Legislature(2003 - 2004)
02/12/2004 09:05 AM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
February 12, 2004
9:05 AM
TAPES
SFC-04 # 9, Side A
SFC 04 # 9, Side B
SFC 04 # 10, Side A
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Lyda Green convened the meeting at approximately 9:05 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Con Bunde, Vice Chair
Senator Fred Dyson
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Also Attending: SCOTT NORDSTRAND, Deputy Attorney General, Civil
Division, Department of Law; EDGAR BLATCHFORD, Commissioner,
Department of Community and Economic Development; JERRY BURNETT,
Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of
Corrections; JANET CLARKE, Director, Division of Administrative
Services, Department of Health and Social Services; TOM BOUTIN,
Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner, Department of
Revenue; SUSAN TAYLOR, Director, Administrative Services Division,
Department of Revenue; WILLIAM TANDESKE, Commissioner, Department
of Public Safety; GARY POWELL, Director State Fire Marshal, Central
Office, Division of Fire Prevention, Department of Public Safety;
KURT FREDRIKSSON, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Environmental
Conservation; KEVIN JARDELL, Assistant Commissioner, Department of
Administration; ERIC SWANSON, Director, Division of Administrative
Services, Department of Administration; JOHN CRAMER, Director,
Administrative Services Division, Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs; CRAIG CHRISTENSEN, BG, Assistant Adjutant
General, Army Director, Alaska Army National Guard, Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs;
Attending via Teleconference: There were no teleconference
participants.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
Department FY 04 Status Reports
The Committee heard updates of implemented changes and improvements
to achieve efficiencies and better service from the State agencies.
Co-Chair Green emphasized that the proposed FY05 budget would not
be discussed at this hearing.
Department of Law
SCOTT NORDSTRAND, Deputy Attorney General, Civil Division,
Department of Law, indicated an audit by the Conference of Western
Attorney Generals was conducted [copy on file] and informed that
many of the suggestions have already been implanted or are being
considered. He was encouraged that outside evaluators came to
recommend changes.
Mr. Nordstrand continued that the Department is limiting the
purchase of law books. He estimated that the Department has spent
approximately $150,000 to $200,000 annually on law books despite
their availability through West Law, a subscription service. The
Department is eliminating the purchase of certain unnecessary
books, and is renegotiating the West Law contract to increase
services and establish a standard rate.
Mr. Nordstrand stated that the Department intends that lawyers in
the Civil Division of the Department share work products with one
another so as to increase efficiency. Past attempts to share work
products had been unsuccessful. The Department is currently working
with West Publishing to implement West Knowledge Management, a
system that would allow the Department to electronically store
legal briefs, opinion letters and other important documents. These
documents would then be accessible to Department employees through
West Law. A portion of the funding saved by eliminating the
purchase of certain law books is being applied towards this
project.
Mr. Nordstrand continued that the administration portion of the
Department has reduced lease space. In addition, the Department has
reduced dues and subscriptions to organizations and publications.
Mr. Nordstrand stated that the Department is also transferring a
portion of juvenile delinquency work from the Civil Division to the
Criminal Division at the recommendation of the audit. Currently,
the Civil Division has offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and
Bethel. The Civil Division handles juvenile delinquency work in
these areas, and in some outlying areas. The District Attorney's
offices handle juvenile delinquency work in the other areas of the
State. The evaluators and the Department agree that this split of
duties is inefficient. In March the juvenile delinquency work that
the Civil Division now assumes would be transferred to the Criminal
Division. This change should produce a more coherent approach to
juvenile delinquency and more consistent outcomes.
Mr. Nordstrand continued that when he joined the Civil Division
approximately 23 supervisors oversaw the work of approximately 130
lawyers. There was a supervisor position for each subject matter
section in every town where that section operated. At the
recommendation of the audit, the Department has decided to
consolidate the supervisory structure by creating statewide
supervisors. There are now nine statewide supervisors who each
oversee a subject matter section.
Mr. Nordstrand informed that the Department has modified and
expanded its settlement policy for the Civil Division. The previous
settlement policy was largely based on the amount of the claim
being considered. The new policy would diverge from that method to
more fairly address all of the cases and hearings that the
settlement policy is applied to.
Mr. Nordstrand specified that the Department is reevaluating the
use of outside counsel. The Department is not opposed to using
outside counsel in situations where the expertise of the Department
is insufficient. However, in some instances outside counsel is
being used simply because it has been used in the past. A closer
consideration of the use of outside counsel must be undertaken to
determine if the Department is capable of the task. The cost of
obtaining outside counsel could be $200 to $300 per hour. The
Department might be able to hire another attorney to do some or
part of the work at a lesser cost.
Senator Hoffman referenced the audit report that Mr. Nordstrand had
provided, and asked Mr. Nordstrand to outline the recommendations
regarding the Department's interactions with the legislature.
Mr. Nordstrand responded that the auditors suggested the Department
should give their legislative liaison greater "empowerment" to
directly deal with the legislature. He asserted that the Department
has achieved that recommendation. The current liaison, Dave
Marquez, is a very active liaison that is in constant communication
with the attorney general. Mr. Nordstrand reminded that these
recommendations were based on an audit that was conducted in
February 2003, only a few months after the current gubernatorial
administration was in office. The Department has been communicating
with the legislative leadership.
Mr. Nordstrand addressed the recommendation regarding the
inadequacy of funding and budget flexibility. The Department's
proposed FY 05 budget requests more attorneys based on stated
needs, primarily in criminal prosecution and child protection. He
explained that approximately two-thirds of the Civil Division
budget is garnered from contracts with other departments. In
drafting the budget proposal, the Department must fund each
position. For example, the employment of a transportation attorney
could be dependent on a reimbursable services agreement (RSA) with
the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. However, if
the Department decides to have this attorney temporarily work on
another case funded by the general fund, the Department of Law
could not bill the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities for the attorney's wages. In addition, the hours this
attorney spends on the other project must be assigned for billing
purposes, and the funding comes from the general fund. Therefore,
the Department "looses twice." This process does not allow the
attorney general the flexibility to move resources as needed.
Senator Hoffman asked if these were the reasons the Department is
attempting to minimize outside counsel.
Mr. Nordstrand replied that the two issues are unrelated because
the outside counsel is typically funded through reimbursable
services agreements, though outside counsel used for oil and gas
issues are funded by the general fund. In the Labor and State
Affairs Section of the Department of Law three or four attorney
positions are funded from the general fund. These positions field
the miscellaneous work that comes into the Civil Division. At times
the attorneys are all obligated to RSA work and staff is not
available to handle the miscellaneous work.
