----------------------- Page 1----------------------- 1973-74 SENATE STATE "AFFAIRSCOMMITTEE TABLE OFCONTENTS 1973 MINUTES: 1/10/1973 - 4/6/1973 1974 MINUTES: 1/28/1974 - 4/22/1974 1973-74 SSA MINLOG ----------------------- Page 2----------------------- \Ol~ 3.... ---- ----------------------- Page 3----------------------- , ----- SENA'l'ESTArrE j\RPAIRSCOMM1T!I'.DE u DATE,; 1-10-73" COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present AbsentReason Senator KeithMiller,Chairman Senator Ron Rettig .. Senator JalmarKerttul~ Senator Bill. Ray SCR NO. 3- MIDNIGHT SUN 600SNOWMOBILE CLASSIC Commis~ioner Bruce Campbell, Dept. of Highways, testified: The commissionerre·ad correspondence with Jack Helm.s , wires fr~om JulianRice, former mayor ofFairbanks, and from JimMarvin. Campbell statesthere wasanagreemen:t in January 1972 that the Snowmobile Association wouldnot askagain touse thehighway. Campbell wrote a letter datedAugust 24,1972,stating that no "race would bepermitted. There was noresponse.On January4, 1973, ""~?gge Begich called Bruce Campbell expressing concernthat the rtrce uldbeprohibited . .....~ Emery Chapple, Commissionerof Public Safety,will cooperate when there can becontrolled conditions. Heopposesthe MidnightSun:600. There have been noaccidents todate. Senator Raderrequested a copy ofthe resolution from Commissioner, Campbell. Noaction was taken onSCRNo. 3 today. ~ J 'l JACK R.SIMPSON ..~ Administrative Assistant ----------------------- Page 4----------------------- -- .-----------------------------~--------------------------------- \ SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMIT~~E DATE:1-11-73 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present AbsentReason Senator Keith Miller,Chairmanx '~~lator Jess Harris,Vice-Chairmanx Senator Ron Rettigx Senator JalmarKerttula x Senator Bill Ray x Representative Helen Fischer,Chairman, House State Affairs Committee, was present. Shewantedto know the cost to the state; she feels that the racingassociation should payany such costincurred. Jack Helmssays theextra cost tostate last year was $1100.00andwas paid by theassociation (for barricades, et cet.). Senator Kerttula movedthebill, asamended byRay,'outofcommitteewith a dopassrecommendation. Concurrediti byMiller, Harris andRettig. N9recommendation: Kerttula andRayo / JACK R.SIMPSON Administrative Assistant ----------------------- Page 5----------------------- SENATE STATEAFFAIRS COMMIT~~E DATE:1/12/73 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present AbsentReason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman ;~lator JessHarris, Vice-Chairman' \.,.~ Senator Ron Rettig Senator Jalmar Kerttula Senator Bill Ray SB NO.31 -SenatorBillRayexplained thebill ashousekeeping to makethebill showlegislativeintentthattheState participateno morethan $1 million whereastheattorney general hadihterpreted the actthat thetotalamount of participation beno morethan$1 million. Senator Grohconfirmed legislative intent as testified to by Benator Ray. 7hebill wassentout ofcommittee witha do passrecommendation, nfirmed by Senators Kerttula, Harris, Rayand Chairman Miller. JACKR.'SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant ( ~ ----------------------- Page 6----------------------- SENATESTATE AFFAIRSCOMMIT1·d DATE:1/16/73 COMMITTEEMEMBERS Present Absent Reason Senator KeithMiller., Chair~anx ~lator JessHarris,Vice-Chairman x "~ Senator Ron Rettig .X Senator JalmarKerttulax Senator Bill Ray xFelloff roof Senator Lewis testified: The beststep is to restore to the peopletheir powerto elect the attorney general. Forty-two stateselect. The attorneygeneral should represent the peopleand be answerableto the people. There is a great deal of sentiment by peopleand the votersshould be allowedto vote on this. Senator Rettig is concerned about governorhavinglegalcounsel. Senator Lewis feelsthe present law permitsthe governorto nire legalcounsel. -enator Harrisfeelsthat the attorneygeneralshould haveto be an \..