NEBRASKA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION

January 25, 2000, 1:00-2:35 p.m.
Clifford Hardin Nebraska Center for Continuing Education, Omaha Room
33rd & Holdrege, Lincoln, Nebraska
APPROVED MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT
Lieutenant Governor Dave Maurstad, Chair	Dr. Doug Christensen, Commissioner Department of Education
Greg Adams, Mayor City of York	Hod Kosman, Chairman & President Platte Valley Financial Services (via phone)
Dr. Eric Brown, Station Manager KRVN Radio	Gary Kuck, President & CEO Centurion International
L. Merrill Bryan, Senior Vice President Union Pacific, Information Technologies	Dr. Dennis Smith, President University of Nebraska
Members Absent: Senator Robert Kerrey

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL:

Lieutenant Governor Maurstad called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. Roll call was taken. There were eight Commissioners present at the time of roll call.

NOTICE OF MEETING & APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER MINUTES:

Lieutenant Governor Maurstad stated that meeting date and time notice was first posted to the NITC web site on November 30, 1999. The meeting location and agenda were posted on January 14, 2000 with a revised agenda posted on January 20, 2000. Meeting notice was also posted on the State's Public Notice Calendar on January 14th.

Commissioner Christensen moved to approve the November 10th minutes as presented. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Brown-Yes, Bryan-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Kosman-Yes, Kuck-Yes, Maurstad-Yes, Smith-Yes, Adams-Yes. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE ACT:

Prior to the meeting, a briefing document, background information, and an outline on LB 1349 were sent to the Commissioners. The NITC resolution on LB 1349 also included the following NITC directives: (complete resolution document.)

1. The NITC supports the purpose of LB 1349.
2. The NITC recommends that the Chair of the NITC communicates and coordinates these policy initiatives on behalf of the NITC with the sponsors of LB 1349, the Appropriations Committee, and members of the Legislature.
3. The Technical Panel of the NITC shall conduct a technical review of the NIS, including implementation issues
.

Commissioner Brown moved to approve the NITC resolution on LB 1349. Commissioner Christensen seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Roll call vote: Smith-Yes, Maurstad-Yes, Kuck-Yes, Kosman-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Bryan-Yes, Brown-Yes, Adams-Yes. Motion carried.

NITC RESOLUTION REGARDING FCC FORMULA FOR DISTRIBUTION OF UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS:

Only one state west of the Mississippi received Universal Funding Service support funding in the first round. Governor Johanns and Senator Bromm, Transportation Committee Chair, have sent a letter to the FCC chair expressing concern about the first round funding distribution. The Lieutenant Governor felt it was appropriate for the NITC to draft a resolution. The NITC

resolution regarding FCC formula for distribution of Universal Service Funds included the following NITC Management Directives: (complete resolution document.)

1. The NITC shall transmit this resolution to the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
2. The NITC shall recommend that the Lieutenant Governor, as Chair of the NITC, communicate and coordinate these policy initiatives on behalf of the NITC and State's interest with the FCC, the State's congressional delegation, Congressional and Legislative oversight committees, the Western Governor's Association and other influential parties, and to report to the Governor, the NITC and the Legislature on future FCC actions.
3. NITC staff shall be directed to cooperate with the Public Service Commission and other appropriate parties in preparing recommendations regarding universal service policy development and review for inclusion in the Statewide Technology Plan.

Commissioner Kuck moved to adopt and approved the NITC resolution on FCC. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Roll call vote: Bryan-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Kosman-Yes, Kuck-Yes, Maurstad-Yes, Smith-Yes, Adams-Yes, Brown-Yes. Motion carried.

UNITED 2000 STATEWIDE TECHNOLOGY PLAN: (complete plan http://www.nitc.state.ne.us/nitc-stp/index.html)

Lieutenant Governor Maurstad acknowledged and welcomed the members representing the Community, Education, and Government Councils, as well as the Technical Panel.

Completed Action Items: Mr. Winkle reviewed the process by which the councils determined action items for submission in the Statewide Technology Plan. Several of the action items have already been completed. No formal action needed to be taken.

Action Items recommended for inclusion in the Statewide Technology Plan: Mr. Winkle provided an overview of Section 5 Implementation Plan of the Statewide Technology Plan. It was emphasized that this section is a dynamic document. The NITC will monitor the progress of the Implementation Plan at each meeting.

This version of the Statewide Technology Plan organizes the action items into three themes: promote economic development and universal access; promote e-government; and promote information technology efficiency and management. Following are general policy actions and detailed activities submitted for each theme.

