Legislature(1997 - 1998)
04/04/1998 09:10 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE BILL 292
"An Act making supplemental appropriations; making,
amending, and repealing capital or other
appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize
funds; and providing for an effective date."
Co-Chair Sharp informed the committee that the supplemental
items would be discussed by department.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Co-Chair Sharp began with the Kodiak launch complex
project.
PAT LADNER, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ALASKA AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION (via teleconference), explained that statutes
allow authority to receive funds, but legislative approval
was required in order to spend the funds. He mentioned the
negotiation of contracts for the first three launches. He
requested approval to spend the funding received from the
three launch contracts.
Co-Chair Sharp stated that the total funding for the three
launch sites was $5 million. He asked if the first three
launches would be performed by the Air Force.
Mr. Ladner concurred that the first three launches were Air
Force.
YVONNE CHASE, DIVISION OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS
(via teleconference), discussed the $500 thousand request
for the Head Start center. She stated that the capital
funds would be used throughout the state to improve the
centers and consequently their programs. The funds were
targeted for securing compliance with health, safety and
sanitation standards. She stated that the reason for the
division's submission of the request was due to joint work
with the state Head Start association to assist multiple
communities. She pointed out that the items listed totaled
more than $500 thousand, so needs would be prioritized if
the request was approved.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the projects were listed in
priority.
Ms. Chase replied that the list represented a total of
projects with the amounts for each community. If the
request was approved, the division planned to work with the
Head Start Association to help the communities prioritize
based on the amount of funding available.
Senator Torgerson asked if the funding was matched with
local money.
Ms. Chase replied yes. She stated that individual
communities contributed to the Head Start centers. She
indicated that the contributions were not an exact match.
She offered to provide details to the committee.
Senator Torgerson asked if the Head Start projects
involving new buildings were for the purpose of new
programs.
Ms. Chase replied that new programs arose in the state
along with existing buildings requiring extensive repairs.
Senator Torgerson imagined that the requested funding might
fund one or two projects. He felt that a priority list was
important in his decision making about appropriating the
funds.
Ms. Chase stated that the department would not prioritize
the projects. The Head Start Association and the
communities would work together to determine the greatest
needs. She agreed that two of the larger projects would
utilize the funds in their entirety. She supposed that the
Head Start Association would select many of the smaller
items first and use additional funding to initiate the new
projects.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
DWAYNE PEEPLES, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
CORRECTIONS, discussed the $100 thousand supplemental
capital request. The intention was to purchase new
equipment and two vehicles in Bethel. The office equipment
and computers were for the Smart Start Initiative in the FY
99 operating budget. The governor was implementing
increased probation and parole supervision of sex
predators. He stated that Alaska had 700 sex predators on
probation with an anticipated 150 more over the next year.
The intention was to focus on monitoring and surveillance
of those considered high-risk for repeat offence. One
probation officer was transferred to Bethel. He added that
a request was made in the FY 99 operating budget for four
probation officers. The remaining balance of the funds
would go toward purchasing office equipment, personal
protection equipment and creating operations for two
probation officers in Anchorage, one in Fairbanks and one
in Palmer.
Senator Parnell asked if the sex predators were the highest
priority for parole supervision.
Mr. Peeples replied yes.
Senator Parnell clarified that the funds were to provide
supervision capabilities to increase the supervision of the
high-risk individuals.
Mr. Peeples concurred.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if two vehicles in Bethel would help
increase the supervision.
Mr. Peeples responded that the additional vehicles were a
part of the overall plan for the department.
Senator Parnell asked how the need in Bethel had been
identified. He thought that larger urban centers would
house more predators.
Mr. Peeples responded that Anchorage would obtain two
additional parole officers. The intention was to enhance
Bethel's coverage as it had a fairly high percentage of
sexual predators on parole.
Co-Chair Sharp asked how many people would be tracked by
two vehicles in Bethel.
Mr. Peeples offered to report back to the committee with an
answer.
Senator Parnell asked if the parole officers had vehicles
in Bethel.
Mr. Peeples responded that the number of vehicles was
insufficient to fully implement the monitoring program. He
added that two people do not have vehicles.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
KAREN REHFELD, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT, began with
the first request to provide funding to Mount Edgecombe
High School for the removal of hazardous chemicals in the
powerhouse facility. She spoke about the various chemicals
and compounds existing in the facility in addition to the
long range plan to demolish the building. She explained the
goal of securing the building to keep the students safe.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the department was requesting $40
thousand of the $158,250.
