Legislature(2023 - 2024)ANCH LIO DENALI Rm
11/17/2023 02:00 PM House LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 17, 2023
2:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, Chair
Representative Kevin McCabe, Vice Chair
Senator Matt Claman
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Bert Stedman (alternate)
Senator Gary Stevens
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Sara Hannan
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative George Rauscher
Representative Dan Saddler
Representative Cathy Tilton
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Click Bishop
OTHER MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator David Wilson
Representative Julie Coulombe
Representative Sarah Vance
AGENDA
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CONTRACT APPROVALS
COMMITTEE BUSINESS-EXECUTIVE SESSION
OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
SPEAKER REGISTER
Jessica Geary, Executive Director, Legislative Affairs
Agency (LAA)
JC Kestel, Procurement Officer, LAA
I. CALL TO ORDER
2:01:43 PM
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON called the Legislative Council meeting
to order at 2:01 pm on November 17, 2023. Present at the
call were: Senators Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stedman; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, McCabe,
Rauscher.
Ten Members present at the call.
Senator Stevens joined the meeting at 2:05 pm; Senator
Hoffman joined the meeting at 2:07 pm; Representative
Saddler joined the meeting at 2:15 pm.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2:03:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved that Legislative Council
approve the agenda as presented.
The agenda was approved without objection.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2:03:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved that Legislative Council
approve the minutes for August 28, 2023, as presented.
The minutes were approved without objection.
IV. CONTRACT APPROVALS
A. Anchorage Legislative Office Building (ALOB) Security
Contract Renewal No. 1
2:04:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved that Legislative Council
approve Renewal No. 1 of the contract for armed security
services with Security Services Northwest for an amount not
to exceed $193,640 [NOTE FOR THE RECORD: $139,640 was read,
but the actual amount is $193,640] from January 1, 2024,
through December 31, 2024. Representative Johnson further
moved that Legislative Council add an increment to the
Security Services FY25 budget for $100,000 to cover the
additional cost, as well as a FY24 supplemental request for
$100,000 to restore the Governor's veto of the funds.
CHAIR GRAY JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked Mr. Kestel and Ms. Geary to speak to this item.
JC KESTEL, Procurement Officer (LAA), said that Renewal No.
1 of the contract for Anchorage security is explained in
detail in the memo provided to members. LAA has been under
contract nearly one year with this contractor and is
satisfied with the services provided. Should this one-year
renewal from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, be
approved, four one-year renewal options remain before a new
solicitation must be issued.
There was no discussion and Chair Gray-Jackson removed her
objection.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked for clarification about the
requested FY24 supplemental increase of $100,000 to restore
the Governor's veto, and stated this is not intended to be
a veto override.
MR. KESTEL asked for the motion to be read again to clarify
the contract amount with Security Services Northwest.
2:06:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON restated the motion with the correct
contract amount.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked for clarification regarding the
total amount requested by Legislative Council and
questioned the amount of $393,640 for security services.
JESSICA GEARY, Executive Director (LAA), stated the amount
requested is $193,640 and for Legislative Council to
approve placing the increment in the FY25 budget request
and add an FY24 supplemental to replace the funds the
Governor vetoed.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN stated the motion as written is
cumbersome and requested three separate fiscal actions: one
for a contract extension; one for the FY25 budget request;
and one for an FY24 supplemental budget request.
Representative Hannan stated she planned to support the
motion, but wanted the total amount clarified and which
operating year the funds would be coming from.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said the wording of the motion to
restore the Governor's veto sounds as if Legislative
Council is trying to override the Governor's veto.
Representative McCabe specified if that were the intent he
would vote against it, and further stated if the intent was
to request that amount in the supplement budget, then he
would be more inclined to support it.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON stated the intent is to restore the
funding that was vetoed; with no intention to override the
Governor's veto.
MS. GEARY added that Legislative Council does not have the
power to override vetoes and clarified the motion asked for
a restoration of funds in the budget request.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON removed her objection.
2:10:52 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Claman, Hoffman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson,
Stedman, Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson,
Tilton, McCabe
NAYS: None
The motion passed 12-0.
B. Discovery Preschool Contract Assignment and Consent
2:12:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved Legislative Council approve
the assignment of the contract for the operation of the
childcare center in the Capitol Complex from Rosemary
Williams to Nicole Bowers for the duration of the contract
and any optional renewal periods.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
MR. KESTEL said the Agency is requesting the Discovery
Preschool contract assignment and consent as Ms. Williams
sold Discovery Preschool to Ms. Bowers on September 1,
2023. Ms. Bowers would like to continue the contract and
continue to operate and maintain services for the
Legislature. LAA requests Legislative Council approve the
Contract Assignment and Consent from former owner Ms.