Senator Dyson appreciated the Department's efforts to strengthen
its legislative liaison position. He asked if the Department has a
"gag rule", prohibiting employees from talking to legislatures.
Mr. Nordstrand answered that the Department does not have such a
rule.
Senator Dyson questioned whether a Department of Law employee must
report inquiries they receive from legislators.
Mr. Nordstrand responded that the Department requests that
employees who are questioned by legislators report the subject
matter and concern to the legislative liaison. This request is not
designed as a means of control, but rather as a means for the
Department to better support the legislature. The Civil Division
has been striving to provide assistance, and not just criticism, to
the legislature. The Division has tried to offer constructive
criticism and suggestions to better legislation, or at least to
warn legislatures of the "pitfalls" of certain legislation and
offer solutions.
Senator Dyson commented that he has benefited from the suggestions
of the Department of Law. He asked if the Department would approve
of one of its employees discussing issues with a legislator while
not at work.
Mr. Nordstrand answered that yes, it would be acceptable because
"this is America".
Senator Hoffman questioned whether a Department employee discussing
issues with a legislator is required to report the discussion to
the legislative liaison.
Mr. Nordstrand answered, no. If an employee is working on a project
for the Department they are asked to keep the legislative liaison
informed of the concerns of the legislators.
Department of Community and Economic Development
EDGAR BLATCHFORD, Commissioner, Department of Community and
Economic Development, explained that he would be presenting the
Department's status report for the FY 04 budget. He continued to
testify as follows.
The Department's total operating budget for FY 04 is
$114,252,000. Major funding sources: unrestricted general fund
revenue, Madame Chair, is $10.5 million or nine-percent of
DCED's FY 04 total funds. The total budget for the Department
is 0.5-percent of the statewide unrestricted general funds.
Federal funds account for $25,740,000, or 22-percent of the
total operating budget. Receipt supported services include the
Community Development Quota program, the Division's of
Insurance, Occupational Licensing, and Banking, Securities,
and Corporations, [and] the Alaska Seafood Marketing
Institute, and RCA funds total $26.5 million or 23-percent of
the total Department budget. In terms of expenditures, Madame
Chair, grants issued account for $38,243,000 or 34-percent of
the total Department budget. Funding sources for grants
include unrestricted general funds, federal funds, power cost
equalization, inter-agency receipts and other funds.
As to the question of reductions, there are 503 full-time
positions and four part-time positions. There has been a net-
reduction of two full-time positions and two part-time
positions from FY 03. The FY 04 DCED operating budget is a net
decrease from the FY 04 management plan of $40,570,000 with
the elimination of the revenue sharing, safe communities, and
Alaska Science and Technology Foundation programs. General
fund reductions totaled $30 million. The highlights for FY 04,
Madame Chair, [are the following]. New this year with the
passage of house bill 162 last session, business license fees
were increased from $25 to $200 per year. To date, this fiscal
year business license revenues have exceeded by $4.4 million,
more than twice the FY 04 amount appropriated by the
legislature, occupational licensing [revenues have exceeded]
for a total of $755,000, [and] trade and development [revenues
have exceeded] at $1.4 million. The Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) annual dividend for
FY 04, Madame Chair, is $18.1 million. The commercial
fisheries revolving loan fund is paying for $800,000 for the
Department of Fish and Games' subsistence division. The food
and safety and sanitation program in DEC (Department of
Environmental Conservation) to the tune of $177,000, and the
Division of Investments and Community Advocacy received $3.1
million. In FY 03 we had $36.6 million in revenues from
various fees. Taxes based on DCED programs paid to the
Department of Revenue were $41.5 million.
As for organizational changes, Madame Chair and members of the
Committee, budget changes [include] the Alaska State Community
Service Commission was transferred into Department of
Community and Economic Development beginning this fiscal year.
The [Alaska State] Community Service Commission fosters,
supports and promotes the ethics of service and volunteer
activities and to engage Alaskans of all ages and backgrounds
in tangible, results-oriented community projects. Since 1994
the [Alaska State] Community Service Commission has been
increasing volunteer activities and community services in
Alaska. One of the Commission's primary functions is to
oversee grants provided to local non-profit and community
based organizations to run national service programs like
Americorps and learn and serve America. For an investment of
$65,000 in general funds the federal government paid to the
Department $2.8 million.
Post-budget adjustments. The Office of Economic Development
was established in January of this year to facilitate economic
development and employment opportunities in Alaska. The
primary function of the Office of Economic Development was to
implement the governor's access to the future initiative. In
addition, the Office of Economic Development offers
specialized assistance in tourism, fisheries and minerals
economic activities support services. Types of assistance
include local possible sources of financing, business
planning, and provision of business and community data.
Additionally, the Office of Economic Development manages the
State's tourism marketing contract; international trade
services are carried out by the governor's office. The
community development quota program, or the CDQ program, has
had enormous success and rapid growth. The program fosters
fisheries related economic development in western Alaska. The
administrative demands of the program have become fiscally
complex to the extent that the highly specialized financial
analytical skills of the professional staff in the Division of
Banking, Securities, and Corporations are needed for the
effective oversight of the CDQ program. Consequently, the CDQ
program has been transferred from the Division of Community
Advocacy to the Division of Banking, Securities, and
Corporations.
We have a new initiative, Madame Chair and members of the
Committee that is the governor's [Alaska] Fisheries
Revitalization Strategy. The fisheries development program
within the Office of Economic Development serves as staff to
the governor's fish cabinet, and administers the seven million
dollars in aid to [the] impacted communities program, the $13
million in Fisheries Economic Development Grant program, the
$13 million for the Alaska Salmon Marketing Grant program, and
we look at quality and transportation improvements for the
salmon industry. Madame Chair, members of the Committee that
concludes my brief overview of the Department's activities of
the year.
Senator Bunde asked if the $13 million Salmon Marketing Grant
program was related to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
(ASMI).
Mr. Blatchford replied that the $13 million allocated to the Salmon
Marketing Grant program is federal funding.
Senator Bunde asked if the funding is used for most salmon or for
activities "on the ground".
Mr. Blatchford answered that the funding would be used to promote
the marketing of salmon products in Alaska.
