state Parks & cultural Resources commission MeetingAugust 29,2013

Webinar Meeting

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Aaron Bannon, Dan Barks, Chuck Engebretsen, DudleyGardner, Ph.D., Karen Haderlie, Mary Hawkins, Ph.D., Ron Lovercheck, Don Schmalz and,Michelle Sullivan

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: Rita Basom, Ren6e Bovde, Domenic Bravo, Joe Ellis, Mary Hopkins, LisaKoenig, Helen B Louise, Sara Needles, Milward Simpson, Stacy Sprengeler, Mike Strom, DarinWestby and Bill Westerfield

GUESTS PRESENT: None

General BusinessPresident Dan Barks called the meeting to order at 1:1 I p.m.

Approval of the AgendaPresident Barks asked for action on approving the agenda.

Commissioner Sullivan moved to accept the agenda as presented. CommissionerSchmalz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of the MinutesPresident Barks asked for the Commission's pleasure regarding the May 14,2013, meetingminutes.

Commissioner Engebretsen moved to approve the meeting minutes as presented.Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Action ltems from Previous MeetinssDirector Simpson reviewed the action items and the outcomes from the May meeting. The onlyfollow-up questions were regarding the Gift of the Smoking Waters Statue at Hot Springs StatePark. Darin Westby indicted the contract with the consultant has been finalized andthey areworking on an in-depth plan to determine how to proceed with the restoration or moving of thestatue and the fountain. Mr. Westby will forward the plan once it's been finalized. Thesuperintendent at Hot Springs State Park will be discussing the statue with the Pioneer Home andMr. Westby is waiting to hear back from Administration and Information for their take on if thestatue can be moved.

((Commissioner Haderlie joined the meeting.))

Director Simpson provided details on a recent conversation with Mr. Jim Guercio regarding theLX Bar Ranch and the pending transfer of the property to the agency. Director Simpson thankedCommissioner Schmalz for his assistance in reaching out to Mr. Guercio through Cole Benton.

Commission ReportsChuck Engebretsen - Commissioner Engebretsen has been busy this surruner with theWyoming State Fair. He participated in a conference call on June 20 for the Monuments andMarkers Program. The Smithsonian's Key Ingredients: America by Food exhibit was at thePioneer Museum June 30 through August 18. On July 31, Commissioner Engebretsen attendedthe Grand Opening for the Curt Gowdy Visitor Center. The Wyoming State Fair was August 10-17, and the Ruthe James Williams Memorial Center was open for business during the Fair andthe Pioneer Association's annual meeting was held in the building the Thursday of the Fair. OnAugust 21, Commissioner Engebretsen stopped by the Curt Gowdy Visitor Center where thecontractor was finishing up the interior glass wall by the stairs and it looks very nice. He alsostopped by the Kendrick Building to visit with the Arts Council staff and see the updates to thebuilding.

Don Schmalz -Earlier in the year Commissioner Schmalz complained about the lack ofactivities in his part of the state, but that isn't the case now - he's been busy. He is happy to hearof the progress with the LX Bar transfer. In May or June he attended an event at Legend Rockand was accompanied by Dr. Larry Todd. Commissioner Schmalzparticipated in the HeartMountain Relocation Camp Dedication event, the Rockin' the Reservoir concert at Buffalo BillState Park, the Wyoming Arts Council reception in Cody at the Cody Country Art League andthe Wind River lnterpretive Plan meetings.

((Commissioner Bannon joined the meeting.))

Michelle Sullivan - Commissioner Sullivan indicated her summer consisted of trying to make aliving and managing three children but she was able to attend the Trail End 100th Anniversaryevent. The event was well attended and the staff did a great job. She has been working onknitting together the conversation around the historic, arts and cultural organizations in Sheridanand the region to see if there are any common opportunities to work on some projects together.The one idea that has been the most galvanizing is the idea of putting together a tour on the Appcalled 'oTravel Story", and she provided details on the project and there was a brief discussionamongst the group. Commissioner Sullivan has been busy working on a symposium she ishosting entitled Building Communities Where Children and Families Thrive: The Science ofEarly Childhood, which will be held the end of September at the Sheridan College.

Ron Lovercheck - Commissioner Lovercheck has had a lot of conflicts this summer but he wasable to attend the dedication of the statue at the Game and Fish building in Cheyenne. Thesculptor did a good job of capturing Wyoming in the statue.

