Legislature(2015 - 2016)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/16/2015 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees | |
| Confirmation Hearing: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission | |
| Confirmation Hearing: Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 16, 2015
1:36 p.m.
1:36:09 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair MacKinnon called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 1:36 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Anna MacKinnon, Co-Chair
Senator Pete Kelly, Co-Chair
Senator Peter Micciche, Vice-Chair
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Mike Dunleavy
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donny Olson
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Carlton Smith, Juneau; Michael Gallagher, Anchorage.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Christopher Cooke, Anchorage; Mary Jane Michael, Anchorage;
Renee Piszczek, Fairbanks.
SUMMARY
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS:
ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH TRUST AUTHORITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ALASKA OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
BOARD OF CERTIFIED REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS
^CONFIRMATION HEARING: ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH TRUST AUTHORITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
1:37:01 PM
Co-Chair MacKinnon shared that Alaska Mental Health Trust
Board of Trustees was located in AS 47.30.016. The board
was established, and had the authority governed by the
Board of Trustees. The board consisted of seven members
appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature.
The members appointed under the subsections, would be
appointed based on their ability in financial management
investment; land management or services for the
beneficiaries of the trust. She explained that the board
must include someone from the Alaska Mental Health Board; a
member of the Governor's Council on Disabilities; a member
of the Advisory Board on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; a member
of the Alaska Commission on Aging; a member of the Alaska
Native Health Board; and one person selected by the
authority.
CARLTON SMITH, JUNEAU, introduced himself, and shared that
he had practiced commercial real estate for 25 years. He
stated that he had the only commercial firm in Southeast
Alaska, and furthered that he had an interest in a
residential brokerage. He had experience in land management
with Sealskin Corporation, and as a CEO of the largest
rural village corporation. He shared that he had worked
with investors nationwide in commercial real estate. He was
passionate about the mission of the trust, because his
mother was a beneficiary of the trust for many years. He
saw the current challenge of the trust related to
generating additional revenue. He felt that the demand
curve was exponential for the trust. The trust land office
had done some tremendous work to ensure that the minerals,
assets, timber, non-cash assets, and commercial real estate
were performing at a much higher level. He stressed that
the work was important, because there would be a
substantial number of future beneficiaries.
Vice-Chair Micciche asked which seat Mr. Smith would be
occupying. Mr. Smith replied that it was the last seat
selected by the trust.
Vice-Chair Micciche noted that Mr. Smith was appointed by
Governor Parnell in 2010. He wondered if the it was
typically a three-year seat, and whether he was appointed
to a vacated seat in 2010. Mr. Smith responded that he was
currently applying for a five-year position.
Vice-Chair Micciche asked for more information regarding
the 2010 seat. Mr. Smith replied that there was an
administrative error in the 2010 appointment process. He
relayed that he previously held a position with Legislative
Affairs, so he resigned from the trust because of the
potential for administrative conflict. He stated that the
agency was not able to reconcile that error, so the
appointment occurred at the same time of his employment
with Legislative Affairs.
1:42:19 PM
CHRISTOPHER COOKE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), shared
that he was an attorney, and had lived in Alaska for 47
years. He served 10 years as Superior Court Judge in
Bethel. He remarked that he his children and grandchildren
lived in Alaska, and were all Native Alaskans. He had
first-hand experience with mental health needs for
effective programs and services. He expressed concern and
praise for the emphasis that the trust placed on providing
services for beneficiaries in rural Alaska, for crafting
innovative programs that addressed the needs and challenges
of serving the beneficiaries. He had no previous
involvement with the authority, but shared that he had
educated himself over the previous months. He expressed
confidence in the board and employees of the authority. He
was impressed with the intelligence and emphasis that the
authority brought to dealing with the difficult issues, and
provide services to individuals who may otherwise be
overlooked. He understood that there were many different
targeted groups in the programs including those with
developmental disabilities; varying lifelong disabilities;
aging people; the elderly; those with substance abuse
treatment needs; and other mental health issues. He
stressed that some people end up in the court and
correctional system, without proper treatment. He stated
that his background as an attorney influenced his positive
feelings about the treatment of the beneficiaries.
1:46:30 PM
Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered to which position he was being
appointed. Mr. Cooke replied that he did not know, and
shared that he was not aware of the detailed categories.
MARY JANE MICHAEL, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
explained that she was applying for a second five-year
term, the program area of expertise. She stated that she
had 25 years' experience working as a provider and advocate
in the developmental disabilities and mental health fields.
She was involved in many capital projects related to
disability programs. She shared that she had served on two
committees in the most recent five years: the resource
management committee; and the planning and programming
committee. She felt that the resource management committee
was very successful in five years, by tripling its revenue
generated through the resources. The increase was due
primarily to expanding the authority's opportunities into
real estate development. The planning and programming
committee worked on the focus areas, which had evolved over
time. The "Bring the Kids" home project was successful by
bringing teenagers and children back to Alaska from
hospitals outside of the state. That project was winding
down, and the focus had evolved to housing and long-term
services and support; beneficiary employment; disability
justice; and substance abuse treatment. She stated that it
was an honor to serve on the authority, and announced that
there had been great recent progress. The shared that the
state revenue decline and discussions of Medicaid and
marijuana were all at the forefront of the authorities
process.
