State Parks & Cultural Resources Commission Meeting May ll,20l2 Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum Library Douglas

Transcription

1 State Parks & Cultural Resources Commission Meeting May ll,20l2 Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum Library Douglas COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Aaron Bannon, Dan Barks, Chuck Engebretsen, Don Schmalz, Michelle Sullivan and Bill Vines COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Dudley Gardner Ph.D., Karen Haderlie and Mary Hawkins STAFF PRESENT: Rita Basom, Joe Bonds, Domenic Bravo, Mary Hopkins, Jeff Keahey, Lisa Koenig, Helen B Louise, Sara Needles, Ashley Rooney, Milward Simpson, Todd Stevenson, Mike Strom, Steve Sutter, Todd Thibodeau, Bill Westerfield and Tracy Williams GUESTS PRESENT: Mary Engebretsen, President of the Pioneer Association James Goodrich, Wyoming State Fair Director, and Ellen and B.J. Thompson General Business Interim President Dan Barks called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. Approval of the Asenda Interim President Barks asked for action on approving the agenda. Commissioner Sullivan moved to accept the agenda as presented. Commissioner Bannon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Approval of the Minutes Interim President Barks asked for the Commission's pleasure on the February 23-24,2012, meeting minutes. Commissioner Engebretsen moved to approve the February 23-24,2012, meeting minutes as presented. Commissioner Bannon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Action Items from February Meeting Domenic Bravo will have staff check on the correct spelling of Brannon Campground at Boysen State Park. President Over indicated a constituent told him it should be spelled oobrannano'. Domenic Bravo advised that through research there are two dffirent ways to spell Brannon/Brannan, but historically the campground has always been spelled Brannon with an "o" for as long as the campground has existed. If research should prove the name is spelled incorrectly, it will be fixed. Milward Simpson will follow-up on the below action item from the February 2011 meeting to see what progress has been made on the request. Director Simpson will hove o conversation with Tourism regarding a reminder to private pilots to follow the highways and not Jly over the mountains due to an increase in plane

2 croshes in the Wind River Mountains in recent months. It was suggested by President Over that installing posters in the airports around the State reminding pilots of the dangers offlying over the mountains might aid in decreasing the number of crashes. Director Simpson looked into the concern regarding airplane safety in the Wind River Mountains and was advised by Amber Schlabs with the WDOT Aeronautics Division that they talked to the Denver Center regarding radar coverage and diversion around the mountains with their antennas and they did not feel there is a need for warning notices in airports because it comes down to pilot training. Ms. Schlabs indicated that if someone feels strongly about it that it's an issue for the National Transportation Safety Board and they are the ones who would need to be contacted. Milward Simpson, Domenic Bravo and/or. Sara Needles will talk with staff about making sure annual events are held the same weekend each year so advance planning for participants and tour companies will be easier and not cause scheduling issues when the event is moved without advance notice (Examples: Ice Festival, Governor's Arts Awards, Summer Outdoor Slam, South Pass City Gold Rush Days, etc...). Director Simpson indicated the agency has been proactive about looking at events that held on an annual basis and whether or not it makes sense, on a case-by-case basis, for the event to be on the same dates every year. It does give everyone more advance nolice if the event is at the same time each year, but sometimes it is not possible. Milward Simpson, Domenic Bravo and Sara Needles will talk with staff about making sure they contact Commissioners if they are going to be in their part of the state for a meeting or event so they can have the opportunity to participate. Director Simpson stated that he has been trying to make this an ongoing management decision. If staff will be in the part of the state where a Commissioner litses, they will be notified of the visit. This is an expectation that has been put on both Divisions. State Fair Update James Goodrich, State Fair Director, provided a brief update on the plans for the upcoming 100th State Fair that will be held August 11-18, Mr. Goodrich also provided information on the capital construction and major maintenance projects that are slated to be completed before the start of the fair. The premium book can be viewed on the State Fair website at: http :// I 2/20 I 2%20WEB.pdf Commission Business Election of Interim SPCR Commission Vice-President - the floor was open for nominations for interim vice-president.. Interim President Barks indicated that Commissioner Vines moved to nominated Commissioner Engebretsen as interim vice-president. Commissioner Schmalz seconded the motion. Commissioner Vines requested nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Commissioner Engebretsen as interim vice-president. The motion passed unanimously. Program Assignments - Director Simpson explained the liaison process, why it's done and the responsibilities. Following a brief discussion, it was decided to bring this item back as an agenda item at the next meeting to give the new Commission members time to determine which