Karen Haderlie - Commissioner Haderlie attended the Star Valley Arts Council Youth MusicalFestival in June, which was supported in part by the Wyoming Arts Council. On June 21,Commissioner Haderlie spent the day at Hot Springs State Park and was anazed at how busy thepark was. On August 10, she attended the celebration at South Pass City State Historic Site. Thesite looks wonderful and the staff s hard work is noticeable. She also attended the recentTRWCR meeting in Jackson.

Aaron Bannon - Commissioner Bannon missed the Bam Bam Slam at Sinks Canyon State Park,but it sounded like it was well attended. The recent fire at Sinks Canyon State Park wasmentioned, as was the recently released documentary Wind and Rattlesnakes which was fundedin part by a Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund Grant and is centered on the climbing culture in the

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Lander area. The Cowboy Tough Adventure Race was a huge success and staff from NOLSparticipated in the race. The Lander River Festival took place the end of July. CommissionerBannon attended the Boysen Master Plan meeting and the Wind River Interpretive Planmeetings, as well as the Carissa Mine opening at South Pass City State Historic Site. OnSeptember 28 atthe Jackson Lake Lodge, NOLS will be partnering with Outward Bound to hosta wildemess management conference and Commissioner Bannon will be extending an invitationto Todd Thibodeau to attend the conference. On a personal note, Commissioner Bannon and hiswife, Joy, welcomed a baby girl, Fiona Ehzabeth, earlier in August.

Dan Barks - President Barks has been attending mrmerous Concession Master Planmeetings/conference calls. He recently met with agency staff who were in Gillette for theKeyhole Reservoir Review. President Barks was recently in Idaho and he was amzved at theState Parks and how heavily orientated to big RVs the parks are in Idaho.

Dudley Gardner - Commissioner Gardner was in Mongolia in June on a project for Yale. Thethree major things he has worked on that are related to the agency this summer are the NationalRegister nomination for the Chinese Cemetery, the development of a plan for Fort Bonneville tocurb vandalism at the site and the Memorandum of Agreement with Fort Bridger so work cancontinue at the site.

Mary Hawkins - Commissioner Hawkins e-mailed the following report on September 8, 2013:May 14 - Attended the RMSPEC meeting.May 20 - I met with two homeschooled neighbors to mentor their leadership skills particularlyrelated to outdoor fitness, the arts, and learn about their agri-cultural acumen. These two multi-talented siblings are elegant ambassadors of Wyoming's Agri-culture as avid 4-H participants,and are gifted artists in various forms. Grace Anderson, age 13, is the 2011 winner of theWyoming Ag in the Classroom Bookmark Contest which featured her artistic interpretation ofWyoming's wind energy resources. Grace has previously participated in the Missoula Children'sTheater securing the lead role in The Secret Garden. She also recently completed her firstsummit climb of Devils Tower. Her younger sibling Faith, a third grader, is the 2013 BookmarkContest winner with her illustration of how farmers feed the world. (I have extra bookmarksfrom Faith to share with the commissioners).May 23 - I met with the Hulett High School aglshop teacher about the development of acommunity art project for a sculpture park with juried metal and/or wood creations by shop classstudents and community members. Other community mentors are also putting efforts toward aWAC grant to carry out this proposal.June 1 - Grand opening of the Vore Buffalo Jump "teepee" and visitor center in Crook County.June 1 - Old Stoney Crook County Cultural Center Auction in Sundance.June 12 - Telephone conference with Cynthia Otiso from OnCell who within 12 hours prepareda sample OnCell Digital Tour of Crook county cultural tourism highlights that was shared withthe subcommittee for their reviewJune 27 - Attended the dedication of the new outdoor sculpture "Ancient Icons of the Prairie" byGuadalupe Barajas at WG&F building in Cheyenne (Funded by the lo/o allocation of Art inPublic Buildings). A beautiful facility and stunning art piece! I was moved by the artist's story ofthe creative journey.July 31 - Attended the Grand Opening dedication of Curt Gowdy State Park visitor center. Hatsoff to ALL who played a role in bringing this Wyoming treasure to life! (Also, what a delight tomeet the artists responsible for putting the special finishing touches on this gorgeous facility.)

