Legislature(2019 - 2020)KODIAK LIO
06/18/2020 01:00 PM Senate LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
JUNE 18, 2020
1:00 PM
MEMBERS PARTICIPATING BY TELECONFERENCE
Senator Gary Stevens, Chair
Representative Louise Stutes, Vice Chair
Senator Tom Begich
Senator Cathy Giessel
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Natasha von Imhof
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Neal Foster
Representative Jennifer Johnston
Representative Steve Thompson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator John Coghill
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Representative DeLena Johnson
Representative Chuck Kopp
OTHER MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Merrick
AGENDA
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RATIFICATION OF CHARITY EVENTS
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
CONTRACT APPROVALS
OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
SPEAKER REGISTER
Jessica Geary, Executive Director, Legislative Affairs Agency
(LAA)
Tim Banaszak, Information Technology (IT) Manager, LAA
JC Kestel, Procurement Officer, LAA
1:05:08 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
CHAIR STEVENS called the Legislative Council meeting to
order at 1:05pm from the Kodiak Legislative Information
Office (LIO) via teleconference. Present at the call were:
Senators Begich, Giessel, Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof;
Representatives Edgmon, Foster, Johnston, Thompson, Stutes.
Members absent were: Senators Coghill, Hoffman;
Representatives Johnson, Kopp.
10 members present.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1:07:18 PM
VICE-CHAIR STUTES moved and asked unanimous consent that
Legislative Council approve the agenda as presented.
CHAIR STEVENS asked if there were corrections or additions
to the agenda. Hearing none, the agenda was approved.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. February 12, 2020
B. February 25, 2020
C. March 10, 2020
1:07:40 PM
VICE-CHAIR STUTES moved and asked unanimous consent that
Legislative Council approve the minutes dated: February 12,
2020; February 25, 2020; and March 10, 2020 as presented.
CHAIR STEVENS asked if there were corrections or additions
to those minutes. Seeing none, the minutes were approved.
IV. RATIFICATION OF CHARITY EVENTS
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A. 20 Annual Thanksgiving in March
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B. 28 Annual Coal Classic Golf Tournament
1:08:05 PM
VICE-CHAIR STUTES moved and asked unanimous consent that
Legislative Council ratify the Chair's sanctioning of the
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following charitable events per AS 24.60.080 (a)(2)(B): 20
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Annual Thanksgiving in March, and 28 Annual Coal Classic
Golf Tournament.
CHAIR STEVENS objected for purpose of discussion. He has
sanctioned these events and verified they are 501(c)(3)
organizations. He asked if there was any discussion. Seeing
none, he removed his objection and stated that the events have
been ratified.
V. COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. FY21 Hardware Refresh
1:09:02 PM
VICE-CHAIR STUTES moved that Legislative Council approve
the FY21 Hardware Refresh expenditure in the amount of
$150,342.
CHAIR STEVENS objected for purpose of discussion and asked Tim
Banaszak, IT Manager, to explain and answer questions.
TIM BANASZAK, IT Manager, Legislative Affairs Agency, said
this is a request for the FY21 hardware refresh
recommendations for the Council's consideration. We have
thirty-five laptop workstations, seventeen tiny
workstations, twenty laser printers, and thirty-three
monitors for a total cost of $150,342.
The list is based on a five-year computer refresh cycle,
age of equipment, upkeep costs, performance, and
obsolescence. The recommendations are also consistent with
the Three-Year Technology Plan that standardizes a single,
color laser printer for each office, reducing toner
replacement costs, and increases the number of laptops to
work remotely during and after COVID-19. It is cost
efficient, leveraging government contract volume discount
pricing. He said he was happy to answer any questions.
CHAIR STEVENS asked the result if this were not approved.
MR. BANASZAK responded that the many employees now working
remotely would no longer be able to do so and would not
have access to basic things like email. Also, with budget
reductions, equipment life has been extended up to a
decade, so there would be equipment failures.
CHAIR STEVENS asked if there were comments or discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSTON asked how many desktops are being
moved between session and district offices.
MR. BANASZAK replied that half of those computers are
desktop/tiny workstations and half are laptops; LAA moves
approximately 120 per year.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSTON asked, regarding this purchase, if
the Legislature is transitioning to all laptops to
eliminate moving tiny workstations.
MR. BANASZAK responded that COVID-19 raised the issue of
remote work. IT reached out to offices scheduled for
refresh and saw the trend toward laptops versus desktops.
While a laptop is slightly more expensive than a desktop,
it is certainly the most efficient. IT would support moving
toward laptops.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSTON asked if these seventeen tiny
workstations are for offices that prefer a workstation
versus a laptop.