Department of Corrections
JERRY BURNETT, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Corrections, explained that this year the Department
has begun a number of initiatives, and has "a number of good things
to report." The new gubernatorial administration focused on
staffing the correctional facilities with more correctional
officers. As of this week, there are 13 more correctional officers
working in the facilities than at this time last year. The
Department eliminated some deputy director positions, assistant
superintendent positions and middle management positions to fund
the additional correctional officer positions.
Mr. Burnett continued that late last year an audit of the
Department's rural hiring practices was completed. This audit
pointed out that over the last ten years, only one of 35 hires at
the Anvil Mountain Correctional Center was a local resident. The
other hires were transferred to the area. The last two correctional
officers hired to work at the Anvil Mountain Correctional Center
are local residents. The Department is concentrating advertising
and community outreach in that area to recruit rural residents to
work for the Department. These recruitment attempts are a change
from past methods used by the Department.
Mr. Burnett stated that the Department has become more efficient in
arranging transportation between the correctional facilities.
Ground transportation is being used between Anchorage, Mat-Su and
Fairbanks, allowing the Department to save considerable
transportation funds. The Department is also using Department of
Public Safety transportation to transfer inmates.
Mr. Burnett informed that in January 2004 the Department opened the
medical segregation unit at the Anchorage Correctional Complex,
which allows the Department to hold inmates who had been receiving
care at the Alaska Regional Hospital. The opening of this unit
should save the Department several hundred thousand dollars each
year. Last week three inmates were in the medical segregation unit.
Mr. Burnett detailed that last year the legislature passed
legislation that allows certain inmates to be released on special
medical parole. The Department estimated that three inmates would
be released on special medical parole annually, which would create
savings of approximately $500,000. Only one inmate has been
released under the special medical parole. Mr. Burnett emphasized
the savings that this legislation has produced by pointing out that
this individual's medical bills cost the Department approximately
$200,000 over a two-month period. The Department would identify
additional inmates that could be released on the special medical
parole.
Mr. Burnett explained that this year the Department has hired
additional training officers at the academy in an attempt to "beef
up" the training programs and increase the focus on officer safety
and moral. The Department has also invested in field equipment for
the correctional officers. The Department has begun a certification
project with the National Institute of Ethics and would be the
first correctional department in the nation to receive this
certification. Numerous police forces are involved with this
Institute.
Mr. Burnett continued that last year the legislature passed a bill
that allows the Alaska correctional industries to become self-
sufficient by paying employee salaries with their product cost
revenues. The Department is working on establishing that self-
sufficiency by developing new revenue sources. In addition, the
Department no longer operates the Mount McKinley meat plant.
Mr. Burnett informed that the Department is opening a "faith pod"
in cooperation with local churches and non-profit groups at the
Palmer Correctional Center. Three inmates would live in this
"transformational living community" for 12 to 18 months where their
personal growth will be focused upon. The Palmer Correctional
Center's "faith pod" would be privately funded. The faith pod in
the Arizona correctional facility has been very successful in
managing inmate behavior.
Mr. Burnett explained that the Department recently entered a
memorandum of understanding with the Southcentral Foundation, a
Native non-profit organization in Anchorage, which received a
federal grant. This Foundation provides intake assessment, program
recommendations in the correctional facilities and referral into
treatment programs upon release. The Foundation would institute the
Wellness Warriors program statewide among the Native community. The
Foundation would provide at least one, and potentially two
professional-level counselors within the facilities at their
expense, and would also transition inmates into the appropriate
programs upon release. This program is another example of the
Department's partnership with community groups and organizations to
provide services at no cost to the State.
Mr. Burnett stated that the Department has eliminated one treatment
program within the sexual offender program, and has transferred
this program to a risk assessment program, which should increase
public safety. Under the risk assessment program the risk of
inmates is evaluated before and upon release. These assessments
enable the probation officers and the community treatment teams to
better predict the relapse of an offender.
Senator Bunde commented that an individual who qualified for the
special medical parole would probably receive Medicaid healthcare
coverage in which case the savings to the State would be
insignificant.
Senator Bunde relayed discussion about "creative transfers" such as
senior correctional officers transferring to positions in rural
Alaska to increase their income before retirement. These senior
officers likely fill many of the positions in rural Alaska that the
Department desires local residents to fill. He asked for more
information about the Department's attempts to increase local
recruitment.
Mr. Burnett responded that the past correctional officer contract
required a supervisor to first review the transfer list, and hire
an individual requesting to be transferred to that area from within
the Department before recruiting outside the Department for that
position. The majority of the employees who desire to transfer are
employees who were hired before 1986 who are in the Tier I State
retirement system. These employees are becoming fewer and fewer. He
agreed with Senator Bunde's comment regarding senior correctional
officers.
Senator Bunde clarified that such creative transfers occur in many
State agencies.
Co-Chair Green added that the Departments could not control these
transfers because they are a function of labor contracts.
Mr. Burnett commented that these transfers are also a function of
the retirement system.
Senator Dyson stated his interest in the prison industry. He
requested a Department briefing in the future. He continued that
the Department of Corrections has one of the best records in the
nation in terms of inmate on inmate assaults and rape, and staff on
inmate assaults as well.
Mr. Burnett confirmed.
Senator Dyson asked how legislators, other State agencies or the
public would know if the Department's good record was a façade, and
the Department was actually "covering up" incriminating
information.
Co-Chair Green requested that this conversation be postponed.
Senator Hoffman referenced the overcrowding of the Yukon-Kuskokwim
Correctional Center and asked the level of the overcrowding, and
whether the overcrowding has decreased in the past year. He also
asked what improvements had been made on the facility this year.
Mr. Burnett replied that he does not have the information needed to
answer that question. He stated that he does not believe that
overcrowding has been reduced this year, and that at certain times
the facility has been "significantly" over capacity.
Co-Chair Green suggested that Mr. Burnett could present the
requested information to the Department of Corrections Senate
Finance Subcommittee.
Senator Hoffman restated his question.
Mr. Burnett responded that he did not bring any information
regarding recent improvements to that facility.
Department of Health and Social Services
JANET CLARKE, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Health and Social Services, stated that the
Department's major accomplishment in FY 04 is the implementation of
Executive Order #108, which provided for the first major
restructuring of the Department in 20 years. Several new programs
have been added, and these programs are serving over 800
individuals. The reorganization divided the Medicaid program into
four distinct units to connect the program management to the
Medicaid management. This reorganization would provide more
accountability in the budget and more comprehensive program
management. The Department also merged the Division of Alcoholism
and a portion of the Division of Mental Health and Developmental
Disabilities. Senior services from the Department of Administration
has been merged into a new Division of Senior and Disabilities
Services. The childcare program has been transferred from the
Department of Education and Early Development to the Division of
Public Assistance within the Department of Health and Social
Services. The Department established the Office of Children's
Services from the Division of Family and Youth Services and added
some additional children's services. The management of the
Pioneers' Homes has also been transferred to the Department.