--):;torney because he is an adminis trator. Senators Rettig and Lewisfeel thathe should bean attorney. Senator Kerttula feels an electedattorneygeneralwouldbe elevated politically and,if the qualifications are that he be an attorney, onlyattorneyswouldadvancepolitically. , Senator Kerttula is againstelecting. Senator Rader feels thatthe mostqualified manmay not be the most politically qualified. The attorney generalis in position to deadlock the governor. An attorney general, elected,could not be heldresponsible as an appointed one. Senators Rettig and Raderagreethat the powersof the attorney general wouldhave to be defined,and he would have powerto directthe governor and the legislature. Senator Grohbelieves thereare some areas wherethe governor's interest and the attorney general'sinterest are not necessarily the interest of the people. He feelsthat ombudsman is the answer. He would opposeelection. Senator Rettig feelSthat peoplehave no accessto the attorney general. C\enator Lewisrei teratedthat peoplewant to vote on thi.s right to \"....../lect the attorney general. Senator Miller says thatthe governor wouldprefe~~appoint~ent of the attorney general. Senator Rettig moved to put the bill outwith individual recommendations. All were in favorexceptSenator Harris. JACK R. SIMPSON Administr~tive Ass~stant ----------------------- Page 7----------------------- --------------------------~"~- SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITT~E DATE: 1-19-73 COMMITTEE MEMBERS PresentAbsent Reason SenatorKeithMiller, Chairman X Senator Jess Harris,Vice-Chairman X ~ Senator RonRettig X Senator Jalmar Kerttula X Senator Bill Ray X Fell off roof. SCRNO. 7- BIRCHWOODLOOPROAD Senator Kerttulatestified that thefirst partof loop was pavedand is now in miserable condition. Kerttula saysthis is denselypopulated area and he feelsroadshould be r~built. He stated hecanget more information fromCommissioner Bruce ·'1lpbell and wouldlikethe Dept.of Highwaysto givethis a priority. ",-,. TheChairmansaid hewill callCommissioner Campbell for a traffic count anduse of railroad. Senator Kerttula said hewouldallert the commi s s i one r. SB NO.3 - GOVERNMENTAL ETHICS Senator Palmertestified:This was introduced two yearsago. This is in forcein the state of Illinois and workingsatisfactorily. Also,the Association of StateGovernments recommends it. Senator Harris will studythe matter and reportat another hearing. JACKR. SIMPSON AdministraiveAssistant ----------------------- Page 8----------------------- DATE: 1-19-13 COMMITTEE MEMBERSPresentAbsent Reason Senator Keith Miller,Chairman x Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman x ~'nator RonRettig xIn Anchorage Senator Jalmar Kerttula x Senator Bill Ray x SR NO. 1 - HONORING JOHN C. FLANIGAN This Resolutionsent out of commi ttee wi th a unanimous do pass recommendation,_ SCR NO. 1 - BIRCHWOOD LOOP ROAD The committee agreed to submit a committee substitute to include the Eagle River Road. JACK R. SIMPSON ADMINISTRATIVEASSISTANT ----------------------- Page 9----------------------- DATE: 1/22/73 COMMITTEE MEMBERS PresentAbsent Reason Senator Keith Miller, Chairmanx Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman x ~enator Ron Rettig .x In Anchorage Senator Jalmar Kerttula Senator Bill Ray x ? CS FOR SCR NO. 7- BIRCHWOOD LOOP AND EAGLE RIVER ROADS No further testimony was introduced; there was general discussion of the Resolution. The Committeerecommends do pass, with following members voting: Keith Miller, Chairman Jess Harris J. Kerttula HJR NO. 7 - YUKON AND KUSKOKWIMCANAL No testimony.After general discussion,the following members recommend that HJR No.7do pass: Keith Miller, Chairman Jess Harris J. Kerttula JACK R. SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant ----------------------- Page 10----------------------- ~ DATE:1/23/73 Time: 2:00p~ COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present AbsentReason Senator Keith Miller, Chairmanx Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman x? .~ nator Ron Rettig x Senator Jalmar Kerttula x Senator Bill Ray x? SJR No.7 -- Objecting to U.S.PostalService surface bulkmail TheCommittee considered SJR No.7 as originally submitted by Senators Rayand Hensley.It was unanimously agreed by those present thatthe resolution,whichobjects to the U.S.Postal Service decision toship bulkmailby surface transportation, should applyto all of Alaska rather thanto the Alaska Panhandle only,as thepresent language of theresolution now states. TheStateAffairs Committee willdraft and submit a committee substitute to thiseffect. ! Senator Kerttulaagain stated that he wouldbring a letter on thefloodconditions at Talkeetna, hoping thata committee resolution couldbe prepared. He alsostated that he probably wouldaskfor an additionalresolution for extension of the EagleRiverroad. H hasa letter regardingthis,which, if he canfind,he willbringto theCommittee. JACKR. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary ----------------------- Page 11----------------------- DATE: 1/24/73 Time: 1:30 pm COMMITTEE MEMBERS PresentAbsent Reason Senator Keith Miller, Chairmanx Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman x ~nator RonRettig x Senator Ja1mar Kerttula x Senator Bill Rayx SJR NO. 7 - U. S. POSTAL SERVICE SURFACE TRANSPORTATIONPOLICY The State Affairs Committee Substitute wasconsidered by those present. Upon motion by Senator Ray, asking unanimousconsent, the Committee 're commended do pass.Thos e voting were: Senator Miller, Chairman Ray Rettig Harris SJR NO. 8- U. S. MODERN BIATHLON TRAININGCENTERBY THOMAS !'",-,nator Thomas, sponsor of SJR No. 8 testified:For some time an Anchoragerumor has persistedthat the biathlon would be eliminated from the military program altogether. U.S. Senator Ted Stevens has researchedthe situation and states that the Army is on the verge of xnockingthe biathlonout of their training program. Biathlon team ~e~bers arecombinationexpert skiers and marksmen. This event, though small in the United States, is very big with both the Russians and the Scandinavians,is part of our winter olympics, and has greatly benefited youngcross country skiers.Fort Richardson-based biathlonmembers have worked with the young skiers in the community, and many have remainedin the area to instruct in skiing after their militaryduty is terminated. Both Senators Stevens and Gravel are now involved in an attempt to retain the biathlon program at Fort Richardson. Senator Thomas has a request from Mrs. Judy Moerlein, President,Alaska Division, U.S. Ski Association,for support from the State Legislature. Senator Thomas has discovered that the budget for next year's biathlon program would be only $40,000. He states that Tony Motley, a member of the AnchorageChamber of Commerce's Committee on MilitaryAffairs is checkingout the details of the situation. SenatorRay moved, asking unanimousconsent, that SJR No. 8 be sent out of committeewith a do pass recommendation. Signed by Chairman Oller, Senator Harris and Senator Ray. JACK R. SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS, Secretary ----------------------- Page 12----------------------- ~'-lATE STATE Alj1FAIRS COMMlru_ DATE: 1/25/73 COMMITTEE MEMBERSPresent AbsentReason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman x Senator Jess Harris,Vice-Chairman x '"-,,,/ Senator Ron Rettigx Senator Jalmar Kerttulax Senator Bill Rayx SB No.9- LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION - BY THOMAS Senator Thomas, sponsor of SB 9, testified: The pattern of the bill springs froma similar system in Arizona. Thethoughtbehindit is thatlegislators' setting their own pay creates a conflict-of-interest situation and that the electorate should make the deter- mination of compensation level. SB No.9 would create a commission on legislative compensation of three members, one appointed by thegovernor, one by the' president of theSenate,and one bythe speakerof the House. The commissionts recommendationswouldthen go on the ballotbefore the voters. ~ator Ray commented thatsuchan approach mightput legislators in the position of abrogating their responsibilities. Hefelt the committee should consider, also,that the enacting of thelegislation in its present formcouldcreatea situation where only independentlywealthyAlaskans couldaffordto runfor the legislature. The discussion following also pointed up the factthat if legislative compensation werea ballotissue eachtwo years,a Senatememberwitha term of officeof fouryearscould f~nd himself in the position of having his pay schedule changed in mid- term. SenatorRay believed that,if sucha law wereenacted, it should contain aprovision that wouldprevent such a situation. Senator Thomas concurred thatsuch an amendment wouldimprove the bill. It was movedby Senator Harris, asking unanimous consent, that SB 9 be. tabled; one dissenting vote wascast by Chairman Miller. S3 No.72 - PULLENCOLLECTION - BY RAY , Senator Ray, author of SB 72, described the broadscopeof the collection, p~esently in Seattle. Hestated it contains ~ome 10 tonsof historical materials from the colorful Skagway-Klondike era and thatit would be of ez:reme valueto ~laska to obtainthe collection as a whole,precluding tte pos3ibility of thecollection being dissipated.He emphasized that ~nluisition would be contingent uponconfirmation of valueof the collection ,.