12/16/1999 10:15 AM House BUD
| Audio | Topic |
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
JOINT COMMITTEE
LEGISLATIVE BUDGET AND AUDIT
December 16, 1999
10:15 A.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT{TC "MEMBERS PRESENT"}
Representative Gail Phillips, Chair
Representative Con Bunde
Representative Eric Croft
Representative Gary Davis
Representative Gene Therriault
Senator Randy Phillips, Vice Chair
Senator Gary Wilken (Teleconferenced)
MEMBERS ABSENT{TC "MEMBERS ABSENT"}
Representative Eldon Mulder, (Alternate)
Senator Al Adams
Senator Rick Halford
Senator Sean Parnell
Senator Drue Pearce, (Alternate)
COMMITTEE CALENDAR{TC "COMMITTEE CALENDAR"}
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 23, 1999
REVISED PROGRAMS (RPLs)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Preliminary Audit Reports
Final Audit Reports
AUDIT REPORTS
Release of Final Audit Reports
Release of Preliminary Audits for Agency Response
WITNESS REGISTER{TC "WITNESS REGISTER"}
TOM MAHER, Legislative Assistant
to Representative Gail Phillips
Alaska State Legislature
Capitol Building, Room 411
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Telephone: (907) 465-68873
DAVID TEAL, Director
Division of Legislative Finance
State Office Building, Sixth Floor
Juneau, Alaska 99811
Telephone: (907) 465-3795
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced the RPL's
PAT DAVIDSON, Director
Division of Legislative Audit
State Office Building, Sixth Floor
Juneau, Alaska 99811
Telephone: (907) 465-3830
CECILIA LACARA, Deputy Director
Child Support Enforcement Division
Department of Revenue
th
550 W. 7 Avenue, Suite #310
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Telephone: (907) 269-6804
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke to RPL #04-0-0016
SUSAN MILLER, Manager
Special Projects, Administrative Staff
Alaska Court System
th
820 W. 4 Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-2005
TELEPHONE: (907) 264-8229
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #04-0-0016
JANET CLARKE, Director
Division of Administrative Services
Department of Health and Social Services
PO Box 110650
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0650
TELEPHONE: (907) 465-3081
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the
Department of Health and Social Service proposed RPL's.
GEORGE BUHITE
Division of Juvenile Justice
State Office Building
PO Box 110635
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0675
TELEPHONE: (907) 465-2212
POSITION STATEEMENT: Testified on RPL #06-0-0131
LOREN JONES, Director
Division of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse
Department of Health and Social Services
PO Box 110607
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0607
PHONE: (907) 465-2071
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #06-0-0172
MATT ANDERSON
Community Health
Division of Emergency Medical Services
Department of Health and Social Services
PO Box 110616
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0616
PHONE: (907) 465-3141
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #06-0-0180
SHARON AVERY
Division of Public Health
Department of Health and Social Services
800 A Street #204
Anchorage, Alaska 99505-2130
PHONE: (907) 276-7474
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #06-0-0181
GREG WOLF, Director
Division of Trade and Development
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
3601 C Street #700
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5934
TELEPHONE: (907) 269-8115
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #08-0-0101
ROBERTA CARNEY, Staff Officier
Division of Emergency Services
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
PO Box 5750
Ft. Richardson, Alaska 99505-5750
TELEPHONE: (907) 428-7000
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #09-0-0045(a)(b)(c)
KATHY DUNN
Alaska Tourism Marketing Council (ATMC)
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
3601 C Street #700
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
TELEPHONE: (907) 269-8182
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #08-0-0110a CIP
ACTION NARRATIVE{TC "ACTION NARRATIVE"}
TAPE LBA 99-7, SIDE A
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS called the Joint Committee on
Legislative Budget and Audit meeting to order at 10:15 A.M.
on December 16, 1999. Members present at the call to order
were Representatives Gail Phillips, Con Bunde, Eric Croft,
Gene Therriault and Senators Randy Phillips and Senator Gary
Wilken participated via teleconference. Representative Gary
Davis arrived later during the meeting.
Because there was not a quorum, action on adopting the
minutes was postponed until more members joined the
Committee.
REVISED PROGRAMS (RPL'S)
DAVID TEAL, Director, Division of Legislative Finance,
explained the RPL's before the Committee for review and
action.
RPL Number: 01-0-8024{TC "RPL Number:01-0-8024" \l 2}
Office of the Governor
Governmental Coordination
Coastal Management Program
$216,100 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL explained that the requested funds would increase
federal receipt authority for the Division of Governmental
Coordination (DGC) for Section 309 Enhancement Grant Program
under the Alaska Coastal Management Program. The funding
would allow the Division to complete three projects
initiated in FY99:
The Bering Sea Ecosystem for improved ocean stewardship
of the Bering Sea;
The Coastal Guidebook Series, providing the public and
other State agencies with detailed, user friendly
instructions for planning local coastal district
plans and special area plans; and
The Best Management Practices for Boat Harbors which
provides information about where and how to properly
dispose of waste and hazardous waste in four or five
Southeast Alaskan harbors.
Mr. Teal stated that he saw no reason to delay consideration
of the RPL. There being no objections or questions, RPL
#01-0-8024 was held for approval.
