January 23, 2003 Platte River State Park
The meeting was called to order at 9:15 a.m. In attendance were Commissioners Ron Hull, Jeanene Wehrbein, Larry Ruth, Dan Curran, Judi gaiashkibos, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Gary Moulton, John Slader, Larry Sommer, Hal Stearns, Dick Williams and Executive Director Jim Swenson.
Absent were Judy Johnson and Leroy Stokes.
Judi gaiashkibos introduced a guest, Dr. Bonnie Sawyer, who gave a presentation about the American Indian Water Resources Education Project called Native Waters. Native Waters is an outreach program based at Montana State University-Bozeman and is dedicated to increasing awareness and respect for tribal water resources. (The web link for this project is www.nativewaters.org.) Dr. Sawyer also spoke about the Sharing the Source exhibit to demonstrate how 28 different Native American nations look at the Missouri River Basis resources from indigenous and scientific perspectives. The interactive display/exhibit, measuring 7 feet X 3 feet, will travel to all tribal communities in the Missouri River Basin beginning is September of 2003. Dr. Sawyer gave the Commissioners copies of a booklet called the Lewis & Clark Educator’s Resource Guide: A Review of Lewis & Clark Materials. (The web address for this resource guide is www.teachlewis-clark.org) Jeanene Wehrbein suggested the Resource Guide be provided to all public libraries in the state. Larry Ruth commented that the Resource Guide seems to be an authoritative source and would help provide accurate information.
Dr. Sawyer also described a project called Young Leaders Camp.
John Slader suggested working with Sioux City to help promote Native Waters. Hal Stearns suggested adding Native Waters to our press kit. Stearns spoke briefly about “Journeys,” a 4-state Humanities Council program being presented in Missouri River communities. Stearns suggested the Commission work with Humanities Councils to make connections for this program and Judi gaiashkibos suggested the new museum in Nebraska City would be a good connection, as well.
gaiashkibos suggested incorporating something as beautiful and clever as the feather bookmark of Native Waters in the new Commission logo.
Mary Jo Hall, Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR), provided maps of locations of 50 Lewis & Clark road signs along highways in eastern and northeastern Nebraska. Dick Williams commended NDOR for their fast work and commitment. Stearns and Dr. Mitchell asked about adding signs at two additional sites (Old Baldy near Lynch and Blackbird Hill near Macy). Williams said the signs were intended to designate roadways and not historical sites. He also reported that the Mouth of the Platte (MOP)Chapter is putting interpretive signs at historical sites. Stearns cautioned that from his experience with Bicentennial planning in Montana it is imperative that all signage is consistent. Williams reiterated the importance of consistency, as did Wehrbein. Slader suggested that since Lynch and Macy are both located along designated scenic byways they should make sure to work closely with the byways groups. Bob Pawloski (special advisor) said the MOP was awarded a cost share challenge grant from the National Park Service (NPS)and would work on getting signs up. Williams again said that NPS signs must meet a certain standard.
Ruth and Hull reported on meeting with Gov. Johanns for the Commission annual report. Gov. Johanns is interested in making personal contact with the tribal chair of the Otoe-Missouria, Mr. James Grant. Gov. Johanns has invited Mr. Grant to meet with him at the Governor’s residence on Feb. 20. gaiashikbos would like to see Commissioner Leroy Stokes invited as well.
gaiashikbos and Dr. Sawyer left the meeting at 10:10 a.m. to attend meetings in Lincoln.
Hull reported on meeting he and Ruth had with Cong. Bereuter to identify potential financial resources for the Commission. Cong. Bereuter suggested a meeting with Mr. Gene Mahoney to help identify these resources. Hull spoke with Mr. Mahoney for 45 minutes on the phone. The Executive Committee (Hull, Ruth, Wehrbein) are to meet with Mr. Mahoney in Omaha on January 30th. Hull also reported that the Executive Committee is invited to attend the meeting with Gov. Johanns and Mr. Grant.
Copies of the Vic Gutman report done for the Commission have been delivered to the Executive Committee. Dan Curran suggested that the entire Commission should have a copy of the executive summary.
Williams gave a report from the first Signature event that was held at Monticello. The Corps II opened there and will now be on the road for 3 ½. The new NPS Lewis & Clark brochures were distributed at Monticello.
Williams reported that there were 250 applications for the NPS Challenge Cost Share grants. Decisions on awards will be made in March and announced in April (depending on Congress action/funding). Williams reported that Mr. Bob Reynolds is the new Dept. of Interior head and will be working with politicians and the National Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Council, as will Mr. Tom Fulton. The National Council received a $2 M grant; Williams reported that funding for Signature Events has been designated as a priority. The National Council will soon be in a position to raise more money.
Hull and Moulton reported on being very moved by events at Monticello.
