JOINT COMMITTEE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET AND AUDIT December 16, 1999 10:15 A.M. MEMBERS PRESENT{TC "MEMBERS PRESENT"} Representative Gail Phillips, Chair Representative Con Bunde Representative Eric Croft Representative Gary Davis Representative Gene Therriault Senator Randy Phillips, Vice Chair Senator Gary Wilken (Teleconferenced) MEMBERS ABSENT{TC "MEMBERS ABSENT"} Representative Eldon Mulder, (Alternate) Senator Al Adams Senator Rick Halford Senator Sean Parnell Senator Drue Pearce, (Alternate) COMMITTEE CALENDAR{TC "COMMITTEE CALENDAR"} APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 23, 1999 REVISED PROGRAMS (RPLs) EXECUTIVE SESSION Preliminary Audit Reports Final Audit Reports AUDIT REPORTS Release of Final Audit Reports Release of Preliminary Audits for Agency Response WITNESS REGISTER{TC "WITNESS REGISTER"} TOM MAHER, Legislative Assistant to Representative Gail Phillips Alaska State Legislature Capitol Building, Room 411 Juneau, Alaska 99801 Telephone: (907) 465-68873 DAVID TEAL, Director Division of Legislative Finance State Office Building, Sixth Floor Juneau, Alaska 99811 Telephone: (907) 465-3795 POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced the RPL's PAT DAVIDSON, Director Division of Legislative Audit State Office Building, Sixth Floor Juneau, Alaska 99811 Telephone: (907) 465-3830 CECILIA LACARA, Deputy Director Child Support Enforcement Division Department of Revenue th 550 W. 7 Avenue, Suite #310 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 Telephone: (907) 269-6804 POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke to RPL #04-0-0016 SUSAN MILLER, Manager Special Projects, Administrative Staff Alaska Court System th 820 W. 4 Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501-2005 TELEPHONE: (907) 264-8229 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #04-0-0016 JANET CLARKE, Director Division of Administrative Services Department of Health and Social Services PO Box 110650 Juneau, Alaska 99811-0650 TELEPHONE: (907) 465-3081 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Department of Health and Social Service proposed RPL's. GEORGE BUHITE Division of Juvenile Justice State Office Building PO Box 110635 Juneau, Alaska 99811-0675 TELEPHONE: (907) 465-2212 POSITION STATEEMENT: Testified on RPL #06-0-0131 LOREN JONES, Director Division of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Department of Health and Social Services PO Box 110607 Juneau, Alaska 99811-0607 PHONE: (907) 465-2071 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #06-0-0172 MATT ANDERSON Community Health Division of Emergency Medical Services Department of Health and Social Services PO Box 110616 Juneau, Alaska 99811-0616 PHONE: (907) 465-3141 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #06-0-0180 SHARON AVERY Division of Public Health Department of Health and Social Services 800 A Street #204 Anchorage, Alaska 99505-2130 PHONE: (907) 276-7474 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #06-0-0181 GREG WOLF, Director Division of Trade and Development Department of Commerce and Economic Development 3601 C Street #700 Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5934 TELEPHONE: (907) 269-8115 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #08-0-0101 ROBERTA CARNEY, Staff Officier Division of Emergency Services Department of Military and Veterans Affairs PO Box 5750 Ft. Richardson, Alaska 99505-5750 TELEPHONE: (907) 428-7000 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #09-0-0045(a)(b)(c) KATHY DUNN Alaska Tourism Marketing Council (ATMC) Department of Commerce and Economic Development 3601 C Street #700 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 TELEPHONE: (907) 269-8182 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on RPL #08-0-0110a CIP ACTION NARRATIVE{TC "ACTION NARRATIVE"} TAPE LBA 99-7, SIDE A CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS called the Joint Committee on Legislative Budget and Audit meeting to order at 10:15 A.M. on December 16, 1999. Members present at the call to order were Representatives Gail Phillips, Con Bunde, Eric Croft, Gene Therriault and Senators Randy Phillips and Senator Gary Wilken participated via teleconference. Representative Gary Davis arrived later during the meeting. Because there was not a quorum, action on adopting the minutes was postponed until more members joined the Committee. REVISED PROGRAMS (RPL'S) DAVID TEAL, Director, Division of Legislative Finance, explained the RPL's before the Committee for review and action. RPL Number: 01-0-8024{TC "RPL Number:01-0-8024" \l 2} Office of the Governor Governmental Coordination Coastal Management Program $216,100 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL explained that the requested funds would increase federal receipt authority for the Division of Governmental Coordination (DGC) for Section 309 Enhancement Grant Program under the Alaska Coastal Management Program. The funding would allow the Division to complete three projects initiated in FY99: The Bering Sea Ecosystem for improved ocean stewardship of the Bering Sea; The Coastal Guidebook Series, providing the public and other State agencies with detailed, user friendly instructions for planning local coastal district plans and special area plans; and The Best Management Practices for Boat Harbors which provides information about where and how to properly dispose of waste and hazardous waste in four or five Southeast Alaskan harbors. Mr. Teal stated that he saw no reason to delay consideration of the RPL. There being no objections or questions, RPL #01-0-8024 was held for approval. RPL Number: 01-0-8026{TC "RPL Number:01-0-8026" \l 2} Office of the Governor Human rights Commission FFY 2000 EEOC Contract $54,000 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL explained that the request would provide for increased federal receipt authority for the Human Rights Commission (HRC) due to a $54.0 unanticipated federal funding increase to the FY99 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) contract. The HRC would increase enforcement efforts, increase the volume of cases processed, and reduce case processing time. There would be no new positions or staff funded with this request. He added that a small amount of the increase would be used for overtime costs of the existing HRC staff based in Anchorage. Mr. Teal reported that he saw no reason to delay consideration of the RPL. There being no questions or objections, RPL #01-0-8026 was held for approval. RPL Number: 02-0-0037{TC "RPL Number:02-0-0037" \l 2} Department of Administration Office of Public Advocacy Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Grant $18,000 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL explained that the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program (under cooperative agreement with the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention) has granted Alaska $100 thousand dollars over two years for legal and guardian representation for abused/neglected children and incapacitated adults. The RPL would provide continued funding in the Office of Public Advocacy (OPA) for a statewide training coordination, volunteer coordinators and related activities. He concluded that the increased funds would go to the personal service line to fund part-time positions. Mr. Teal stated that he saw no reason to delay consideration of the RPL. There being no questions or objections, RPL #02-0-0037 was held for approval. RPL Number: 04-0-0016{TC "RPL Number:04-0-0016" \l 2} Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Federal Access and Visitation Grant $50,000 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL explained that the requested funding would be used to support and facilitate noncustodial parents access to and visitation with their children. The funding would be transferred to the Court System, which will administer the project. Additional funds would be used to start programs in Kenai, Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. The grant enables CSED to develop detailed parenting plans (custody agreements) that will be available in template form. Copies of the plan would be available through Alaska Legal Services clinics and to the general public. He pointed out that the LBA Committee had approved $50,000 dollars in FY98 and FY99 for similar purposes and that no additional staff positions would be required. Mr. Teal pointed out that the request was a straightforward request for additional federal money. SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged". RPL Number: 05-0-0767{TC "RPL Number:05-0-0767" \l 2} Department of Education Education & Early Development Alaska Vocational Technical Center NOAA - Electronic Charting and Display Information Systems (ECDIS) Grant $23,000 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL pointed out that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Electronic Charting and Display Information Systems (ECDIS) grant in the amount of $23,000 dollars would be used to purchase specialized computer charting display systems which would give students at AVTEC an opportunity to practice electronic chart reading and manipulation. It would also provide additional information on weather, navigational warnings, and real time tidal movements. SENATOR WILKEN asked questions via Teleconference. [Response inaudible]. DAVID TEAL noted that there does not appear to be any urgency to this request. There being no questions or objections, the RPL was held for approval. RPL Number: 05-0-0776{TC "RPL Number:05-0-0776" \l 2} Department of Education Education & Early Development Child Care Child Care Development Fund $253,107 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL explained that the federal ChildCare Development Fund (CCDF) would provide funding to improve State childcare programs. The funds are earmarked for Quality Expansion, Infant and Toddler Quality Improvement, ChildCare Resource and Referral, and School Aged ChildCare Activities programs. All the funds would go to the grant line in the ChildCare component. There would be no State match money. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT requested that this RPL be "flagged". RPL Number: 06-0-0131{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0131" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Probation Services Delta/Greely Safe School Juvenile Probation Officer And Anchorage Making a Difference Program $56,400 - SDPR {TC "" \l 2} SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that RPL #06-0-0131 be "flagged". {TC "SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that RPL #06-0-0131 be jflaggedk. " \l 2} {TC "" \l 2} RPL Number: 06-0-0132{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0132" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Ketchikan Juvenile Detention & Diagnostic and Treatment Center-CIP $600,000 - SDPR {TC "" \l 2} DAVID TEAL noted that the purpose for the request was that the City of Ketchikan was providing land, federal grant funds and $600,000 from the Ketchikan Gateway Borough for the construction of the Ketchikan Juvenile Detention/Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Of the previously appropriated $2,432,300 dollars for the Center, nearly $2 million dollars remains unspent. He noted that this money would be a new source and that there was not a sense of urgency in receiving these funds. {TC "DAVID TEAL noted that the purpose for the request was that the City of Ketchikan" \l 2} {TC "" \l 2} REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT pointed out that the Ketchikan Gateway Borough had been negotiating with the Alaska Mental Health Trust at the end of the last legislative session. He questioned the cost increase. {TC "REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT pointed out that the Ketchikan Gateway Borough had bee" \l 2} {TC "" \l 2} CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the RPL would be "flagged". {TC "CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the RPL would be jflaggedk. " \l 2} {TC "" \l 2}  RPL Number: 06-0-0172{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0172" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Mental Health/Development Disabilities Administration Anchorage Comorbidity Services Evaluation Study $433,800 - Federal Receipts SENATOR PHILLIPS asked that the request be "flagged". RPL Number: 06-0-0180{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0180" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services Public Health Preparedness and Response For Bioterrorism $700,000 - Federal Receipts {TC "" \l 2} REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT requested that the request be "flagged". {TC "REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT requested that the request be jflaggedk. " \l 2} {TC "" \l 2}  RPL Number: 06-0-0181{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0181" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services Emergency Medical Services for Children $250,000 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL stated that the purpose of funding the Emergency Medical Services for Children program would be used to improve emergency medical service capabilities for Alaska Native children with a primary focus on the relatively small, rural Alaskan communities. The successful programs started as a result of the grant and may be replicated in other parts of the State. He noted that grant funds would be used to provide pediatric emergency training to clinical providers in rural Alaska and to purchase pediatric equipment for rural hospitals and clinics. Five existing positions would be paid from the grant, thereby, freeing funds for other purposes. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the request would be "flagged". RPL Number: 06-0-0182{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0182" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Comm Health/Emerg Medical Svcs Rural Health program and Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Grant $562,700 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL explained that the purpose of the request would be used for the State Office of the Rural Health Program grant which has been an annual $64 thousand dollar award to the State for the past eight years. The grant amendment in the request is an additional $180,000 dollars to be used in conjunction with the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program grant. He noted that the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program received a federal grant of $382,700 to strengthen systems of care for vulnerable, undeserved and rural populations. Grant funds will be used to prepare a statewide rural health plan, designate critical access hospitals, develop rural health networks, enhance Emergency Medical Services in rural areas, and to address quality assurance. The program is designed to support and address financial viability and services in rural hospitals and rural health systems throughout Alaska. At least eight rural hospitals, their referral hospitals, and their surrounding systems of care are addressed through the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program. Mr. Teal stated that the acceptance of these grants obligates state funds and/or services in this and future years. He noted that because non-federal participation is required, full legislative consideration might be appropriate. SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged". RPL Number: 08-0-0101{TC "RPL Number:08-0-0101" \l 2} Department of Commerce and Economic Development Trade and Development Industry Network corporation (INC) Grant $144,959 - SDPR SENATOR PHILLIPS asked that the request be "flagged". RPL Number: 09-0-0045a{TC "RPL Number:09-0-0045a" \l 2} Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Disaster Planning and Control FEMA Grant - Y2K Preparedness $67,667 - Federal Receipts  DAVID TEAL stated that the request had three parts which appear as (a)(b) & (c). The purpose of request (a) was for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide funds to assist states prepare for potential problems associated with the Y2K computer bug. The Division of Emergency Services would apply grant funds to a wide range of Y2K outreach activities. The benefits associated with the program include expanded public awareness and education for Y2K preparedness, improved regional and statewide consequence management procedures, support for communities and business during critical changeover periods, and refined reporting procedures. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT asked that the request be "flagged".   RPL Number: 09-0-0045b  Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Disaster Planning and Control FEMA Grant - Weapons of Mass Destruction $81,757 - Federal Receipts  SENATOR PHILLIPS asked that the request be "flagged".   RPL Number: 09-0-0045c  Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Disaster Planning and Control FEMA Grant - Disaster Planning & Control $319,000 - Federal Receipts  DAVID TEAL explained that the Department had assumed that the level of federal funds for Disaster Planning & Control would decrease by $319 thousand dollars and that its budget request would reflect that assumption. However, FEMA did not reduce federal funding and the agency simply increased the State's required match from 0% to 50%. The Department will pass $275 thousand dollars through to local communities to establish programs for Community Assistance. Local communities will be required to use the funds for emergency preparedness efforts. The remaining amount in authorization will be in personal services to aid statewide preparedness efforts. No new positions will be created as a result of this request. SENATOR PHILLIPS inquired if the "community" money would come through the community's individual legislator's assistance through State funding. He requested that the request be "flagged".   RPL Number: 12-0-0107  Department of Public Safety Fire Service Training FEMA Grant - Terrorism $69,200 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL stated that federal grant funds from FEMA would be used to prepare local emergency response agencies and community leaders for acts of terrorism and other incidents. He added that no current authorized or new positions would be funded by this project and that present staff would manage the undertaking. There being no questions or objections, RPL #12-0-0107 was held for approval.   RPL Number: 20-0-0011  Department of Corrections Administrative Services Illegal/Criminal Alien Identification Video Conferencing Equipment $62,500 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL stated that the Department had received a 1999 Technology Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to purchase video teleconferencing equipment that would enable the Department to contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and allow them to confirm the identification of illegal and criminal aliens in custody. The equipment would be installed at the Sixth Avenue Correctional Center and is intended to increase productivity in the Alien Criminal Apprehension Program (ACAP). REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT requested that the RPL be "flagged".   