RPL Number: 01-0-8026{TC "RPL Number:01-0-8026" \l 2}
Office of the Governor
Human rights Commission
FFY 2000 EEOC Contract
$54,000 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL explained that the request would provide for
increased federal receipt authority for the Human Rights
Commission (HRC) due to a $54.0 unanticipated federal
funding increase to the FY99 Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC) contract. The HRC would increase
enforcement efforts, increase the volume of cases processed,
and reduce case processing time. There would be no new
positions or staff funded with this request. He added that
a small amount of the increase would be used for overtime
costs of the existing HRC staff based in Anchorage.
Mr. Teal reported that he saw no reason to delay
consideration of the RPL. There being no questions or
objections, RPL #01-0-8026 was held for approval.
RPL Number: 02-0-0037{TC "RPL Number:02-0-0037" \l 2}
Department of Administration
Office of Public Advocacy
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Grant
$18,000 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL explained that the National Court Appointed
Special Advocate (CASA) Program (under cooperative agreement
with the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention) has granted Alaska $100 thousand
dollars over two years for legal and guardian representation
for abused/neglected children and incapacitated adults. The
RPL would provide continued funding in the Office of Public
Advocacy (OPA) for a statewide training coordination,
volunteer coordinators and related activities. He concluded
that the increased funds would go to the personal service
line to fund part-time positions.
Mr. Teal stated that he saw no reason to delay consideration
of the RPL. There being no questions or objections, RPL
#02-0-0037 was held for approval.
RPL Number: 04-0-0016{TC "RPL Number:04-0-0016" \l 2}
Department of Revenue
Child Support Enforcement
Federal Access and Visitation Grant
$50,000 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL explained that the requested funding would be
used to support and facilitate noncustodial parents access
to and visitation with their children. The funding would be
transferred to the Court System, which will administer the
project. Additional funds would be used to start programs
in Kenai, Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. The grant enables
CSED to develop detailed parenting plans (custody
agreements) that will be available in template form. Copies
of the plan would be available through Alaska Legal Services
clinics and to the general public. He pointed out that the
LBA Committee had approved $50,000 dollars in FY98 and FY99
for similar purposes and that no additional staff positions
would be required.
Mr. Teal pointed out that the request was a straightforward
request for additional federal money.
SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged".
RPL Number: 05-0-0767{TC "RPL Number:05-0-0767" \l 2}
Department of Education
Education & Early Development
Alaska Vocational Technical Center
NOAA - Electronic Charting and Display Information
Systems (ECDIS) Grant
$23,000 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL pointed out that the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Electronic Charting and
Display Information Systems (ECDIS) grant in the amount of
$23,000 dollars would be used to purchase specialized
computer charting display systems which would give students
at AVTEC an opportunity to practice electronic chart reading
and manipulation. It would also provide additional
information on weather, navigational warnings, and real time
tidal movements.
SENATOR WILKEN asked questions via Teleconference.
[Response inaudible].
DAVID TEAL noted that there does not appear to be any
urgency to this request. There being no questions or
objections, the RPL was held for approval.
RPL Number: 05-0-0776{TC "RPL Number:05-0-0776" \l 2}
Department of Education
Education & Early Development
Child Care
Child Care Development Fund
$253,107 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL explained that the federal ChildCare Development
Fund (CCDF) would provide funding to improve State childcare
programs. The funds are earmarked for Quality Expansion,
Infant and Toddler Quality Improvement, ChildCare Resource
and Referral, and School Aged ChildCare Activities programs.
All the funds would go to the grant line in the ChildCare
component. There would be no State match money.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT requested that this RPL be
"flagged".
RPL Number: 06-0-0131{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0131" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Probation Services
Delta/Greely Safe School Juvenile Probation Officer
And Anchorage Making a Difference Program
$56,400 - SDPR
{TC "" \l 2}
SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that RPL #06-0-0131 be "flagged".
{TC "SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that RPL #06-0-0131 be
jflaggedk. " \l 2}
{TC "" \l 2}
RPL Number: 06-0-0132{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0132" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Ketchikan Juvenile Detention & Diagnostic and
Treatment Center-CIP
$600,000 - SDPR
{TC "" \l 2}
DAVID TEAL noted that the purpose for the request was that
the City of Ketchikan was providing land, federal grant
funds and $600,000 from the Ketchikan Gateway Borough for
the construction of the Ketchikan Juvenile
Detention/Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Of the
previously appropriated $2,432,300 dollars for the Center,
nearly $2 million dollars remains unspent. He noted that
this money would be a new source and that there was not a
sense of urgency in receiving these funds. {TC "DAVID TEAL
noted that the purpose for the request was that the City of
Ketchikan" \l 2}
{TC "" \l 2}
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT pointed out that the Ketchikan
Gateway Borough had been negotiating with the Alaska Mental
Health Trust at the end of the last legislative session. He
questioned the cost increase. {TC "REPRESENTATIVE
THERRIAULT pointed out that the Ketchikan Gateway Borough
had bee" \l 2}
{TC "" \l 2}
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the RPL would be "flagged".
{TC "CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the RPL would be
jflaggedk. " \l 2}
{TC "" \l 2}
RPL Number: 06-0-0172{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0172" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Mental Health/Development
Disabilities Administration
Anchorage Comorbidity Services Evaluation Study
$433,800 - Federal Receipts
SENATOR PHILLIPS asked that the request be "flagged".
