Legislature(2023 - 2024)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/18/2023 05:30 PM House LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
APRIL 18, 2023
5:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, Chair
Representative Kevin McCabe, Vice Chair
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Matt Claman
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Gary Stevens
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Sara Hannan
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative George Rauscher
Representative Dan Saddler
Representative Cathy Tilton
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Bert Stedman (alternate)
AGENDA
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RATIFICATION OF CHARITY EVENTS
CONTRACT APPROVALS
COMMITTEE BUSINESS-EXECUTIVE SESSION
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
SPEAKER REGISTER
Jessica Geary, Executive Director, Legislative Affairs
Agency (LAA)
JC Kestel, Procurement Officer, LAA
Tim Banaszak, Chief Information Officer, Integrated
Technology Services, LAA
I. CALL TO ORDER
5:31:58 PM
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON called the Legislative Council meeting to
order at 5:31 pm on April 18, 2023. Present at the call
were: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, Rauscher,
Saddler, McCabe, Tilton.
Twelve members present.
Speaker Tilton joined the meeting at 5:35 PM, Senator
Hoffman joined the meeting at 6:17 PM.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5:33:05 PM
VICE CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council approve
the agenda as presented.
The agenda was approved without objection.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5:33:25 PM
VICE CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council approve
the minutes dated: January 16, 2023, and February 21, 2023,
as presented.
The minutes were approved without objection.
IV. RATIFICATION OF CHARITY EVENTS
5:33:49 PM
VICE-CHAIR MCCABE moved and asked unanimous consent that
Legislative Council ratify the Chairs sanctioning of the
following charitable events per AS 24.60.080(a)(2)(B): Sham
Jam, April 8, 2023; Legislative Skits, April 29-30, 2023;
Kenai River Junior Classic, August 9, 2023; Ted Stevens
Kenai River Classic, August 23-25, 2023; and Kenai River
Women's Classic, September 14-16, 2023.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
She stated that she previously sanctioned the listed events
and verified the 501(c)(3) status of the charities. There
was no discussion, the objection was removed, and the
charitable events were ratified.
V. CONTRACT APPROVALS
A. Ketchikan Lease Renewal
5:35:11 PM
VICE CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council approve
continuation of the lease extension for Ketchikan office
space through February 28, 2027, in the amount of
$50,645.88 for fiscal year 2024.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked Mr. Kestel to speak to this item.
JC KESTEL, Procurement Officer (LAA), said the current
Ketchikan lease was under the $50,000 threshold at the time
the lease extension was exercised by a previous Legislative
Council Chair. Due to the recent increase in the Consumer
Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), this lease
will exceed the $50,000 threshold for the upcoming fiscal
year (2024); therefore, Legislative Councils approval is
required to continue this lease extension.
There was no discussion and Chair Gray-Jackson removed her
objection.
5:36:57 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
B. Fairbanks Lease Renewal
5:37:48 PM
VICE-CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council approve
Renewal Number 3 of the lease for Fairbanks office space in
the amount of $216,240.96.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked Procurement Officer JC Kestel to speak to this
item.
MR. KESTEL stated that this item is for the third renewal
of the Fairbanks office space. He said the current lease
renewal expires July 31, 2023, and if Council approves the
request today, there will be two remaining one-year
renewals of this lease. The third renewal is for the period
of August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024, and since it
exceeds the $50,000 limit, it requires Legislative Council
approval.
There was no discussion and Chair Gray-Jackson removed her
objection.
5:38:51 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
C. Mat-Su Lease Extension Renewal
5:39:34 PM
VICE-CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council approve
Renewal Number 2 of the lease for the Mat-Su office space
in the amount of $190,681.56.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked Procurement Officer JC Kestel to speak on this
item.
MR. KESTEL stated that this request is for the second
renewal of the Mat-Su office space lease. The renewal
period, if approved, would cover August 1, 2023, through
July 31, 2024, leaving three optional renewals remaining.
Since it exceeds the $50,000 limit in one fiscal year, the
renewal requires Legislative Council approval.
There was no discussion and Chair Gray-Jackson removed her
objection.
5:40:41 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
D. FY24 Microsoft Enterprise Software Renewal Agreement
5:41:26 PM
VICE-CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council authorize
the annual Microsoft FY24 licensing payment to Software
House International (SHI) for $278,056.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked Mr. Banaszak to speak to this item.
TIM BANASZAK, Chief Information Officer (LAA), stated that
this SHI Microsoft renewal is the third and final renewal
available under the current State of Alaska three-year
contract; Council previously approved the first two
renewals. The primary purpose of the contract is to provide
Microsoft products that affect essential functions of the
Legislature including Windows 10, Windows server operating
systems, cybersecurity software, and the Office software
suite. It also provides software for critical
infrastructure and systems such as Windows servers and
databases, most notably BASIS; network storage drives; web
servers; video conferencing systems like Microsoft Teams;
and crucial cybersecurity tools. He recommended renewal of
the agreement which offers reduced volume pricing and
enhanced technical support, as well as training for both
technical staff and users.
