Channel Island Regional GIS Collaborative
(CIRGIS) Meeting

Minutes, December 12, 2001

CIRGIS general meeting. Ben Walterberger chaired the meeting and, via roll call of members with Memorandum of Agreements, determined a quorum was present.

California Executive GIS Council Update

Ben reported that last meeting of the Cal Executive GIS Council focused 90% on homeland security. The movement to "classify" data in the name of security may be contrary to CIRGIS goals, a worry that is shared by the chair of the Executive Council. Concern is that the classification of data could hinder efforts to collaboratively share data for the public good, including security itself.

The agenda and minutes of Executive Council meetings can be found at http://www.gis.ca.gov .

The California Executive GIS Council is soliciting input from stakeholders to assist in formulating a recommendation for the initial formation of regional operational areas for the Council. CIRGIS members discussed the Council's recommendation that regions must reflect existing local pattern of participation, relationships and collaboration. Some concern was expressed that SCAG would represent the region, effectively disenfranchising the South Coast amidst larger demographic of Southern California. Alternative is for CIRGIS to consult with SCAG and formulate our own presence as a Coastal Region encompassing Ventura, SB, And SLO.

A motion was passed to draft a letter to Rob Ball, cc Gary Darling, communicating CIRGIS position on Regional Councils. Other regional groups and individual agencies were urged to do same.

The GIS Conference March 6-8 will be the site of the next Cal California Executive GIS Council Meeting. CIRGIS members are urged to attend and be heard.

CERES

Mary of Central Coast Join Data Committee was a guest at the meeting. She expressed concern about CERES not being well-maintained. She suggested, and it was moved and passed, that CIRGIS prepare a positive letter, in tandem with CCJDC, to the Cal Resources Agency in support of the investment necessary to maintain CERES as a valuable resource.

County of Ventura GIS Status

Dawn Robbins reported that many of VC's plans and actions cvould be relevant to, or affect, CIRGIS' regional efforts. She reported that VDS has dramitically reduced the cost of their data sets. It was suggested that CIRGIS secure an MOA with Ventura County. Dawn said she could take draft of MOU and present to County of Ventura.

CIRGIS Status

Discussion was held on the possibility of organizing a workshop on Emergency Services. USGS would be invited to present their seismic work as a model for statewide emergency services. One scenario discussed was a 4-hour Workshop, followed bv a CIRGIS meeting, possibly in Santa Barbara. The goal would be to educate OES personnel about the existence of CIRGIS' roster of professionals, potential contributors in support of emergency management goals.

Discussion was held about CIRGIS web site. A priority is to post CIRGIS member contact info on web site.

NEXT MEETING

Next meeting is scheduled to be a "strategic action" meeting, Jan 16, 1-4 pm, with a focus on issues, planning and action at VC Science Rm 333.

Next general meeting scheduled for March 14, a general meeting for the election of officers, possibly offering educational Workshop, proposed tentatively for 9-3 pm in Santa Barbara.