Action Items promoting Economic Development and Universal Access:

Mr. Winkle presented the following four general policy actions and five detailed activities as action items promoting Economic Development and Universal Access:

• Gather additional information and public reaction through the Telecommunications Infrastructure Needs Assessment (TINA) process, and from that effort develop recommendations for specific actions that would further the development of an enterprise-wide, standards-based deployment of a public-private statewide communications network infrastructure. These actions may include developing a specific set of communication and network requirements, requested services and fiscal boundaries; issuing an RFP consistent with the TINA findings and using the State’s aggregated purchasing power to serve as an "anchor tenant" to stimulate information technology and economic development throughout the state; and establishing flat-rate, distance-insensitive pricing for advanced technology and contracted services while providing an incentive for private sector competition and investment in the state’s information technology infrastructure. Detailed activities:
  • Conduct a study to evaluate the infrastructure and economic requirements to deliver telehealth services in Nebraska.
• Review and evaluate policy implications for state and local governments of issues such as inclusion of telecommunications expenditures as capital construction; use of debt financing to establish telecommunications infrastructure; exemption of telecommunications infrastructure from local lid limits; standardizing cost centers for local telecommunications budget and expenditures; use of inter-local agreements to promote cost sharing; and identifying other financing opportunities. Detailed activities:
  • Develop entrepreneurial assistance and incentives for local governments to participate in a consolidated public safety communications system
• Determine regulatory barriers to IT development and universal service within the state and develop strategies to address these barriers in partnership with the Administration, the Legislature, the Public Service Commission and other appropriate entities. Detailed activities:
  • Work with insurance companies to broaden their policies to include telemedicine patient encounters as reimbursable services
• Develop a coordinated plan for addressing the information technology training and development needs of Nebraska’s rural communities, including developing a database of information technology development resources; performing a gap analysis of additional, needed resources; and developing strategies for focusing and addressing rural community needs. Detailed activities:
  • Review and/or establish training curriculum for coursework required to develop expertise in network design, LAN management, systems support, application development, or other educational requirements necessary to develop these strategies at the high school, community college, or college and university systems.
  • Conduct an educational outreach program designed to maximize the overall return on local government investments in the development of geographically referenced databases and GIS systems by providing educational materials, presentations, and coordination services to the public officials who will be making investment decisions.

Lieutenant Governor Maurstad asked for any questions, comments and or discussion from the Commissioners. There was none. Commissioner Smith moved to approve and adopt the action items for Economic Development and Universal Access as presented. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Roll call vote: Christensen-Yes, Maurstad-Yes, Adams-Yes, Smith-Yes, Brown-Yes, Kuck-Yes, Bryan-Yes, Kosman-Yes. Motion carried.

Action Items promoting E-Government:

Mr. Winkle presented the following three general policy actions and seven detailed activities as action items promoting E-Government:

• Utilize e-government solutions to improve government services and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations. Detailed activities:
  • Develop, within the NITC website, a clearinghouse service to provide convenient access to information about information technology.
  • Make e-government a priority for the State Government Technology Collaboration Fund.
  • Develop a Web-accessible database of public access sites in Nebraska as a component of the Information Clearinghouse.
  • Identify successful technology funding models and disseminate this information to higher education institutions, ESUs and school districts and distribute this information via the Information Clearinghouse.
  • Collect and publicize research reports on technology and its effects on learning through the Information Clearinghouse.
  • Implement Internet-based access to criminal justice and related data and provide secure, cost-effective access to criminal justice databases by implementing a browser-based data warehouse: Nebraska Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS).
  • Assist in the acquisition and integration of local criminal justice records.
• Develop guidelines for core local government, multi-purpose geospatial datasets, and model inter-local agreements for the cooperative development, maintenance, and funding of geographic information systems core data.
• Develop and adopt a strategy to facilitate the modernization of local government land information systems (property ownership records, maps, etc.) addressing the needs for compatibility across jurisdictional boundaries and for adequate funding.

Lieutenant Governor Maurstad asked for any questions, comments and or discussion from the Commissioners. There was none. Commissioner Adams moved to approve and adopt the action items for E-Government as presented. Commissioner Bryan seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Roll call vote: Kosman-Yes, Brown-Yes, Smith-Yes, Bryan-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Adams-Yes, Kuck-Yes, Maurstad-Yes. Motion carried.

