Legislature(2023 - 2024)BARNES 124
02/23/2023 01:00 PM House TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation(s): Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities - Facilities | |
| Presentation(s): Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities - Statewide Equipment Fleet | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 23, 2023
1:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Kevin McCabe, Chair
Representative Sarah Vance, Vice Chair
Representative Tom McKay
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Genevieve Mina
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Jesse Sumner
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES - FACILITIES
- HEARD
PRESENTATION(S): ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES - STATEWIDE EQUIPMENT FLEET
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
CHRISTOPHER HODGIN, PE
Division of Facilities Services
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a PowerPoint presentation on the
Division of Facilities Services.
JASON SAKALASKAS, Director
Division of Facilities Services
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the presentation
on the Division of Facilities Services.
BRAD BYLSMA, Equipment Fleet Manager
State Equipment Fleet
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a PowerPoint presentation on State
Equipment Fleet.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:02:06 PM
CHAIR KEVIN MCCABE called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Representatives McKay,
C. Johnson, Stutes, and McCabe were present at the call to
order. Representatives Mina and Vance arrived as the meeting
was in progress.
^PRESENTATION(S): Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities - Facilities
PRESENTATION(S): Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities - Facilities
1:03:02 PM
CHAIR MCCABE announced that the first order of business would be
a presentation by the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities on state facilities.
1:03:41 PM
CHRISTOPHER HODGIN, PE, Division of Facilities Services (DFS),
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF),
provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Division of Facilities
Services [hard copy included in the committee packet]. He
stated that DFS's mission is to deliver, improve, and maintain
safe and reliable facilities across Alaska, as seen on slide 2,
and he noted the facilities initiative, as seen on slide 3. He
moved to slide 4, which showed the main operational hubs in
Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. He described the staff
located in these hubs, as well as maintenance staff located in
more remote areas in the state. He discussed the DFS's
functional areas and the two budget components, as seen on slide
5. He stated that the main budget components are leasing and
facilities services. Under the facilities services component is
Statewide Public Facilities, as seen on slide 6. Included in
this would be architects, civil and mechanical engineers,
project manager professionals, energy professionals, contracting
professionals, and the construction contracting officer.
MR. HODGIN moved to slide 7 and slide 8 and discussed the
projects under Statewide Public Facilities. He stated that
these include both federal and state funded programs that are
related to facility design and construction. He gave some
examples and pointed out the governing statutes at the bottom of
the slide. He discussed project delivery, which range from
small scale projects to multi-year projects. He noted that the
best practices for project management are used with multiple
project delivery methods. He moved to the next slide and
discussed energy saving performance contracting, which allows a
project to be financed and repaid over time with a result in
savings. He noted that these projects have resulted in about 75
buildings with an annual savings of over $4.2 million.
1:09:51 PM
MR. HODGIN, in response to a committee question, stated that DFS
has done all types of energy efficiency projects, such as
lighting upgrades, heating system upgrades, and renewable energy
upgrades. He stated that the viability and longevity of the
upgrades are considered when implementing these projects.
1:10:56 PM
MR. HODGIN moved to slide 10 and 11, addressing the DFS
functional area of maintenance and operations. He stated that
the maintenance professionals cover all building trades,
providing preventative and routine maintenance, and they
identify deferred maintenance needs. He discussed the statewide
programmatic approach for delivering facilities maintenance and
assessing facility needs. He noted that the maintenance
professionals do not only serve DOT&PF facilities, but they also
serve other state departments. This is done through service
level agreements. He pointed out some of the current focuses of
the maintenance and operations team.
1:13:31 PM
MR. HODGIN, in response to a committee question, stated that the
criteria for a service level agreement with another department
would concern the geographic location of the building and the
budget. He added that if the other department has any expertise
in maintaining the building DFS would not perform this service.
If they do not, this would justify DOT&PF providing these
services. He stated that the volume of the work needed would
also be considered.
1:15:20 PM
JASON SAKALASKAS, Director, Division of Facilities Services,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, expressed
the opinion that Mr. Hodgin's response was correct.
1:15:35 PM
MR. HODGIN, on slide 12, stated that the last two functional
areas of DFS is the administration and leasing components. He
stated that the administrative team provides business support
tasks. He stated that the leasing team is comprised of
contracting officers, serving all the executive branch
departments. He continued to slide 13, which further addressed
the leasing team's tasks.
MR. HODGIN moved to slide 14 titled, "Computerized Maintenance
Management System (CMMS)." He stated that CMMS is a tool for
managing facilities, work orders, assets in the facilities,
lease spaces, and capital improvements within the facilities.
He stated that this is all done with an Enterprise Software
platform. He discussed the available modules in the software
used to manage work orders.
MR. HODGIN pointed out the high-level overview summary of the
different budget components, as seen on the chart on slide 15.
This includes the facilities services budget component and the
leases budget component.