Ms. Clarke continued that the Department has begun the
implementation of the Medicaid-related statutory changes the
legislature passed the previous year, which allow for cost
containment of the Medicaid program. The Department has also
heavily invested in other areas of Medicaid cost containment and
federal financing of the Medicaid program. These investments have
included working with many Native health corporations, particularly
the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation.
Ms. Clarke highlighted that the Department obtained the necessary
federal approval to implement the Office of Children's Services
program improvement plan. The federal government has assessed
nearly every state's child protection system, including that of the
State of Alaska. The Department has submitted a program improvement
plan to the federal government in response to this assessment. The
Department has worked with the federal Veteran's Administration to
initiate efforts to establish a State veteran's home. The Senior
Assistance program was developed and implemented to provide cash
assistance to all low-income seniors. The Department also
cooperated with the lieutenant governor's faith-based and community
initiatives task force to provide support for that effort. In
addition, the Department has implemented a new system to improve
the results and efficiencies of the juvenile justice program and
reduce the juvenile detention counts so as to focus more services
on the community.
Ms. Clarke informed that the Department has achieved compliance
with the federal SYNAR requirements, relating to the illegal sales
of tobacco to youth. Over the past eight years, the State's illegal
sales to youth had been approximately 30 percent, and this year the
percentage was reduced to 10 percent. The Department also "met and
exceeded" all federally mandated work participation rates for the
temporary assistance program. The Department has invested in
efforts to reduce fraud in Medicaid and public assistance.
Ms. Clarke communicated that the Department has completed a review
of the grants and contracts functions, and has implemented a
consolidation to improve the efficiency and service. The grants and
contracts are currently managed independently through each division
of the Department.
SFC 04 # 9, Side B 09:52 AM
Ms. Clarke continued that because each division administers grants,
certain grant recipients have been receiving multiple grants. For
example, the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation had received 22
different grants from the Department. In response to this
inefficiency, the administration involved with grants would be
consolidated, and a new, web-based, automated grant system would be
implemented so that grantees can use automation to apply for
grants.
Ms. Clarke stated that the Department has completed an information
technology plan to improve its use of technology. An extensive
review of the Department's IT resources including staff, hardware,
and software has been conducted. The Department is also planning an
integration of information technology services to increase
efficiency. The information technology process has been very
"illuminating". Improvements could be made in this area to increase
control and efficiency and reduce costs.
Ms. Clarke informed that the Department is conducting system
development for child protection. Within the next year the
Department would have a new child protection information system
called Orca. The legislature has been very supportive of this
system.
Ms. Clarke stated that the Department has signed a new development
contract for the Medicaid management and information system. The
new system would be implemented over a two-year period. A new,
primarily federally funded, integrated behavioral health management
information system is also being developed.
Ms. Clarke explained that the Department has worked "extensively"
to manage the Department budget without a general fund supplemental
budget request. The supplemental budget request does contain a
series of "delete/add" and "net zero" supplemental budget requests.
This is the first time that the Department has produced a net zero
supplemental budget. This supplemental budget request was produced
through a high scrutiny of all budget areas, the implementation of
belt tightening measures, and federal refinancing. In addition, the
Department has been able to increase its level of pro-share
refinancing which made certain funds available for reappropriation.
Co-Chair Green stated that in the past the supplemental budget
requests have become difficult to accommodate. She asked for more
information on the Orca program.
Senator Dyson pointed out that the legislature has attempted to
reduce the number of children who have been in State custody beyond
the 12 to 18 month period established through federal guidelines.
"Special efforts" have been made to eliminate this problem. He
asked how many children currently have been in the custody of the
State for over 18 months.
Ms. Clarke replied that she does not have that information, but she
would provide the information at a later time.
Department of Revenue
TOM BOUTIN, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Revenue, informed that the Department of Revenue is a
small Department with 825 employees, which receives approximately
nine million dollars from the general fund. The Department houses
the Natural Gas Development Authority, the Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation, the Mental Health Trust Authority, the Permanent Fund
Corporation, the Bond Bank, and the Pension Investment Board
agencies. The Treasury Division is the smallest Division in the
Department with 35 employees, and the largest is the Child Support
Enforcement Division with 200 employees.
Mr. Boutin informed that the Department is taking efforts to
integrate human resources and information technology with a lead
agency in the gas pipeline negotiations. The Department intends to
provide the legislature with information on the current gas
pipeline negotiations when the time is appropriate.
Mr. Boutin communicated that the Department's Tax Division collects
approximately $1.3 billion in taxes and the Treasury Division
invests approximately $18 billion of State revenue. He highlighted
the thousands of hours of assistance the Department's tax auditors
have provided legislatures in helping them consider revenue
proposals, and presenting those proposals.
Mr. Boutin explained that Susan Taylor would continue the
Department's presentation.
SUSAN TAYLOR, Director, Administrative Services Division,
Department of Revenue, informed that over time the Permanent Fund
Dividend Division has been able to process applications more
efficiently without increasing staff. This year the Department is
eliminating the Permanent Fund Dividend application receipt letter,
and is directing the public to the Internet for further
information. The Department is attempting to use technology to
provide better customer service without increasing staff. The
Division is taking other cost containment measures including a
reduction in staff.
Ms. Taylor continued that the Child Support Enforcement Division is
reducing costs through technology and is saving approximately $1.4
million by fully computerizing data processing. In addition, the
Department is implementing the use of computer imaging in certain
divisions to improve operations. The Child Support Enforcement
Division has received capital funding to purchase hardware and
software to implement computer imaging. The Tax Division would also
be implementing computer imaging.
Ms. Taylor communicated that the Department is considering overall
costs, and attempting to limit expenditures while continuing to
offer services. Whenever the Department has a position vacancy, the
necessity of the position is considered. The Department is
attempting to increase revenue by collecting the maximum amount of
taxes possible.
Senator Bunde asked the cost of processing a Permanent Fund
Dividend application.
Ms. Taylor replied that the amount appropriated to process
applications is $5.5 million in the current fiscal year.
Senator Bunde asked the source of those funds.
Ms. Taylor answered that the Permanent Fund Dividend fund is the
source.