~ independent appraisers • . I~ answ~r toa nuestion raisAdaboutthe location of the collection, if it i: acquired, Senator Ray explained that,whilethe acquisition wouldbe t~~ouCh channels of the AlaskaState Museum, it is theintentof the bill t~at thecollection will b.e placedin Skagway in the renovated Pullen H""lQA ----------------------- Page 13----------------------- u MINUTES - STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE - January 25, 1973Page Two Senator Rettig indicated that there was interest among private groups in acquisition of the collection for location within Alaska, and that it was his understanding that the collectioncould be acquired for a lower figure.In any event, it was pointed out that there would be independent apprais~l obtained beforeacquisition. \",-" Senator Kerttula, went on record as being very much in favor of returningthe collection to Alaska and stated members of his con- stituency have expressed support for this project. It was moved and seconded that the bill be passed out or committee with individual recommendations,and there was no objection. Individual Recommendations: Do Pass: Senators Miller, Kerttula and Ray Do Not Pass:Senator Harris No Recomm: Senator Rettig SB No. 9 - LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION- RECONSIDERATION By a majority vote SB 9 ,was taken off the table for further con- sideration. - Senator Kerttula moved that consideration of SB 9 be brought up in the next order of business on the next day a committee meeting is scheduled. Senator Ray offered an amendment that the author be asked if he would like to submit a sponsor substitute which would be considered at the author's convenience. The motion, as amended, was passed unanimously. A general discussion was held concerning the proper and acceptable method of taking of minutes and their approval.It was agreed that minutes would be submitted to each committee member for approval at the next committee meeting following the date on which they were taken. It was also agreed that no committee member would be quoted except at his own request. JACK R. SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary APP~ Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman State Affairs Committee January 26, 1973 ----------------------- Page 14----------------------- ; ;l\TE srp 1\'IlL': 1\PPA I 1\3 COMMIrr~ . ',~ ~~' \,---,F Dl\TE:1/29/73; 1:45 p~m. COMr~ITTEE r~EHBERS ' PresentAbsentReason Senator Keith Miller, Chairmanx (in Anchorage on Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman xstate business) \.. ~ Senator Ron Rettig x Senator Jalmar Kerttula x Senator Bill Ray x The minutes ofthe January 26thmeeting wereapproved as read. CS ~or SJR No.7- Objecting to surface transportationof bulkmail Witnesses testifying beforetheCommittee were: RalphSanders, lobbyist, representingAlaska CarrieJrs'Association; Jim Jansen, Alaska Manager, Lynden Transport. Senator Ray requested Chairman Miller to withhold action on SJR 7 until, otherinterested parties couldbe notified of its considerationand allowed to testify.He expressed concernthatthiswascomingup for hearing at thistimebecausenoone in thetrucking industry had, to I t~is point, contacted him toregister complaint or dissatisfaction with "\___,) resolution or any action takenon it. Chairman Miller replied thatit wasnothis intent to act on thelegis- lation today; thattestimony would be heardtodayas wellas additional future testimon~. Mr.Sanderstestified: Accompanyinghim wasMr. JimJansen, AlaskaManager of thetruckline performingthe surface haulof 2nd,3rd and4th classmail. Anyspecific questions as to schedule, volume, et cet.wouldbe answered by Mr. Jansen. Sanders stated that Lynden Transport carriesmailand freight fromSeattle to Southeastern Alaska usingthe ferrysystem, producing revenue of $40,000 per month to theferrysystem. He alsostated that theregular freight movement intoSoutheastern hasincreased in excess of 100%sincethe inaugurationof the mail service . . Senator Rettig askedwhenthepostal servicedecision regarding surface transportation was made. ~. Janse'n said hiscompany wasapproached by the postal service in January 1972, wasrequested to makea study,andpresented their figures to the postal service in July;a verification wasrequested in November and service begun in January 1973,basedon the postal service's decision of De cember15,1972. Senator Retti~ commentedthat,dueto the timeschedule j~ststated, the postal servicedecision was not,then,a significant invluencingfactor in theincreased freight movement statistics. In answer to a question by Senator Ray aboutwhatratereductions were effected by increased freight movement, Mr.Sanders replied that,to date, ----------------------- Page 15----------------------- E( M'INurrES - January29,10, PageTwo therehad beennone,butthe trucking line, with combined freightandmail, wouldreacha pointwhereratereduction would be possible. Mr. Sanders remarked thatthe postofficeinfo~med himthat,when the air carrier hauled2d, 3d and 4thclassmail on a spaceavailable basis, suchmail hadbeen bumped for as longas two weeks. Withthe Lynden schedule no mailis delayed for longerthanhalfa week. This run,he ated,is the onlyAlaska run that