RPL Number: 06-0-0180{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0180" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services
Public Health Preparedness and Response
For Bioterrorism
$700,000 - Federal Receipts
{TC "" \l 2}
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT requested that the request be
"flagged". {TC "REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT requested that
the request be jflaggedk. " \l 2}
{TC "" \l 2}
RPL Number: 06-0-0181{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0181" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services for Children
$250,000 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL stated that the purpose of funding the Emergency
Medical Services for Children program would be used to
improve emergency medical service capabilities for Alaska
Native children with a primary focus on the relatively
small, rural Alaskan communities. The successful programs
started as a result of the grant and may be replicated in
other parts of the State. He noted that grant funds would
be used to provide pediatric emergency training to clinical
providers in rural Alaska and to purchase pediatric
equipment for rural hospitals and clinics. Five existing
positions would be paid from the grant, thereby, freeing
funds for other purposes.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the request would be
"flagged".
RPL Number: 06-0-0182{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0182" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Comm Health/Emerg Medical Svcs
Rural Health program and Rural Hospital
Flexibility Program Grant
$562,700 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL explained that the purpose of the request would
be used for the State Office of the Rural Health Program
grant which has been an annual $64 thousand dollar award to
the State for the past eight years. The grant amendment in
the request is an additional $180,000 dollars to be used in
conjunction with the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program
grant.
He noted that the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program
received a federal grant of $382,700 to strengthen systems
of care for vulnerable, undeserved and rural populations.
Grant funds will be used to prepare a statewide rural health
plan, designate critical access hospitals, develop rural
health networks, enhance Emergency Medical Services in rural
areas, and to address quality assurance. The program is
designed to support and address financial viability and
services in rural hospitals and rural health systems
throughout Alaska. At least eight rural hospitals, their
referral hospitals, and their surrounding systems of care
are addressed through the Rural Hospital Flexibility
Program.
Mr. Teal stated that the acceptance of these grants
obligates state funds and/or services in this and future
years. He noted that because non-federal participation is
required, full legislative consideration might be
appropriate.
SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged".
RPL Number: 08-0-0101{TC "RPL Number:08-0-0101" \l 2}
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
Trade and Development
Industry Network corporation (INC) Grant
$144,959 - SDPR
SENATOR PHILLIPS asked that the request be "flagged".
RPL Number: 09-0-0045a{TC "RPL Number:09-0-0045a" \l 2}
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Disaster Planning and Control
FEMA Grant - Y2K Preparedness
$67,667 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL stated that the request had three parts which
appear as (a)(b) & (c). The purpose of request (a) was for
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide
funds to assist states prepare for potential problems
associated with the Y2K computer bug. The Division of
Emergency Services would apply grant funds to a wide range
of Y2K outreach activities. The benefits associated with
the program include expanded public awareness and education
for Y2K preparedness, improved regional and statewide
consequence management procedures, support for communities
and business during critical changeover periods, and refined
reporting procedures.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT asked that the request be
"flagged".
RPL Number: 09-0-0045b
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Disaster Planning and Control
FEMA Grant - Weapons of Mass Destruction
$81,757 - Federal Receipts
SENATOR PHILLIPS asked that the request be "flagged".
RPL Number: 09-0-0045c
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Disaster Planning and Control
FEMA Grant - Disaster Planning & Control
$319,000 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL explained that the Department had assumed that
the level of federal funds for Disaster Planning & Control
would decrease by $319 thousand dollars and that its budget
request would reflect that assumption. However, FEMA did
not reduce federal funding and the agency simply increased
the State's required match from 0% to 50%. The Department
will pass $275 thousand dollars through to local communities
to establish programs for Community Assistance. Local
communities will be required to use the funds for emergency
preparedness efforts. The remaining amount in authorization
will be in personal services to aid statewide preparedness
efforts. No new positions will be created as a result of
this request.
SENATOR PHILLIPS inquired if the "community" money would
come through the community's individual legislator's
assistance through State funding. He requested that the
request be "flagged".
RPL Number: 12-0-0107
Department of Public Safety
Fire Service Training
FEMA Grant - Terrorism
$69,200 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL stated that federal grant funds from FEMA would
be used to prepare local emergency response agencies and
community leaders for acts of terrorism and other incidents.
He added that no current authorized or new positions would
be funded by this project and that present staff would
manage the undertaking.
There being no questions or objections, RPL #12-0-0107 was
held for approval.
RPL Number: 20-0-0011
Department of Corrections
Administrative Services
Illegal/Criminal Alien Identification
Video Conferencing Equipment
$62,500 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL stated that the Department had received a 1999
Technology Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of
Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to
purchase video teleconferencing equipment that would enable
the Department to contact the Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS) and allow them to confirm the identification
of illegal and criminal aliens in custody. The equipment
would be installed at the Sixth Avenue Correctional Center
and is intended to increase productivity in the Alien
Criminal Apprehension Program (ACAP).
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT requested that the RPL be
"flagged".