MR. BANASZAK replied that is correct. There are some
computers that do not move back and forth each year. Where
possible, and remote workstations are not needed, the
desktop is certainly the cheaper alternative. Historically,
there has been approximately fifty to seventy-five percent
desktops and fifty to twenty-five percent laptops, which is
now changing. That is why there are still tiny workstations
listed.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSTON asked how many tiny workstations
remain permanently in one place.
MR. BANASZAK replied that he did not have the exact count,
however the majority of those seventeen are permanent.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSTON said she hoped that continues to be
encouraged because it seems a rather large and unnecessary
annual cost.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Representative Johnston for her good
point and noted it is something Council has watched over
the years. He asked if there were additional comments or
discussion. Hearing none, he removed his objection and
requested a roll call vote.
1:15:11 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Begich, Giessel, Stevens, von Imhof;
Representatives Edgmon, Foster, Johnston, Thompson, Stutes.
NAYS: None
The motion passed 9-0.
VI. CONTRACT APPROVALS
A. FY21 Microsoft Enterprise Software Renewal Agreement
1:16:16 PM
VICE-CHAIR STUTES moved that the Legislative Council
authorize the Microsoft FY21 licensing payment to Software
House International in the amount of $144,402.52.
CHAIR STEVENS objected for purpose of discussion and asked Tim
Banaszak, IT Manager, to explain and answer questions.
TIM BANASZAK, IT Manager, Legislative Affairs Agency, said
this is the FY21 Microsoft Enterprise Software Renewal
Agreement for $144,402.52.
In 2018, Legislative Council approved the first installment
of the State of Alaska's three-year contract with Software
House International. This contract provides Microsoft
products, including Windows 10, Windows server operating
systems, and the Office software suite including: Word;
Excel; Outlook; PowerPoint; Skype for Business; OneNote;
Publisher; and Access database.
This agreement also provides licensing to operate the
critical infrastructure and systems, including: Windows 10
PC/OS; Windows Server; SQL databases including BASIS;
network storage (N drives); SharePoint; and web servers
including www.akleg.gov and the Intranet. Part of the
contract includes secure email, archiving, and protected
OneDrive file sharing, software licensing, and
collaboration for mobile devices. The agreement also
provides video and audio conferencing between legislative
employees and others using the Microsoft Teams application.
Finally, it includes software assurance which safeguards
the applications, operating systems, and databases by
providing the most current security updates and software
versioning.
This third renewal, which begins July 1, 2020, provides the
benefits of reduced-volume pricing, enhanced technical
support, regular software upgrades, and training for
technical and non-technical staff.
The Legislature's portion of the agreement for FY21 is
$144,402.52, which is budgeted under the Administrative
Services allocation and requires Legislative Council's
approval. If this request were not approved, the
Legislature would no longer have access to email, Microsoft
Office software, and leave critical infrastructure systems
exposed to internet exploits. He said he was happy to
answer any questions.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Banaszak for anticipating his
question and noted it would be quite damaging to the
Legislature should Council not approve this.
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES asked if this had anything to do with
why Zoom cannot be downloaded on legislative computers. She
understood from IT that she could attend a meeting but not
download Zoom, a venue that many people use. She tried
Webex and found it difficult.
MR. BANASZAK replied the two issues are not connected.
However, that raises the other question about using third
party software. Part of the way IT manages the security and
integrity of our IT infrastructure is by certifying all
software and applications on our systems. What we have that
is certified is Microsoft Teams, which has been vetted and
works. The issue with Zoom is there are vulnerabilities so
when we download it and do not control it, there have been
security issues that resulted from that. He said he has
been on weekly briefings with Zoom to look at that because
Zoom's ease of use ranks at the top, from a Security
standpoint it ranks lower. IT is looking at other options
and software that becomes available, but right now we
really want to maintain the integrity of the legislature's
equipment, enterprise, and information assets.
CHAIR STEVENS asked if there were further comments or
questions. Hearing none, he removed his objection and
requested a roll call vote.
1:22:01 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Begich, Giessel, Stedman, Stevens, von
Imhof; Representatives Edgmon, Foster, Johnston, Thompson,
Stutes.
NAYS: None
The motion passed 10-0.
B. Bethel LIO Lease Renewal
1:22:53 PM
VICE-CHAIR STUTES moved that Legislative Council approve
renewal No. 3 of the lease for Bethel Office Space in the
amount of $80,450.16.
CHAIR STEVENS objected for purpose of discussion and asked JC
KESTEL, Procurement Officer, to explain and answer questions.