RPL Number: 20-0-0012  Department of Corrections Correctional Academy Bulletproof Vest Partnership $39.307 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL explained that the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice, provides federal funds under the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 to protect the lives of law enforcement officers by helping states and units of local and tribal governments equip their law enforcement officers with armored vests. The University, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Public Safety and Department of Corrections will receive funding under this grant. He added that upon approval of the RPL, funding awarded to the Department of Corrections would be used before the grant period ends on December 31, 1999. There being no questions or objections, RPL #20-0-0012 was held for approval.   RPL Number: 25-0-1056  Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Anchorage International Airport AIA Terminal Electric Upgrades Security Assess-CIP $148,900 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL stated that the Department applied for federal funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a two-phase project at the Anchorage International Airport (AIA). The project would provide for a new Y2K compliant security access control system including replacement of the host computer, software, local processors and terminals. The RPL will have no impact on positions as all that work would be contracted to the private sector and the project would be managed by existing AIA staff. There being no questions or objections, RPL #25-0-1056 was held for approval.   RPL Number: 25-0-3312  Department of Transportation and Public Facilities SE Regional Highways and Aviation Sitka Airport/Extended Hours of Operation $18,000 - SDPR SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged".   RPL Number: 25-0-3312  Department of Transportation and Public Facilities SE Regional Highways and Aviation Sitka Airport/Extended Hours of Operation $18,000 - SDPR  SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged". RPL Number: 07-0-4047{TC "RPL Number:07-0-4047" \l 2} Department of Labor Labor and Workforce Development Unemployment Insurance Contract for redesign of UI Tax System $900,000 - Federal receipts SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged". RPL Number: 08-0-110a{TC "RPL Number:08-0-110a" \l 2} Department of Community and Economic Development Alaska Visitor Statistics Alaska Visitor Survey and Workshops $800,000 - SDPR SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged". RPL Number: 08-0-110b{TC "RPL Number:08-0-110b" \l 2} Department of Community and Economic Development Alaska Tourism Marketing Council Alaska Tourism Marketing & Development $900,000 - SDPR SENATOR PHILLIPS requested that the RPL be "flagged".   * RECONSIDERATION OF THE FLAGGED RPL's *{TC "* RECONSIDERATION OF THE FLAGGED RPLis *" \l 3}   RPL Number: 04-0-0016{TC "RPL Number:04-0-0016" \l 2} Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Federal Access and Visitation Grant $50,000 - Federal Receipts {TC ""} DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony regarding the purpose of the request. He added that the Department was short federal receipt authority. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT pointed out that there was a 10% matching fund requirement. He asked if the Department would be making that effort. DAVID TEAL replied that would be an "in-kind" contribution. There would be no new matched money. CECILIA LACARA, Deputy Director, Child Support Enforcement Division, Department of Revenue, commented that it would be over the $100 thousand dollars granted by the federal government. The funding would be used for personal services contributed by the Alaska Court System and would be a part of the current workload. SUSAN MILLER, Manager, Special Projects, Administrative Staff, Alaska Court System, explained that the match would be coming from work hours of the current employees. These developed programs are new. The time that it took to develop these programs was time that was taken away from employees normal court work. She stressed that these are highly beneficial programs. REPRESENTATIVE CROFT asked what these programs would accomplish. SUSAN MILLER replied that in Anchorage and Fairbanks, the judges require that couples going through dissolution, to attend a film regarding the effects of divorce on children. The Fairbanks program is much more extensive. The Court's intent is to expand the Anchorage program. REPRESENTATIVE CROFT understood that this request had been in the budget previously. He believed that funding the request could help to address many of the current constituent's complaints. SENATOR PHILLIPS OBJECTED to the RPL. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the Committee would need to have a quorum present at the meeting to take action on the request. RPL Number: 05-0-0776{TC "RPL Number:05-0-0776" \l 2} Department of Education Education & Early Development Child Care Child Care Development Fund $253,107 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony regarding the purpose of the RPL. He noted that this type of program had been incorporated into the ChildCare budget since inception of Welfare Reform in 1986. He added that the money had not been anticipated in the FY00 budget process. {TC "DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony regarding the purpose of the RPL. He n"} SENATOR PHILLIPS inquired if there were income limits in any of these programs. (Response inaudible - Teleconferenced) There being no questions or objections, RPL #05-0-0776 was held for approval. RPL Number: 06-0-0131{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0131" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Probation Services Delta/Greely Safe School Juvenile Probation Officer And Anchorage Making a Difference Program $56,400 - SDPR  DAVID TEAL explained that the Delta/Greely Safe Schools Juvenile Probation officer program and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) have joined to address a number of specific safe and drug free schools initiatives. The District received a federal grant award for safe and drug-free schools and is currently offering the Department $40 thousand SDPR to assist in meeting the goals of that program. The Division of Juvenile Justice currently provides probation support services to Delta Junction, Fort Greely, and Healy Lake out of the Fairbanks juvenile probation office. The funding would allow a new juvenile probation officer position to be located in the Delta Junction High School. Additionally, the Division of Juvenile Justice receives $142 thousand dollars annually from the Municipality of Anchorage for the "Making a Difference" Program for the funding of three Probation Officer I positions in Anchorage. The RPL requests an additional $16,400 of authorization to cover the entire $142 thousand dollars to be received from the Municipality. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS questioned why the State needed to be involved in this request. JANET CLARKE, Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Health and Social Services, stated that in the grant which Delta made with the program, they requested having a juvenile probation officer in the school as part of that federal grant. Currently, the State holds the responsibility and authority for probation officers. REPRESENTATIVE CROFT asked where the extra $16 thousand dollars would come from. JANET CLARKE responded that for some reason the Department made an error and underestimated the need. SENATOR PHILLIPS questioned what other communities received similar grants to this. JANET CLARKE explained that there are two different "things" in the same component. This is not a federal grant that Anchorage would be receiving and that she did not know the source of funds. However, the Delta program does go through a variety of communities. GEORGE BUHITE, Division of Juvenile Justice, explained that the criteria for the grant was that the schools work with multiple agencies. The school believed that having a probation officer on the premise would be a good adjunct to the program. SENATOR PHILLPS asked if Delta Greely was a tax-paying, organized government. GEORGE BUHITE stated that the program in Anchorage was not a school program. Three probation staff at Maclaughlin Youth Center have been funded through it, in order to deal with first offenders early and appropriately. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT asked if it would be necessary to hire new employee. GEORGE BUHITE replied that the legal definition regarding the probation officer had to do with school district employees. That position provides a level of law enforcement presence that the personal school staff does not have. SENATOR WILKEN testified via teleconference. [Inaudible] There being no further questions or objections, RPL #06-0- 0131 was held for approval. RPL Number: 06-0-0132{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0132" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Ketchikan Juvenile Detention & Diagnostic and Treatment Center-CIP $600,000 - SDPR DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony. JANET CLARKE clarified that the urgency for the request resulted in that the Department has a schedule to go out and rd advertise for bid on January 3, 2000. One complication is that the City of Ketchikan has donated the land, and that however, the land is located on a gully, creating complications for the design of the facility. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS asked how many beds had been originally planned for and how many existed. JANET CLARKE noted that there would still be ten beds in the facility, adding that the operations of the facility are complicated. In the Governor's FY2000 budget, the Department has requested six months operating funds for operating the detention portion of the facility. There are existing grants which will be used to help staff the mental health portion of beds in that facility. The funds that are targeted are GF Mental Health funds. REPRESENTATIVE CROFT clarified the request summary. There being no further questions or objections, RPL #06-0- 0132CIP was held for approval. RPL Number: 06-0-0172{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0172" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Mental Health/Development Disabilities Administration Anchorage Comorbidity Services Evaluation Study $433,800 - Federal Receipts JANET CLARKE explained that the purpose for this request was for the Anchorage Comorbidity Services Project, also known as the API 2000 Project Community Plan. Once in place, the project would help divert a portion of the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) clientele to community based mental health and substance abuse services rather than a more restrictive institutional environment. The purpose of the grant would support development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive seamless system of care for persons with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders in Anchorage and the adjacent Kenai Peninsula area. She emphasized that the grant would be used for operating costs only. Ms. Clarke continued, the $433,800 Federal Receipts requested in the RPL would be transferred to the University of Alaska to conduct a study and evaluate the effectiveness of the service reconfiguration strategies. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that the requested amount was "high" for a study. LOREN JONES, Director, Division of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, Department of Health and Social Services, stated that the Department negotiated with the University for the research. It was intended to address federal government requirements. Part of the contract with the University of Arizona was to bring additional training to the Alaska University staff. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT advised that the requested funding should have been addressed through last year's operating budget funding. LOREN JONES replied that the plan for the expenditure of these funds was established through a timetable as to when the services would be implemented. Federal funding came before the Departments' schedule came. The Department has been trying to budget only in the year which the expenditure is expected to be spent. JANET CLARKE added that the Department would not loose the funds if they were not spent in the same fiscal year. They would carry over. DAVID TEAL pointed out that the balance of the $5 million dollar award from SAMSHA is not clearly identified in the agency budget. The Department may require another RPL or supplemental to fully expend the balance of the fund award during the first award period of the grant. He added that there are no technical problems with the request. REPRESENTATIVE CROFT questioned if the full $5 million dollars was not spent, would a portion of it be diverted to community-based citizens. He believed that action would create potential long-term cost savings. LOREN JONES agreed. The Department is looking to provide services that will eventually allow the current API to operate at 54 beds rather than 79 beds. He added that in about two years, it should be at about that level. (TAPE CHANGE, LBA 99-7, SIDE B). LOREN JONES continued, in close to the summer of 2002, API will being operating in a new facility with 54 beds. Community services will be enhanced. The federal government money will be gone and the general fund services will be reprogrammed to support that level of service. REPRESENTATIVE CROFT clarified that in effect, if the federal funding is used appropriately, it will decrease the cost of treatment for this clientele and will move them from a primarily state employed to a primary grant, private, nonprofit. LOREN JONES agreed. He added that the reason for the high expense of the evaluation is that it will provide continual feedback during the process and will answer questions of the Legislature. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that because there was objection to the request, it would be moved to the bottom of the agenda until another member was present so the Committee could vote on it with the needed quorum. RPL Number: 06-0-0180{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0180" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services Public Health Preparedness and Response For Bioterrorism $700,000 - Federal Receipts JANET CLARKE noted that the Department requested the funds for the effort of public health preparedness and response for a bioterrorism program. The program provides the last opportunity for the Department to expand and upgrade the ability to detect and respond to attacks from biological agents and public health problems. She added that no matching funding would be required for the program and that it has the potential to be funded for about four years. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT questioned the request for six new positions. MATT ANDERSON, Community Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services, Department of Health and Social Services, stated that this was a time-sensitive matter. The Department has received much encouragement to get this program up and running. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS asked if the State would loose the funding if it was not implemented in a short period of time. MATT ANDERSON replied that he had no knowledge that would be the case. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT pointed out that the Y2K motivator for the request would be happening in two weeks. MATT ANDERSON replied that it has been widely recognized throughout the country that bioterrorism is a threat. At the federal level, many resources have been reallocated to deal with the issue. Public health is a very critical component of that process. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT agreed that there was a threat, however, did not see the need to move forward and position a multi-year commitment. He recommended that it be considered during the next legislature. REPRESENTATIVE CROFT spoke in support of the request. Discussion followed between Representative Therriault and Representative Croft regarding the concern. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT OBJECTED to the request. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS placed the request at the bottom of the agenda in hopes that another member would show at the meeting in order to have a quorum present to vote on the issue. RPL Number: 06-0-0181{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0181" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services Emergency Medical Services for Children $250,000 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony on the request. JANET CLARKE noted that one of the questions was regarding the five supporting positions, partially supported by the Emergency Medical Services for children. These positions are currently 100% federally supported. The request is consistent with how the Department funds the positions. SENATOR PHILLIPS asked if these funds would be used for all children in rural Alaska. JANET CLARKE replied that these were not Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funds. The targeted population would be Alaska Natives, but the work would benefit all children in Alaska. MATT ANDERSON added that the grant application specifically targeted Alaska Native children, however, the program is in everyone's best interest in that it addresses the needs of all children in the State of Alaska. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS questioned if the Department's "hands would be tied" in spending these funds. MATT ANDERSON stated that the grant instructions were very specific as to the targeted group. However, at the national level of the EMS program, it was intended to build the entire system for adults and children. JANET CLARKE added that the Department's wording was in trying to be consistent with what the grant award is. The State's response was that the program would be for all children. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT questioned why the description of the services would not be completed until the end of the first grant year. MATT ANDERSON replied that the grant process changed midstream at the federal level and that there is a work-plan to be used to accomplish the funding goal. JANET CLARKE noted that these five positions would not free up general funding. They are 100% federally funded positions. The time would be redirected and funds redistributed. In response to Representative Therriault, Ms. Clarke noted that in the Division of Public Health, there are a number of categorical funded federal grants that are for spending in a certain way, on something definite, in that Division. SHARON AVERY, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Services, explained that the funds, which would be freed up, would be made available for programs which already exist in the Division of Public Health. They could not be used anywhere else in that Department. She emphasized that there are restrictions on using these funds. There being no further questions or objections, RPL #06-0- 0181 was held for approval. RPL Number: 06-0-0182{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0182" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Comm Health/Emerg Medical Svcs Rural Health program and Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Grant $562,700 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS asked why the request had not been written as two separate requests. DAVID TEAL explained that the source of funds, the component, and the purpose are the same. There being no further questions or objections, RPL #06-1- 0182 was held for approval. RPL Number: 08-0-0101{TC "RPL Number:08-0-0101" \l 2} Department of Commerce and Economic Development Trade and Development Industry Network corporation (INC) Grant $144,959 - SDPR DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony. SENATOR PHILLIPS inquired how much business would the position generate. GREG WOLF, Director, Division of Trade and Development, Department of Commerce and Economic Development, explained that the grant would allow the Division to support the activities effort to Alaskan companies to sell their value added products in overseas markets. He stated that the Division is uniquely positioned to provide that assistance because the State maintains contract trade representatives in those markets. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS requested that Mr. Wolf focus on why the position had been cut from last year's operating budget. GREG WOLF replied that the grant funds would provide for projects on the trade side or value added product side which the Division had planned for and budgeted for already. By doing so, it frees up funds to provide the cash match needed by the Division to provide for the forest products position for the remainder of the fiscal year. He emphasized the importance of that action. When the position had been eliminated last year, there remained a lot of important work to be completed. The bulk of the money will go to the promotion of value added products. Discussion followed between Senator Phillips and Mr. Wolf regarding the amount of business that would be generated by the addition of this position. Mr. Wolf pointed out that we live in a competitive market and that the work done benefits Alaskan companies but that whether they provide the State with that information "remains to be seen". REPRESENTATIVE CROFT noted that the State has been trying to get value-added products for a long time. He stressed that this is an important development and should be encouraged by the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee. DAVID TEAL stated that the Department's position is that they will work hard to obtain funding. He added that there is a strong probability that funding would be maintained in the future. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS noted that she would move consideration of this RPL to the bottom of the agenda. RPL Number: 09-0-0045a{TC "RPL Number:09-0-0045a" \l 2} Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Disaster Planning and Control FEMA Grant - Y2K Preparedness $67,667 - Federal Receipts  ROBERTA CARNEY, Staff Officer, Division of Emergency Services, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs stated that the request was a federal grant offered to each state by the federal government. The funding would be used for a public outreach and preparedness effort. Some of this work has already been done through the operational budget. She emphasized that this is a time sensitive issue. CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS asked how close the Department is to being Y2K compliant. ROBERTA CARNEY replied that the Department is 100% compliant with all activities. There being no questions or objection, RPL #09-0-0045a was held for approval.   RPL Number: 09-0-0045b  Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Disaster Planning and Control FEMA Grant - Weapons of Mass Destruction $81,757 - Federal Receipts  ROBERTA CARNEY explained that grant was offered by the federal government and that the expiration date is July 1, 2000. The plan for the funding would be to develop a tourism annex or several jurisdiction operational plans already in existence. The contractor would take the State Model Plan and develop an annex for it. That plan is available for the smaller communities and is partially used at this time. There would be no new positions added. There being no questions or objections, RPL #09-0-0045b was held for approval.   RPL Number: 09-0-0045c  Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Disaster Planning and Control FEMA Grant - Disaster Planning & Control $319,000 - Federal Receipts  ROBERTA CARNEY stated that this request resulted from an error on the part of the federal government. They have changed the way that they work with the State in the cost share program. When the FY00 budget was submitted, the Department assumed that the level of federal funds for Disaster Planning and Control would decrease by $319 thousand dollars and the budget request reflected that assumption. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) did not reduce federal funding, the agency increased the State's required match from 0% to 50%. Disaster Planning and Control requests an increase in federal authorization of $319 thousand dollars. The Department will pass $275 thousand dollars through to local communities to establish programs for Community Assistance. Local communities will be required to use these funds for emergency preparedness efforts. The remaining $44 thousand dollars in authorization would be in personal services to aid statewide preparation efforts. There being no questions or objections, RPL #09-0-0045c was held for approval. RPL Number: 20-0-0011  Department of Corrections Administrative Services Illegal/Criminal Alien Identification Video Conferencing Equipment $62,500 - Federal Receipts DAVID TEAL reiterated previous testimony. REPRESENTATIVE CROFT asked if there would be cost savings if the State identifies a criminal that is an alien. There was no department person present to answer that query. REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE pointed out that the request would ultimately increase the total budget. There being no further questions or objections, RPL #20-0- 0011 was held for approval. RPL Number: 25-0-3312  Department of Transportation and Public Facilities SE Regional Highways and Aviation Sitka Airport/Extended Hours of Operation $18,000 - SDPR DAVID TEAL stated that in August, 1999, the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) requested that the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities extend operation of the Sitka airport from 16 hours per day to 20 hours per day to allow extra flights to and from Sitka. The CBS agreed to pay $106 thousand dollars over a nine and one-half month period and the Department began providing 20 hour service in September, 1999. Extended airport service boosts the local economy and supports the fishing industry through increased passenger and cargo flights, providing more opportunity for local businesses to fly out fresh fish and receive other timely products, and it creates more jobs at the