RPL Number: 20-0-0012
Department of Corrections
Correctional Academy
Bulletproof Vest Partnership
$39.307 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL explained that the Bureau of Justice Assistance,
U.S. Department of Justice, provides federal funds under the
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 to protect
the lives of law enforcement officers by helping states and
units of local and tribal governments equip their law
enforcement officers with armored vests. The University,
Department of Natural Resources, Department of Public Safety
and Department of Corrections will receive funding under
this grant. He added that upon approval of the RPL, funding
awarded to the Department of Corrections would be used
before the grant period ends on December 31, 1999.
There being no questions or objections, RPL #20-0-0012 was
held for approval.
RPL Number: 25-0-1056
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Anchorage International Airport
AIA Terminal Electric Upgrades
Security Assess-CIP
$148,900 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL stated that the Department applied for federal
funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a
two-phase project at the Anchorage International Airport
(AIA). The project would provide for a new Y2K compliant
security access control system including replacement of the
host computer, software, local processors and terminals.
The RPL will have no impact on positions as all that work
would be contracted to the private sector and the project
would be managed by existing AIA staff.
There being no questions or objections, RPL #25-0-1056 was
held for approval.
RPL Number: 25-0-3312
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
SE Regional Highways and Aviation
Sitka Airport/Extended Hours of Operation
$18,000 - SDPR
SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged".
RPL Number: 25-0-3312
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
SE Regional Highways and Aviation
Sitka Airport/Extended Hours of Operation
$18,000 - SDPR
SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged".
RPL Number: 07-0-4047{TC "RPL Number:07-0-4047" \l 2}
Department of Labor
Labor and Workforce Development
Unemployment Insurance
Contract for redesign of UI Tax System
$900,000 - Federal receipts
SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged".
RPL Number: 08-0-110a{TC "RPL Number:08-0-110a" \l 2}
Department of Community and Economic Development
Alaska Visitor Statistics
Alaska Visitor Survey and Workshops
$800,000 - SDPR
SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged".
RPL Number: 08-0-110b{TC "RPL Number:08-0-110b" \l 2}
Department of Community and Economic Development
Alaska Tourism Marketing Council
Alaska Tourism Marketing & Development
$900,000 - SDPR
SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged".
* RECONSIDERATION OF THE FLAGGED RPL's *{TC "*
RECONSIDERATION OF THE FLAGGED RPLis *" \l 3}
RPL Number: 04-0-0016{TC "RPL Number:04-0-0016" \l 2}
Department of Revenue
Child Support Enforcement
Federal Access and Visitation Grant
$50,000 - Federal Receipts
{TC ""}
DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony regarding the
purpose of the request. He added that the Department was
short federal receipt authority.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT pointed out that there was a 10%
matching fund requirement. He asked if the Department would
be making that effort.
DAVID TEAL replied that would be an "in-kind" contribution.
There would be no new matched money.
CECILIA LACARA, Deputy Director, Child Support Enforcement
Division, Department of Revenue, commented that it would be
over the $100 thousand dollars granted by the federal
government. The funding would be used for personal services
contributed by the Alaska Court System and would be a part
of the current workload.
SUSAN MILLER, Manager, Special Projects, Administrative
Staff, Alaska Court System, explained that the match would
be coming from work hours of the current employees. These
developed programs are new. The time that it took to
develop these programs was time that was taken away from
employees normal court work. She stressed that these are
highly beneficial programs.
REPRESENTATIVE CROFT asked what these programs would
accomplish.
SUSAN MILLER replied that in Anchorage and Fairbanks, the
judges require that couples going through dissolution, to
attend a film regarding the effects of divorce on children.
The Fairbanks program is much more extensive. The Court's
intent is to expand the Anchorage program.
REPRESENTATIVE CROFT understood that this request had been
in the budget previously. He believed that funding the
request could help to address many of the current
constituent's complaints.
SENATOR PHILLIPS OBJECTED to the RPL.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the Committee would need to
have a quorum present at the meeting to take action on the
request.
RPL Number: 05-0-0776{TC "RPL Number:05-0-0776" \l 2}
Department of Education
Education & Early Development
Child Care
Child Care Development Fund
$253,107 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony regarding the
purpose of the RPL. He noted that this type of program had
been incorporated into the ChildCare budget since inception
of Welfare Reform in 1986. He added that the money had not
been anticipated in the FY00 budget process. {TC "DAVID
TEAL reiterated previous testimony regarding the purpose of
the RPL. He n"}
SENATOR PHILLIPS inquired if there were income limits in any
of these programs.
(Response inaudible - Teleconferenced)
There being no questions or objections, RPL #05-0-0776 was
held for approval.
RPL Number: 06-0-0131{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0131" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Probation Services
Delta/Greely Safe School Juvenile Probation Officer
And Anchorage Making a Difference Program
$56,400 - SDPR
DAVID TEAL explained that the Delta/Greely Safe Schools
Juvenile Probation officer program and the Department of
Health and Social Services (DHSS) have joined to address a
number of specific safe and drug free schools initiatives.
The District received a federal grant award for safe and
drug-free schools and is currently offering the Department
$40 thousand SDPR to assist in meeting the goals of that
program.
The Division of Juvenile Justice currently provides
probation support services to Delta Junction, Fort Greely,
and Healy Lake out of the Fairbanks juvenile probation
office. The funding would allow a new juvenile probation
officer position to be located in the Delta Junction High
School.