Co-Chair MacKinnon FORWARDED the appointments of Carlton
Smith, Christopher Cooke, and Mary Jane Michael be to a
Joint Session for consideration in accordance with AS
39.05.080. This did not reflect an intent by any member to
vote for or against the confirmation of the individuals
during any further sessions.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING: ALASKA OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION
COMMISSION
1:51:31 PM
Co-Chair MacKinnon stated that the Alaska Oil and Gas
Conservation Commission was located in AS 31.05.005. It was
composed of three commissioners appointed by the governor
and confirmed by the legislature in a joint session. The
governor shall consider and give preference to a person who
demonstrated experience in oil and gas operations in the
state. Qualifications for the members included one member
should be a petroleum engineer, who held a certificate of
registration as an engineer, had earned a degree from the
university in the field of engineers, and had at least ten
years of professional sub-surface experience in oil and gas
industry drillings. A person obtained an undergraduate or
graduate degree in engineering that met the requirements
for program accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation
Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and
Technology. Another member must be a geologist who held a
certificate of a professional geologist, had earned a
degree in the field of geology from a university accredited
in the field of geology, and had a minimum of ten years
professional experience in the field of petroleum geology.
Lastly, one member must have training and experience that
influenced a fundamental understanding of the oil and gas
industry in the state.
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, ANCHORAGE, shared his credentials and
reasons for his interest in the appointment. He felt that
he could contribute to the commission with his knowledge
and experience in the oil and gas industry. He understood
the importance of the commission, and, if confirmed, he
would continue to protect the public's interest in
exploration and development of Alaska's oil, gas, and
geothermal resources through the application of
conservation practices designed to ensure greater ultimate
recovery and the protection of health, safety, fresh ground
waters, and the rights of all owners to recover their share
of the resource. Alaska had provided for him and his
family, and was grateful for the opportunity to give back
to Alaska. He shared that he and his wife raised their
children in Alaska, and were all current Alaska residents.
He had over 38 years' experience in the oil and gas civil
and vertical construction industry. He spent over 19 years
in the Labors International Union of North America Local
341, as a business agent, vice-president, president, and
business manager. He negotiated bargaining agreements with
other employers and managed the day-to-day operations of
the local union. As the business manager, he was a trustee
of a $560 million pension plan, and $14 million health and
welfare plan. He was involved in many judicial hearing, and
the board of trustees was responsible for conducting appeal
hearings. He was required to look at the facts and
evidence, and make a decision on those factors according to
the plan document. He felt that this appointment would be
an opportunity for learning, and was pleased to serve
Alaska on a well-respected commission in concert with
distinguished colleagues.
1:56:06 PM
Vice-Chair Micciche shared that he had interviewed the
nominee. He was impressed with his politeness, but did not
feel that he was qualified for the appointment.
Senator Bishop commented that he had first-hand experience
with oil and gas engineers. He stated that there was "black
art" associated with the downhole experience in Prudhoe
Bay.
Co-Chair MacKinnon echoed Vice-Chair Micciche's concerns.
She stressed that the focus of the commission was
understanding the resources in the ground, and how to
access those resources to benefit Alaska.
Senator Olson asked for a response to the stated concerns.
Mr. Gallagher replied that he was qualified based on the
statutory guidelines, because he was familiar with the oil
and gas industry. He had educated himself regarding digging
a well and downhole expectations. He felt that he could
bring a perspective based on Alaska benefit.
Co-Chair MacKinnon FORWARDED the appointment of Michael
Gallagher to a Joint Session for consideration in
accordance with AS 39.05.080. This did not reflect an
intent by any member to vote for or against the
confirmation of the individuals during any further
sessions.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING: BOARD OF CERTIFIED REAL ESTATE
APPRAISERS
2:02:21 PM
Co-Chair MacKinnon stated that the Board of Certified Real
Estate Appraisers was located in AS 08.87.010. The board
was composed of five members appointed by the governor. At
least one member shall be a person certified under the
chapter as a general real estate appraiser. At least one
member shall be a person certified under the chapter as a
residential real estate appraiser. At least one member
shall be an executive in the mortgage banking entity; and
at least one member shall represent the public.
RENEE PISZCZEK, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), introduced
herself.
Co-Chair MacKinnon asked how Ms. Pixzczek was qualified for
the position. Ms. Piszczek explained that she had worked in
residential lending for 20 years, and underwrote a
residential appraisal daily through the loan process. She
was required to understand Fanny May and Freddie Mac
criteria. She wanted to assist the board with public
comment on appraisals.
Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered how long Ms. Piszczek had
resided in Alaska. Ms. Piszczek replied that she had been
in Alaska since 1985.
Co-Chair MacKinnon FORWARDED the appointment of Renee
Piszczek to a Joint Session for consideration in accordance
with AS 39.05.080. This did not reflect an intent by any
member to vote for or against the confirmation of the
individuals during any further sessions.
ADJOURNMENT
2:05:45 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 031615 Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers Resumes.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2015 1:30:00 PM |
Confirmations 2015 |
| 031615 AOGCC Confirmation Resumes.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2015 1:30:00 PM |
Confiramtions 2015 |
| 031615 AMHTA Confirmation Resumes.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2015 1:30:00 PM |
Confirmations 2015 |
| 031615 Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers 08 87 010.docx |
SFIN 3/16/2015 1:30:00 PM |
Confirmations 2015 |
| 031615 Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission 31 05 005.docx |
SFIN 3/16/2015 1:30:00 PM |
Confirmations 2015 |
| 031615 Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees 47 30 011.docx |
SFIN 3/16/2015 1:30:00 PM |
Confirmations 2015 |