uses"sleeper service"-- meaning that 'I:rri'e driver keeps driving while the othersleeps. He pointed out that Lyndenuseslocaltrucklinesfor pickup and delivery (some sevenindi- viduallines, he thought), thusspreading the revenueamong-several companies. . Senator Ray askedMr. Sanders if hewasawareof the feudirlgexisting between localtruckers and the airline, to which Mr. Sanders replied thathe wasawareAlaskaAirlines owesthetruckers a "lot of money". Senator Ray emphasized he wished to establish the factthat localtruckers haverefusedto deliver or pickup freight from theairlines, that bad feeling existsbetween the airlines andsome of thetruckers, and that thisfact certainly couldcolortestimony. Senator Kerttulaaskedif actionon SJR7 affectedonlyLynden, to whichMr. Sanders replied that it would affect Lynden andthe seven localcarriers who delivered for them. Mr. Jansen explained that Lynden is operating on a temporary contract for a periodof six months, at theend of whichtimethe contract will be renegotiated on a competitive bid. "ThiswillhappenbeforeJuly1, if it proves to be economicallyfeasible." Senator Ray askedthat Lynden recaptheirservice and schedule.Mr. Jansen ~eplied that,from Seattle to PrinceRupert, two roadtripsand oneferry ~ip per weekare made,a totalof threetrips. Theroad tripsbetween ~hese twopoints are regarded as a normal24-hour trip butthata leewayto 36 hoursis allowed. Thetime involved beyond PrinceRupert dependson the ferryschedule -- averaging about20 hoursto mostSoutheastern communities, 26.hours to Skagway. Mr. Sanders interjected that,sinceLyndengotthe mailrun to Seattle, they havebeenableto combinefreight and mailin the samevans,giving increased frequency on freightnot possible before,andthis situation "has heldthe ratestructure down dueto competition". Senator Ray commented that,in hisexperience, rateshave notgone down. He citedan exampleof rates of 25¢ for liquor and 10¢for beer charged by localtruckers beforetheactivities of thetruckers' association. Now, hestated,the rates for liquorare45¢ on 5ths,65¢ on pintsand 75¢ on half-pints. Mr. Sanders repliedthat, for the record, thirteen years after regulation started in Alaska many of theratesare lowerthanbeforeregulation and "not manyof themare higher" • . Senator R~ttig asked Mr. Sanders if, some10 or 12 yearsago,therewas not a similar move fromairline to surfacehaulof mailin interior Alaska. Mr. Sanders replied this wastrue. He stated the mail cameby ~ighway all the way to Anchorage and to Fairbanks, at whichpointsother ,-,ocal truckers pickedit up fordispersal to othercommuni ties.This methodprovedto givebetter serviceexcept on firstclassand airmail, stated Mr.Sanders. ----------------------- Page 16----------------------- MI~UTES ~ January29, 197' Page 'Three ~/' Senator Rettig noted thathe was at that timeon the boardof the Anchorage Chambe~ of Commerceand thattheirconclusion was thatthere -was better service becauseof the elimination of the "bumping" problemexperienced withairlines. Senator Kerttula askedwhat effect the mail haulmight haveon the economics of airlineoperation into Juneau and otherSoutheastern com- munities. He commented thatthe mailcontract probably has a marked e\:ct on airline profi ts. '-..~ Senator Ray also gavehis opinionthatthe lack of an air mailcontract' wouldlessenthe opportunity for a secondairlineto operateprofitably in thisarea.He notedthe interest in Southeastern for reestablishing competitive air serviceand stated that he intended to do all possible to get a secondairl~ne into the area.I I Mr. Sanders felt that2d, 3d and 4th classmail wouldneverbe an issue I in gettinga secondairline servicehere,since theseclasses of mail. alwaysgo on a space available basis. He also advisedthatthe truckers I arecarryingthis mailat a cost of aboutone-third of what the postal service was payingthe airline. To SenatorRay'squestion as to how much Lyndenis being paid, Mr. Jansen stated: "The postoffice waspaying,roughly, a half a milliondollars in air revenue, and we are getting approximately one-third." Mr. Jansenthenstated that,witha combinedmailand freighthaul, theycould giveserviceto Southeastern that hadnever beenpossible before. He cited an instance of beingapproached by a lumber company in Hainesand Petersburg needinglumberfreighted on a backhaul basis. Sucha breakin rates wouldallowthe lumber to be marketed competitively. M~Jansensummarized hispositionthata good flowof traffic, with a ~._/bined mail and freight haul, willresultin betterfreightservice and leadto rate reduction. The meetingwasadjourned with the understandingthat another hearing wouldbe set for' furthertestimony. Anotherhearing