Communications Committee: Meetings & Calls

Committee Conference Call Minutes
May 17, 2000

PRESENT:

Ruth McCormick, Al Zemsky, Barry Aarons, Charles Malarky for Pat Port, Cyra Cain, Dan Clark, Karen Deike, Pat Murdo, Jan Miller.

OUTREACH FOR THE ANNEX:

There will be public meetings in Utah, Wyoming and possibly Oregon, as well as a tribal meeting. Pat Murdo has spoken with her state liaison in Idaho and he is enthusiastic about working on outreach. She is also contacting Dwayne Arino and Ellen Porter to ensure they can work on a meeting in Oregon, and she can help if necessary. Dan Clark says the Wyoming meeting will be on June 29 in Casper. Al noted that Kathy Augustine is working with the Nevada governor but they are unlikely to want a meeting. Al also noted that California wants to downplay this issue but he is working on getting a mailing list. Barry reported that Arizona does not intend to hold a public meeting but is continuing with meetings for stakeholder groups; he is working with them regarding mailing lists. Jan reported that Utah does not have a meeting date yet but will shortly. Regarding the tribal meeting, latest word is that it may be in Las Vegas, and Bill Grantham is working on it. Pat Port and Charley Malarkey may be able to help.

Ruth has not been able to get hold of Jim Boyd, co-chair of the Public Advisory Board, but has spoken with Sam DeLoria, co-chair, and has contacted Barbara Roberts, a PAB member at EPA. Jan will draft a letter for Dianne Nielson's signature regarding the PAB's role in the June meetings.

Ruth reviewed work so far on a congressional briefing; she has spoken with key staff in the house and Senate. After extended discussion, Ruth and Barry agreed to talk separately about getting the next steps.

There was extended discussion of getting all appropriate documents posted on the Web site with appropriate introductory material in order to open the comment period. We also need arrangements so that parties can send comments directly to the Web site. Karen Deike is leading on this within WGA, with help from Cyra. Karen and Jan and will work on being sure the documents are correct.

POSTING REPORTS TO WRAP:

Cyra has collected about half the reports given at last week's WRAP meeting for posting on the web site, and is working on the rest.

NEXT MEETING:

Conference calls at 9:30 am MDT on Wednesday, May 24, and Tuesday, May 30.