Mr. Banaszak noted the cost of this renewal is the
Legislatures portion of the State of Alaska contract which
was competitively procured. In response to a question by
Representative Johnson, Mr. Banaszak responded that the
software licensing and renewals allow for updating the
software to the latest versions available, including
Windows 11. While the memo does not mention the upgrade,
the license does.
There was no further discussion and Chair Gray-Jackson
removed her objection.
5:47:57 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
VI. COMMITTEE BUSINESS - EXECUTIVE SESSION
5:48:49 PM
VICE CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council go into
Executive Session under Uniform Rule 22(b)(1), discussion
of matters, the immediate knowledge of which would
adversely affect the finances of a government unit and
22(b)(3), discussion of a matter that may, by law, be
required to be confidential. The following individuals may
remain in the room or online during Executive Session:
Jessica Geary, Megan Wallace, Emily Nauman, Santé Lesh,
Molly Kiesel, JC Kestel, Tim Banaszak, Skiff Lobaugh, and
any legislators not on Legislative Council, and any staff
of Legislative Council members.
5:50:02 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
5:50:37 PM
Council went into Executive Session.
6:15:36 PM
Council came out of Executive Session.
A roll call was taken to establish a quorum.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
Thirteen members present.
A. Lease Extension Renewal
6:16:24 PM
VICE CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council approve
Renewal Number 1 of the lease for the Office of Victims
Rights office space in the amount of $50,087.16 through
June 30, 2024.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked Mr. Kestel to speak to this item.
MR. KESTEL stated that this request is for the first
renewal of the lease extension for the Office of Victims
Rights. Since the renewal exceeds the $50,000 limit in one
fiscal year, it requires Legislative Council approval. If
approved, the lease extension renewal would be granted
through June 30, 2024.
There was no discussion and Chair Gray-Jackson removed her
objection.
6:17:35 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
VII. COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. 40-Hour Workweek
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON asked Ms. Geary to speak on the change
to the 40-hour workweek.
Prior to Ms. Gearys testimony, Senate President Stevens
requested that Council pause to ensure Senator Hoffman was
on teleconference as he had expressed an interest in
participating for this item.
6:18:37 PM
Council took a brief at-ease.
6:18:47 PM
Council returned from at-ease. Senator Hoffman was
confirmed to be on teleconference.
JESSICA GEARY, Executive Director (LAA), stated the reason
LAA started looking into moving to a 40-hour workweek was
because compensatory time over the last couple of years was
frequently exceeding the 150-hour maximum that non-partisan
staff can accumulate. In many cases, this resulted in
difficulty for staff to use both their comp time and their
mandatory leave. Paying staff for an additional 2.5 hours
per week which they are already working would help improve
morale, retention, and burnout that employees are currently
experiencing. She said she has additional information
prepared and is pleased to answer questions.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked which LAA sections were
experiencing the most burnout.
MS. GEARY responded that Legal Services, IT, Maintenance,
and sometimes Supply experience the most burnout.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER followed up to confirm that Legal
Services, IT, and Maintenance were some of LAAs largest
sections.
MS. GEARY confirmed that was correct.
6:21:22 PM
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON called a brief at-ease.
6:21:46 PM
Council returned from at-ease.
6:22:16 PM
VICE CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council adopt the
Standard Workweek Policy as presented.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER stated his support for the 40-hour
workweek.
6:23:49 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Hoffman, Gray-Jackson,
Kiehl, Olson, Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan,
Johnson, McCabe, Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 14-0.
B. FY24 Hardware Refresh
6:24:47 PM
VICE CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council approve
the Fiscal Year 2024 Computer Hardware Refresh in the
amount of $176,642 out of existing capital funds.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked Chief Information Officer Tim Banaszak to speak
on the issue.
MR. BANASZAK stated that the motion for $176,642 addresses
deferred maintenance for Councils consideration to
include: 50 laptop workstations; 23 laser printers; 5 tiny
PC workstations; 165 laptop docking stations; and 15 iPads.
The hardware refresh follows the IT Subcommittee guidelines
and is based on a five-year computer refresh cycle, age of
equipment, upkeep costs, performance, and obsolescence. The
recommendations are consistent with the Three-Year
Technology Plan; standardize a single, color laser printer
for each office, reducing toner replacement costs and
support resources; transition hardware to laptop computers
that support working from any location; and are cost
efficient, leveraging government contract volume discount
pricing. He said he was happy to answer any questions.
6:28:02 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
C. Amendment to COVID-19 Mitigation Policy
6:28:51 PM
VICE CHAIR MCCABE moved that Legislative Council approve
the amendment to the COVID-19 Mitigation Policy as
presented.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked Ms. Geary to speak to this item.