JC KESTEL, Procurement Officer, Legislative Affairs Agency,
said LAA and Tunista, Inc. have a lease agreement for
office space in Bethel, Alaska, that began July 1, 2015,
and is currently on renewal two of the lease agreement.
Renewal No. 2 of the lease expires June 30, 2020. LAA would
like approval to proceed with Renewal No. 3 for the period
July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.
If Legislative Council approves Renewal No. 3, this will
leave no more renewal options of the lease available and we
must issue a bid or do a lease extension before Renewal No.
3 expires.
This lease exceeds $35,000 in one fiscal year; therefore,
Legislative Council's approval is required. He said he was
happy to answer any questions.
CHAIR STEVENS asked if there were further comments or
questions.
REPRESENTATIVE THOMPSON asked if the contract increased
annually.
MR. KESTEL responded that this lease is subject to an
annual CPI increase, which between FY20 and FY21 is
approximately $403.
REPRESENTATIVE THOMPSON asked if that was monthly or
annual.
MR. KESTEL confirmed it is an annual increase.
SENATOR VON IMHOF asked if there had been a statewide
comparison of all leased LIOs for cost per square foot,
recognizing regional differences.
She noted the Bethel office space is approximately 2,070
square feet and asked how many employees work there.
MR. KESTEL responded there are four individuals who work in
that space: Senator Hoffman; Representative Zulkosky; one
staff for Representative Zulkosky; and one LIO Officer.
He said in response to the question regarding LIO lease
comparisons, there was a comparison done several years ago
at Legislative Council's request and he would have to
research that outcome.
He continued that he could provide some examples of what
other State facilities in the Bethel area pay per square
foot for comparison. For example, the Department of
Administration has leased space in the Bethel area at $3.25
per square foot, Department of Law has leased space in the
Bethel area at $3.05 per square foot, and the Department of
Administration has another leased space at the Bethel City
Hall for approximately $3.91 per square foot. The $3.25
seems in line with other State facilities leasing in the
Bethel area. He said, upon request, he could perform a
statewide lease comparison report for Council.
CHAIR STEVENS said he thought it would be a good idea and
appreciated Senator von Imhof's question. While it will be
difficult to compare in some cases, for example the
Legislature owns the Anchorage LIO, it would be valuable
information for Council to have if you would do that for us
Mr. Kestel.
MR. KESTEL replied yes of course.
CHAIR STEVENS asked if there were further comments or
questions. Hearing none, he removed his objection and
requested a roll call vote.
1:28:55 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Begich, Giessel, Stedman, Stevens, von
Imhof; Representatives Edgmon, Foster, Johnston, Thompson,
Stutes.
NAYS: None
The motion passed 10-0.
VII. OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. COVID-19 Building/Office Closure Update
JESSICA GEARY, Executive Director, Legislative Affairs
Agency stated she took a slightly different approach in
sharing some of the protocols that LAA has adopted. As
members may recall, at the beginning of the crisis there
was not much time and we had to quickly come up with
protocols, which have since been adjusted as new
information has come out.
LAA management held weekly meetings to discuss, among other
things, how staff were feeling related to workplace safety.
She said something very helpful was a survey that she and
Megan Wallace created and distributed to 138 LAA staff, 99
of whom responded. The overwhelming concern expressed was
that even though she could implement a policy for LAA staff
to follow protocol, the same was not true for partisan
staff and legislators. Employees who can work from home
continue to do so, but those employees who cannot do not
always have control over their environment. LAA staff who
consistently follow safety protocols do not necessarily
want to interact with those who do not.
Ms. Geary said consistent protocols are needed because
seventy-three percent of respondents are concerned with
getting exposed to coronavirus while at work; forty-three
percent are concerned with potentially spreading
coronavirus to coworkers and family members.
There was a wide array of responses from staff across
Alaska and some comments that stood out included, "The
stress of worrying about getting infected was awful when
working at the office. I was being very proactive, but what
about the others in the building?" and, "Jumping the
coronavirus's timeline and being exposed to someone who is
not being held to LAA policy is a big concern to me." These
are just two examples of several similar comments received.
If there were consistent protocols followed Legislature-
wide it would alleviate many concerns. Also recognizing and
appreciating that every person has a different
circumstance; some people are low risk and may not be
concerned, but we must be respectful to those who are
extremely concerned. Alaska is fortunate to have low
numbers, but this survey made it clear there are wide-
ranging thoughts on this topic. In general, LAA employees
felt very supported by management, who they thought were
proactive and responsive, but many LAA staff work with non-
LAA individuals in the LIO or in the Capitol (the Terry
Miller Building is an exception as it is strictly LAA).