Action Items promoting IT Efficiency and Management:

Mr. Winkle presented the following two general policy actions and twelve detailed activities as action items promoting IT Efficiency and Management:

• Prepare an enterprise architecture framework to guide the state's investment in information technology. Detailed activities:
  • Prepare policies and guidelines for the security architecture for state government.
  • Develop technical standards for design of wireless communications infrastructure.
• Evaluate existing funding sources and incorporate enterprise principles that address life-cycle funding needs. Detailed activities:
  • Amend the Information Technology Infrastructure Act to reflect the role of the NITC and Statewide Technology Plan and to eliminate the sunset provision; to more efficiently identify, fund and manage major information technology enterprise projects; and to identify revenue sources for enterprise projects.
  • Develop a fee structure for providing wireless voice and data service to Nebraska public safety entities.
  • Conduct a study to determine the need for and merits of establishing a funding mechanism dedicated to facilitating collaborative intergovernmental efforts to develop priority statewide geospatial databases.

Other detailed activities supporting IT efficiency and management:

• Promote an enterprise approach to financial, human resource, and administrative business processes and reporting needs of state agencies.
• Promote a comprehensive solution to the information management needs of the State Retirement Board.
• Develop a project status reporting system for state agencies.
• Revise policies and priorities for use of the NEB*SAT distribution system.
• Develop and adopt strategies for the cooperative intergovernmental development, maintenance and distribution of priority statewide digital geospatial (GIS) databases.
• Develop policies and procedures for consolidating intergovernmental services on central servers, including digital certificates, verification, authorization, e-mail services, and other appropriate database applications.
• Recognize NIDCAC as the agent of the NITC to facilitate IT issues that involve local government and state government coordination and identify NIDCAC as a resource of the Community Council.
• Maintain and broaden K-16 Technology and Learning Training Grants, Technical Workshops, and other training opportunities through the efforts of the Education Council’s Training Advisory Work Group.
• Compile distance learning usage data for K-12, Higher Education.

Lieutenant Governor Maurstad asked for any questions, comments and or discussion from the Commissioners. There was none. Commissioner Christensen moved to approve and adopt the action items for IT Efficiency and Management as presented. Commissioner Kuck seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Roll call vote: Maurstad-Yes, Kuck-Yes, Brown-Yes, Adams-Yes, Kosman-Yes, Smith-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Bryan-Yes. Motion carried.

Action Items recommended for further development:

After staff review and the NITC working session, the following ten action items were recommended for further development:

• Review the role of ESUs as potential Internet service providers to local governments
.
• Promote the use of cooperative training centers and distance learning centers to deliver educational services for diverse populations including elderly and low income individuals.
• Establish no more than two pilot projects to develop plans, policies, procedures and experience in local community organization and implementation of proposed Community Council recommendations.
• Develop a high-resolution hydrographic database.
• Provide, enhance and promote e-government and e-commerce applications for direct access and dissemination of Data Bank information to government agencies and the general public.
• Complete the digitization of county soil surveys for Nebraska that meet national Soil Survey Geographic database standards.
• Produce second generation Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles (DOQs) for Nebraska.
• Allocate resources to expedite the implementation of Rule 88 (LB860) reimbursements for establishing Internet connections, wired buildings, and enhancing or upgrading Internet hardware.
• Establish and publish standardized agreements and boilerplate language addressing issues of local technology councils.
• Develop policies and procedures governing the issuance and revocation of digital certificates (signatures) to public agencies and personnel.

Discussion followed regarding timelines for these action items and security issues. Commissioner Smith moved to approve these action items for further development. Commissioner Bryan seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Roll call vote: Kuck-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Maurstad-Yes, Brown-Yes, Smith-Yes, Bryan-Yes, Adams-Yes, Kosman-Yes. Motion carried.

Approval of the Statewide Technology Plan:

Commissioner Christensen moved to adopt and approve the United 2000 Statewide Technology Plan. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion. Prior to the roll call vote, Lieutenant Governor Maurstad, along with the NITC Commissioners, commended staff for pulling the plan together and developing an excellent document. Mr. Winkle acknowledged the commissioners, staff and the councils for their work and involvement in the process. Lieutenant Governor Maurstad also wanted to recognize former Senator Joyce Hillman, sponsor for LB 924, and former Lieutenant Governor Kim Robak for beginning these efforts. Roll call vote: Adams-Yes, Smith-Yes, Bryan-Yes, Maurstad-Yes, Kuck-Yes, Brown-Yes, Kosman-Yes, Christensen-Yes. Motion carried.