1:19:16 PM
MR. HODGIN, in response to a committee question concerning the
pass-through leasing, stated that the entity would provide the
money to DFS as the authority, and DFS would lease the building.
MR. HODGIN moved to slide 16, which addressed DFS's budget
authority, with the chart breaking this down into the various
funding sources. He pointed each of the sources out. He moved
to slide 17, titled "Challenges." He expressed the
understanding that other divisions are also having these
challenges, such as recruitment and retention, deferred
maintenance backlog, rural area construction, utility costs, and
the volatility of the construction economy.
1:22:26 PM
MR. HODGIN went on to slide 18 and showed a graph which
illustrated the deferred maintenance backlog.
MR. HODGIN, in response to a committee request for some examples
of deferred maintenance, stated that roofing, siding, and
windows need renewing, while boilers and heating systems need
replacing. In response to a follow-up question, he stated that
there is a priority system. He explained that DFS works with
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and other state
partners on a facilities council. He stated that this council
has representatives from each executive branch department that
own facilities. He explained that there is a methodology to
prioritizing deferred maintenance, and this is done by creating
project index values to rank the projects. To do this, a
mission alignment index is used to determine the importance of
the department's facility in meeting its mission. He added that
there are also factors concerning the system and the need. He
further described the process. In response, he estimated that
the facilities council meets quarterly. He reiterated that the
council is made up of representatives from the user groups who
own facilities.
MR. HODGIN, in response to a committee question concerning the
bar chart on slide 18, stated that the bar on the far-left side
of the chart represents DOT&PF buildings, such as airport
buildings and equipment buildings. He stated that the bar
labeled "DOT&PF PBF" represents state office buildings. He gave
examples of these buildings.
MR. HODGIN moved to slide 19, titled "Relationships and Goals."
He discussed the relationship built through the council and OMB.
He discussed the goals of improving systems and expanding
successful maintenance practices.
1:29:34 PM
MR. HODGIN, in response to a committee question concerning
permanently stationed staff, gave a few examples of managers
that have offices at the facilities they manage.
MR. SAKALASKAS answered that DOT&PF does have personnel stations
throughout Alaska, but this varies in regard to whether staff is
assigned to a particular building, or whether they are assigned
to a hub location with different buildings. He added that this
varies throughout the state.
MR. HODGIN, in response to a committee question, stated that the
OMB divestment initiative was from a few years ago, and it
concerned divesting facilities with no use. He stated that this
had involved other departments as well. A report was submitted
to OMB, and this included a "hand full" of facilities. in
response to a request for more information about the divestment
of a building that house snow-removal equipment, he stated that
he would report back to the committee on this.
1:33:40 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 1:33 p.m. to 1:34 p.m.
^PRESENTATION(S): Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities - Statewide Equipment Fleet
PRESENTATION(S): Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities - Statewide Equipment Fleet
1:34:24 PM
CHAIR MCCABE announced that the final order of business would be
a presentation on the State Equipment Fleet for the Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities.
BRAD BYLSMA, Equipment Fleet Manager, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), provided a
PowerPoint presentation on the State Equipment Fleet (SEF) for
DOT&PF [hard copy included in the committee packet]. He began
on slide 2 which addressed SEF's operations. He pointed out
that this is a shared service for all departments within the
state. He stated that most of the 158 positions in the division
are mechanics and technicians, with 54 shops located across the
state. He added that there are 32 support staff positions,
which include contractors, parts, administration, technical
support, and managers. He stated that SEF covers all facets of
equipment and vehicle management, including purchase and
disposal, maintenance, fuel card management, and a backup labor
resource pool for the different divisions of DOT&PF. He gave a
list of additional support duties the resource pool provides,
including snow removal and firefighting.
MR. BYLSMA moved to slide 3 and showed SEF's mission, which is
to provide all state agencies with safe, economical vehicles and
equipment needed to accomplish the agencies' missions. Also
shown on the slide is a breakdown of the vehicles and equipment
provided to departments across the state. He pointed out that
DOT&PF has the largest number of the fleet assets. He noted
that SEF does not manage snow machines, all-terrain vehicles,
planes, or boats, as the individual departments will manage
these if they have the need. He moved to slide 4 and pointed
out that SEF manages the Highway Equipment Working Capital Fund.
He stated that this fund is used to maintain and replace fleet
vehicles. He added that this fund would not receive direct
appropriations from the general fund, as the fees would be paid
by the state agencies. He added that this rate system is
designed to break even.
1:39:52 PM
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee question, stated that
because the allocation is per vehicle, there would be a good
idea of the total cost of each vehicle. He stated that there is
a specific system to track maintenance costs, depreciation, and
capital costs. In response to a follow-up question, he stated
that the large snow blowers are usually the most expensive to
maintain, but this could vary. He stated that the Alaska State
Trooper pursuit vehicles are run "very hard," as this is part of
their mission. He reiterated that SEF is a shared service, and
all executive branch departments would have fleet vehicles, with
SEF providing the maintenance. In response to a follow-up
question, he stated that the repair service works very much like
a private-industry car service.
