by giving them brochures and support.

Coordinator’s Report – Rhian reported that the National Council Grant has been sent in as well as the COTA grant.  She has begun to work on the NPS grant.  The Commission has received $10,000 from Mutual of Omaha and the current fundraising goal is now $133,000.  Rhian reported that the selection committee met and went over the one response we got to the marketing RFP.  The committee has some questions for the vendor.  When those are answered it will be decided whether or not to enter into a contract.

Website Report – Pawloski reported that the new site is up and running.  He has added a link to the Omaha World Herald’s page of Lewis and Clark articles.  The NE/IA map has clickable buttons on it, the boating page is up and he is working with the Coast Guard, Corps of Engineers and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.  There is a press page now available with photos.  They are working on the speakers/guides database and are testing the online application.

Sue Settell reported that the Commission on Indian Affairs will be hosting the National Veteran’s Powwow July 30-August 1, 2004 at Memorial Park in Omaha.  They are working on getting posters available and fundraising.  Tentative hours will be 1-4 and 7-10, Sunday 12-5.

A break was called at 10:40AM.

Meeting resumed at 10:47.

Event Coordinator’s report – Gutman reported that he has good news.  Many hours were spent hammering out a budget.  The cash budget for the event is right at 1 million dollars, 1.5 million with in-kind services.  Our fundraising goal was $345,000.  Roy Smith was asked to assist us and now our goal is down to $135,000.  We are focusing on philanthropic money to avoid sponsorship issues.  Gutman reported that he is working on getting media sponsors, KETV will have a proposal to us by mid-December and Waite media will be our radio sponsor.  He reported that the World Herald would be doing two Lewis and Clark supplements, one in April and the other in July.  He stated that we still need to set the final times for the day events and what exactly will happen on Monday and Tuesday.

Jane Hood from the Nebraska Humanities Council reported that the Missouri Humanities Council received a grant for the states of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.  She reported that Nebraska has funding to host speakers in 20 communities, 10 in 2004 and 10 in 2005.  There is a December 1 deadline for communities to apply and the contact is Ray Screws, 474-2131, ray@nebraskahumanities.org.  Mitchell asked if the speakers have to be from outside the community.  Hood replied that for the grant they do have to use speakers off of the list but if you have local speakers a community could apply one of the Council’s regular grants.  Swenson inquired if a State Park could host one of the events.  Hood stated that it would have to be free for people to attend.  Johnson noted that the article Hood passed out stated that the program was targeted to small communities.  Hood said yes, we would not be going to large communities with this program.

Commissioner Roundtable

Slader inquired if Corps II was set for Blair and Omaha yet.  Rhian replied that we are waiting on a final answer.

Wehrbein showed a copy of Birds and Blooms Magazine with an article on Lewis’s Woodpecker and Clarks Nutcracker.

Curran reported that tourism grants are due the end of December.  He asked everyone to please get their events to Tourism’s website.  Curran reported that tourism has placed ads pertaining to Lewis and Clark in many national magazines.

Williams reported that Congress passed the federal budget and there will be $5 million available for the CCS program again.  He stated that it was great to have Chairman Grant here; it really seems to have moved us forward in our relations with the tribe.

Johnson stated that she brought greetings from Hal Stearns.

Advisor Roundtable

Randy Yates reported that there would be a Council meeting January 17th.  He will need information for volunteering by then.  Gutman will be meeting with him prior to that.

Pawloski reported that the October issue of the National Trail Heritage Foundation newsletter had an article on the Lewis and Clark wall in Sarpy County.

Hood reported that next year’s Chautauqua’s will be in Neligh the first week in July and Beatrice the second week.

Meeting adjourned at 11:40AM

Attendees

Commissioners

Hull

Wehrbein

Curran

Johnson

Mitchell

Moulton

Slader

Stokes

Williams

Staff

Rhian

Swenson

Advisors and Guests

Chairman Grant                     Otoe-Missouria Tribe

Debbie Skinner                     Greater Omaha CVB

Bob Hastert                           Mouth of the Platte

David Hendee                       Omaha World Herald

Bob Pawloski                        Mouth of the Platte, PKI

Jean Nauss                            US Army Corps of Engineers

Sue Settell                             NCIA

Randy Yates                         Mid-America Council

Melvin McPhaull                 Mid-America Council

Vic Gutman                            VGA

Jane Hood                             Nebraska Humanities Council