3 sections will be the best fit for them. It was suggested that each Commission come to the next meeting prepared to discuss the sections (Parks, Historic Sites, Trails, Museum, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Arts Council, State Archives, Archaeology) they would like to represent. Commission Reports Mary Hawkins - Interim President Barks read the following on behalf of Commissioner Hawkins: I am so disappointed I could not be in Douglas for the meeting, but getting a piece of parchment this weekend has been on the schedule for a few years. Please extend my warmest welcome to the new Commissioners. I'm sorry I will miss the opportunity to tour the POW Officer's Club and preview the dedicated efforts by so many in Douglas that have gone into the preparation of the 100th celebration of the State Fair. Mary Engebretsen and so many others should be commended for their hard work. On March 5-6, I attended the Poetry Out Loud event in Cheyenne. What an opportunity for the budding poets of our state! I hope this event will continue to grow. On March 17, I had the privilege of presenting Wyoming and the World: A New Frontier for Citizen's Social Engagement and Leadership Through the Arts and Culture atthe 2012 Seattle University/GonzagaUniversity Research Conference in Spokane. I received feedback from many of the attendees, many with Wyoming connections, who were delightfully surprised and impressed with the arts and culture programs of Wyoming and their leadership outreach. Report from District 6 - I just wanted to share that our local Sundance poet and Wyoming's current Poet Laureate, Patricia Frolander, was recognized for the outstanding poetry book at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on April 21. She received the Wrangler Award for her book Mamied Into It. Bill Vines - Commissioner Vines reported that he followed the legislature with interest and the various budget cuts that look like they will be around for a while. He is encouraging the owner of a building in Wheatland to have the building added to the National Register. It's the building of the original Wyoming Development Company, which developed all the inigation around the Wheatland area. The owner has agreed to do it but is in the process of renovating the building and doesn't have time, but Commissioner Vines will keep working on it. Michelle Sullivan - Within a matter of minutes of receiving the call from Director Simpson congratulating her on her appointment to the Commission, Commissioner Sullivan began receiving telephone calls from constituents regarding Fort Phil Kearny expressing their interest and concern in what is happening at the site. She has been working with Mr. Bravo staying abreast of what is happening with hiring someone for the site. Citizens in the Buffalo and Sheridan area see that particular historic site as a gateway to a whole variety of other regional historic places and feel very strongly that Fort Phil Kearny is an important draw to the counties, so they are working very hard to make sure the agency is proactive about it. As a side-note, Commissioner Sullivan had a wonderful meeting with the Sheridan Community Land Trust and learned a lot about the work the group is doing on trails. It was interesting to see the synergy on the work they are doing throughout the county and the trails programs in the state. As a secondary note, maybe something that could be discussed informally, Commissioner Sullivan received a telephone call from the CEO for the Points of Light Foundation, Michelle Nunn, and she is going on a U.S. tour to promote volunteerism. She talked about the potential

