Present were (authorized to vote *):

Complete Meeting Agenda

MAJOR MEETING TOPICS

NOTICE OF MEETING: A public notice of the meeting, pursuant to Section 84-1411 R.R. S. 1943, was published in the Lincoln Journal-Star on Thursday, August 30, 2001.

ROLL CALL: Acting Chairperson Duane Stott called the meeting to order at approximately 1:05. There were nine duly authorized members present therefore a quorum was present to conduct business.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments.

NATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC DATASET: Steve Gaul reported that DNR has essentially completed the Logan Creek watershed NHD pilot project and is ready to start on the Salt Creek watershed. They are looking at starting two student digitizers in the next two weeks. Josh Lear is doing some of the early technical work and the remainder of the technical work should be completed by the end of March.

A NITC grant application was submitted at the end of August to develop NHD for the Lower Elkhorn watershed as an additional project. Beyond that project, they hope to work with the DEQ to obtain 319 funds for an additional basin.

The committee met and discussed possible means for getting the hydrography database onto a more stable financial footing. Original estimates to complete a state hydrographic database came close to two million dollars. Suggested options include demonstrating the value of having the data to respective stakeholders utilizing the completed Logan Creek watershed.

Larry added that the DEQ grant is a very strong possibility. The agreement has not been signed but they have committed $50,000 per year for up to 4 years to further this project. In the latest grant application, the Lower Elkhorn NRD contributed $3,000, Roads contributed $5,000, and $5,000 was taken from the DEQ grant.

Paul said that the Forest Service entered into an agreement with the USGS to do NHD work across the nation but are planning only on acquiring data within national forest boundaries.

John Miyoshi commented that none of this work would have been possible without Larry and extended a thank you for his efforts.

STATE TRIBAL GI WORKSHOP: Larry reported that there was a meeting last month organized by the FGDC in South Dakota. It was a six-seven state regional meeting designed to get more coordination/dialogue between tribes and state coordinating bodies. This meeting served to open the dialogue.

The BIA does have some people on staff to do GIS work. BLM recently assigned one of their staff to work with the Winnebago tribe to develop their property parcel coverage. The Logan Creek watershed runs through their territory and they are interested in acquiring the data developed through that project.

Larry anticipates another meeting will take place in northeast Nebraska sometime around the end of the month.

INTERACTIVE INTERNET MAPPING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Mele reported that the committee had two meetings. The first was a brainstorming session where initial issues were discussed that the Steering Committee may want to consider. Among those were issues such as map projections, vendor software, infrastructure, security, and a host of other things. Following that meeting, Mele met with Larry and Larry helped organize those issues into five general categories.

• Standards and Guidelines
• Education
• Data Support Center
• Infrastructure
• Security

From those groupings, tasks were assigned and the committee is working to come up with recommendations to bring to the Steering Committee. Some of the efforts of the group may not result in policy.

Duane commented that this appears to be an excellent vehicle for outreach to less populous counties who are trying to acquire some GIS expertise.

Steve Schafer asked what the time frame was for making recommendations. Mele said no time frame has been set. Some issues will be more easily addressed than others.

Larry indicated he does not necessarily believe a final report will be forthcoming from this group because of the relative complexity of the issues involved. There is no reason to delay taking action on those issues the group can handle easily rather than waiting for a final report. John stated there should be consensus on some of the issues by the end of the year.

MINUTES: Lash moved the minutes from the July meeting be approved as submitted. Dick seconded. The motion passed. (see vote #1 on Voting Record sheet).

FEDERAL AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE MEETING: Larry reported there were 65 attendees with presentations from 16 individual agencies. Because of the limited time available, the presentations were short and the representatives asked for the next meeting to be scheduled for two days.

The main consensus seemed to be that there is little money available for basic framework data creation though there is recognition that many agencies need the same data. The expectation is that someone else will develop the data but there is an increasing interest in coordination.

Jim Brown added that some of the larger agencies are giving up on creating and building databases in favor of capturing that information from other people's data. The money is simply not available anymore to develop this data without working collaboratively. Also, they agreed to return in six months for another meeting.

Steve Schafer commented that he was impressed by the volume of activity already accomplished by these agencies. A searchable database incorporating all the information from the meeting would potentially be of great benefit. Larry Z. agreed with Steve, but expressed his concern about the difficulties of getting all of that information in a database, as Federal meeting participants did not provide printed or digitial copies of their materials.  Steve suggested developing a web based application whereby participants could enter their own material.  Ron Matzner indicated that he like that concept and said he would pursue its possible development with FGDC I-Team staff.

Dick agreed that the scope of what is being done is amazing. Department of Roads was planning on having some counties flown around the area but the FSA is having everything from the Missouri River to Buffalo County to Dodge County flown at one meter accuracy. Larry said many people were surprised to discover that the FSA was developing color DOQs.

Ron Matzner explained that compiling a comprehensive list of activities is something the FGDC has wanted to do for some time but has never been able to manage, in spite of the great potential for savings. Larry added that this is not just a matter of the state being unaware of what the federal government is doing but of the federal government not being aware of what individual agencies are doing.