Dr. Mitchell reported that 24 tribes of 31 tribes along the Trail were represented at the a tribal luncheon. He reported that the Missouri Lewis & Clark Commission is very interested in the Omaha Tribe; he is going to St. Louis next week to meet with them. He was also interviewed by the Voice of America while at Monticello.
A one-volume abridgement of the Journals of the expedition by Dr. Moulton is out. A special signing will be on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Special advisor Bob Hastert praised Dr. Moulton highly.
Jim Swenson discussed the possibility of helping to fund the third edition of the Nebraska/Iowa Lewis & Clark map/brochure. Wehrbein moved to fund, Ruth seconded. A unanimous vote of Commissioners in attendance (Judy Johnson, Leroy Stokes & Judi gaiashikbos were not present at the vote) resulted in $3,000 for the map/brochure from the Commission.
Swenson suggested the possibility of adding where Commissioners lived and adding affiliations to the web. It would be an individual decision to list phone numbers or not.
Swenson reminded everyone of the National Lewis & Clark Bicentennial meeting to be held at Great Falls, Montana, on April 14 – 17.
Swenson reported that a Cost Share Challenge grant application (in partnership with UNL Rep Theater Director Jeff Elwell) was submitted to the NPS for $243,000.
Swenson reported on a land-lease agreement with a property owner south of Fort Atkinson was to reviewed by Ruth. Slader is contacting the landowner to the east.
Swenson reported on a large COSA map depicting all Signature Events was very popular at Monticello. COSA hopes to produce posters of this map/display. These posters would cost $143 for 300 posters for school libraries. Wehrbein moved to buy the posters; seconded by Ruth. A unanimous vote (save for absent members) was taken.
Swenson would like a concept site plan to help in fundraising. Vic Gutman could created a display for $300. Wehrbein suggested a need for more than one; she asked for two displays for $300.
Ruth made a motion seconded by Slader. The motion carried unanimously save for absent members.
Williams asked for a budget update, which was not possible at that moment to provide due to a death in Paula Rhian’s family.
Swenson made copious notes at Monticello regarding shuttles, access issues, satellite locations, chair arrangements, etc, in anticipation of Nebraska’s Signature Event. Ruth suggested the Commission needs an Event Planner for a successful Signature Event. Stearns said Kat Imhoff (Monticello Signature Event coordinator) will be at Great Falls and we could learn from her there.
Hull reminded everyone of the one-time stipend of up to $600 for each Commission to attend the one Signature Event of his/her choice.
The results of the PLOG research study measuring awareness of the Bicentennial was very briefly discussed; Paula Rhian will send out electronic copies to Commissions for their review.
Dan Curran reported on proposals for a new logo. Several good proposals were submitted. Curran suggested (based upon the Logo Committee’s recommendation) contracting with Snitily Carr. Curran brought up the possibility of keeping the current logo and not spend $6,000 for a new one.
Commissioners who had been at Monticello said the logo was well-received there. Swenson said the logo had originally been designed to foster a unique image for Nebraska, but that a newly revised (not a completely new one) might be a good idea for selling products. Curran and Ruth suggested simply modifying the current logo to make is more versatile and easier to reproduce.
Ruth moved to modify the current logo; Slader seconded. A unamamous vote (save for absent members) was taken to modify the current logo. Snitily Carr in Lincoln will be contacted to do the work.
Wehrbein said we need to work hard on press kits and that the Commission should work with Tourism Division on press kits. She said a general information piece about the Signature Event should be produced.
Discussion about the Signature Event followed. We should learn from Monticello. Ruth said we need to get on top of the dramatic presentation and the musical presentation. Hull said we need to be careful monitors of the progress. Hull said the First Council maquette drew a lot of attention. Special Advisor Hastert suggested the Nebraska Signature Event should be tied to the respect given to Dr. Moulton. Bob Pawloski reported that Cspan would have coverage of Monticello. He also reported the possibility of an interconnect with the Tent of Many Voices/Corps II.
Slader reported that the Nebraskaland Foundation is very supportive of the Commission and hopes to put the new Game and Parks Lewis & Park magazine (America Looks West) in every school. The Foundation might be able to help financially; John will keep in contact with them.
Slader spoke to representative from the Omaha Classic golf tournament concerning their dates for 2004. Since they use a large amount of tents, seating, and vendors Slader in interested in these dates.
Slader was contacted by teachers at the Culinary School of Metro Community College about setting up at the Signature Event. The may be willing to set up as a vendor and/or to feed the cast and crew.
Slade was contacted about a Feb. 4 meeting in Omaha. The meeting will bring together many groups interested in the Bicentennial to share information/plans.
Paula Rhian will arrange to have the booth at the April 11 Nebraska Press Association Convention.
Stearns wanted to make sure the Commission is involved in the unveiling of the First Council statue in early August.
Dr. Moulton will help with dedication of Omaha’s Lewis & Clark Landing on May 3.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m. The next meeting will be held on February 20 in Lincoln as a place as yet undetermined.