Senator Bunde clarified that earnings of the Permanent Fund are
being used to support the application process.
Ms. Taylor affirmed.
Senator Dyson stated that many legislators receive calls regarding
the Permanent Fund Dividend applications, and the Child Support
Enforcement Division. Complaints called in to his office about the
Child Support Enforcement Division have lessened over the past year
and six months. He asked if the Department agreed that the Division
has improved its level of service.
Ms. Taylor answered that many highly dedicated staff work in the
Child Support Enforcement Division, and agreed that the Division
has improved.
Senator Dyson questioned whether the Department has any "gag
orders" pertaining to Department staff discussing issues with
legislators, specifically when they are not at work.
Mr. Boutin replied that he was unaware of any "gag order". The
Department of Revenue has regular management meetings, and he has
never heard of this issue during those meetings.
Senator Dyson asked if any employee would receive reprimand for
talking with legislators.
Mr. Boutin would be "surprised" to learn of a reprimand or
probation as a result of such a discussion.
Senator Hoffman explained that he worked with a constituent who
wanted to pay all the child support he owed by mortgaging his home.
It took the Child Support Enforcement Division several months to
process this payment when the process should only have taken a few
days. He asked whether any improvements have been made to increase
the efficiency of processing such payments.
Ms. Taylor agreed that such a transaction should be straightforward
and efficient. She was unsure if improvements have been made.
Co-Chair Green recommended that the information could be presented
to the Department of Revenue Senate Finance Subcommittee.
Senator Hoffman asserted that this issue should be "one of the
highest priorities of the Department."
Mr. Boutin continued that of the $18 billion the Treasury Division
manages, $6 billion of fixed income is managed internally. The
following figures are un-audited and refer to the progress made in
FY 04 to date. The investment return of this sum has exceeded the
indexes by six percent, which represents a significant success. The
retirement funds have earned an 11.61 percent rate of return. The
internally managed funds of the Treasury Division cost less than
six basis points. The State Pension Investment Board uses an
external investment manager to manage a small amount of fixed
income. This investment manager charges the Board 20 basis points.
He explained basis points by giving the example of a fiscal note
assignment for a resolution that would bring $12 billion into the
State's treasury for approximately three months. The incremental
cost for the Treasury Division to manage this investment would be
$1.8 million at six basis points whereas if managed by an external
firm, the cost would have been $6 million at 20 basis points. The
Treasury has sold $463 million worth of general obligation bonds in
two parts in April 2003. Many bidders competed for these general
obligation bonds. The level of competition exhibited was
exceptionally high considering the size of this issuance of public
debt. The State's AA rating was capped despite the rating agencies'
concerns about the State's use of one-time fund reserves for
ongoing expenditures.
Department of Public Safety
WILLIAM TANDESKE, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety,
referenced handouts he had presented the Committee [copy on file.]
He stated that the foundation of the Department and its
organization had been reviewed, and as a result of this review the
Department was able to centralize fiscal functions into the
Division of Administrative Services. This centralization of
functions should increase quality control and improve operational
consistency.
Mr. Tandeske continued that as part of the reorganization process
the Department created the Division of Statewide Services. The
Department's primary law enforcement also merged this year.
Mr. Tandeske emphasized that the realignment of functions within
the Alaska State Troopers has been an important issue within the
Department. The Department has formed three statewide bureaus under
single commands. Prior to this realignment investigations had been
decentralized.
Mr. Tandeske pointed out the Department's commitment to highway
safety. The Department has created a driving under the influence
enforcement team using federal funds. This team is housed in Palmer
because of the high traffic in that community, but would be active
at special events statewide, specifically events that would create
a temporary and dramatic increase in traffic.
Mr. Tandeske noted that the Department is working to develop rural
public safety strategies.
Mr. Tandeske stated that the Department has provided "tangible
support at the service level." The Department has requested ten
more courts services officer positions over the past few years. In
the reorganization of the Department, certain positions have been
reclassified to court service officers. The goal of the Department
is to reclassify two or three more positions to courts services
officers by June 30, 2004. This reclassification of positions is an
"excellent investment" of Department resources.
Mr. Tandeske communicated that a director position was eliminated
to address under-funding. In addition, two management positions in
the Division of Alaska State Troopers were reclassified to lower
level positions. These positions were ground level State Trooper
positions, which focused on the seizure of drugs and alcohol. This
year the number of drug and alcohol seizures in rural Alaska have
increased 27 percent compared to the number of seizures in 2003
without additional costs.
Mr. Tandeske explained how the Department is focusing on moving
resources to the "ground level". As part of the statewide
reorganization pertaining to investigations, four investigators
were transferred out of Anchorage to three different communities.
Mr. Tandeske discussed developments within the Division of Fire
Prevention. This is the second consecutive year that the State has
realized a record low in fire-related deaths. He referenced a graph
in the aforementioned packet outlining this information.
Senator Hoffman asked if the graph included fatalities related to
carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mr. Tandeske deferred to the State Fire Marshal.
GARY POWELL, Director State Fire Marshal, Central Office, Division
of Fire Prevention, Department of Public Safety, responded that the
graph does not include fatalities related to carbon monoxide
poisoning because a fire is not involved in those deaths. He
qualified that a fire may produce carbon monoxide, and carbon
monoxide poisoning may prove to be the cause of death of an
individual in a fire; however, these deaths are still considered
fire fatalities.
Mr. Tandeske continued by emphasizing the importance of the Project
Code Red, which provides rural communities "capabilities and
assets" related to fires and fire prevention.
Mr. Tandeske mentioned Department activities involving
investigations, patrol, and drug and alcohol issues.
Mr. Tandeske discussed a case in Nome where a police officer was
charged with homicide. He also mentioned that the 1985 Opal
Fairchild homicide cold case was solved, which also assisted
another jurisdiction in solving a case.
Mr. Tandeske emphasized the breadth of the issues the Department
handles. For example, last month a tactical team was flown into
Savoonga to bring a man into custody that had warrants out for his
arrest. He explained that the Department's tactical teams and other
resources are based in Palmer, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. The
Department must be flexible and adaptable to move resources as
needed.
Co-Chair Green stated that the Department spends a lot of time
coordinating activities with public safety entities from local
areas and the federal government. She suggested that coordinating
so many entities is challenging.
Mr. Tandeske responded that he interacts with the head of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Alaska, the U.S. Attorney
General, and the director of the State Troopers. There are many
entities to be coordinated. Many organizations have very focused
missions in addition to daily duties.