on the CS for SJR 7 is scheduled for Monday,February 5, at 1:45 p.m. It 'was requested thatMr. Bud Lindstrom, of Reliable Transfer, testify. Mr. Lindstrom was notified and willattendthe February 5th committee meeting. JACKR. SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary ----------------------- Page 17----------------------- UArrESTA'TE A.FFAIRS COMMIT\0: DATE: 1/26/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERSPresentAbsent Reason Senator Keith Miller, ChairmanX Senator Jess Harris', Vice-ChairmanX SJnator Ron RettigX En route AnchoragE Senator Jalmar Kerttula 'X Senator Bill RayXFinance Comm. The minutes of the meeting of January 25 were approved. SB NO. 9- LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION- BY THOMAS SB No. 9 was reconsidered. Senator Kerttula moved that the bill be moved out of committee with individual recommendations. The vote was: Do Pass: Senators Miller and Harris No Rec:Senators Kerttula Ray Rettig SB NO. 83 - RELOCATION OF STATE CAPITAL - BY HARRIS Senator Harris brought up the future consideration of the bill, of which he is the sponsor, and stated it would be necessary for him to be away from the legislature for a few days.Chairman Miller assured him that there would be no consideration of his bill during his absence. JACK R. SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary 1/29/73 ----------------------- Page 18----------------------- \",-A~A'rE STJ\TE AFFAIRSCOMMIr:b, )~ DATE:1/30/73;1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERSPresentAbsent Reason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman X ,SenatorJessHarris,Vice-Chairman X (in Anchorage on state business) "'-.,./ Senator RonRettig X Senator Jalmar Kerttula X (Legislative Council) Senator Bill Ray X Theminutes of January 29 wereapproved as read. SB No.3 - By Palmer- Governmental Ethics ChairmanMiller stated asimilar bill on thissubject,introduced by the governor, had beenreferred to theJudiciary Committee, and it washis feelingthatboth billsshould be in the samecommittee so that they mightbeconsidered together. Senator Palmer spokeon behalf of his bill: This bill waspatterned after legislation adopted by the Stateof Illinois in 1968. According to LarryMargolis, of theCitizensConference on State Legislatures, this was thebest legislation I~ on the subject drafted till thattime. In researching for thisbill,Senator Palmer had foundlittle other background material. Since filing thebill, hewasable tocontactLarry Margolis in KansasCity,whosuggested superior sources for modellegislation were nowavailable: 1.TheState of Illinois last yearpassedaddi- tional legislation, whichis an improvement; 2.California has twicepassed legislation on governmental ethics that is worthstudying; 3.TheCitizensConference on State Legislatureshas madea presentationto. the Missouri Legislature setting out primefeatures thatshould be included. Senator Palmer states that all fourdocuments are now in the mailto him~ andif theycould beconsidered in committee along with both hisand the governor's bills, hefeelssubstantial improvement couldbe madein either ofthe present bills. Sc-t1ator Ray askedjustwhat theneed forthis bill is. Senator Palmer answered thatthe bill attempts to protectthepublicfroma legislator acting in his own interest rather thantheirs. It is also intended to be a safeguard for thelegislator as to whatconstitutes conflict of interest, enabling him to take a situation in questionto -the commission fortheir opinion. Senator Rayexpressed the oplnlonthat,in hisexperience he had seenno incidentof a leg~sla~or acting contrary to the publ~c ~nterest, no blatant disregard of publicinterest. He also pointed out thatthereare provisions ----------------------- Page 19----------------------- \----/) MINUTES - January 30, 1973 PageTwo in the present rulesfor a conflictof interest situation. If a legis- lator isserving on a committee wheresuch a situation arises, he can !nform hischairmanthat hedoes not wishto participate in consideration ~i' legislation in questio~. Senator Ray alsostated thatthe decision of whethera legislator acts in the public interest isdecided by the votersand that,underour present system,no one mancan controllegislative activity. Senator Rettig stated that the bill in its present form couldbe inter- pretedto meanthat a legislator, as a fisherman, should not get involved in legislation whichwouldenhancethe fishing industry,whereas, in fact,the knowledge of an expertfisherman wouldbe extremely valuable· to intelligent consideration of the legislation. Senator Palmer said he wishedto makethe distinction betweena legis- lator