August 13 - A brief phone dialogue with Cynthia Otiso from OnCell Digital following up on thematerials she provided to the subcommittee. This experienced company's seryice has tremendousapplicability for park/historical sites, museums, including interactive programs, art events,independent artist marketing, opportunities for mobile giving options, and/orfundraising/contributions, etc., data collection via Google analytics, i.e., how many users visitdigitally and length of interaction, sources, surveys, etc. Great implications for our facilities withdiminished staff as a result of the recent budget cuts. Educational interfacing with schoolcurriculum is another target feature. Sponsorship and other creative funding mechanisms werealso discussed. Waiting for committee feedback on the package or where we are heading with theearlier proposed local digital resourcing/marketing efforts.

Department UpdateDirector Simpson provided updates/information on the following topics: the recent TRWCRmeeting and interim topics; the role of the Commission at legislative meetings and lobbyingrestrictions; the agency biennial and zerc based budget requests, as well as the exception requestsand Chapter 17 realignments; the gas tax spending authority, and upcomingevents/meetings/conferences. Director Simpson indicated this summer has been one of the mostconsequential since becoming Director - it has been a red letter summer!

Sara Needles briefed the Commission on the following: Centennial Farm and Ranch Awards;Archaeology Awareness Month Proclamation; Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition; thePreservation Conference; the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund Board meeting; the June 2014retirement of Wyoming State Archaeologist Dr. Mark Miller, and the full review of theWyoming Arts Council programs that will be done by herself and Director Simpson.

Cultural Trust Fund Board Member Recommendation - Ren6e Bovee provided information onthe Commission's responsibility for making a nomination to the Govemor for a replacement tothe Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund Board and the process that is used to come up with thenominees for the board. She explained that long term board member Dave Kathka has chosennot to seek reappointment to the board because he has relocated to Colorado. The proposedcandidates are:

Jeremy Johnston, CodyRichard L. Young, CasperCarolyn M. Bufi Casper

John D. Farr, EncampmentChloe F. Illoway, CheyenneRuth Lauritzen, Green River

David Cunningham, Meeteetse

There was a detailed discussion on the process, the make-up of the current board and thequalifications of the candidates. The group went through a nomination process and informalvoting to cull the list down to one candidate to nominate.

Commissioner Engebretsen nominated Chloe F. Illowayo Cheyenne. PresidentBarks seconded the nomination.

Commissioner Sullivan nominated Jeremy Johnston, Cody. President Barksseconded the nomination.

Commissioner Lovercheck nominated David Cunningham, Meeteetse.Commissioner Schmalz seconded the nomination.

Following a roll call voteo where each Commissioner could vote for one of thenominees, David Cunningham, Meeteetse, becam'e the SPCR Commission nomineeto the Cultural Trust Fund Board.

Museum Update - Helen B Louise provided information on the new Curator of Education,Nathan Doerr; 2nd floor exhibit updates; David Newell's resignation; a recent donation ofmedical tools from the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center; the fossil teaching collection; theprocess and phases Design Mind Consultants will use in developing a master interpretive planfor the Museum, and the steps that are being taken to create a 501c3 Museum Foundation.

Accession/Deaccession Report - President Barks asked for the Commission's pleasure regardingthe Accession/Deaccession Report.

Commissioner Haderlie moved to recommend approval of the quarterlyAceession/I)eaccession Report as submitted. Commissioner Sullivanseconded the motion. Following a brief discussiono the motion passedunanimously.

State Historic Preservation Office - Mary Hopkins updated the group on the Wind RiverInterpretive Plan and expressed her thanks to those Commissioners who have attended the publicmeetings. Ms. Hopkins advised there has been a lot of discussion on the plan and she talkedabout the background on how the plan came about; the funding sources; the difficult stories andinterpersonal relationships between the tribes; the meeting at the Wind River Indian Reservation;rhe 90Yo plan, and the individual meetings with members of the tribes to try to iron outdifferences that will be held. Director Simpson provided his thoughts on the plan and discussionensued.

Wyoming Arts Council - Rita Basom provided information on the Piatigorsky Fall Tour; thenew Poet Laureate, Echo Klaproth; the upcoming Wyoming Arts Conference and the NationalAssembly of State Arts Agencies Leadership Institute. Director Simpson advised the WyomingArts Council Endowment Fund portion of the Wyoming Arts Council statute is out of date andno longer needed and is being proposed for repeal during the upcoming legislative session. Oncethe legislation is repealed, the agency will go through the process to repeal the rules connected tothe legislation.

Wyoming Archives - Mike Strom briefed the group on the digital records contract, and changesto HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) that will impact the Archives, as

well as several other state agencies.

Service Awards were presented to Stacy Sprengeler (20 years) and Bill Westerfield (30 years).

