Legislature(2007 - 2008)Anch LIO Conf Rm
12/10/2007 01:30 PM House LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
DECEMBER 10, 2007
1. ROLL CALL
The Legislative Council meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Senator John Cowdery,
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Chairman, Legislative Council, in the Anchorage LIO, 2 Floor Conference Room and via
teleconference.
Roll was taken. In attendance were Council Members: Senators Cowdery, Davis, Elton, Green,
Hoffman, Stevens (via teleconference), Wilken (via teleconference); Representatives Coghill
(via teleconference), Dahlstrom, Harris, Samuels, Stoltze (via teleconference), Wilson (via
teleconference), and Guttenberg (via teleconference). Staff present: Varni, Makinster, Cook,
Edwardson, Fleek, Gullufsen, Ibesate, Lesh, Lobaugh, Price, Schofield.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - AUGUST 17, 2007
Representative Samuels moved Legislative Council approve the minutes of the August 17, 2007
Legislative Council meeting as presented.
Senator Wilken asked that the minutes be changed to reflect that under Item 11 - Blackberry
Proposal/Approval, the second motion to allow the Agency to enter into an agreement with
Cellular One to purchase a monthly voice service package was made, then withdrawn and not put
forward again until the end of the meeting, after a brief At Ease, an Executive Session, and Item
12 - Other Business. Pam Varni, Executive Director of the Legislative Affairs Agency, said she
would listen to the recording and correct any inconsistencies.
Discussion followed.
Representative Samuels withdrew the motion to approve the August 17, 2007 minutes pending
correction. This item will be re-scheduled at a future Legislative Council meeting.
3. SANCTIONING AND RATIFICATION OF CHARITABLE EVENTS
Representative Dahlstrom moved that Legislative Council sanction and ratify the 2008
Fahrenkamp Classic Putting Tournament, Auction and Reception and the 2008 Legislative Skits
per AS 24.60.080(c)(10).
Senator Davis joined the meeting at this time.
YEAS: Cowdery, Davis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Stevens, Wilken, Coghill, Dahlstrom,
Harris, Samuels, Wilson, Guttenberg
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Stoltze
The motion passed 13-0.
4. LATE PER DIEM REQUEST
Representative Dahlstrom moved that Legislative Council approve a late per diem request for
Representative LeDoux.
Senator Cowdery noted that Representative Stoltze had joined the meeting.
YEAS: Cowdery, Davis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Stevens, Wilken, Coghill, Dahlstrom,
Harris, Samuels, Stoltze, Wilson, Guttenberg
NAYS: None
The motion passed unanimously.
5. CARPET REPLACEMENT APPROVAL
Pam Varni, Executive Director of the Legislative Affairs Agency, explained that the carpet in the
Lobby of the Capitol needs to be replaced. It is patched and worn and was purchased 13 years
ago. Carpet was chosen to match the blue and gold ceiling in the Lobby.
Representative Dahlstrom moved that Legislative Council approve the solicitation, award and
expenditure for replacement carpet in the Lobby of the Capitol in an amount not to exceed
$29,500.
YEAS: Cowdery, Davis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Stevens, Wilken, Coghill, Dahlstrom,
Harris, Samuels, Stoltze, Wilson, Guttenberg
NAYS: None
The motion passed unanimously.
6. BLOCK 39 - RIM ARCHITECTS APPROVAL
Pam Varni, Executive Director of the Legislative Affairs Agency, noted that at a previous
Legislative Council meeting, Council decided to move forward on preliminary planning for
office space for the Anchorage District Offices and the Anchorage LIO into a combined facility
on Block 39. In addition, we would be moving the Anchorage Audit Office, Office of Victim's
Rights and the Anchorage Ombudsman's Office into this new proposed office building. The
Alaska Court System owns Block 39 with the exception of the Teriyaki Restaurant property. In
addition to new legislative space, the Court System would have new administrative offices and
the Municipality would be building a parking structure on Block 39. The Legislature
appropriated $240,000 to the Court System for a portion of the Block 39 architectural fees.
Legislative Council will need to pay their portion of $100,000 to the Court System who will
administer this contract for us.
President/CEO of RIM Architects Larry Cash testified that the structure they are initially
proposing will be a mixed-use project; a combination of office space, a parking structure to
service offices and potentially street-level retail or additional office space around the perimeter
which should be appealing to pedestrians. There will be approximately 38,000 square feet for the
Legislature and 50,500 square feet for the Court System, which is all usable office space. There
will also be an anticipated 400-500 parking spaces, which will provide parking to the building's
tenants as well as potentially to the Municipality; this number is flexible and will be worked out
among the various stakeholders.