Mr. Tandeske informed that the Department has redoubled efforts to
complete missions and solve cases with the assistance of other
agencies, specifically federal agencies. For example, the
Department has worked with the federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
(ATF) agency to obtain funding for certain drug and firearm cases.
Mr. Tandeske referred to the usefulness of advances in DNA testing,
and communicated that out of 18 "hits", eight linked a convicted
offender to a crime scene, and ten linked one case to another. As
federal funding allows states to process backlogged DNA samples
more cases should be solved.
Senator Bunde asked about the professor at the University of
Fairbanks who was caught for bootlegging and dealing drugs.
Specifically, he asked what courses the professor had taught at the
University.
Mr. Tandeske answered the professor taught economics.
Senator Hoffman congratulated the Department on its work in alcohol
and drug busts in western Alaska. Senator Hoffman commented on the
reinstitution of the reward program, which was implemented due to
legislation he sponsored. He asked how the Department would
evaluate the work of the Village Public Safety Officer's (VPSO)
during the past year.
Mr. Tandeske asked whether Senator Hoffman wanted an evaluation on
the individual officers or the program.
Senator Hoffman explained that previous commissioner's have relayed
that this program has received nationwide recognition as a well-
conceived and functional means of delivering public safety in rural
areas.
Mr. Tandeske responded that the VPSO's are doing a good job given
their limitations. The program does have certain issues because the
goal of the Department is to provide services to all of the State's
communities, and the VPSO program only assists a limited number of
the State's communities. He stated his support for the VPSO's.
Department of Environmental Conservation
KURT FREDRIKSSON, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Environmental
Conservation, explained that Governor Frank Murkowski signed
Administrative Order 202. This order directed all state agencies to
consider their statutory mandates and the efficiencies and
effectiveness of their programs. The Department of Environmental
Conservation has engaged in this process of review, which was used
to build the Department's proposed FY 04 budget. The FY 04 budget
included a $773,000 reduction in general funds, and eliminated 13
positions.
Mr. Fredriksson continued that in response to the aforementioned
review, the Department eliminated the Statewide Public Service
Division, and consolidated certain functions within that Division
to the Division of Information and Administrative Services,
specifically services relating to information. The Public Service
Division had provided compliance assistance to individuals and
communities. An information program has been developed using the
Internet to provide the Department's program information, training,
and other services.
Mr. Fredriksson communicated that the Department's Food Safety and
Sanitation program had been overextended. The program came to
encompass personal injury and safety issues in schools instead of
strictly food safety and sanitation issues. The Department has
reduced personnel in this program as well as the unrelated
activities.
Mr. Fredriksson relayed that the Department closed its chemistry
lab in Juneau. The laboratory personnel had been providing
educational services in conjunction with the local high school and
college, and were not completing their lab service work. The
private sector is now able to provide the lab service work this
laboratory formerly provided. This closure did not create a loss in
the service of the Department.
Mr. Fredriksson continued that the Department has been
strengthening core programs. In the review conducted in response to
Administrative Order 202 the Department determined that some
programs could use improvements and could become more effective and
efficient. The air permit program is being strengthened due to the
passage of enabling legislation. Last week the regulations for the
air permit program were submitted for public review. Approximately
one year ago there was a backlog of 128 air operating permits; by
November 2003 this backlog was eliminated. The Department has also
reduced the time frame needed to issue an air construction permit.
Mr. Fredriksson informed that legislation was also passed which
provided for oil spill contingency plans. Under previous law, the
plans expired three years after being approved by the Department,
and the recent legislation extends the expiration to five years
after approval. The most effective preparedness is accomplished
through inspection, and spill drill exercises with the industry and
the affected public. The five-year life of the contingency plans
would allow for these preparedness measures. The Department has
realized an increase of 45 percent in the number of drills
conducted during the past year. In addition, 60 percent more
facility inspections have been conducted this year compared to last
year.
Mr. Fredriksson explained that Food Safety and Sanitation program
has concerned the Department because it is dependant on State
inspections regarding the community outreach of program staff, and
these inspections are never funded. The Department has submitted
legislation, which would establish an active managerial control
program. Food safety is best achieved when the operator and the
food handler are responsible for food safety. The active managerial
control program would require a certification to ensure that
employees of restaurants and food retail outlets are knowledgeable
about necessary food sanitary practices. The Department also
operates an online training program for food handlers to ensure
workers have a basic understanding of sanitation practices.
Mr. Fredriksson emphasized that the Department has been
strengthening its water programs. The Department recently
consolidated water program activities previously divided between
three divisions: the Division of Facility Construction and
Operation, the Domestic Wastewater Program, and the Air and Water
Division into the new Division of Water. He explained that the
number of divisions within the Department has remained the same,
but certain divisions have been refocused on water.
Mr. Fredriksson reported that the Department's emphasis on water
programs is a component of the Raindrops to Oceans Initiative. The
Department's water programs have been fragmented, and this
reorganization would allow the Department to reconsider the
importance of water.
[Note: The following portion of the meeting was not recorded due to
audio malfunction.]
Mr. Fredriksson stated that the solid waste program has been
reviewed and that a fair amount of accomplishments have occurred in
larger landfills. Accomplishments have been more difficult to
achieve with "class 3", or rural, "dumps". He told of efforts to
assist communities in bringing these facilities into compliance,
including an Internet risk calculator to lower the risk, as well as
preparing best management practices communities could use. The
permit requirements are being addressed to eliminate the burden of
the permit process.
Mr. Fredriksson reminded that one of five elements of the
Governor's fiscal plan relates to payment of fees for services
provided by the State. Currently no fees are assessed for pesticide
registration, drinking water testing, shellfish safety, or approval
of oil spill prevention plans for non-crude operators. The
Department would work with the legislature to draft legislation to
address this.
Senator Hoffman read articles where many states have instituted
programs that require restaurants to publish the ratings given for
food safety standards. Those restaurants then rated in the high 90
percentiles because people would not frequent restaurants that
score lower.
Mr. Fredriksson responded that the Department has considered this
approach. Currently, the Department conducts inspections and makes
the scores available to the public.
Senator Hoffman asked about a requirement that inspection
information be posted in the restaurant.
Mr. Fredriksson replied that no such requirement is in place in
Alaska.
Senator Hoffman asked if the Department has considered this option,
and if rejected, why.