MS. GEARY stated members have a copy of the amended policy
and a memo outlining the proposed changes. The simple
changes eliminate provisions that the Legislature is no
longer following such as social distancing requirements,
testing, and screening. She noted the amended policy
retains the ability for individuals to require masking in
their own offices. In response to a question by Senator
Olson, Ms. Geary said positive cases are no longer
officially being tracked and the number of those who self-
reported were insignificant.
6:30:30 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Bishop, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
VIII. OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. Announcement of Subcommittees
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON stated that in the first meeting of
Legislative Council on February 21, 2023, she requested
volunteers for three subcommittees, with follow-up requests
during subsequent discussions. She extended her gratitude
to the following legislators and staff who volunteered to
work on these issues:
Assembly Building Subcommittee
CHAIR Senator Kiehl
Senator Bishop
Senator Stedman
Senator Gray-Jackson
Representative McCabe
Representative Hannan
Jessica Geary, Executive Director, LAA
Serge Lesh, Facilities Manager, LAA
Security Subcommittee
CHAIR Representative Cronk
Representative Tilton
Representative C. Johnson
Senator Stevens
Senator Claman
Senator Shower
Jessica Geary, Executive Director, LAA
Rayme Vinson, Chief of Security, LAA
IT Subcommittee
CHAIR Tim Banaszak, Chief Information Officer, LAA
Tim Lamkin, Staff to Senator Stevens
Steve St.Clair, Staff to Speaker Tilton
Lizzie Kubitz, Staff to Senator Claman
Aurora Hauke, Staff to Senator Kiehl
Forrest Musselman, House Majority Press Office
Alliana Salanguit, Staff to Senator Dunbar
Naresh Shrestha, Staff to Senator Shower
Tim Clark, Staff to Representative Hannan
Ed King, Staff to Representative McKay
Crys Jones, Chief Clerk
Liz Clark, Senator Secretary
Tim Powers, Information and Teleconference Manager, LAA
Brian Heimbigner, Media Services, LAA
Shay Wilson (IT Advisory), LAA
Drew Gruening (IT Advisory), LAA
Frank Wilson (IT Advisory), LAA
Chair Gray-Jackson welcomed two additional members from the
House to serve on the Assembly Building Policy
Subcommittee, but it is not required. She again thanked
individuals for volunteering to serve on these
subcommittees.
B. 2022 Agency Report
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON asked Ms. Geary to speak on the 2022
Agency Report distributed to legislators last year and
again in meeting packets today. She said she knew that
Agency staff worked hard, but she was truly amazed at all
the work done in support of the Legislature. She truly
appreciated that work and looked forward to Ms. Gearys
comments and answers to any questions from members.
MS. GEARY said this Agency Report was drafted after going
through COVID and demonstrates the Agencys work for
members and staff. These reports will be bi-annual and
provided to members at the end of each Legislature. Members
can review the report and ask questions about any of the
work being done. She said an important thing to note is
this report shows how proud Agency staff are to work in
support of the Legislature. She said she is very proud to
work here and knows her staff are as well.
Ms. Geary, in response to a question by Senate President
Stevens, said the operations of the Legislative Lounge are
under the purview of the Senate Rules Chair, not LAA.
SENATOR BISHOP thanked Ms. Geary and her staff. These last
several years have not been easy. He said he and all
legislators owe Ms. Geary and, under her leadership, all
LAA employees, a debt of gratitude for what they went
through to make this building work; so, thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN echoed Senator Bishops comments. She
said Council chairs gain an understanding of all the work
that happens behind the scenes, but most offices are
unaware because of the exemplary job of those doing the
work. The Agencys job is to make legislators jobs
possible, and they do so with very little fanfare, and she
thanked them for it.
C. Preview of Upcoming Items
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON asked Ms. Geary to provide a brief
summary of items that are anticipated to come before
Council this year.
MS. GEARY said she anticipates bringing to Council for
consideration within the next year, and possibly the
following year depending on solicitation length, the
following items: (1) the Terry Miller Legislative Office
Building, where most LAA offices are located, needs a new
HVAC system. The system is antiquated, parts are no longer
available nor is there the knowledge and expertise to
repair it, so LAA is working on issuing a procurement for a
new system; (2) service contracts in Anchorage - a
janitorial contract renewal which expires in August, a snow
removal contract which expires in October, and a security
contract renewal which expires in December; (3) the Kodiak
lease, which expires in October; and (4) depending on
subcommittee recommendations there may be security items
and some Assembly Building policy related items. Ms. Geary
ended her preview by saying that of course there may be
unexpected items that arise to be brought before Council.
There was no discussion.
IX. ADJOURN
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON thanked previous Council Chair
Representative Hannan for her leadership. She thanked Ms.
Geary and Agency staff for their hard work, especially
during COVID. She thanked her staff in helping her as
Council Chair which requires a great deal of time and
effort. Lastly, she thanked Vice Chair McCabe for the
advance work required to allow these meetings to be
successful.
With no further business before the committee, the meeting
was adjourned at 6:42 PM.
6:42:17 PM