Commissioners in attendance: Hull, Wehrbein, Slader, Williams, Ruth, Curran, Mitchell, Johnson, and Sommer.
Commissioners gaiashkibos, Stokes, Smith, and Moulton were absent.
A quorum was satisfied.
Chairman Hull called the meeting to order at 9:00AM and welcomed everyone to Mahoney State Park. Hull started off the meeting by asking that the minutes from both the April and May meetings be approved. Slader moved that the minutes be approved for both meetings and Curran seconded. Motions passed unanimously.
Chairman’s Report – Hull started off by briefly discussing the night events at Elmwood Park. At 7:30PM on the first night, the Strategic Air Command quintet will provide patriotic music for half an hour. For the other three nights, the St. Charles Fife and Drum Corps will provide the music. At 8:00, Rob McCartney from KETV will open with brief remarks. Then Annette Murel will sing “America the Beautiful.” Then Mike Fahey, mayor of Omaha, will welcome people to the event. Then Congressman Doug Bereuter will introduce the Otoe-Missouria people. Hull mentioned that Congressman Bereuter has been involved from the beginning. Tribal elder Sylvester will explain the flag; give a brief history of the tribe, and the tribal prayer song. Hull then welcomed Commissioner Johnson to the meeting at 9:05. Hull commented that the segment with the tribe should take about 20 minutes. He stressed the importance of keeping things moving.
Paul Barnes and R. Carlos Nakai will then perform together the commission’s piano concerto, Sacagawea. The concerto will premiere at the Lied Center on the 18th of September in Lincoln. It then moves to the Orphium Theatre for the 24th and 25th. Hull mentioned that this concerto would have a lasting impact around the United States. He commented that subsequent concerts would be performed in Boston, Portland, and Seattle. Gary Moulton will then read excerpts from Jefferson’s letter to Lewis that speaks to the importance of good relations with the Native Americans that they will meet along the way. Hull mentioned that the play director has informed him that he has the play down to 40 minutes. Dr. Rudi Mitchell then arrived at 9:15. Hull then mentioned that all the key actors have already been cast. He stated he was very pleased with the talent of the actors involved. Hull then stated that Paul Barnes is extremely excited about the movement. Hull commented that Barnes has already transcribed the first and second movements. Hull then stated that there would be an hour-long press conference with Governor Johanns at 9:00AM on Saturday, July 31st at Fort Atkinson as the initial kick-off to the event. He also commented that everyone involved in the event is invited to attend. Then at 10:00, there will be a 15-minute opening ceremony with the governor still in attendance. Hull then requested that at least one board member be present with the dignitaries each evening to keep them occupied when they are not on stage. Then Hull commended Ruth for his extensive work on the contracts.
Upon opening up the floor for questions, Slader wondered how many total parts were in the play. Hull stated that there are around 16-20 parts. Slader also questioned where the press conference is going to be held. Rhian responded that it would be held at the Education Tent. Slader then questioned whether that would be enough seating. Maddux confirmed that ample seating would be available. Maddux inquired as to whether some of the St. Charles Fife and Drum group could play as people leave the park. Hull stated that he was amazed at how well they could play. He also wondered whether they could have recorded music play over the loud speaker.
Contract Report (Larry Ruth) – Ruth began by acknowledging Swenson and Rhian for their work on the contracts. Ruth then passed out a non-inclusive list of the contracts for the intention of tidying up the loose ends. Ruth wanted to get approval and ratification so that the contracts can be enforced without questions of authority. He then stated that the Friends Group has served as a conduit for donations to the Lewis & Clark Commission. Then Ruth briefly discussed the contracts listed. Specifically, he discussed the liability form so that the State of Nebraska isn’t held liable for an accidents that occur during the events. Ruth then requested that the commissioners approve the contracts and forms discussed. He commented that the Otoe-Missouria needed $61,500 total, with $36,900 in cash and the rest in other expenditures. Ruth stated that the contract has been signed on both sides. Swenson then added that he is working with the Boy Scouts to attempt in extending their hold harmless agreement to the Lewis & Clark events. If that cannot be done a letter agreement will need to be drafted. Ruth also stated that the contract talks with Shunatona/Otoe-Missouria Dancers and Company are still ongoing. The expenses incurred for this include traveling expenses and a daily allowance, which total up to $14,370. Dr. Mitchell then questioned how much the Fife and Drum Corps would cost. Rhian and Hull commented that the $8,000 due to them is very reasonable. Ruth then moved that the contracts be approved and ratified and Slader seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken.
Aye - Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos, Moulton, Stokes
Motion approved.
Ruth then moved that the Executive Committee of the Commission be authorized to enter into agreements that are necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of the Commission. Ruth then stated that the actions carried out by the Executive Committee would be reported to the rest of the Commission at its next meeting. Then Slader seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken.