4 for a discussion or dialogue in Wyoming sometime the end of July, so Commissioner Sullivan may try to touch base with staff to see if there is a way to use this as an opportunity to highlight what is happening in the state and to introduce Ms. Nunn to some of the neat things that are happening around the region. Aaron Bannon - Commissioner Bannon attended the orientation in Cheyenne and was able to enjoy the mountain biking trails at Curt Gowdy State Park. He has discussed Tough Creek Campground at Boysen State Park with Domenic Bravo and had the opportunity to visit the site so he can see what some of the conversation is about. Commissioner Bannon has also been able to utilize the facilities at the State Bath House at Hot Springs State Park. Commissioner Bannon highlighted some of the events that are taking place in Lander this volunteer season. Don Schmalz - Since being appointed, Commissioner Schmalz has been working on gaining knowledge on what is going on at Hot Springs State Park with the concessionaires and has met with Kevin Skates to discuss the park. He has also visited Legend Rock and noted there is an issue with cattle damaging the trail and signage, and discussed the need for a fence around the site. Commissioner Schmalz attended orientation in Cheyenne and is impressed with how big the agency is. Commissioner Schmalz was invited by the Big Horn Basin (Park, Big Horn, Hot Springs and Washakie Counties) County Commissioners to listen in on their meeting. It was an interesting session. During the Lincoln Day Dinner he visited with Governor Mead about the agency. Commissioner Schmalz would like to know more about Shreve Lodge at Buffalo Bill State Park and why it has been closed for so long. Chuck Engebretsen - Once the new Pioneer Association Building is built everyone's lives will be a lot simpler. Commissioner Engebretsen attended the Smithsonian Institute/Humanities Council Meeting in Douglas. They are planning on doing exhibits in museums and libraries around the state that are 6 weeks in duration. In June 2013, there will be an exhibit at the Pioneer Museum entitled "Key Ingredients: America Loves Food". It will include displays of traditional American cooking utensils, like crock pots, etc... It should be very interesting. Commissioner Engebretsen attended the April 14, open house at the Douglas POW Officer's Club that was sponsored by the Alliance for Historic Wyoming. There were about people that attended. The building has since been cleaned out by the Odd Fellows. Lastly, Commissioner Engebretsen stated that it will nice not to worry about any flooding at Glendo this year, and the Pioneer Museum and Fort Fetterman is still experiencing stafhng problems. Dan Barks - Interim President Barks had the opportunity to work with Don Reynolds, Joe Bonds and Tracy Williams on the Land and Water Conservation Fund grants that will come up later in the agenda. The meeting went well and he was surprised at how few grant applications there were this year. Interim President Barks sat in on the State of the State Parks Conference Call, attended the Wyoming Archaeological Society Spring Meeting in Gillette the end of April, and has visited with Director Simpson a couple of times since the February meeting. He also had the opportunity to talk with each of the new Commissioners and is looking forward to working with each of them.

5 Department Update Director Simpson explained that part of what is great about the Commission process is the opportunity to visit locations around the state to give the Commissioners a chance to have a presence and see what is being done on the ground, and let the communities where the meetings are held a chance to get to know the Commission. Until budget difficulties began the agency has been able to move Commission meetings around to a different community every quarter, but there is a possibility that in the budget reduction process, if the agency budget is reduced, the number of in-person meetings that involve a lot of travel expense might have to be curtained and more conference call or webinar meetings held. Director Simpson will make sure the Commission is kept abreast of the situation as the budget reduction process moves along. Director Simpson spoke about a series of articles that have been appearing in the Douglas newspaper on the Douglas POW Officer's Club and State Parks' 75'h Anniversary, as well as the recent exhibit opening Science on the Range at the Wyoming Territorial Prison. Todd Thibodeau also advised the group on three new exhibits that are opening soon at the Historic Governors' Mansion and the dedication that will held at Fort Fred Steele on June 20,2012. Director Simpson briefed the group on the hiring freeze that went into effect on April 20, andthe current status of vacant positions, as well as the efforts that are being made to fill several critical positions. Bill Westerfield provided information on the steps that are being taken to move employees in part-time positions, but are working full-time, to full-time positions in an effort to cut down a projected short-fall in the 100 series (personnel) funding. For the benefit of the new Commissioners, Director Simpson explained the Hay Group process and how it has impacted the agency and personnel funding. Director Simpson spoke at length about the budget reduction process and what steps are being taken to come up with the mandatedsyo budget reductions. He also explained the changes to the Information Technology section due to the creation of the Department of Enterprise Technology Services. Once the budget reductions have been vetted by the Governor's office, Director Simpson will call a conference call meeting before the June Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources (TRWCR) Interim Committee meeting to update the Commission on the proposed cuts. In closing, Director Simpson briefly went through the interim topics that would be heard by the TRWCR Committee this coming year and advised that updates to department policies have been put on the back burrier for the time being but should be wrapped up by the end ofthe year. State Parks. Historic Sites and Trails Division Update Domenic Bravo provided an update on the Bureau of Reclamation's plans for restoration of the dam at Guernsey State Park; the opening of the amenity sites at Keyhole State Park; the status of Shreve Lodge at Buffalo Bill State Park; staffing issues at the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum and Fort Phil Kearny; sponsorship and events for the 75th anniversary celebrations throughout the Park system; the Kids Xtreme program and Ashley Rooney, the new Youth Coordinator, and a variety of partnerships that have been created through the Volunteer Program. Commissioner Vines commended the division on the Kids Xtreme program and how far the prograrir has come in the three or four years it has been in existence. It's a great program! Mr. Bravo also explained where the agency is at with the contracts for the pools and the Days Inn at Hot Springs State Park, and some recent developments at one of the pools with a couple of