Additionally, the Division of Juvenile Justice receives $142
thousand dollars annually from the Municipality of Anchorage
for the "Making a Difference" Program for the funding of
three Probation Officer I positions in Anchorage. The RPL
requests an additional $16,400 of authorization to cover the
entire $142 thousand dollars to be received from the
Municipality.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS questioned why the State needed to be
involved in this request.
JANET CLARKE, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Health and Social Services, stated that in the
grant which Delta made with the program, they requested
having a juvenile probation officer in the school as part of
that federal grant. Currently, the State holds the
responsibility and authority for probation officers.
REPRESENTATIVE CROFT asked where the extra $16 thousand
dollars would come from.
JANET CLARKE responded that for some reason the Department
made an error and underestimated the need.
SENATOR PHILLIPS questioned what other communities received
similar grants to this.
JANET CLARKE explained that there are two different "things"
in the same component. This is not a federal grant that
Anchorage would be receiving and that she did not know the
source of funds. However, the Delta program does go through
a variety of communities.
GEORGE BUHITE, Division of Juvenile Justice, explained that
the criteria for the grant was that the schools work with
multiple agencies. The school believed that having a
probation officer on the premise would be a good adjunct to
the program.
SENATOR PHILLPS asked if Delta Greely was a tax-paying,
organized government.
GEORGE BUHITE stated that the program in Anchorage was not a
school program. Three probation staff at Maclaughlin Youth
Center have been funded through it, in order to deal with
first offenders early and appropriately.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT asked if it would be necessary to
hire new employee.
GEORGE BUHITE replied that the legal definition regarding
the probation officer had to do with school district
employees. That position provides a level of law
enforcement presence that the personal school staff does not
have.
SENATOR WILKEN testified via teleconference. [Inaudible]
There being no further questions or objections, RPL #06-0-
0131 was held for approval.
RPL Number: 06-0-0132{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0132" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Ketchikan Juvenile Detention & Diagnostic and
Treatment Center-CIP
$600,000 - SDPR
DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony.
JANET CLARKE clarified that the urgency for the request
resulted in that the Department has a schedule to go out and
rd
advertise for bid on January 3, 2000. One complication is
that the City of Ketchikan has donated the land, and that
however, the land is located on a gully, creating
complications for the design of the facility.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS asked how many beds had been originally
planned for and how many existed.
JANET CLARKE noted that there would still be ten beds in the
facility, adding that the operations of the facility are
complicated. In the Governor's FY2000 budget, the
Department has requested six months operating funds for
operating the detention portion of the facility. There are
existing grants which will be used to help staff the mental
health portion of beds in that facility. The funds that are
targeted are GF Mental Health funds.
REPRESENTATIVE CROFT clarified the request summary.
There being no further questions or objections, RPL #06-0-
0132CIP was held for approval.
RPL Number: 06-0-0172{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0172" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Mental Health/Development
Disabilities Administration
Anchorage Comorbidity Services Evaluation Study
$433,800 - Federal Receipts
JANET CLARKE explained that the purpose for this request was
for the Anchorage Comorbidity Services Project, also known
as the API 2000 Project Community Plan. Once in place, the
project would help divert a portion of the Alaska
Psychiatric Institute (API) clientele to community based
mental health and substance abuse services rather than a
more restrictive institutional environment.
The purpose of the grant would support development,
implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive seamless
system of care for persons with co-occurring substance abuse
and mental health disorders in Anchorage and the adjacent
Kenai Peninsula area. She emphasized that the grant would
be used for operating costs only.
Ms. Clarke continued, the $433,800 Federal Receipts
requested in the RPL would be transferred to the University
of Alaska to conduct a study and evaluate the effectiveness
of the service reconfiguration strategies.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the requested amount was
"high" for a study.
LOREN JONES, Director, Division of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse,
Department of Health and Social Services, stated that the
Department negotiated with the University for the research.
It was intended to address federal government requirements.
Part of the contract with the University of Arizona was to
bring additional training to the Alaska University staff.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT advised that the requested funding
should have been addressed through last year's operating
budget funding.
LOREN JONES replied that the plan for the expenditure of
these funds was established through a timetable as to when
the services would be implemented. Federal funding came
before the Departments' schedule came. The Department has
been trying to budget only in the year which the expenditure
is expected to be spent.
JANET CLARKE added that the Department would not loose the
funds if they were not spent in the same fiscal year. They
would carry over.
DAVID TEAL pointed out that the balance of the $5 million
dollar award from SAMSHA is not clearly identified in the
agency budget. The Department may require another RPL or
supplemental to fully expend the balance of the fund award
during the first award period of the grant. He added that
there are no technical problems with the request.
REPRESENTATIVE CROFT questioned if the full $5 million
dollars was not spent, would a portion of it be diverted to
community-based citizens. He believed that action would
create potential long-term cost savings.
LOREN JONES agreed. The Department is looking to provide
services that will eventually allow the current API to
operate at 54 beds rather than 79 beds. He added that in
about two years, it should be at about that level.
(TAPE CHANGE, LBA 99-7, SIDE B).
LOREN JONES continued, in close to the summer of 2002, API
will being operating in a new facility with 54 beds.