Ms. Rehfeld responded that the original request was for
$158,300, which included the removal of the friable
asbestos. She stated that prior to the asbestos removal,
the chemicals must be disposed of and the building secured.
Senator Torgerson asked if the building was locked.
Ms. Rehfeld responded that plywood was nailed over the
windows, but some students have displaced the wood to enter
the building. She stated that the request would provide
funding to place galvanized steel over the windows and
remove some of the stairs and platform access to further
secure the building.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the building had signage
communicating the contaminated materials.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
JOAN BROWN, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, stated the
request was an additional $1 million in general funds to
continue to work down the list of state facilities with
physical barriers for compliance with the American with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
JANET CLARK, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES,
highlighted the first project for the ADA competitive grant
for the mental health beneficiaries for $200 thousand. She
pointed out that $100 thousand was Mental Health Trust
Authority receipts and $100 thousand general fund mental
health. The project would provide grants for mental health
beneficiaries to upgrade their facilities.
Ms. Clark addressed the next project for the Division of
Family and Youth Services (DFYS) technology improvements
with a request of $450 thousand [undecipherable]. She
stated that the project would continue the development of
the main computer system that DFYS used called Online
Resources for the Children of Alaska (ORCA). The federal
funds are available only with the available match.
Ms. Clark continued with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Management Information System upgrade with a request of
$392 thousand in general funds. The project was itemized
for committee members. She noted that the Division of
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse managed a $20 million grant
program annually. The division secured support to the
grantees that provided management information. The funding
was divided by $60 thousand for current support and
training, $210 thousand for hardware and software upgrades
for the grantees, and $122 thousand for computerized grants
management performed annually.
Senator Parnell recalled a provider testifying about the
carry forward of grants to replace computers and buy
software.
LOREN JONES, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG
ABUSE, responded that some programs had resources to
purchase computer equipment. He stated that compatibility
and standards for software and hardware were established
within the division. Hardware purchased specifically for
the required software allowed the division to maintain the
standard.
Ms. Clark continued with a request for the department wide
client integration project. The request for the project was
$800 thousand, with $400 thousand of general funds, $200
thousand of federal funds and $200 thousand from the Mental
Health Trust Authority. She explained that the system was
not new, but simply provided a new use of data.
Co-Chair Sharp assumed that the federal government did not
require more than a 100 percent match.
Ms. Clark concurred. She stated that the federal funds
would be applied by federal agencies for direct federal
funds. Matching funds would be received by some federal
agencies depending on which programs were in the data
warehouse.
Co-Chair Sharp observed that the item's details showed $200
thousand in federal match.
Ms. Clark explained that the department applied to the
federal government for $200 thousand. The amount of general
funds received were an important component to the equation.
Co-Chair Sharp asked about a preference for general funds
or mental health trust funds.
Ms. Clark responded that there was no preference. She
continued with the next project for nursing communications.
She noted that the section of public health nurses was the
last set of employees who lacked personal computers and
were therefore separated from the rest of the state
government. She stated that the nurses used a computer
system to track client information in the public health
nursing center. The computer upgrade would allow nurses
access to email and the internet and to transmit collected
data.
Ms. Clark introduced the next item for family and youth
services field safety and transportation equipment. She
explained the need to replace vehicles and safety equipment
for the division of family and youth services. She stated
that employees in the division requested additional cell
phones, alarms and newer vehicles.
Ms. Clark introduced the McLaughlin Youth Center heat and
ventilation control system. The project would replace
obsolete and nonfunctioning mechanical controls. She stated
that the existing manual controls were approximately 30
years old and in poor condition. The plan was to replace
obsolete controls with a direct digital control system to
allow central monitoring of system. The upgrade would
reduce energy and operating costs by 12 -17 percent.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if another capital project request
existed for the McLaughlin Youth Center.
Ms. Clark responded that the department had another, much
larger request for the youth center.
Ms. Clark continued with a request for the Kenai Health
Center project. She explained that in 1967 the department
entered an agreement for the exchange of land, which
allowed for the location of the health center in the City
Hall building. She added that staff increased from four to
nine, which led to a crowded work environment. She stated
that the waiting room and city council meeting room were
shared. She mentioned the plan for a joint facility where
the city provided land with city and state government
sharing a facility.