6 construction projects that have been done but didn't go through the approval process with the agency. Director Simpson provided additional information on work that is being done by the Attorney General to move the process along and advised he would send a copy of the most current lease to the Commission. There was a brief discussion among the group on the poor condition of the pools versus the beauty of the park grounds, and the use of credit cards at the pools. Camp Douglas - B.J. and Ellen Thompson from Cheyenne spoke briefly about her father who was an Italian prisoner of war at Camp Douglas. Operations Update - Bill Westerfield advised the Trails Manager position is officially vacant and Ron McKinney has been appointed the Interim Trails Program Manager. This past snowmobile season was one of the smoothest he experienced since he began working for the agency. The biggest issue, other than a lack of snow in some areas, was falling trees due to beetle kill and wind damage. Mr. Westerfield talked at length about the issues the program is and will experience due to the tree die off in so many areas of the state, and the Off Road Vehicle (ORV) grant program. Mr. Bravo briefed the group on some issues that have cropped up with ORV clubs wanting to do projects on BLM land. Mr. Westerfield provided information on what the parks are doing to get ready for the upcoming operational season. Mr. Bravo provided information on continued concerns from Rob Davis with the Wyoming Walleye Circuit about difficulties he has in working with the marina owners. Field Support Update - Joe Bonds handed out copies of the Field Support monthly report and provided updates on the Volunteer Program and discussed the Camp Host Program. Mr. Bonds also advised that there is interest by a Colorado individual to purchase and take over the marina at Glendo State Park. The Revenue and Concession section is facing staffing challenges with three employees in the section being pregnant, one recently resigning and another facing some family health issues. Mr. Bonds provided updates on falling boulders at Register Cliff, flooding repairs at Keyhole State Park and Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site, as well as road funding through Administration and Information's Capitol Construction. He also discussed upcoming or recently completed projects at a variety of state parks. There was a brief discussion on the situation with rocks falling at Register Cliff. Fort Bridger Master Plan - Todd Thibodeau passed out a tentative project schedule for updating the master plan for Fort Bridger State Historic Site. He spoke on the importance of master plans and the process in general, as well as several scenarios that will be presented to the steering committee for the Fort Bridger plan. There was a brief question and answer session regarding master plans and the process. Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Approvals - Tracy Williams provided background information on the grant programs (Motor Boat Gas Tax, Recreational Trails Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)) she managers, as well as information on the current LWCF grant requests. Ms. Williams explained that the funding for this year has not been determined by the National Park Service yet, so the available funding is an estimate based on the funds received last year. The final determination will probably not be received for several months. She explained the grant requests for this year, and there was a brief discussion on why there were so few applications received and what the Special Reserve Account (SRA) money can be used for. 6