Community services will be enhanced. The federal government
money will be gone and the general fund services will be
reprogrammed to support that level of service.
REPRESENTATIVE CROFT clarified that in effect, if the
federal funding is used appropriately, it will decrease the
cost of treatment for this clientele and will move them from
a primarily state employed to a primary grant, private,
nonprofit.
LOREN JONES agreed. He added that the reason for the high
expense of the evaluation is that it will provide continual
feedback during the process and will answer questions of the
Legislature.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that because there was objection
to the request, it would be moved to the bottom of the
agenda until another member was present so the Committee
could vote on it with the needed quorum.
RPL Number: 06-0-0180{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0180" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services
Public Health Preparedness and Response
For Bioterrorism
$700,000 - Federal Receipts
JANET CLARKE noted that the Department requested the funds
for the effort of public health preparedness and response
for a bioterrorism program. The program provides the last
opportunity for the Department to expand and upgrade the
ability to detect and respond to attacks from biological
agents and public health problems. She added that no
matching funding would be required for the program and that
it has the potential to be funded for about four years.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT questioned the request for six new
positions.
MATT ANDERSON, Community Health, Division of Emergency
Medical Services, Department of Health and Social Services,
stated that this was a time-sensitive matter. The
Department has received much encouragement to get this
program up and running.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS asked if the State would loose the
funding if it was not implemented in a short period of time.
MATT ANDERSON replied that he had no knowledge that would be
the case.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT pointed out that the Y2K motivator
for the request would be happening in two weeks.
MATT ANDERSON replied that it has been widely recognized
throughout the country that bioterrorism is a threat. At
the federal level, many resources have been reallocated to
deal with the issue. Public health is a very critical
component of that process.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT agreed that there was a threat,
however, did not see the need to move forward and position a
multi-year commitment. He recommended that it be considered
during the next legislature.
REPRESENTATIVE CROFT spoke in support of the request.
Discussion followed between Representative Therriault and
Representative Croft regarding the concern.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT OBJECTED to the request.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS placed the request at the bottom of the
agenda in hopes that another member would show at the
meeting in order to have a quorum present to vote on the
issue.
RPL Number: 06-0-0181{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0181" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services for Children
$250,000 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony on the request.
JANET CLARKE noted that one of the questions was regarding
the five supporting positions, partially supported by the
Emergency Medical Services for children. These positions
are currently 100% federally supported. The request is
consistent with how the Department funds the positions.
SENATOR PHILLIPS asked if these funds would be used for all
children in rural Alaska.
JANET CLARKE replied that these were not Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) funds. The targeted population would be
Alaska Natives, but the work would benefit all children in
Alaska.
MATT ANDERSON added that the grant application specifically
targeted Alaska Native children, however, the program is in
everyone's best interest in that it addresses the needs of
all children in the State of Alaska.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS questioned if the Department's "hands
would be tied" in spending these funds.
MATT ANDERSON stated that the grant instructions were very
specific as to the targeted group. However, at the national
level of the EMS program, it was intended to build the
entire system for adults and children.
JANET CLARKE added that the Department's wording was in
trying to be consistent with what the grant award is. The
State's response was that the program would be for all
children.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT questioned why the description of
the services would not be completed until the end of the
first grant year.
MATT ANDERSON replied that the grant process changed
midstream at the federal level and that there is a work-plan
to be used to accomplish the funding goal.
JANET CLARKE noted that these five positions would not free
up general funding. They are 100% federally funded
positions. The time would be redirected and funds
redistributed. In response to Representative Therriault,
Ms. Clarke noted that in the Division of Public Health,
there are a number of categorical funded federal grants that
are for spending in a certain way, on something definite, in
that Division.
SHARON AVERY, Division of Public Health, Department of
Health and Social Services, explained that the funds, which
would be freed up, would be made available for programs
which already exist in the Division of Public Health. They
could not be used anywhere else in that Department. She
emphasized that there are restrictions on using these funds.
There being no further questions or objections, RPL #06-0-
0181 was held for approval.
RPL Number: 06-0-0182{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0182" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Comm Health/Emerg Medical Svcs
Rural Health program and Rural Hospital
Flexibility Program Grant
$562,700 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS asked why the request had not been
written as two separate requests.
DAVID TEAL explained that the source of funds, the
component, and the purpose are the same.
There being no further questions or objections, RPL #06-1-
0182 was held for approval.
RPL Number: 08-0-0101{TC "RPL Number:08-0-0101" \l 2}
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
Trade and Development
Industry Network corporation (INC) Grant
$144,959 - SDPR
DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony.
SENATOR PHILLIPS inquired how much business would the
position generate.
GREG WOLF, Director, Division of Trade and Development,
Department of Commerce and Economic Development, explained
that the grant would allow the Division to support the
activities effort to Alaskan companies to sell their value
added products in overseas markets. He stated that the
Division is uniquely positioned to provide that assistance
because the State maintains contract trade representatives
in those markets.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS requested that Mr. Wolf focus on why the
position had been cut from last year's operating budget.