Williams to new owner Ms. Bowers for the duration of the
contract and any optional renewal periods.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON asked if there were any questions.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON inquired whether Ms. Bowers had met
all the qualifications and had the necessary license and
insurance to operate the childcare facility.
MR. KESTEL stated that Ms. Bowers had obtained the proper
licenses and insurance required by the State to operate the
childcare facility.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON commented both Ms. Williams and Ms.
Bower were online and available for questions. Hearing no
further questions, Chair Gray-Jackson removed her
objection.
2:14:25 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Claman, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kiehl, Olson,
Stedman, Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson,
Rauscher, Tilton, McCabe
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
V. Committee Business-Executive Session
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON stated the council would go into
Executive Session to consider a contract for the Assembly
Building Apartments (ABA) property management and a
discussion on security and legal issues.
2:15:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved and asked unanimous consent
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 on-line during
Executive Session: Jessica Geary, Megan Wallace, Emily
Nauman, Sant Lesh, Rayme Vinson, JC Kestel, Ernest Daigle,
Serge Lesh, Dottie Whitehead, any legislators not on
Legislative Council, and any staff of Legislative Council
members.
Representative Saddler joined the meeting at 2:15 pm.
2:16:37 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson, Stedman,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, Rauscher,
Saddler, Tilton, McCabe
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
2:17:29 PM
Council went into Executive Session.
3:35:51 PM
Council came out of Executive Session.
3:35:57 PM
A roll call vote was taken to establish a quorum.
YEAS: Senators Claman, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Olson, Stedman,
Stevens; Representatives Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson, Rauscher,
Saddler, Tilton
Twelve members present.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON stated they would begin with agenda Item
5(A)-Property Management Services for the ABA.
3:37:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON, prior to taking up Item 5(A), moved
that Legislative Council remove agenda Item 6(B)-ID Badge
Policy from the agenda.
The motion passed without objection.
A. RFP - Property Management Services for the Assembly
Building Apartments (ABA).
3:37:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved that the Legislative Council
approve the award of RFP 663 Property Management Services
for the Assembly Building Apartments to TNT Realty, LLC,
doing business as Juneau Real Estate not to exceed contract
value of $159,180.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and requested Mr. Kestel and Ms. Geary to speak to the
motion and answer questions.
MR. KESTEL stated RFP 663 solicited qualified property
management services for the Assembly Building Apartments
(ABA). The Agency conducted the RFP and received a proposal
from TNT Realty dba Juneau Real Estate. The proposal was
evaluated by a Proposal Evaluation Committee (PEC) to
ensure it met the RFP requirements. The PEC recommended the
contract be awarded to TNT Realty, LLC dba Juneau Real
Estate.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON asked if there were questions and,
hearing none, removed her objection and requested a roll
call vote.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON, prior to the roll call vote, asked
about leasing to store personal belongings during the
interim. He noted the memo states legislators only, but the
lease does not specify legislators only. He requested a
clarifying modification to the lease if necessary.
MR. KESTEL stated the lease included was a draft and that
modifications could be made.
REPRESTATIVE JOHNSON stated he wanted the discrepancy
brought to Council's attention before they moved on.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON removed her objection.
3:40:34 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senator Claman, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kiehl, Olson,
Stedman, Stevens; Representative Edgmon, Hannan, Johnson,
Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: None
The motion passed 13-0.
VI. Other Committee Business
A. Assembly Building Apartments Policy
3:42:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved that Legislative Council
approve the Assembly Building Apartments Policy as
presented and give Legal Services and LAA the authority to
make technical and conforming changes to the policy.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked Senator Kiehl, Chair of the ABA Policy
Subcommittee, and Ms. Geary to speak to the item.
SENTOR KIEHL stated the draft ABA Policy had been developed
after discussions with Ms. Geary, her staff, and a property
management consultant whom the Legislative Council Chair
retained on a small contract. The ABA Policy Subcommittee
discussed the initial draft policy and made several
changes. Senator Kiehl indicated the changes were made by
consensus and there were no contested votes during that
subcommittee discussion. He brought the Council's attention
to one revision on page 2, in paragraph G regarding 2024
session rental rates. Senator Kiehl commented that the
change was made because of the delayed RFP process for
obtaining a property manager. He clarified the property
manager will develop 2025 and subsequent years session
rental and security deposit rates in consultation with LAA.
SENATOR CLAMAN asked Ms. Geary to put on the record the
2024 session rental rates that were discussed during the
Executive Session.
MS. GEARY confirmed the monthly ABA rental rates for the
upcoming 2024 session will be: small one bedroom $1400;
medium one bedroom $1500; large one bedroom $1600; small
studio $1100; and large studio $1300. She added that rental
rates will be prorated as needed.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER questioned if there will be a
provision or some degree of integration between legislative
financial functions and ABA property management allowing
legislators and legislative staff to have rent withdrawn
from their paychecks automatically.