Aye - Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos, Moulton, Stokes
Motion approved.
Wehrbein then commended Ruth and everyone else for their extensive work on the contracts.
Executive Director’s Report – Swenson started off by passing out a copy of the patch that the Boy Scouts have requested funding on. Randy Yates from the Boy Scouts was in attendance and gave a brief description of the patch. Swenson then expressed his admiration for the design and proceeded to ask for acceptance of the patch and for the committee to subsidize the $400 worth of production costs for the patch. Wehrbein moved and Hull seconded. A roll call vote was taken.
Aye - Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos, Moulton, Stokes
Motion approved.
Swenson then mentioned that the Rediscovery Tour would reach Indian Caves State Park on July 14th. That group will also be at Boyer Chute for 4 days during the Signature Event. He then stated that the St. Charles Expedition has requested $1,000/day ($4,000 total) for their time and effort. Slader and Wehrbein subsequently questioned whether the commission was financially secure enough to make a commitment such as this. Rhian confirmed that there is enough money to cover such expenditure. Swenson commented that the group is vital to the success of the signature event and Williams also reiterated the point that they are extremely good at what they do and that they incur numerous expenses on their trip. Slader motioned to pay the $4,000 and Williams seconded. A roll call vote was taken.
Aye - Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Dan Curran, Judy Johnson, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Larry Ruth, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Dick Williams
Absent, not voting – Smith, gaiashkibos, Moulton, Stokes
Motion approved.
Swenson then mentioned that shirts for commissioners would be available for purchase to wear at the signature events. He thought that it would be nice for the commissioners to wear customized shirts so that they might be identified. He estimated the cost at $20-$22 and stated that he would keep everyone apprised of the situation via e-mail.
Swenson then discussed that Corps II meetings are taking place. He stated that the communities that will host Corps II are getting other activities scheduled. Williams then mentioned that the National Park Service, other federal agencies, as well as local scholars would provide interpretive programs about Lewis & Clark at the sites. Rhian stated that the four sites in Nebraska would be Nebraska City (July 16th), Omaha (July 24-27th), Blair (July 31-August 4th), and Macy (Aug. 9-12th). Rhian also stated that they will be in Sioux City on August 17th-21st. Swenson stated that Corps II will draw a big crowd and will most certainly draw a high level of interest. Mary Ethel then questioned whether additional publicity is needed for the sites. Maddux stated that the information has been included in some publications. Maddux also commented that anything that originates from the event site is being cross-promoted. Swenson then went on to state that the National Marketing and Ag. Campaigns are now in play. He announced that each state is challenged to make contact with their media outlets to attempt in getting national ad. campaigns publicized. He asked that Mary Ethel Emanuel utilize his contacts in the media to promote use of the ad campaign in Nebraska. Jim will forward relevant email to Emanuel. Williams stated that these are public service announcements done by the ad council to media nationwide. He commented that he has seen and heard some of these announcements. Williams reiterated that it is important for the commission to push the media to run these announcements, even though they are not paid for it.
Swenson then stated that there is a governor’s press conference tentatively scheduled for late July, possibly on the 26th. He said that the reason for the press conference is to kick things off for the commemoration. Swenson also commented that he has mailed a summary packet to Lieutenant Governor Dave Heinemann to call his attention to these events for purposes of homeland security. Ruth then inquired whether everyone knows what is going on at the events. He stressed the importance of informing all security available. Swenson stated that the Coast Guard and other agencies are involved including the Game & Parks Commission that will possibly check baggage at the event. Maddux also assured everyone that proper measures are being taken. Ruth wanted to assure that the minutes reflected the discussion of the security issue.
Swenson stated that the Kansas City signature event is fast approaching. Wehrbein reported that she was informed that the Kansas City event (Atchison, KS) is prepared for approximately 80,000 people.
Swenson then commended Pawloski for his work on the website. He requested that a sponsor’s page be added to the site and that the list could be obtained from Rhian. Pawloski commented that a summary of events around the Omaha area is now downloadable by day, or for the whole four days. Wehrbein then also praised Pawloski for his work.
Swenson then stated that there would be four photos of the Missouri River and Lewis & Clark photos available for purchase at the events. NEBRASKAland Magazine will also have a poster that will be available at the event.
Marketing Director’s Report -
Mary Ethel stated that the commemorative program is close to being finished. The program includes various information about the history of Lewis & Clark, sponsors, and those involved in the events. She requested that the commissioners read the section on Lewis & Clark in Nebraska and notify her of any changes that needed to be made. Hull stated that he hoped the program would cost between $3-$4. He then commended Swenson, Mary Ethel, and Paula Rhian for their work on the program.