GREG WOLF replied that the grant funds would provide for
projects on the trade side or value added product side which
the Division had planned for and budgeted for already. By
doing so, it frees up funds to provide the cash match needed
by the Division to provide for the forest products position
for the remainder of the fiscal year. He emphasized the
importance of that action. When the position had been
eliminated last year, there remained a lot of important work
to be completed. The bulk of the money will go to the
promotion of value added products.
Discussion followed between Senator Phillips and Mr. Wolf
regarding the amount of business that would be generated by
the addition of this position. Mr. Wolf pointed out that we
live in a competitive market and that the work done benefits
Alaskan companies but that whether they provide the State
with that information "remains to be seen".
REPRESENTATIVE CROFT noted that the State has been trying to
get value-added products for a long time. He stressed that
this is an important development and should be encouraged by
the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee.
DAVID TEAL stated that the Department's position is that
they will work hard to obtain funding. He added that there
is a strong probability that funding would be maintained in
the future.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that she would move consideration
of this RPL to the bottom of the agenda.
RPL Number: 09-0-0045a{TC "RPL Number:09-0-0045a" \l 2}
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Disaster Planning and Control
FEMA Grant - Y2K Preparedness
$67,667 - Federal Receipts
ROBERTA CARNEY, Staff Officer, Division of Emergency
Services, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs stated
that the request was a federal grant offered to each state
by the federal government. The funding would be used for a
public outreach and preparedness effort. Some of this work
has already been done through the operational budget. She
emphasized that this is a time sensitive issue.
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS asked how close the Department is to
being Y2K compliant.
ROBERTA CARNEY replied that the Department is 100% compliant
with all activities.
There being no questions or objection, RPL #09-0-0045a was
held for approval.
RPL Number: 09-0-0045b
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Disaster Planning and Control
FEMA Grant - Weapons of Mass Destruction
$81,757 - Federal Receipts
ROBERTA CARNEY explained that grant was offered by the
federal government and that the expiration date is July 1,
2000. The plan for the funding would be to develop a
tourism annex or several jurisdiction operational plans
already in existence. The contractor would take the State
Model Plan and develop an annex for it. That plan is
available for the smaller communities and is partially used
at this time. There would be no new positions added.
There being no questions or objections, RPL #09-0-0045b was
held for approval.
RPL Number: 09-0-0045c
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Disaster Planning and Control
FEMA Grant - Disaster Planning & Control
$319,000 - Federal Receipts
ROBERTA CARNEY stated that this request resulted from an
error on the part of the federal government. They have
changed the way that they work with the State in the cost
share program. When the FY00 budget was submitted, the
Department assumed that the level of federal funds for
Disaster Planning and Control would decrease by $319
thousand dollars and the budget request reflected that
assumption. However, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) did not reduce federal funding, the agency
increased the State's required match from 0% to 50%.
Disaster Planning and Control requests an increase in
federal authorization of $319 thousand dollars. The
Department will pass $275 thousand dollars through to local
communities to establish programs for Community Assistance.
Local communities will be required to use these funds for
emergency preparedness efforts. The remaining $44 thousand
dollars in authorization would be in personal services to
aid statewide preparation efforts.
There being no questions or objections, RPL #09-0-0045c was
held for approval.
RPL Number: 20-0-0011
Department of Corrections
Administrative Services
Illegal/Criminal Alien Identification
Video Conferencing Equipment
$62,500 - Federal Receipts
DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony.
REPRESENTATIVE CROFT asked if there would be cost savings if
the State identifies a criminal that is an alien.
There was no department person present to answer that query.
REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE pointed out that the request would
ultimately increase the total budget.
There being no further questions or objections, RPL #20-0-
0011 was held for approval.
RPL Number: 25-0-3312
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
SE Regional Highways and Aviation
Sitka Airport/Extended Hours of Operation
$18,000 - SDPR
DAVID TEAL stated that in August, 1999, the City and Borough
of Sitka (CBS) requested that the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities extend operation of the
Sitka airport from 16 hours per day to 20 hours per day to
allow extra flights to and from Sitka. The CBS agreed to
pay $106 thousand dollars over a nine and one-half month
period and the Department began providing 20 hour service in
September, 1999. Extended airport service boosts the local
economy and supports the fishing industry through increased
passenger and cargo flights, providing more opportunity for
local businesses to fly out fresh fish and receive other
timely products, and it creates more jobs at the airport and
for local businesses. No vacant positions would be filled
using this funding. He concluded that the maintenance
station in Sitka is fully staffed.
SENATOR PHILLIPS asked how long would the city be willing to
pay the extra costs.
DAVID TEAL replied that they would pay for it through July
st,
12000.
There being no further discussion or objection, RPL #25-0-
3312 was held for approval.
RPL Number: 07-0-4047{TC "RPL Number:07-0-4047" \l 2}
Department of Labor
Labor and Workforce Development
Unemployment Insurance
Contract for redesign of UI Tax System
$900,000 - Federal receipts
DAVID TEAL stated that the RPL would provide to spend
additional federal receipts to complete funding for the
Unemployment Insurance Tax System Capital project.
There being no further questions or objection, RPL #07-0-
4047 was held for approval.