RON MATZNER: The Bush Administration seems to have recognized that GIS is critical to e-government and e-government is one of their priority. In addition, agencies have less money to work with, which has led to recognition that agencies cannot get things done alone.

The underlying purpose of this initiative is the same as it has always been, to develop current, accurate and upgradeable geographic information and make it easily accessible. In order to do this, the most basic components are identifying and promoting the most effective means of collecting, maintaining, and distributing data. Efficient data collection will be encouraged and rewarded by funding.

The steps involved in implementing the I-Team plan are designed to result in a National GIS Strategy. Those steps include

1. Inventory Data Assets
2. Needs Analysis
3. Identify Business Processes
4. Develop Data Content Standards
5. Develop and Maintain Data using efficient business practices and data content standards

In addition to the participation of the states, there will be a Financing Solutions Team whose function will be to determine how to arrange funding to complete long term projects. To do this, they will explore the alignment of existing resources, build a business case to help justify the receipt of adequate future resources and explore other Intergovernmental and public/private financing options.

 While the I-Team effort is designed to be led from the lowest levels, there is support from the highest levels and the Federal Partner’s Team will be comprised of agency directors from the relevant agencies.

The Technology Advisory Group will be comprised of 250 vendors who will provide technical assistance to all eligible members. Eligible members will include all participating cities, counties, states and other governmental entities.

Nebraska’s Database Advisory Committee’s will perform the core of the I-Team work and that will include looking at the Strategic Plan with a view toward the five steps to building an I-Team. In addition, they should determine if in an ideal world, the concepts outlined in the strategic plan are the most efficient way of doing things or simply the cheapest. The next step is to evaluate existing priorities in terms of making a business case.

Lash asked what safeguards there might be to keep this from becoming another situation where local government is left out of the process. Ron explained that representatives from state, local and federal agencies are already looking into it. Currently there is no incentive for agencies at any level of government to cut their budgets and that is something that needs to change.

Larry said that if the Steering Committee decides to pursue the I-Team concept and the development of an I-Team Plan very aggressively, a significant amount of his time could be required. Consequently, this is a point where a decision must be made as to where his time is best focused.

Steve Schafer stated that the Steering Committee’s best move at this point is to continue to focus on developing the highest priority databases and developing a basic understanding of what needs to be done. At that point, the Committee will be better able to leverage resources. Jim Brown agreed, adding that the Committee can afford to expend some time and effort on the I-Teams but there are two databases where no efforts have yet been made, Cadastral and Administrative Boundaries. Prior activities have the Steering Committee largely committed for the next six months.

Larry asked if the Str. Cmte. was comfortable with pursuing the I-Team concept in line with the "Structural - Procedural Proposal for On-going Nebraska I-Team Coordination", that had been attached to the agenda for advance review.  Larry noted that this proposal had been shared with the Federal representatives and they were supportive of the concepts.  The proposal calls for the Nebraska GIS Str. Cmte. to continue in its role as the primary entity responsible for overall coordination in Nebraska.  In addition, the proposal calls for semi-annual broader I-Team meetings.  In response to the Federal meeting input, we would probably try a 2-day I-Team meeting on March 6-7, 2002. The other I-Team coordination vehicle would be existing or new Advisory Committees created by the GIS Str. Cmte.  In response to Larry's question, the Str. Cmte. indicated its general support for this approach to I-Team development and coordination.

Ron indicated the federal partners would keep the Steering Committee informed about their efforts and opportunities.

LAND RECORDS MODERNIZATION STUDY: Larry reviewed the terms of the $50,000 grant received by the Steering Committee from the USGS for development of an I-Team. The funds can be used for anything but data development. The Steering Committee elected to use the money to hire a consultant to create a business plan for how to move forward on creating the Land Records modernization database and the Emergency Response database.

The Executive Committee was charged with refining the consultant’s task and drafted a project charter. No money is in hand yet but a draft agreement has been completed with the USGS. The hope is that the consultant will look at regional mapping center concept, and others, and investigate funding options.

Scott McIntyre asked if there were enough funds to complete a study of this type and if not, if any further funding sources might be available. Jim Brown said there is no further money available so the project will have to fit into the funds allocated to it.

Steve Schafer moved to endorse the project charter. Scott seconded. The motion passed. (see vote #2 on Voting Record sheet)

DRAFT INTERAGENY MEMO OF USGS AGREEMENT BETWEEN NEBRASKA GIS STEERING COMMITTEE: Larry noted that a draft MOA agreement with USGS had been made available as an attachment to the agenda.   Larry pointed out that one change to this agreement is that Steve Henderson will need to sign because he will be the one handling the money. No action is required from the Steering Committee but Larry wanted to make sure there were no concerns about Jim Brown signing on behalf of the Steering Committee.