MS. GEARY said that level of detail had not been considered
in the policy and would be an administrative item to
discuss in the future. She specified that rent should be
paid with a check to the property manager.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER stated it was his opinion that
legislators and staff should be required to write a check
for rent directly to property management if they intend to
rent an Assembly Building Apartment.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON said he thought allowing pets in the
new Assembly Building Apartments complex would be
detrimental to the building. He shared pets have the
tendency to be destructive and if allowed would be
troublesome for future tenants with pet allergies.
REPRESTATIVE HANNAN commented that while she shared a
similar view with Representative Johnson, she would support
the policy to allow pets in the ABA. She noted that she
chaired Legislative Council when the ABA discussion began
and a primary concern for many legislators was the ability
to have their pets with them in Juneau during the
legislative session.
SENATOR KIEHL agreed with Representative Hannan.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked for some guidance regarding
the appropriate time to make a motion concerning the policy
and pets being allowed or not in the ABA complex.
SENATOR OLSON agreed with Representative Johnson and placed
additional emphasis on the damage pets cause to property
and added future tenants with allergies will not be able to
rent those apartments because of the lingering dander.
SENATOR KIEHL said the subcommittee had anticipated Council
members would adopt the ABA policy, but that now would be
the time to propose changes regarding the pet policy. He
said he agreed with Representative Hannan's position that
legislators have specified the need for pet friendly
rentals in Juneau. He also expects legislators and staff to
care for the ABA and not leave significant damage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON reiterated his concern was not with
the members who will live in the apartments, but with the
pets that will occupy the space with the members.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON said she respects those who own pets and
understands they are like family members. She added she
also respects the ABA property and the time and effort that
went into making the ABA what it is and is glad to be able
to vote on whether pets should be allowed in the Assembly
Building.
SENATOR OLSON stated he is a dog owner and not against
pets.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked if ABA management and tenants
will be required to follow all rental statutes and laws,
specifically the Alaska Landlord Tenant Act.
MS. GEARY responded that Legal Services reviewed and
approved the lease and that it is compliant with all state
and federal laws.
3:57:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON moved that Legislative Council
delete Section L-Pets from the rental policy for the
Assembly Building Apartments.
MS. GEARY, in response to a request by Senate President
Stevens, read Section L of the Assembly Building Apartments
agreement so members would know what they were voting on.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON asked for a roll call vote.
4:00:10 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Gray-Jackson, Olson, Stedman;
Representatives Johnson, Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton
NAYS: Senators Claman, Hoffman, Kiehl, Stevens;
Representatives Edgmon, Hannan
The motion to amend failed 7-6.
[NOTE FOR THE RECORD: Legislative Council requires 8 votes
to pass a motion.]
4:01:19 PM
Council took a brief at-ease.
4:02:02 PM
Council returned from brief at-ease.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON stated Legislative Council would take up
the original motion to approve the Assembly Building
Apartments policy.
4:02:15 PM
A roll call vote was taken.
YEAS: Senators Claman, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kiehl, Olson,
Stedman, Stevens; Representatives Hannan, Johnson,
Rauscher, Saddler
NAYS: Tilton
The motion passed 11-1.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON reminded members that Item 6(B) - ID
Badge Policy had been removed from the agenda and asked if
there were any comments before adjournment.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER said he would like to bring forth a
proposal in a future meeting about the disparity between
districts and office accounts.
CHAIR GRAY-JACKSON thanked staff for their hard work and
help ensuring a smooth meeting. She also thanked
Representative Johnson for sitting in as Vice Chair and the
other members for making attendance a priority and wished
members a wonderful Thanksgiving.
4:05:34 PM
With no further business before the committee, the meeting
adjourned at 4:05 PM.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Leg Council Agenda_11.17.23_FINAL.pdf |
JLEC 11/17/2023 2:00:00 PM |
|
| Draft Minutes of 08.28.23 Meeting.pdf |
JLEC 11/17/2023 2:00:00 PM |
|
| ALOB Security Contract Renewal No. 1 request to LEC.pdf |
JLEC 11/17/2023 2:00:00 PM |
|
| Discovery Preschool Contract Assignment and Consent request to LEC.pdf |
JLEC 11/17/2023 2:00:00 PM |
|
| RFP 663 Property Management Services for the ABA - ExecSess Req.pdf |
JLEC 11/17/2023 2:00:00 PM |
|
| Assembly Building Apartments Policy DRAFT subcommittee 2023.pdf |
JLEC 11/17/2023 2:00:00 PM |
|
| Identification Badge Policy Memo 11.07.23.pdf |
JLEC 11/17/2023 2:00:00 PM |
|
| Identification Badge Policy DRAFT subcommittee 23.pdf |
JLEC 11/17/2023 2:00:00 PM |
|
| Assembly Building Apartments Policy REVISED 11.14.23.pdf |
JLEC 11/17/2023 2:00:00 PM |