Ms. Clark examined the funding of planning and design
appropriations for youth correctional facilities throughout
the state. She stated that the request was for $1,500,000
for a new facility in the Ketchikan area to serve the
southern southeast. She noted that FY 95 saw 20 percent of
admissions to the Johnson Youth Center in Juneau from
Ketchikan. She explained that Ketchikan was without a youth
center, which made work difficult for local law
enforcement. The initial plan budgeted for four beds and
the local community decided to supplement with beds for
emotionally disturbed youth and those with substance abuse
issues. The community was seeking the funds from private
foundations and the Mental Health Trust Authority.
Co-Chair Sharp understood that the facility might cost more
than $3 million.
Ms. Clark responded that the addition of the beds for
substance abuse and mental health would increase the cost
to approximately $2.7 million.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the proposed amount of beds was
ten.
Ms. Clark concurred. She noted that the department wished
to minimize the use of beds, but was supportive of the need
for mental health services.
Co-Chair Sharp asked about the efficiencies associated with
a four bed facility.
Ms. Clark responded that a four bed facility was not
particularly efficient. She stated that an eight bed
facility and a four bed facility incurred similar operating
costs.
Ms. Clark continued by providing photographs and history of
past legislative appropriation for the McLaughlin Youth
Center detention. She noted last year's appropriation for
replacement of an abandoned cottage and planning funds to
upgrade the detention facility at McLaughlin. The $5.2
million request for McLaughlin would fund the remaining
portion of the project. The project would provide detention
facilities and additional detention beds.
GEORGE BUHITE, MCLAUGHLIN YOUTH CENTER SUPERINTENDENT (via
teleconference), stated that the youth center housed 300
children in their 220 bed capacity with the rate of new
entrants increasing each year.
Co-Chair Sharp referred to an aerial photograph of the
layout provided to the committee members.
Ms. Clark helped to explain the photograph's location. She
mentioned that McLaughlin Youth Center was situated on
Mental Health Trust Authority land, which was provided in a
settlement.
Ms. Clark continued with the next item. She stated that the
legislature funded planning and design for the initial
stages of the Matanuska Susitna Detention and Support
Facilities. The current request was for $4.1 million. She
stated that the Matanuska Susitna valley lacked a facility.
The department recognized the need to serve the population,
since 9 percent of the detention admissions were from the
Matanuska Susitna area. She explained that the planning
funds allowed for a 15 bed facility with the opportunity to
expand. She stated that the issue of finding land was
large.
Senator Parnell understood that the cost would be
approximately $410 thousand per bed.
Ms. Clark agreed and stated that the project was "starting
from scratch."
Co-Chair Clark asked if the facility required kitchen and
laundry facilities.
Ms. Clark stated that the department preferred to contract
the kitchen and laundry services.
Mr. Buhite contributed that probation offices and
educational space was incorporated into the plan for the
sake of efficiency.
Ms. Clark introduced the last item for competitive grants
for statewide family inhalant treatment program for the
cost of $800 thousand. She noted that Alaska lacked a
treatment facility for inhalants. She stated that the
problem in rural areas was increasing with surveys showing
as many as 20 percent of high school students trying
inhalants. Inhalant abuse led to permanent brain damage,
which incurred long-term costs.
Senator Parnell asked if the Mental Health Trust Authority
had shown interest in the issue.
Ms. Clark responded yes. She stated that the project had
not gone through the Mental Health Trust Authority's
process although they were interested in the problem.
Senator Parnell understood that the item was intended for
substance abuse treatment.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if Ms. Clark envisioned a competitive
grant. He asked about the term competitive.
Ms. Clark explained that the proposal would be competitive
by seeking interest in the facility.
Senator Parnell asked if other forms of substance abuse
used separate facilities for separate addition issues. He
wondered if the item might be included in operating grants.
Ms. Clark responded that the department sought specific
types of grant programs. Some facilities competed for a
variety of programs. She added that the request was not for
operating dollars but instead for capital dollars to
purchase or renovate a facility to create a treatment
facility. The competitive grant proposal would allow the
department to ascertain interest in the project.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the request was similar to a
designated grant.
Ms. Clark chose not to designate it. She preferred to
evaluate the interested entities.
Co-Chair Sharp requested further information about
operating funds. He asked if the project would fall under
substance and alcohol abuse for operating budget purposes.
Ms. Clark concurred and noted that requests to the federal
government would be submitted as well.
Senator Parnell wondered why a grant to purchase a facility
was preferable to purchasing the treatment service.
Ms. Clark stated that she had finished discussing her list
of items.
SB 231 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 230 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 292 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
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