Mr. Fredriksson reiterated the Department has investigated this. He
agreed with the importance of supplying inspection information to
the public. The public is what the inspections are intended to
protect. He stated the matter of posted information would be
considered further. Agree that getting info to publish is good.
Department of Administration
KEVIN JARDELL, Assistant Commissioner, Department of
Administration, highlighted the Department's efforts in community
services, information technology (IT) planning, and management of
the Office of Public Advocacy (OPA). Last September, the Department
hired Eric Swanson as director of the Division of Administrative
Services.
ERIC SWANSON, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Administration, told of the integration of all State
agency's human resources functions. The Department of
Administration could provide services more efficiency and in a
standardized method. This consolidation is a "tremendous
undertaking", but the Department is committed to it's success.
Mr. Swanson informed that the Department and IT managers are
working with a consulting team to address State investment in IT to
bring efficiencies through integration and to manage from an
innovation level. These efforts include establishing IT standards,
procurement procedures, consolidating services and application
software.
Mr. Swanson overviewed activities of the Division of General
Services, which include State leases, procurement, and mail
services. The Department is continuing to negotiate reductions in
lease agreements, revising space standards and increasing
enforcement of those standards. Price agreements with vendors are
under review, and procurement is being coordinated with the IT plan
to improve efficiencies.
Mr. Swanson reported that mail services in Juneau have been
consolidated, which involved the transfer of some positions.
Mr. Swanson commented that other divisions provide direct services.
Mr. Swanson stated that the Division of Motor Vehicles business is
"booming this year" with the number of overall transactions up five
percent. The State has an increased number of business partners to
address. Auto dealerships provide registration and transfer of
ownership when customers buy and sell vehicles; dealerships provide
services at no cost to the State as a benefit to their customers
and their business. The Division would begin issuing digital
drivers licenses, which are more difficult to forge and would be
standardized with most other states.
Mr. Swanson told of the newly appointed director of the Office of
Public Advocacy, Josh Fink and efforts to make business operations
of the OPA more efficient. The offices in Palmer, Anchorage,
Fairbanks and Juneau have been established as separate offices to
avoid a number of conflicts and to reduce the amount of outside
council hires necessary.
Senator Dyson expressed concern that indigent people not
disadvantaged when in court. He asked how the legal counsel could
be evaluated to ensure the OPA is serving citizens.
Mr. Jardell replied that the system self-regulates though court
action and judges' behavior. He told of the instances of clients
that file an "ineffective assistance motion" and detailed the
process whereby another attorney represents the attorney in
question and the matter is determined by a judge. An increase in
the number of these actions would increase if the OPA were not
providing adequate services.
Senator Dyson asked if the same self-regulating system applies to
the parents involved in cases of a child in protective custody.
Mr. Jardell answered it is the same system.
Senator Dyson asked whether people know this option is available.
Mr. Jardell answered yes.
Senator Dyson clarified that the judge would make it known to a
client that the client has inadequate representation.
Mr. Jardell replied this would occur.
Mr. Jardell then stated that the human resource integration has
eliminated numerous positions resulting in general fund savings.
More important is the consistency of hiring practices that would
occur and the ability to determine best practices.
SFC 04 # 10, Side A 10:40 AM
[Note: Audio-recording resumes.]
Mr. Jardell commented that the Department could make cutbacks to
reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Senator Dyson stated that in the past the State has had "clumsy"
procurement regulations. He suspected that these regulations have
been both overly permissive and overly inhibitive. He gave the
example of the State's delay in approving airline ticket
expenditures. These delays caused the State to lose savings because
the tickets were not reserved in advance. He asked if the current
gubernatorial administration would conduct reviews of the
purchasing and contracting methods of the State agencies similar to
the reviews the Department of Environmental Conservation has
conducted on information technology and personnel processes. He
asked when these reviews would occur.
Mr. Jardell explained that these reviews are being conducted, and
would continue. The Department is aggressively attempting to
utilize its market share from the State to achieve the maximum
amount of savings.
Senator Dyson appreciated the Department's efforts, but warned that
if the Department were too centralized it would limit the abilities
of field staff and field operations.
Senator Hoffman asked the timeframe for the implementation of
digital licensing.
Mr. Swanson understood that digital driver's licenses would be
produced beginning in March.
Mr. Jardell added that some of the delay in implementation is due
to "cumbersome procurement."
Senator Hoffman asked if license holders would be able to receive
digital licenses at their convenience, or if they must wait until
their license needs to be renewed.
Mr. Swanson replied that the current driver's licenses would be
traded for digital licenses, as they are due for renewal. Everyone
would not need to immediately have their driver's licenses
converted to digital licenses.
Senator Hoffman asked if an individual who would be traveling could
receive a digital license before their current license is due for
renewal.
Mr. Swanson answered that they should be able to obtain a digital
license.
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
JOHN CRAMER, Director, Administrative Services Division, Department
of Military and Veterans Affairs testified as follows.
During fiscal year 2004 the Department has initiated several
major operational transformations. We have enhanced federal
funding opportunities and consolidated various administrative
functions in addition to our normal operations. Some of our
accomplishments during the current fiscal year are the
creation of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Division. We did that by combining the Homeland Security
Office and the Division of Emergency Services. The reason we
did that was to create some benefits, of course, and those are
the elimination of duplicative program management activity. We
had two sets of those going on. [Another benefit is] creating
an effective and aggressive natural disaster and security
threat response agency. And I think the general will talk a
little bit about some of the activity that took place over the
holiday.
Working with the U.S. Attorney's Office we were able to
consolidate the U.S. attorney's anti-terrorism task force and
the governor's homeland security task force creating one
entity known as the Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council of Alaska.
So instead of having two sets of meetings that you have to go
to, and all these people, we have one. It seemed to make good
sense and it has worked so far.
We are in receipt this year now of over $41 million in federal
grant funds that we took into the office primarily to be made
available and distribution to local governments in support of
homeland security efforts, and we'll be distributing those
out. People and government entities will be applying for those
and distribute those out. And with that we implemented the
First Responder Homeland Security Local Government Assistance
Program, the Citizen Core Program, and the Law Enforcement
Terrorism Prevention Program to help distribute those funds
and get them out to the right places.
In the Department, Administrative Services [Division]
consolidations have also been initiated for effectiveness.
They are the consolidation of the budget and finance
accounting activities in the Department. Two phases of this
multiple phase integration plan have occurred. Full
integration is expected for fiscal year 2005. We had in the
Department, when we came in there, each division was doing
some piece or trying to accomplish some budget and finance
type accounting out in there divisions and it created some
real problems, and we are starting to consolidate that and
seeing some efficiencies created because of that.