Event Coordinator Report -
Maddux reported that the informational packets for everyone involved in the event would be going out tomorrow. She stated that work on the parking lot and on the signage would begin on July 21st, with the corps of engineers and the parking management working together on the project. The stages will start coming in on the 26th, the bulk of everything on the 28th-30th, with the vendors coming in on the 30th. Maddux reiterated the point that the events are in great shape and that most of the work for the events has already been done. Hull then emphasized the importance of having informational packets for everyone involved in the events. Dr. Mitchell then inquired as to whether there was a contingency plan for rain during the event. Swenson commented that there was no contingency plan simply because it was too costly to have one. Ruth then wondered if there was a back-up plan in the instance that more people show up than expected. Maddux stated that a problem of overcrowding couldn’t be detected until it actually occurs. Curran stated that the possibility of overcrowding could be averted by publicizing that there are 4 days to the events, and not just one or two. Ruth then suggested that Monday and Tuesday events should be given more attention. Maddux also stated that she would not be in attendance for the next meeting, and that there will be an on-site tour on the July 21st at 2:00.
Coordinator’s Report – Rhian announced that the keelboat has been finished. She then went on to announce that there is a nickel coming out with a keelboat on the back. This nickel launch, which will occur on Tuesday, will occur at the Fort Atkinson event site. She stated that the mint wants to have $75,000 worth of nickels on hand. She was excited that the event, which will begin at 10:30, is placed on a good day to draw more people on what seemed initially to be a slower day. Rhian went on to state that an additional 4-5,000 people would probably show up for the launch. She then said that the event is prepared to handle these additional people. Ruth then questioned how much of an additional expense would be incurred for hosting this launch. Rhian confirmed that parking would be the only expense, which would total to about $500. Swenson and Ruth asked that all security issues regarding this event be investigated.
Rhian informed that the commission has been invited by the Mouth of the Platte to a keelboat dinner party on July 29th with a social hour from 6-7PM and dinner to begin at 7PM. The location of the party is at NP Dodge Park in Omaha, with reservations requested.
Rhian then passed out an invitation list for the VIP reception in the W.H. Thompson Alumni Center following the premier of the “First Tribal Council” on July 31st. She requested that the commissioners look over the list and inform her of any additional names that needed to be added to the list.
Commissioner Round Table –
Slader announced that the sculpture from Washington County is done and has been sited. He stated that the site has been moved because of a rainy spring. He thought that it was a beautiful site for the sculpture.
Dr. Mitchell thanked Ruth for all the hard work he has been doing on the contracts. He also mentioned that the World-Herald called him and informed him that they will be doing a story on the bicentennial events. He then emphasized the importance of placing calls and more information to all 4 tribes involved.
Ruth then reiterated the importance of publicizing the Omaha Tribe’s event on August 11th. Rhian requested a flyer be made available to her for the tribe’s event.
Wehrbein reported that Burlington Northern put on a great evening for the commission in Lincoln. She stated that chambers have asked if the L&C link could be posted on their websites.
Sommer informed the commission that there were Lewis & Clark documents at the Ford Conservation Center in Omaha. He stated that if anybody were interested, a tour would be made shortly after the meeting.
Williams announced that the National Park Service Headquarters has relocated to 601 Riverfront Drive in Omaha. There will be an open house on the 21st.
Mary Ethel stated that the puppy with the St. Charles Group, Newfoundland, had passed away.
Special Advisor Round Table –
Randy Yates from the Boy Scouts thanked the commission for the money to pay for the scout badges.
Steve Whitemore from the Guard thanked everyone for allowing them to be in attendance.
Fun Tours Group stated that they have 140 people signed up for Monday and 200 on Tuesday. He then went into brief detail on their schedule. Hull thanked them for their work on the tour.
Matt Jones announced that the books on the 1st Council have just been published.
Bat Shunatona thanked everyone for working with the Otoe-Missouria people. Hull expressed his gratitude in working with him.
Pawloski announced that the St. Charles Group would be webcasting from Brownville (July 15th), Nebraska City (July 22nd), Omaha (July 29th), and Ft. Atkinson (August 5th), as well as other sites. He also stated that the Sergeant Floyd burial reenactment would take place in Sioux City on August 20th.
Mary Ethel reported that the passport program in Brownville has received an enormous amount of interest.
Hull then thanked David Hendee and the Omaha World-Herald for their support.
Meeting adjourned at 11:15AM.
List of Attendees
Commissioners
Ron Hull
Jeanene Wehrbein
Dan Curran
Judy Johnson
Dr. Rudi Mitchell
Larry Ruth
John Slader
Larry Sommer
Dick Williams
Staff
Mary Ethel Emanuel
Jim Swenson
Paula Rhian
Tony Dowling
Others in Attendance
Bob Pawloski
Bob Hastert
Bat Shunatona
Matt Jones
Brent K.
Art Nicolai
Steve Whitemore
Stacy Maddux
Randy Yates