Commissioners in attendance:  Hull, Wehrbein, Ruth, Sommer, Johnson, Slader.  A quorum was not satisfied.

Chairman Hull called meeting to order at 9:10AM.    Chairman Hull asked for approval of the previous meetings minutes.  Slader moved, Wehrbein seconded.  Minutes were approved unanimously.

Chairman’s report – Hull informed the Commission that the meeting with the Governor went well.  The Governor was very receptive and interested in what we are doing.  His office is working on a replacement for Commissioner Stearns.  When that is completed he agreed to host a press conference announcing the new Commissioner, our funding needs and donors to date.  He also agreed to send an official thank you letter to the Kiewit Institute and to Nancy Mitchell at UNL.

Ruth, Swenson and Hull went to Red Rock Tuesday and attended the Tribal council meeting on Wednesday.  Questions about the Otoe-Missouria input to the dramatization were raised such as verifying authenticity of script and costumes and influence over casting.  It was verified that the tribe would be asked to verified authenticity of the script and costumes but would not have influence over the story that would be left to the playwright.  The Tribe will not have influence over casting; Native American Equity actors will be used.  Hull will be going to Chicago with Elwell to hear a reading of the script in the next few weeks.

Swenson reported that he presented the COTA application to the tribal Council along with a draft resolution for them to consider in support of the application.  The COTA grant money, if received, will be used to pay honorariums for tribal members for four days during the Signature Event.  Our match will consist of their travel expenses.  Members of the tribal council suggested that they would like to see tribute made to Native Americans that have served our country in the various wars.  Wehrbein asked about the concerns that Alley had.  Swenson reported that those were all addressed.  Slader asked about the videotapes to schools in Oklahoma and could we get them in Nebraska as well.  Swenson stated we can make this request and that the tribe also has interest in having the dramatization performed there as well.

Ruth reported that the Governor has expressed an interest in inviting the Otoe-Missouria up for a meeting.  He hand delivered an invite to Chairman Grant who indicated that he intends to come to the meeting on November 19th.  Ruth stated that papers pertaining to the Expedition found in an old trunk are now at the Oklahoma Historical Society.  There is a possibility of seeking permission to have the letter on display for the Signature Event.  Otoe-Missouria involvement might not be limited to the color guard; they are showing more interest in being involved.  Slader inquired if there are conservation concerns on the letter.  Sommer reported that the Nebraska Historical Society has offered to do the conservation work on the letter for the use of it.

Hull reported that we have a verbal agreement with R. Carlos Nakai for the second movement of the concerto.

Swenson stated that the Ponca center is open and invited the Commission to come there for a meeting.  He reported that Mahoney State Park was host to 12,000 boy scouts last weekend and that this event gives he and Randy Yates insight on our event next summer.  Ruth asked is it would be appropriate to meet with the State’s Risk Management people.  Swenson thought this would be a good plan and the meeting should include Swenson, Ruth and Gutman.  Swenson reported that Bike Ride Across Nebraska needs a place to park vehicles for their ride in June 2004.  He inquired if we could let them use our rented parking area.  No one opposed their using the space, Swenson will contact them.

Vice-Chair’s report – Wehrbein referred to the site plan in the Commissioners folders.  She stated that Gutman would like to be able to finalize booking Native American performs by November 15th.  After the November Commission meeting there will be a Signature Event Committee meeting over lunch.

Coordinator’s report – Rhian reported that the COTA application has gone in and the National Council application is ready for final suggestions.  We have received $25,000 from the Mammal foundation, and $50,000 from the Douglas County Commissioner for marketing.  Both of these were through the efforts of Roy Smith.  Our fundraising goal is now $144,764.  Rhian reported that we would hear in December on the application we have to the Iowa West Foundation.  Rhian stated that tourism’s fulfillment center sent out over 200 packets for us the last quarter and that number does not include any packets that were sent out from her office.  Rhian referred to the suggested meeting dates for next year that are in the Commissioners packets.  See attachment for final meeting dates and locations.

Rhian reported on the Falls of the Ohio event she attended last week.  Interest was high and we seem to be very well organized compared to other events preceding ours. The period ball that was held was a great success and the following Signature are planning to have balls as well.  Rhian will talk with the Douglas County Historical Society and the Mouth of the Platte group about hosting a ball.

Melissa Gardner of the Sierra Club gave a presentation on their materials and the event they are hosting at the Joslyn on November 16 – see attachment.  The Commission agreed to co-sponsor this event and will help to get the word out via email and posters.

Bob Pawolski showed the Commission the new website and asked how they thought it looked.  It met with approval from all.  He reported that the new site would go live this weekend.  He then showed everyone the Lewis and Clark G-Net and stated that they will be hosting the National Council’s website as well.  He suggested contacting the person in charge of the now defunct IA/NE website and having that old address be automatically linked to ours.

Commissioner Roundtable – Slader reported that he has a group from Offutt offering their services as volunteer.  Also inquired about campsites and are we looking at a location for that?  Stated that he has been receiving requests for postcards of the Monument.  Rhian was charged to find out what the photos taken by Snitly Carr look like.

Johnson reported that the Omaha World Herald is planning to do another insert in the spring.  She also inquired where we are on the marketing RFP.  Swenson replied that we are very close to having that finished.

Special Advisor roundtable – Diane Jensen inquired about the Corps II status.   Rhian reported that Carol McBryant should be contacting everyone shortly.

Bat Shunatona thanked the Commission for the invitation to attend.

Wehrbein reported that four awards at the travel conference went to Lewis and Clark events.

Meeting adjourned at 11:15AM.

List of Attendees

Commissioners

Ron Hull

Jeanene Wehrbein

Larry Ruth

Larry Sommer

Judy Johnson

John Slader

Staff

Jim Swenson

Paula Rhian

Special Advisors and audience

Diane Jensen

Bob Pawloski

Bat Shunatona and Vicki

Bob Hastart

Melissa Gardner

Randy Yates