RPL Number: 08-0-110a{TC "RPL Number:08-0-110a" \l 2}
Department of Community and Economic Development
Alaska Visitor Statistics
Alaska Visitor Survey and Workshops
$800,000 - SDPR
DAVID TEAL noted that in 1985, the Division of Tourism
launched the Alaska Visitor Statistics Program (AVSP) and
since that time, the AVSP has been conducted every four
years. The research aids the Department in expanding and
diversifying Alaska's economy by facilitating more efficient
and effective tourism marketing. The data gathered helps to
determine:
The means by which both residents and visitors entered
the State.
The purpose of the visitors' trip, mode of entry/exit,
origin, age, party size, gender and travel type.
Detailed information on how much was spent by visitors,
where they spend it, and how it was spent.
Satisfaction with facilities, accommodations,
attractions, choice of transportation and
activities.
(Testimony via Teleconference-inaudible)
(TAPE CHANGE, LBA 99-8, SIDE A).
REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE questioned the net general fund gain to
the State.
(Response testimony via teleconference was inaudible).
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT spoke to the dynamic change with
updating the study and the information generated by that
action.
KATHY DUNN, Alaska Tourism Marketing Council (ATMC),
Department of Commerce and Economic Development, spoke to
the importance of the studies and how the State can use that
information.
There being no further questions or objections, RPL #08-0-
0110a CIP was held for approval.
RPL Number: 08-0-110b{TC "RPL Number:08-0-110b" \l 2}
Department of Community and Economic Development
Alaska Tourism Marketing Council
Alaska Tourism Marketing & Development
$900,000 - SDPR
There being no questions or objections, RPL #08-0-0110b was
held for approval.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES{TC "APPROVAL OF MINUTES"}
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS requested a motion for approval of
rd
minutes from the September 23 Legislative Budget and Audit
Committee meeting.
SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED approval of the minutes and asked for
unanimous consent. There being NO OBJECTION, the minutes
were approved and adopted.
* REVISITED AND "FLAGGED" RPL's *
SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED to approve the following RPL's:
01-0-8024 Office of the Governor
01-0-8026 Office of the Governor
02-0-0037 DOA
05-0-0767 DOE
05-0-0776 DOE
06-0-0131 DHSS
06-0-0132 DHSS
06-0-0181 DHSS
06-0-0182 DHSS
09-0-0045a DMVA
09-0-0045b DMVA
09-0-0045c DMVA
12-0-0107 DPS
20-0-0011 DOC
20-0-0012 DOC
25-0-1056 DTPF
25-0-3312 DTPF
07-0-4047 LABOR
08-0-110a COM. & ECONOMIC DEV.
08-0-110b COM. & ECONOMIC DEV.
There being NO OBJECTION, these RPL's were approved.
RPL Number: 04-0-0016{TC "RPL Number:04-0-0016" \l 2}
Department of Revenue
Child Support Enforcement
Federal Access and Visitation Grant
$50,000 - Federal Receipts
SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED RPL 04-0-0016 and OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Representatives Bunde, Croft, G.
Davis, Therriault, Chair Phillips
Senator Wilken
OPPOSED: Senator Phillips
The MOTION PASSED (6-1).
RPL Number: 06-0-0172{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0172" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Mental Health/Development
Disabilities Administration
Anchorage Comorbidity Services Evaluation Study
$433,800 - Federal Receipts
SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED RPL #06-0-0172. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was approved.
RPL Number: 06-0-0180{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0180" \l 2}
Department of Health and Social Services
Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services
Public Health Preparedness and Response
For Bioterrorism
$700,000 - Federal Receipts
SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED to approve RPL #06-0-0180.
REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Representatives Croft, G. Davis, G. Phillips
Senator R. Phillips
OPPOSED: Representatives Therriault, Bunde
Senator Wilken
The MOTION FAILED (4-3).
RPL Number: 08-0-0101{TC "RPL Number:08-0-0101" \l 2}
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
Trade and Development
Industry Network corporation (INC) Grant
$144,959 - SDPR
SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED to approve RPL #08-0-0101 and asked
unanimous consent. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Representatives Croft, G. Davis, G. Phillips
Senator Wilken, Phillips
OPPOSED: Representatives Therriault, Bunde
The MOTION FAILED (5-2).
EXECUTIVE SESSION{TC "EXECUTIVE SESSION" \l 4}
SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED that in accordance with Title 24 and
44, the LBA Committee move into Executive Session for the
purpose of discussing audit reports, which are held
confidential by law. There being NO OBJECTION, the
Committee went into Executive Session at 12:01 P.M.
{TC ""}
The Committee resumed open session at 12:29 P.M.{TC "The
Committee resumed open session at 12:29 P.M."}
AUDIT REPORTS{TC "AUDIT REPORTS"}
SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED that the following preliminary audit
reports be released to the agencies for their response:
DOA/DCED-RCA-AOGCC Merger Analysis
DOR/AHFC - Financial Analysis
DOA/Alaska Pioneer Homes
DMV/Alaska National Guard
DOTPF/Home Gravel Roads Project
There being NO OBJECTION, the preliminary audits were
released for agency response.
SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED that the final audit on the agenda be
released to the public:
DOA/Alaska Commission on Aging
There being NO OBJECTION, the final audit was released for
public view.
ADJOURNMENT{TC "ADJOURNMENT"}
CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS adjourned the LBA Committee meeting at
12:45 P.M.
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