REPORT FROM THE COUNCILS

Community Council, Donna Hammack, Co-Chair: Ms. Hammack introduced the following council members present at the meeting: Lance Hedquist, Craig Schroeder, Sue Volk (for Jim Lowe), Bob Sweeney, Rod Heezen, Jeanne Saathoff, Ted Smith, Ann Stephens, Kim McKinzey (for Michael Nolan), Anne Boyle, Gene Hand, and Gary Warren. Other members announced but not present: Tyler French, Gary Kiel, Gerry Kluch, Russ Pankonin, Reba Benschoter, Rick Nolan, Ted Schultz, Stu Miller, and Clyde Tyndall.

Education Council, Alan Wibbels, Co-Chair: Alan Wibbels, Co-chair, introduced the following council members present at the meeting: Keith Bartels, Con Dietz (for Uma Gupta), Don King (for Tom Krepel), Woody Ziegler, Linda Engel, Art Tanderup, Tom Korta, Dean Bergman, Wayne Fisher, Brenda Decker, and Michael Beech. Other members announced but not present: Bill Berndt, Richard Gilliland, Jack Huck, James Moeser, Sheila Sterns, Larry Bock, and David Powers.

State Government Council, Steve Schafer:

State Government Collaboration Fund guidelines - First round projects are completed or near completion. The State Government Council proposes the following changes and/or recommendations for the guidelines: 1) combine the current and next fiscal year's funding for projects allowing $500,000 available to fund projects; 2) priority would be given to E-government projects; 3) projects would require a 25% match; 4) collaborative efforts would be given greater weight in ranking; and 5) a proposed deadline of May 1st, with the NITC to review and award grants at the June meeting.

Commissioner Christensen moved to adopt and approve the Government Technology Collaboration Fund Guidelines. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Roll call vote: Adams-Yes, Smith-Yes, Kuck-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Maurstad-Yes, Kosman-Yes, Brown-Yes, Bryan-Yes. Motion carried.

Mr. Schafer also reported that there are several work groups that have been meeting on a regular basis to address issues: e-mail and calendaring system, project planning and management guidelines, and sharing expertise of Lotus Notes. The Council had also been working diligently on the action items for the statewide plan.

Mr. Schafer introduced the following members present at the meeting: Jon Ogden, Al Curtis, Brenda Decker, Howard Boardman, Jim McGee, Bob Schanahan, Joe Steele, Rod Wagner. Other member announced but not present were Bob Beecham, Mike Calvert, Tom Conroy, Dick Gettemy, Dorest Harvey, Lauren Hill, Lori McClurg, Scott Moore, Greg Lemon, Glen Morton, Randy Cecrle, Keith Dey, Gerry Oligmueller, Lynn Heaton, Dayle Williamson, Mahendra Bansal, and Dennis Zimmerman.

Technical Panel, Walter Weir:

Mr. Weir introduced the following members: Brenda Decker, Steve Schafer, Michael Winkle and Michael Beach. Other members announced but not present were alternates Gerry Hurley, Tom Conroy, and Ruth Michalecki.

NEW BUSINESS:

Lieutenant Governor Maurstad encouraged the Commissioners to review the list of legislative bills involving information technology and/or the NITC. A list was distributed.

Ed Tech 2010 Conference sponsored by the NITC and Department of Education: Commissioner Smith expressed concerns about the conference:

• scheduled on same date of Board of Regents meeting
• university and/or higher education policy personnel representation; and
• the duplication of efforts and/or lack of collaboration among other groups, such as the P-16 Steering Committee (joint committee of University of Nebraska and Department of Education) and the Distance Education Council; recommendations will effect all sectors.

Tom Rolfes, Education Information Technology Manager was available for questions. Mr. Rolfes thanked the Commission for approving co-sponsorship and support for the conference at their August meeting. The goals of the NITC and the Education Council are premises for the conference. The recommendations that may result from the conference will not be for formal policy but could be forwarded on the Education Council and/or a sub-group of conference participants for further development. Commissioner Christensen clarified that the purpose of the conference was to bring groups together for discussion and dialogue. It was suggested that the Lieutenant Governor relate this at his conference address.

NEXT MEETING DATE AND LOCATION:

Staff will check on April 25th as the next meeting date and will also check into on a June date.

Lieutenant Governor Maurstad adjourned the meeting at 2:25 p.m.

Minutes taken by Lori Lopez Urdiales, Administrative Assistant and reviewed by Office of the CIO/NITC staff.

Meeting Minutes