Mr. Cash noted that mixed-use space is a major component of downtown Anchorage. The
proposed retail space is optional and can be converted to purely government use if that is what is
deemed appropriate.
Discussion followed.
Representative Dahlstrom moved that Legislative Council approve the expenditure of $100,000
from Legislative Council Chair funds to the Alaska Court System for Block 39 architectural fees
to RIM Architects.
YEAS: Cowdery, Davis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Stevens, Coghill, Dahlstrom, Harris,
Samuels, Stoltze, Wilson, Guttenberg
NAYS: Wilken
The motion passed 13-1.
7. DISCUSSION OF CAPITOL ANNEX PLANS
Pam Varni, Executive Director of the Legislative Affairs Agency, explained that Senator Wilken
asked that this item be brought before the Council again. Up for current consideration are 35%
conceptual plans that incorporate the one requested change of providing a public lounge in place
of the proposal to move House Records to the Annex. Once the final bid-ready documents are
prepared, the Legislative Affairs Agency will issue an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for construction.
The results of the ITB will be brought back to Legislative Council for final award.
Discussion followed.
Representative Dahlstrom moved that Legislative Council approve the 35% conceptual plans
dated November 2007 from Jensen, Yorba, Lott, Inc for the remodel of the Scottish Rite Temple.
YEAS: Cowdery, Davis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Stevens, Wilken, Coghill, Dahlstrom,
Harris, Samuels, Wilson, Guttenberg
NAYS: Stoltze
The motion passed 13-1.
8. DISCUSSION OF VACANT LEGAL COUNSEL POSITION
Senator Cowdery noted that Ted Popely, Legal Counsel to the Legislative Council, had resigned.
The Senator proposed that the Council discuss and decide whether the position should continue
in its current capacity or whether to consider hiring an attorney on contract to fulfill the duties of
this position as needed. As an alternative, Legislative Council could eliminate the position as a
state job and instead rely on individual contracts as matters arise.
Discuss followed.
There were no objections and Pam Varni was directed to put the position out for bid.
9. ADDITIONAL SECURITY CAMERAS APPROVAL
Pam Varni, Executive Director of the Legislative Affairs Agency, informed the Council that both
the Chief of Security and the Capitol Building Manager have noted areas where additional
cameras were needed in both the Capitol and Terry Miller Buildings. The estimated amount of
$100,000 for the additional cameras would come from existing FY 08 funds.
Discussion followed.
Representative Dahlstrom moved that Legislative Council approve the solicitation, award, and
expenditure for additional security cameras in the Capitol and Terry Miller Legislative Office
Buildings.
YEAS: Cowdery, Davis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Stevens, Wilken, Coghill, Dahlstrom,
Harris, Samuels, Stoltze, Wilson, Guttenberg
NAYS: None
The motion passed unanimously.
10. 50 STATEHOOD LEGISLATIVE PUBLICATION APPROVAL
Pam Varni, Executive Director of the Legislative Affairs Agency, on behalf of Senator Stevens,
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noted that our 50 Statehood Celebration is taking place in 2009. Senator Stevens suggested that
Legislative Council authorize the Legislative Affairs Agency to produce a publication to
celebrate 50 years of the Legislative Branch.
Discussion followed.
Representative Dahlstrom moved that Legislative Council approve funds up to $25,000 to
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produce a 50 Statehood Legislature Publication.
YEAS: Cowdery, Davis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Stevens, Coghill, Dahlstrom, Harris,
Stoltze, Wilson, Guttenberg
NAYS: Samuels
ABSENT: Wilken
The motion passed 12-1.
11. OTHER BUSINESS
Pam Varni, Executive Director of the Legislative Affairs Agency, informed the Council that the
Chair has received a request from Mr. Kim Halverson with Wyndham Publications. Since 1993,
they have worked with the Alaska Administration and Legislature in producing a table top book
that promotes statewide economic development. The majority of the statewide projects are
sponsored by either the Governor's Office, Legislative body, or other high-level entity. There is
no request for funding for this book. The publisher goes to non-profit organizations,
corporations, small businesses, local government, etc. to underwrite this publication. Wyndham
Publications is requesting the Legislature's support for this endeavor. Over the years, we
received approximately 500 volumes of this publication and make those copies available to each
Legislator.
Discussion followed.
Senator Cowdery asked if there were any objections to supporting this concept and none was
offered.
Senator Elton announced that Judge Tom Stewart is currently hospitalized in Juneau in serious
condition. Judge Stewart was a member of the Constitutional Convention.
Legislative Council adjourned at 3:40PM.
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