TIPS Bi – Weekly Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2005
Tele – conference Call
The meeting convened at 9:30am central time. Agenda items were identified by e-mail from Bill Clark prior to the meeting. Greg Morlock recorded the notes.
Participants:Topic: Update State/Tribe/OSM Hardware Needs
Discussion: Morlock discussed the spreadsheet of new hardware and software needs compiled from service managers. Many SMs missed deadline to get information Morlock. Clark told us that there is a high probability that TIPS will receive some money for these purchases by the end of July and a high probability that we will receive more in the February to March timeframe.
Action Items: SMs to get lists to Morlock by COB Monday, July 11. A future meeting will be convened to do final prioritization of items.
Topic: Computer Refresh
Discussion: Clark reported that Pittsburgh training center refresh and two computers for Alton training center were approved and should be to the procurement shop soon.
Topic: FTP replacement--SharePoint external site status
Discussion: McNish reported that testing is on-going with internal and external users. There have been some problems with some file extensions being blocked. There are workarounds but the blocking may be removed. Dunn will test transfer of large files.
Action Items: Others wishing to participate in the pilot should contact McNish.
Topic: TIPS CPIC process-status report
Discussion: Clark reported that TIPS received a 40 out of 50 internal score – that’s good. Kudos were given for all the hard work on this process.
Topic: ESRI Conference
Discussion: Wilhelm gave a rundown on the two meetings and dinner planned at the ESRI conference in July.
Topic: Training Program
Discussion: Welsh again requests that software managers schedule their times and locations ASAP – first come first served. Clark informed us that as part of the new Division in Denver, we will be advertising a GS-11/12/13 training coordinator to work full-time for TIPS in coordinating all training. Welsh will help the transition for this person and will then concentrate on mobile computing. Pierson will be gone August 3. After that time, all training administration questions should be sent to Welsh. Meier requested a link from the main TIPS web site to training evaluations.
Action Items: Eskova will check into the link. Software manages need to get their schedules to Welsh.
Topic: Software Upgrades and Distribution Schedule
Discussion: Software distribution is done. Greene will send cases requested.
Topic: PA-Wilkes University Project-Status Report
Discussion: Uranowski reported that since it has been a long time getting this project started that she suggested to Wilkes that they reevaluate the site selection. They are considering the request.
Topic: National Surface Mining Geospatial Committee (NSMGC) formation
Discussion: Card reported that NSMGC held their kick-off teleconference. The team has another teleconference scheduled in August with a face-to-face meeting in Denver on September 13-14. The face-to-face meeting will attempt to finalize a charter and decide how they operate. Clark reported that a briefing paper has been prepared about the formation if this team (previously approved by the Director). The paper will be sent to the Regional Directors and the Assistant Director of Programs.
Topic: TIPS Web Team-status
Discussion: Greene reported that work continues.
Action: Get content and photos to Greene. Non-functional URLs need to be removed from the web site – get list to Greene.
Topic: PA requests a GIS applications workshop
Discussion: Uranowski reports that there is little information available
Action: Uranowski will get more information from PA.
Topic: Team Member Reports
Discussion: Dunn reported that he has encountered a problem installing AutoDesk Map where the second disk can’t be read. He has found a work-around and will work with Garnett to post the solution on the TIPS FAQs. Dunn also found a problem applying service packs to server distribution points for AutoDesk Map – he has not found a satisfactory solution.
Knoxville reports that they have a summer intern, Derek Smith, working with them on GIS work. They also report that they need to get copies of ArcPad and training for ArcPad – they will work with Hamm.
Greene reported that there will be training for Geochemist’s Workbench the last week of September in Denver.
Welsh reported that John Riley, the TIPS contact and Steering Committee member from Colorado, is retiring. He will be replaced in his TIPS capacities by Dave Barry.
Benavides reminded us that the WAN is in flux. If problems are noticed with license servers, web sites, etc., please notify him or Bill Kannawin ASAP.
Osborne reported that she is nearing completion of umbrella memorandums of agreement with USDA and the USGS. We will be able to obtain raster data at a reasonable price through these vehicles.