individuallybenefitting from an act and hisbeing a memberof a largegroupthat wouldbenefit. He quotedPage 4, Sec.24.55.050 (a) of SB 3 to illustrate his point. Senators Rettigand Ray bothexpressed the oplnlon that, whilethe intentof the bill isgood,and theyare in sympathywiththat intent, therewouldbe no advantage in passingit sinceadherence to principle is dependent uponthe peopleinvolved and not uponlegislation. Senator Ray also pointed out that,if any membersof the legislature are in position to control, it wouldbe the presiding officersof the Houseand Senate, and this bill setsup a commission whereeach would ~ave two appointees to thecommission. ~ The bill isreported back without recommendation: Do Pass: Senator Miller No Rec: Senator Rettig Do Not Pass Senator Ray unlesssub- stantially amended Deleteall Senator Kerttula after title and no. : HCR No.22 - By Bradner- Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race The resolution was discussed, butit wasthe opinionof the committee thatmore information was needed. No action wastaken. JACKR. SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS ..~ Secretary A P PRO VE D: (as corrected 1/31/73) Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman 2/1/73 ----------------------- Page 20----------------------- DATE:1/31/73;1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PresentAbsent Reason Senator Keith Miller,Chairman X C" ''tator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman r X In Anchorage '~I Senator RonRettig X Senator Jalmar Kerttula'X Senator Bill Ray X ChairmanMiller notedthatthe votesof Senator Kerttula and Senator Rettigon SB 3 were incorrectly recorded. The minutesof January30 werethen approved as corrected. SB 70 - BY YOUNGAND T. MILLER- STATEGROUPDENTALINSURANCECOVERAGE Mr.John Carter,Chairman, AlaskaPublicEmployees' Association, testified: Mr.Carterconsidersthisthe most important bill affecting publicemployeesthissession. He explained that the$7.50 participation by the state wouldcoverdental insurance for the employeebut that,shouldthe employee wantdependent coverage,he wouldpay for that himself. Mr.Carter hadtried to get specific information on the additional cost of addingaudio-visual coveragebut did not havedefinitefiguresat thistime; he willtry to have thesefigures availablefor the committee's furtherconsideration. He stated hewouldhope to have this bill in Finance Committeeat the sametime that committee considerspay increases. Senators Rettigand Ray raisedquestions about the wordingof AS 39.30.090(1). Mr.Carter stated that the wording in the bill was thatconsideredproperby the Legislative AffairsAgency. Senator Rettig requested a legal inter- pretation of the languagein the existing law. Mr.Carter said he would getanswersabout that wording as it relatedto bothdentaland audio- visualcoverage for the committee's nextconsideration of SB 70. Senator Ray offeredan amendmentto includeaudio-visual coveragein SB 70. Senator Kerttula offeredan amendment to raisethe state's participation L0 $27.50per month. '~.. The amendments wereadoptedby a majority vote, withSenatorsMiller, Kerttula and Ray votingto acceptthe amendments and Senator Rettig abstaining. Further consideration of SB 70 was set for February 1 at 1:45 p.m. A P PRO V EDJACKR. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant 'Dator KeithH. Miller,Chairman SHIRLEYBOWERS /73 Secretary ----------------------- Page 21----------------------- ~,qA'rE STATE AFFAIRSCOMMI1\,J DATE: 2/1/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEEMEMBERSPresentAbsent Reason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman x Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairmanx "~ Senator Ron Rettig x Senator Jalmar Kerttulax Senator Bill Ray x The minutes of January 31 were approved as ~ead. SB 70 - By Young and T. Miller - Dental Insur:ance - State Group Plan Additional information was submittedfor the committee's considerationof 'SB 70.The attached interpretation ofthe present wording of AS 39.30.090 was provided by Raymond V. Manning, LegislativeCounsel, Legislative Arfairs Agency, and is made part of these minutes by reference. Regarding cost data, John Carter of the Alaska Public Employees' Association, stated: Three plans had been presented withcosts running between $5.90 and $6.50; these, however, were last year's figures. These rates were quoted on the basis of 100% participation,which could only be assured if the state paid the premium.The employee would pay for any dependentcoverage himself. Replying to the comment that the added cost to the state for dental coverage alone would be about $850,000and, if audio-visual were