7 Interim President Barks asked which option staff would recommend to the Commission, and Ms. Williams advised she recommends that each project be fully funded contingent on the same amount of money being received this year. Total (Possible) Funding Available: Indirect Costs (ID): Available for Proj ects : $ 329, $ 54, $272, # NAME PROJECT AMOUNT ID TOTAL 1 SCORP 2(tie) Holliday Park Expansion 2(tie) Westview Park Phase 1 3 Crossroads West Park 4 Undine Park 5 Alta Park TOTAL $35, $25, $72, $65, s46, $10, $254, $o $35, $ 6, $31, $ 18, $90, $16, $81, $1r, $59, $ 2, $12, $54, $308, $18,000 would be placed in the Special Reserve Account (SRA) for distribution to other active projects. Commissioner Vines moved to fully fund all projects as presented contingent on availability of funding. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion. Following further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Boysen State Park Public Meeting - Director Simpson advised that a public meeting would be held in the Fire Hall in Shoshoni on Tuesday, May 15,2012, to listen to the concerns of a very vocal group of constituents who are concerned about the management of Boysen State Park. If any of the Commissioners are available, they are encouraged to attend the meeting. Planning - Director Simpson advised that planning is very complicated in the agency and the Commission deals with a confusing array of plans that are mandated by various entities involving a variety of the agency's programs. For example, there is a state plan that is mandated by the Govemor's office that is tied to the budget request, as well as the SCORP plan and many others. Director Simpson believes it is time for the Commission to hold another planning retreat sometime in the near future because so much has changed since the last planning session. LX Bar Ranch - The agency has been trying to get in touch with the LX Bar owner, Jim Guercio, to try to move things along with the transfer of the property. It has been very hard to get in touch with him. Mr. Thibodeau provided information on Mr. Guercio's concems and where the agency is at in the process Pioneer Association - Mary Engebretsen, President of the Pioneer Association, provided background information on the Pioneer Association, an update on the new building the association is building on the State Fairgrounds, and events the association is planning for the 100th State Fair celebration. Director Simpson applauded the group and wished all sites had a friends' group like the Pioneer Association

8 Cultural Resources Division Update Sara Needles apologized that the monthly Commission report is late and advised it would be out next week. Ms. Needles provided updates on the budget reduction process for the Cultural Resources Division; the Mini Convergence meetings that have been held since last October's Convergence; the new Governor's Portrait Gallery that is going to be installed in the east wing of the first floor of the Capitol Building, and work that is being done to ensure consistency in the use of reaching the public through electronic methods. Ms. Needles commended all of the program managers and staff within her division, and she briefly touched on the work that is being done by each section. A brief discussion on Convergence followed Ms. Needles' report. Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund Update - The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund (WCTF) Board will have two vacancies coming up. One board member is seeking reappointment, but the other is not. At the next meeting the Commission will need to make a recommendation for an individual to fill the vacancy. In the meantime, if anyone has someone they would like to recommend for consideration to the WCTF Board, please contact Ren6e Bov6e. This year's grant round just ended on May 1 and the WCTF Board will be meeting in June to award grants for Wyoming Arts Council Update - Rita Basom updated the group on the upcoming Wyoming Arts Council Board meeting; the grant panel for Operating Support Grants; staffing issues; the schedule for the Piatigorsky Foundation tours; grant awarding for the Arts Education and Operating Grants; the Warehouse 21 communication plan, including the new Wyoming Arts Council logo; statewide arts advocacy efforts; the Hathaway success curriculum; the Art in Public Buildings program; upcoming board meeting (August 8-9,2012, in Kemmerer, November 8-9,2012, in Riverton, February 7-8,2013, in Cheyenne); the collaboration with State Parks on the Arts in the Parks program, and a proposed National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) leadership conference in the fall of 2013 in Jackson. State Historic Preservation Offrce Update - Mary Hopkins and Director Simpson handed out service awards to Jeff Keahey (15 years) and Steve Sutter (30 years), who both work in the Wyoming Cultural Records Office in Laramie. Ms. Hopkins provided updates on the upcoming Preserve Wyoming Conference; recruiting efforts for the National Register Coordinator position; stafhng issues; the engineering and stabilization efforts on the Heart Mountain Relocation Center smokestack; the programmatic agreement for the Keyhole property between the Bureau of Reclamation, State Parks and the State Historic Preservation Office; FEMA and Office of Homeland Security discussions regarding grants for historic county courthouses; the Gateway West Transmission Line Project; the Lander Resource Management Plan; the Archaeology Awareness Month (September) apparel and posters; the Historic Preservation Month (May) posters; historic contexts on ranching, the New Deal and Wyoming schools, as well as the Game Creek field excavations that are planned by the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist (OWSA). Ms. Hopkins also advised that anew curator for the Archaeological Repository has been hired and will be starting soon. Jeff Keahey and Steve Sutter provided details on the work they do for the agency. Archives Update - Mike Strom directed the Commissioners to tab 7 in their meeting book and provided an update on phase II of the digital repository project, including the process, the purchase of the necessary software and hiring a project manager. Mr. Strom advised that the micrographics section is now called the oostate Imaging Center". He also provided information on the strategic planning that has begun in Archives, as well as plans for Archives Month