Steve Schafer moved to endorse the draft USGS/Steering Committee agreement. Lash seconded. The motion passed. (see vote #3 on Voting Record sheet)

FEDERAL AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE: Jim Brown reported Sonia Sebree was nominated as the federal agencies' representative to the Nebraska GIS Steering Committee. There were three nominees for the federal agency representative position, Sonia Sebree from the USGS Water Division, Milbert Krohn from the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming, and Steve Peaslee from the NRCS. Larry commented that all three of these people need to be kept involved with the Steering Committee, so as not to lose their support. Steve Schafer suggested designating both Steve and Milbert as alternates.   Sonja's nomination will be forwarded to the Governor for consideration.

GIS CLEARINGHOUSE:  Larry noted that Steve Peaslee had expressed an interest and concern about the need to enhance the Nebraska geospatial clearinghouse and brought it up as an alternate project for some of the USGS grant money.  Larry also noted that in last years Strategic Plan the Str. Cmte. had noted some of the weaknesses of the current clearinghouse arrangement and had suggested the establishment of a subcommittee to explore and make recommendations for enhancing the current clearinghouse situation.  General discuss on the nature of the needs followed and alternative solutions that might be considered.  One of the alternatives that was raised was the possibility of combining the Nebraska Geospatial Data Clearinghouse with the one operated by DNR.  Larry was asked about the resources that might be needed.   Larry said that could vary widely depending on the level of services that were desired and noted that he doesn't have much of experience upon which to base an estimate.   He offered a estimate that maintaining a minimumal level clearinghouse might require 1/3 FTE. That amount of time could easily be spent working with agencies to obtain or develop current metadata.

Larry asked if there was any concern among Str. Cmte. members about exploring the possibility of housing the Nebraska Geospatial Data Clearinghouse at DNR. Chris Stanton asked why DNR. Jim Brown explained that at one time, the Library Commission and DNR were both interested in housing the GIS Clearinghouse. The decision was made to award Clearinghouse responsibilities to the Library Commission (now Nebraska Online) but subsequently, he has had the feeling that might have been a mistake. The Library Commission (Nebraska Online) does not have the expertise in spatial data that DNR does and has not provided the support necessary to maintain a comprehensive clearinghouse node.

Steve Schafer asked if a document defining the scope of the expectations involved with housing and maintaining the Clearinghouse had been drafted yet. Steve Gaul agreed that DNR would like to look at such a document on this subject to help facilitate discussion swithin the agency before they commit to taking this project on. Larry indicated that he would work with Steve G. to try to outline the options and possible range of expectations.

NACO ANNUAL CONVENTION: Jim Brown asked if the Steering Committee planned to have a booth at the Convention this year. Steve Schafer was in favor of obtaining separate space for the Steering Committee close to the State Surveyor’s booth to allow for staff sharing.

Ron Matzner requested I-Team information be included in the booth materials.

NISGIC REPRESENTATIVE: Jim asked if there were any other volunteers to serve as NISGIC Representative for the Steering Committee. There were none. John Miyoshi moved to appoint Larry Zink as the lifetime representative to NISGIC. Steve Schafer seconded. The motion passed. (see vote #4 on Voting Record sheet)

GIS/LIS ASSOCIATION: Ed Kelley reported that the newsletter is being mailed. They are trying to pare down a mailing list that consists of over 2200 people. This edition will include a card asking people to indicate if they are interested in continuing to receive the newsletter via mail. In this fashion, they hope to cut postage costs.

The symposium went over well this year with 350-375 attendees and included a NASA workshop on the fourth day. The Association realized a $3,000 - $4,000 profit.

An upcoming September Board meeting will be held in Lincoln.

The Association has been asked to host the 2003 Regional Arc Info Users Convention, which consists of a 13-14 state group.  Scott McIntyre volunteered to look into it.   Ed noted that there has been some concern about the potential conflict with the 2003 Nebraska GIS Symposium. They are looking for a core group to run that effort and would welcome fresh input. Scott indicated that he has received support for MAPA in the Omaha area and has pretty much made a committment to host the 2002-3 event.

For the October meeting, the Association is looking to build more support and involvement from the Western part of the state. In order to help accomplish this, they will be holding their monthly meeting in Scottsbluff, in conjunction with the Arc View Training and Western Users Meeting, October 22-23.

There was a Board vacancy due to the departure of Chad Kudym of HDR. Chris Stanton of the Nebraska Legislature was selected to fill that vacancy.

Jim Brown asked if membership was increasing. Ed said it has been, especially during the Symposium.

REPORTS ON MEMBER AGENCIES : John Miyoshi said that the IMS server Ryan Axman is working on is up sporadically.

Chris Stanton reported the Legislature is in the process of redefining the position of GIS staff in Nebraska Legislature.

Steve Gaul reported that the DNR is starting to make progress on digital water rights.

Jim Brown extended a thank you to Ron Matzner for attending both the federal meeting and the Steering Committee meeting.

There was no further business. The meeting was adjourned.

"P"=present, "A"=absent, "+"=voting for, "-"=voting against, "NV"=not voting