1:43:38 PM
MR. BYLSMA moved to slide 5 and reviewed SEF's budget over the
last four fiscal years. He noted that the incremental increases
on the operating side are because of the increase in personnel
cost and the collective bargaining agreements. On the right-
hand side of the slide, he noted the increase in the cost for
equipment. He pointed out the 50 percent increase for three-
quarter ton crew cab trucks, which are a large part of the
fleet.
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee question, stated that
equipment, such as three-quarter ton crew cab trucks, is
purchased through local venders. He said that some major
manufacturers offer government discounts, but this discount has
been reduced because of supply-chain issues. He moved to slide
6 and discussed the cost of replacing equipment and the current
backlog.
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee question, stated that SEF
sets the equipment replacement rates annually, and as costs go
up the rates increase. He noted that the chart shows SEF has
not had enough legislative authority to spend the money it has
collected to replace equipment. He added that recently this
authority has increased; therefore, SEF has been allowed to
address this issue.
1:49:22 PM
MR. BYLSMA continued to slide 7 and broke down the operating
budget. He stated that half of the budget is dedicated to
personnel costs, with another large part going to repair
commodities, such as tires, oil, and fuel. He stated that the
fuel is covered with the fuel cards SEF issues. He discussed
the fuel cards in further detail.
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee question, stated that
SEF's fuel card program allows anyone driving a state vehicle to
go to a commercial filling station, as this creates more
flexibility than going to a state fueling station. He noted the
DOT&PF does have bulk fuel facilities for its own equipment, and
this is separate from the budget seen on the slide.
1:51:31 PM
MR. BYLSMA moved to slide 8 titled "SEF Challenges New & Old,"
which include historic workforce vacancy rates, supply chain
shortages, cold-weather emissions and electronics issues, and
maintaining aging facilities.
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee question, expressed
uncertainty why there needs to be emissions requirements when
there are no air quality issues in most of the state. He noted
that this is a federal mandate. In response to a follow-up
question, he stated the military and emergency vehicles have
some limited exemptions concerning the mandate.
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee question, stated that
cold-weather emissions and electronics issues are common
problems in other northern states. He added that the cold-
weather problem is not specific to government equipment. He
pointed out that part of the challenge with the components in
newer vehicles is that they are difficult to repair. He added
that SEF does communicate with other states on the cold weather
issues. He remarked that there are many positive aspects to
newer equipment, as it runs more efficiently and safely.
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee question, stated that the
vacancies in the division are because of retirement, but also,
they are because many people leave for other reasons.
MR. BYLSMA continued to slide 9 and discussed the strategies to
address the challenges. Concerning the personnel vacancies, he
said, SEF is shifting toward a hub-staffing model, so staff is
not always "on the ground" in all locations. To address this
SEF has also created more flexibility in work schedules.
Concerning the supply chain challenges, he said, damaged
equipment is now retained to be used for spare parts, as this
value exceeds the disposal value. He added that now the parts
staff searches for parts worldwide. He noted that to address
the issues with emissions and electronics, SEF is now rebuilding
older equipment that does not have the same emission systems and
standards. He added that SEF provides its own warranty services
for most major manufacturers of heavy equipment, as this saves
time.
2:10:31 PM
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee question, stated that for
the warranty services, SEF's mechanics do have to be trained for
this. He added that the facility also has to meet requirements.
There is also a process for submitting the warranty claim for
reimbursements. In response, he stated that if there was some
sort of program to offer this to students, this would be
welcome; however, the required training would still need to be
completed before the individual could do the warranty work.
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee comment on his ingenuity,
stated that many of the 125 mechanics in the division are career
mechanics, and it is in their nature to solve problems.
MR. BYLSMA, in response to a committee question, stated that SEF
does warehouse its parts, as there are larger warehouses in the
hub locations managed by parts staff; however, many parts are
bought on demand because of the variety of vehicles, and it
would be impossible to stock everything. In response to a
follow-up question, he stated that SEF has looked at the
standardization of vehicles; however, there is a large gap in
the age of much of the heavy equipment, and this is difficult to
standardize. In follow up, he expressed agreement that
standardizing some of the fleet would allow for more negotiation
power.
CHAIR MCCABE gave closing comments.
2:19:18 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Transportation Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 2:19
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 2.23.2023 DOTPF DFS Overview FINAL.pdf |
HTRA 2/23/2023 1:00:00 PM |
Alaska DOT&PF DFS Overview |
| SEF (H)TRANS 2-23-23 SEF FINAL.pdf |
HTRA 2/23/2023 1:00:00 PM |
Alaska DOT&PF SEF Overview |