Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/11/2001 01:44 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 95 An Act relating to control of space in the state capitol and other buildings occupied by the legislature and its agencies; and providing for an effective date. DAVE STANCLIFF, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT OGAN, stated that HB 95 is a bill to bring the entire capital building under the management by the Legislature. He noted that at the present time, the Legislature occupies and controls by law all but the Governor's floor of the State Capitol building. Mr. Stancliff noted that that the bill would allow the Legislative Council to create more space in the building for the public. He added that the bill would not cause any fiscal impact, as it would be an "internal transfer" of authority to Legislative Council. He pointed out the fiscal note submitted by Department of Administration. Mr. Stancliff stated that the fiscal note is not appropriate since the bill does not cause any expenditure to occur at present time. Representative Davies noted that the purpose of the bill is to create more room in the Capitol Building. He asked if the intent really was not to "do anything", and if so, why should the Committee be considering it and why should the bill be passed. Mr. Stancliff responded that the bill would create a step that would allow the Legislative Council to address these concerns. He pointed out that Representative Ogan, in the House State Affairs Committee, indicated that it was not his intent to move the current Administration. He noted that he would hope that an orderly transition would create a more appropriate time to discuss the matter. Representative Croft inquired what "Move It or Loss It" means. Mr. Stancliff replied that the capitol move issue ties in with how well served the public feels with the space of the Capitol Building and how efficiently the Legislature operates. The theory is that the better off in both process and accommodation of the public, the less apt Juneau would be to loose the capital. JIM DUNCAN, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, stated that the Governor and the Administration does not view a relocation of the offices as a priority of the use of State dollars at this time. Until other spending priorities are addressed, the concern should not be considered. TAPE HFC 01 - 82, Side B Commissioner Duncan added that if the bill should pass, it would cost money to make the changes. He stressed that the cost must be determined for that relocation. To relocate one office, the Governor's office, other offices would have to be relocated to compensate for that change. The Department of Administration fiscal note reflects cost of relocation of all agencies involved and includes capital costs for renovation and improvements. Commissioner Duncan noted that the capital costs would be approximately $8.8 million dollars to renovate and upgrade th the 11 floor of the State Office Building (SOB). Included in that cost would be new construction costs for the Court Plaza Building to make it suitable to relocate a major department. In addition, certain parts of the agencies such th as the Lt. Governor's offices could not fit into the 11 floor of the SOB, so space would have to be leased to cover costs of those business that would no longer fit. Commissioner Duncan ascertained that there would be an ongoing lease space cost of approximately $1 million dollars per year. The fiscal note adequately reflects those costs. Commissioner Duncan stated that the Governor does believe that there are higher priorities for the use of those monies at this time. It is imperative that the Legislature understands that there are costs associated with the proposed legislation. Representative Davies pointed out that Mr. Stancliff stated that the intent was to "perhaps" wait until the next Administration. He questioned if the Administration had concerns that Legislative Council would be in charge of the space currently occupied. Commissioner Duncan reiterated that it is important and the Administration wants the Legislature to understand the full costs associated with the move. He stressed that it is not possible to relocate offices without substantial renovations. He reiterated that the Administration does not believe that this is a priority. Representative Davies asked what would happen if the bill was passed without a fiscal note and the entire State Capitol would be under the control of the Legislative Council. Commissioner Duncan acknowledged that would be a huge problem and that is imperative that the fiscal note accompanies the legislation. Representative Hudson questioned how long the Legislature and Governor has shared the current building. Commissioner Duncan stated that it has been since 1906. He spoke in support of financing the move of the third floor if the Legislature allocated the $8.8 million dollars. Representative Hudson maintained that the legislation is an attempt to appropriate control. He stated that it was not good public policy. He maintained that the building should be co-managed until an alternative is found. Representative Hudson suggested that the legislation is a "power grab". He reiterated that he would support the move if the funding was forthcoming. Representative Hudson MOVED to TABLE HB 95. HB 95 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further consideration.
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