Division of State Parks. Historic Sites and TrialsDomenic Bravo briefed the group on the synergy between his division and the CulturalResources Division; kudos to staff, and the upcoming State of State Parks webinar. Mr. Bravo

showed a slideshow highlighting many of the events that have taken place this year and duringthe presentation he promised to send the link to the video of the Carissa Mine machinery to theCommissioners.

Field Operations - Bill Westerfield updated the Commissioh on the Sinks Canyon fire; GuemseyReservoir water levels; Medicine Lodge flash flood; Buffalo Bill State Park seasonal rangervehicle accident; budgets; Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site dedication; Trail End 100thAnniversary Celebration; Curt Gowdy Visitor Center, and the Judiciary and TRWCR legislativecommittee hearings.

South Pass City State Historic Site Deaccession Request - Joe Ellis explained the South PassCity deaccession request and advised the items on the list are either duplicates or items that aredamaged or deteriorated and no longer needed.

Commissioner Lovercheck moved to recommend approval of the South PassCity State Historic Site deaccession request. Commissioner Haderlieseconded the motion. Following a brief discussion, a roll call vote was heldand the motion passed unanimously.

Field Support * Darin Westby provided updates on the Curt Gowdy Visitor Center; theConcession Master Plan; the Concession Rules; the fee program; the Boysen Master Plan;interpretive projects; RTP grant recipient training; GIS development of the snow program maps;the non-motorizedtrail program for Curt Gowdy and Glendo trails; the site criteria process forthe Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility and the houses by the Historic Governors' Mansion, andwork at Fort Bonneville.

Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Reclamation - Director Simpson explainedthe memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) expires in2017. Mr. Westerfield provided background information on the MOU and advised there is apossibility of two separate MOUs being done with the BOR - one with the Wyoming AreaOffrce and the other with the South Dakota Area Office. There was further discussion on therenewal of the MOU with the BOR.

((Mary Hawkins joined the meeting.))

Hot Springs State Park - Director Simpson explained a recent letter that was received throughthe Govemor's office from the Hot Springs County Commissioners regarding the health of therainbow terraces at Hot Spring State Park. Director Simpson, Mr. Bravo and Mr. Westbyprovided background information on the terraces, the water plans and studies, operational issues,changes to the walkway, the heat exchanger, and that the next step is to meet with the countycommissioners to discuss their concerns in person. A brief discussion ensued.

TePee Pools Master Plan - Director Simpson provided information on a recent meeting withAttomey General Greg Phillips and the result of the meeting was the need to ask the TRWCRCommittee Chairs and the SPCR Commission their opinion on what course of action should betaken on the master plan. Director Simpson gave background information the master planprocess and the documents that have been received to date, and the issues with the draft masterplan document. The agency liked the document and felt it would fulfill the terms of the lease,but it was filled with caveats and ways out. The agency sent the document back to the

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concessionaire asking that the caveats be removed, but the last document that was submitted wasa step back backwards with even more caveats. What the agency would like.to do, and both ofthe TRWCR Chairs agree, is to go back and require that the June 14, 2013, version of the masterplan have the caveats removed and this be the version the concessionaire agrees to. We wouldgive them a chance to respond and if they agree to remove the caveats we will be in business andhave an approved master plan. If the caveats are not removed, the negotiation stops and the nextseries of steps are looked at. Following a lengthy discussion, and a poll of each Commissioner, itwas unanimously agreed the Commission would support the agency in requiring the caveats beremoved from the June 14, 2013, version of the master plan.

Other BusinessFuture Meetings - The next meeting will held on October 15,20t3, at the Snow King Hotel inJackson. The meeting is being held in conjunction with the Wyoming Arts Conference. DirectorSimpson encouraged Commissioners to attend as much of the conference as their schedule willallow. The room block for the Snow King Resort expires on September 10. Lisa Koenig willsend information on registering for the conference.

The first meeting of 2014 will be held in Cheyenne on February 27-28,2014, and will be inconjunction with the Govemor's Arts Awards.

Public CommentThere was no public comment.

Adiournment

Commissioner Hawkins moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Bannonseconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting wasadjourned at 5:05 p.m.

,-\.i 3.t 72.(' '-*n - l::.L*'

Dan Barks, President

ACTION ITEMS

Lisa Koenig will send information to the Commissioners on how to register for theWyoming Arts Conference.

Domenic Bravo will send the link to the video on the Carissa Mine machinery to theCommissioners.