9 (October), the recent Genealogy Workshop that was held in Cheyenne, and the cancellation of the Photo Preservation Workshop that was scheduled to be held in Gillette. Mr. Strom explained that the State Data/Records Manager position is once again being recruited for. The previous candidate decided at the last minute not to accept the position. There was a brief discussion on the mission statement that was listed at the top of the outline that was in the meeting book. Interim President Barks felt the last sentence of the mission statement was more of a goal statement than a mission statement. Director Simpson was asked if mission statements are brought to the Commission for recommendation and he indicate that he would consult with the Commission on any new or updated mission statements. Museum Update - Helen B Louise updated the group on the use of technology in the Museum; the August II,2OI2,35th Annual Arts and Crafts Show and Sale that is sponsored by the State Museum Volunteers; exhibit receptions; upcoming lobby exhibits; 2nd floor exhibit redesign; the upcoming evaluation for American Associations for Museums (AAM) reaccreditation; the Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition; ongoing collection work; plans for outreach and programming throughout the state; plans for a brown bag lecture series sponsored by the State Museum Book Store; traveling exhibits, as well as recent issues with the roof at the Unicover Building storage facility. Interim President Barks asked that a tour of the Unicover Building be included on the agenda for the February 2013 meeting. Accession/Deaccession Report - For the benefit of the new Commissioners, Ms. Louise explained the Accession/Deaccession process, and there was a brief question and answer session that followed. Commissioner Vines moved to accept the quarterly Accession/I)eaccession Report as presented. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Other Business Re-Consideration of Prior Requests - Director Simpson advised that based on some comments he received, he will be bringing several agenda items that were previously recommended for approval by the Commission back for re-consideration at a future meeting. He feels they were not ready for consideration when they were presented. Future Meetings - The next meeting will be held in Cheyenne on Saturday, August 25,2012. Commissioners are encouraged to come to Cheyenne early so they can attend the groundbreaking for the new visitor center at Curt Gowdy State Park and the 75th Anniversary Gala in the afternoon on Friday, }l4ay 24,2012. Tentatively the fall meeting will be held in Worland on Friday, October 26,2012, and Saturday, October 27,2012, if hotels are available and there is budget money for the meeting. There is a possibility the meeting may have to be a conference call meeting. Adiournment The me'eting adjourned at 4:51 p.m.

10 im President ACTION ITEMS Lisa Koenig will include Program Assignments on the agenda for the August 25,2012, meeting. Commissioners are to come to the meeting prepared to discuss the sections (Parks, Historic Sites, Trails, Museum, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Arts Council, State Archives, Archaeology) they wish to represent. Before the June 26,2012, Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources (TRWCR) Interim Legislative Committee meeting, Director Simpson will call a Commission conference call meeting to update the Commissioners on the budget reductions that will be presented to TRWCR. Director Simpson will send the most current TePee Pools lease draft to the Commission. Lisa Koenig will make sure to include a tour of the Unicover facility as part of the agenda for the February 2013 meeting. 10