airport and for local businesses. No vacant positions would be filled using this funding. He concluded that the maintenance station in Sitka is fully staffed. SENATOR PHILLIPS asked how long would the city be willing to pay the extra costs. DAVID TEAL replied that they would pay for it through July st, 12000. There being no further discussion or objection, RPL #25-0- 3312 was held for approval. RPL Number: 07-0-4047{TC "RPL Number:07-0-4047" \l 2} Department of Labor Labor and Workforce Development Unemployment Insurance Contract for redesign of UI Tax System $900,000 - Federal receipts DAVID TEAL stated that the RPL would provide to spend additional federal receipts to complete funding for the Unemployment Insurance Tax System Capital project. There being no further questions or objection, RPL #07-0- 4047 was held for approval. RPL Number: 08-0-110a{TC "RPL Number:08-0-110a" \l 2} Department of Community and Economic Development Alaska Visitor Statistics Alaska Visitor Survey and Workshops $800,000 - SDPR DAVID TEAL noted that in 1985, the Division of Tourism launched the Alaska Visitor Statistics Program (AVSP) and since that time, the AVSP has been conducted every four years. The research aids the Department in expanding and diversifying Alaska's economy by facilitating more efficient and effective tourism marketing. The data gathered helps to determine: The means by which both residents and visitors entered the State. The purpose of the visitors' trip, mode of entry/exit, origin, age, party size, gender and travel type. Detailed information on how much was spent by visitors, where they spend it, and how it was spent. Satisfaction with facilities, accommodations, attractions, choice of transportation and activities. (Testimony via Teleconference-inaudible) (TAPE CHANGE, LBA 99-8, SIDE A).  REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE questioned the net general fund gain to the State. (Response testimony via teleconference was inaudible). REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT spoke to the dynamic change with updating the study and the information generated by that action. KATHY DUNN, Alaska Tourism Marketing Council (ATMC), Department of Commerce and Economic Development, spoke to the importance of the studies and how the State can use that information. There being no further questions or objections, RPL #08-0- 0110a CIP was held for approval. RPL Number: 08-0-110b{TC "RPL Number:08-0-110b" \l 2} Department of Community and Economic Development Alaska Tourism Marketing Council Alaska Tourism Marketing & Development $900,000 - SDPR There being no questions or objections, RPL #08-0-0110b was held for approval. APPROVAL OF MINUTES{TC "APPROVAL OF MINUTES"} CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS requested a motion for approval of rd minutes from the September 23 Legislative Budget and Audit Committee meeting. SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED approval of the minutes and asked for unanimous consent. There being NO OBJECTION, the minutes were approved and adopted.   * REVISITED AND "FLAGGED" RPL's *  SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED to approve the following RPL's: 01-0-8024 Office of the Governor 01-0-8026 Office of the Governor 02-0-0037 DOA 05-0-0767 DOE 05-0-0776 DOE 06-0-0131 DHSS 06-0-0132 DHSS 06-0-0181 DHSS 06-0-0182 DHSS 09-0-0045a DMVA 09-0-0045b DMVA 09-0-0045c DMVA 12-0-0107 DPS 20-0-0011 DOC 20-0-0012 DOC 25-0-1056 DTPF 25-0-3312 DTPF 07-0-4047 LABOR 08-0-110a COM. & ECONOMIC DEV. 08-0-110b COM. & ECONOMIC DEV. There being NO OBJECTION, these RPL's were approved.   RPL Number: 04-0-0016{TC "RPL Number:04-0-0016" \l 2} Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Federal Access and Visitation Grant $50,000 - Federal Receipts SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED RPL 04-0-0016 and OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Representatives Bunde, Croft, G. Davis, Therriault, Chair Phillips Senator Wilken OPPOSED: Senator Phillips The MOTION PASSED (6-1). RPL Number: 06-0-0172{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0172" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Mental Health/Development Disabilities Administration Anchorage Comorbidity Services Evaluation Study $433,800 - Federal Receipts SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED RPL #06-0-0172. There being NO OBJECTION, it was approved. RPL Number: 06-0-0180{TC "RPL Number:06-0-0180" \l 2} Department of Health and Social Services Comm Health/Emerg Medical Services Public Health Preparedness and Response For Bioterrorism $700,000 - Federal Receipts  SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED to approve RPL #06-0-0180. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Representatives Croft, G. Davis, G. Phillips Senator R. Phillips OPPOSED: Representatives Therriault, Bunde Senator Wilken The MOTION FAILED (4-3). RPL Number: 08-0-0101{TC "RPL Number:08-0-0101" \l 2} Department of Commerce and Economic Development Trade and Development Industry Network corporation (INC) Grant $144,959 - SDPR SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED to approve RPL #08-0-0101 and asked unanimous consent. REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Representatives Croft, G. Davis, G. Phillips Senator Wilken, Phillips OPPOSED: Representatives Therriault, Bunde The MOTION FAILED (5-2). EXECUTIVE SESSION{TC "EXECUTIVE SESSION" \l 4} SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED that in accordance with Title 24 and 44, the LBA Committee move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing audit reports, which are held confidential by law. There being NO OBJECTION, the Committee went into Executive Session at 12:01 P.M. {TC ""} The Committee resumed open session at 12:29 P.M.{TC "The Committee resumed open session at 12:29 P.M."} AUDIT REPORTS{TC "AUDIT REPORTS"} SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED that the following preliminary audit reports be released to the agencies for their response: DOA/DCED-RCA-AOGCC Merger Analysis DOR/AHFC - Financial Analysis DOA/Alaska Pioneer Homes DMV/Alaska National Guard DOTPF/Home Gravel Roads Project There being NO OBJECTION, the preliminary audits were released for agency response. SENATOR PHILLIPS MOVED that the final audit on the agenda be released to the public: DOA/Alaska Commission on Aging There being NO OBJECTION, the final audit was released for public view. ADJOURNMENT{TC "ADJOURNMENT"} CHAIR GAIL PHILLIPS adjourned the LBA Committee meeting at 12:45 P.M.