We are proceeding with the realignment of procurement
activities from the Army National Guard Facilities Maintenance
Office into the existing procurement office within the
Division of Administrative Services and we are moving forward
with the consolidation of the Department's information
technology components into a centralized unit. That was also
an activity that was spread throughout the Department and
every division had one, two, three people trying to carry out
those activities and bringing them in. We know that we will
see some results from that. These consolidations will or have
resulted in the streamlining of information technology, work
and elimination of duplicative functions. Benefits have been
the consistency and standardization as well as improved
effectiveness and efficiencies of direct program services.
Some of the benefits include the closeout of 13 disasters
returning over two million dollars for redistribution to
current disaster recovery projects, resolution of prior year
procurement audit findings, reduction in personnel costs, and
enhancement of federal funding opportunities. Additional
fiscal management savings due to improved effectiveness are
expected throughout the remainder of this year.
We had a tremendous level of activity going on this year. I
think we have been around to most of the offices, some of the
things that we did were the commissioner was able to put
together an annual report for each of you that hits the
highlights of the Department as well as the Department's
strategic plan that I think all of you have had an opportunity
to take a look at.
Mr. Cramer deferred to Mr. Christensen.
CRAIG CHRISTENSEN, BG, Assistant Adjutant General, Army Director,
Alaska Army National Guard, Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs, informed that this year the Alaska Army National Guard
experienced a higher operations tempo and number of mobilizations
than has occurred since World War II. There are currently 33 Army
National Guard soldiers at Kulis Air National Guard Base on a two-
year federal act of duty call-up. This call-up should terminate in
November 2004. All of the individuals on the call-up volunteered
for duty.
Mr. Christensen explained that the 1st BN 207th Aviation Alaska
Army National Guard helicopter organization received a federal
call-up. Currently there are 67 soldiers from around the State who
have been deployed to Kosovo for one year of peacekeeping
operations. That unit will provide helicopter support and lift in a
supply and logistics role for the other forces stationed there.
Those soldiers left family at home. The Alaska Army National Guard
is keeping in contact with the family members and the service
members oversees.
Mr. Christensen communicated that a fixed wing aircraft crew based
in Anchorage has been deployed to Kuwait for one year. Several
individuals have personally volunteered. A soldier in Anchorage
would be going to Germany to provide logistics support. Other
individuals have volunteered within the State.
Mr. Christensen commented that the Scout Battalions should not be
called out in the near future. The deployment of smaller, company-
sized entities is being discussed. The Alaska Army National Guard
is expecting five aircraft and five airplane crews to be mobilized
in the fall of 2004 for a six-month rotation in Afghanistan.
Mr. Christensen highlighted the activation and operation of the
nation's only ground-based, intercontinental ballistic missile
defense system at Fort Greeley. Alaska Army National Guard soldiers
operate this defense system 24 hours per day every day of the year.
The activation ceremony for this system was on September 22, 2003.
The defense system should be fully operational by October 1, 2004.
There are 49 individuals providing security on the missile site,
and 15 launch operators undergoing certification who would be
arriving in Fort Greeley this summer.
Mr. Christensen stated that the Alaska Army National Guard is
seeking relevant missions outside of its traditional missions
within the State. The Army National Guard is pursuing missions to
Korea involving non-combatant evacuation in times of conflict. In
addition the Army National Guard is pursuing missions within the
State with Alaska Command and Joint Task Force Alaska to provide
homeland security and homeland defense missions. Both of these
missions should be underway later this year.
Mr. Christensen informed that the Alaska Army National Guard has
partnered with the University of Alaska Southeast. The two entities
will be sharing a facility which would house the University's
recreational and fitness facilities and the Alaska Army National
Guard's armory. The facility should be complete in the spring of
2005.
Mr. Christensen detailed that another facility initiative is
underway in Bethel. The city of Bethel granted the Alaska Army
National Guard the use of certain land and properties. The Army
National Guard is hoping to complete plans and begin construction
of a new armory within one year. The property being developed is
large enough to allow for a swimming pool facility, which the city
of Bethel has been pursuing for several years. Savings should be
realized if the swimming pool and armory are constructed on the
same property. A memorial to the Alaska Territorial Guard would be
housed in the new armory facility.
Mr. Christensen explained that two weeks ago the Alaska Army
National Guard was notified that Nome would be granting the
National Guard over ten acres adjacent to the city for a minimum
lease over the next 55 years. The Army National Guard would
eventually replace the existing armory in Nome with a new facility.
Mr. Christensen highlighted that the Army National Guard would
adapt the building plans for the Juneau armory to the Bethel armory
in order to save costs.
Mr. Christensen detailed that Alaska Army National Guard has
undergone a cost reduction initiative to implement approximately a
$200,000 general fund reduction within the National Guard's
facilities maintenance operation. This reduction represents the use
of federal funds, the implementation of energy efficiencies and
reduced personnel costs.
Mr. Christensen informed that the Alaska Army National Guard has
established an Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in
Nome. Bethel has had a successful, ongoing ROTC program. The Nome
Army ROTC program should have increased membership next year. Next
summer the Alaska Army National Guard should have an Army ROTC
program in place in Kotzebue. An Army ROTC program in Barrow is
also being considered.
Mr. Christensen communicated that other Alaska Army National Guard
initiatives include the Army National Guard and Air National Guard
headquarters being combined into a joint forces headquarters to
reduce redundancy and improve communications.
Mr. Christensen continued that over the recent holiday period
several locations in the State were threatened. Over 150 soldiers
and Alaska State Defense Force members were activated in response.
Mr. Christensen explained that the Alaska Air National Guard has
been busy. Over 200 airmen have been deployed to Afghanistan and
Uzbekistan. Senior leadership has been deployed to Pakistan,
Bahrain and Qatar. The Air National Guard would assume the
responsibility of space surveillance relating to the
intercontinental ballistic missile defense system at Fort Greeley.
The Air National Guard is in the third year of transitioning the
responsibility of operating the air operations center at Elmendorf
Air Force Base from the U.S. Air Force to the Alaska Air National
Guard, which will increase the number of Alaska Air National Guard
positions.
Mr. Christensen communicated that the Rescue Coordination Center
directed 236 air rescue missions resulting in 72 saves. This was
one of the busiest years since he joined the service in 1972.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Lyda Green adjourned the meeting at 11:22 AM
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|