Ms. Geary said she wanted to provide that background. She
noted that the memo members received in their meeting
packet explains common sense actions that everyone has been
practicing. She said she wanted to open that up for
discussion and questions.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Ms. Geary and appreciated her concern
for staff and legislators having consistent practices.
Being respectful of others is crucial. Yet, in the Senate's
last session a member refused to wear a mask. He asked what
we do with staff or legislators who do not wear a mask.
MS. GEARY asked if that is a question for her.
CHAIR STEVENS said yes and perhaps the Presiding Officers
have comments as well.
MS. GEARY replied that LAA's approach is mutual respect for
comfort levels, exhibited by Agency staff and partisan
staff and legislators. There are varying reasons why some
people cannot wear a mask. In those cases, staying six feet
apart and communicating that a mask will not be worn, so
the other person can choose to maintain distance, is the
best we can do. Our job is to support the Legislature.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Ms. Geary and said he appreciated
that. He realized this is a very difficult situation for
everyone and that the best answer seems to be keep a
distance if you cannot wear a mask for health reasons. He
asked if there were any further comments.
SENATOR BEGICH said he had a couple comments. First, there
were two Senators on the floor who did not wear masks and
caused a member of his caucus to move their seating, as he
believed Chair Stevens did. He said he is hopeful that
Council will do something. The US Congress has said people
cannot attend meetings without a mask. Alaska has been
opening its economy and COVID-19 rates have spiked and will
continue to spike because safety protocols are not being
followed. He said he is hopeful a decision will be made
today to support these protocols in as firm a way as
possible with the duly elected members who choose to
abrogate them placing all people at risk. Lastly, there was
a comment made from the Executive Director that he
disagreed with that some people might not be as
susceptible; whether they are or are not, they may be a
passive carrier of the virus. The reason masks are worn is
to protect others.
CHAIR STEVENS asked if there were further comments. He
stated that Council's goal was not necessarily to approve
this, but to begin the discussion and receive an update
from Ms. Geary. Further comments or thoughts on how to deal
with these issues would certainly be appreciated.
B. Establish Continuity of Government Operations
Subcommittee
CHAIR STEVENS said members have a memo from Ms. Geary
establishing a Continuity of Government Operations
Subcommittee and he asked for her thoughts or comments.
MS. GEARY replied that the Legislature had to respond very
quickly with how to approach this. She said LAA worked with
leadership and believes good, safe, and smart decisions
were made. But going forward, not only for this pandemic,
but anything that might come at us in the futurewhether it
is a natural disaster or otherwiseit would be good to have
this codified in a document. Many other state legislatures
already have a Continuity of Government Operations plan.
She noted she had an extensive discussion with her
counterpart in Oregon and that this is an exhaustive
process that cannot be done overnight, but she has software
recommendations that could be helpful. This is a very good
idea and having a subcommittee, especially if it were able
to meet quickly and start making decisions, would be very
helpful to the Legislature in the long run.
CHAIR STEVENS said he received from Ms. Geary a 140 page
document from the State of Oregon's Legislature and the
actual Continuity of Government Operations they
established. Due to the document size, he did not send to
members but is pleased to share upon request and will
certainly provide to those who serve on the subcommittee.
The Alaska Municipal League has done something similar on a
smaller scale for recommendations to Alaskan cities and
boroughs. He said he will share that as well and anything
else that comes up that may be helpful.
He continued that the goal is to appoint this subcommittee
and he hoped members are interested in serving on it. The
subcommittee will meet quickly to resolve this matter soon.
Those interested in serving, should contact him or Ms.
Matheny who will schedule that meeting as soon as possible.
He asked if there were any further comments on the
Continuity of Government Operations.
VIII. ADJOURN
CHAIR STEVENS thanked members for their time and said if
there is nothing further to come before us, this committee
is adjourned.
1:41:06 PM
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 6.18.20 Leg. Council Meeting Agenda.docx |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| JLEC 021220.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| JLEC 022520.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| JLEC 031020.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| 20th Annual Thanksgiving in March.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| 28th Annual Coal Classic Golf Tournament.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| Leg Council - FY21 Hardware Refresh.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| Leg Council - SHI FY21 Microsoft Software Renewal.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| Bethel LIO Lease Renewal No. 3.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| COVID Safety Protocol Memo.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |
| COG Subcommittee Memo.pdf |
JLEC 6/18/2020 1:00:00 PM |
6.18.20 Leg. Council Packet |