included, would approximate $1,300,000,Mr. Carter said their justification was: California employees have been given a 12.9% raise; Oregon, 6.5%; Federalemployees, 5.17%. Although this data is probably old, the cost to the State of Alaska used to be about $1 million for a 1% increase.In Alaska a 3.3% figure is being talked about as a proposed pay raise. Carter feels that the approximate same cost applied to health insurance, rather than adding another 1% to a pay increase, will benefit the state employee more. By 'majority vote SB 70 was moved out of committee with amendments (adopted Jan. 31, 1973) to include audio-visualcoverage and to raise the state contribution to $27.50 per month if audio-visual is included. Do Pass as Amended: SenatorsMiller, Kerttula and ~ay No Rec:Senator Harris No Rec until resolved by Finance Comm: Senator Rettig ----------------------- Page 22----------------------- MINUTES- February 1, 1973 PageTwo SB 76 - By Groh- Includir;1g emergency serviceemployees underpolicemen andfiremenbenefitsin the PERS ",-/enator Grohtestified: The suggested legislation arose out of a requestfrom Mr. Franklin, of the Anchorage Fire Fighters. The situation was thatthe City of Anchorage ambulance personnelwer~ formerlycoveredunderthe cityretirement system withbenefits after 20 yearsof service,and theyhave been paying into that fund for sometime.Whenadministration of thesepersonnel changedfromthe city to the borough,the borough chose notto cover them underthe same systemas firefighters and policeofficers (rated hazardous occu- pations).They lost theirformerbenefits ~ of 20 yearsand now had to accrue30 years to be eligible for benefits. Senator Groh believes thatambulancedrivers are in a hazardous occupation and should beentitled to toesame benefits as firemenand policemen. SB was sent outof committeewitha unanimous do pass recommendation. JACK R. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEYBOWERS Secretary A P PRO V E D Senator Keith H. Miller,Chairman 2/2/73 ,-,,/ ----------------------- Page 23----------------------- . '''-...,/1 ·i' @[? ~~~® [k\~ POUCH Y - STATE CAPITOL ~~(Rj~~~~1J(!)J[ffi~JUNEAU, ALASKA 9980 I LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AGENCY January 31,1973 M E M 0 RANDUM TO Senate State Affairs Committee ~ FROM Raymond V. Manning,Legislative Counsel~ SUBJECT: Problems raised by useof thepermissive in AS 39.30.090asrelated to SB70 - Dental InsuranceCoverage Theoriginal version of AS39.30.090wasdrafted in1955 probably without knowledgeof how mucheachtype ofcoverage innumerated wouldcost. A figure thelegislature feltthe state could afford was placed in this section as themaximum which thestate wouldcontributetoa grouphealth insurance program. Theadministration wasthen apparentlygiven the discretion to pickfrom thisinnumerated list that coverage which would notgo over themaximum allowable. In thepresent bill the additionof Dental InsuranceCoverage oranything notpresentlyunder theplanplus theadding onof theaddi- tional cost to thedollar maximum expresseslegislative intent about as clearly asit canbeexpressed. In additionto this, thetitle of thebill shouldserve toremove all doubt about whatthelegislature intends bythe passageof such a measure. Dueto theever increasingcost of simply maintaining the present level of coverage,Administration-Retirement shoul~ always bechecked withtodetermineif the maximum figure is sufficient to cover theincreasedcostof maintaining present coverage as well asanyadditionalcoverage which maybecon- templated. If you have anyfurther questionson thismatter, please advise. RVM:hg ----------------------- Page 24----------------------- \~NArrE STATE·AFFI\IDSCOMMIr1' 1 1\ 1\ . .I.~E DATE:2/5/73;1:45 p.m. COMMITTEEMEMBERS Present Absent Reason Senator Keith Miller, Chairmanx Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairmanx \ \ ""'---, Senator RonRettig. x Senator Jalmar Kerttula ·x Senator Bill Rayx Theminutesof February2 were approvedas read. CSfor SJR7- ByRayandHensley- Objectingtopostal service surface transportation of bulk mail. Mr.BudLindstrom, ReliableTransfer, testified: Since I joined thefirm inl955 we havehauled theairmail all butoneyear.Thispast Christmas season was,tome,a disaster .. Whenwetook mail to Alaska Airlinescargo, thearea would normallybe jammed with mail.I'm not saying theydidn't try, butI don't think theyhadtheright equipmentto haul a full load of passengers, baggage, airmail andother mail. I worked SaturdayandSunday beforeChristmas,andI worked Christmas Day. Saturdaybefore Christmasvery little mailcame from Anchorage. Sunday there was about 2,000 to3,000pounds. ChristmasDayabout 5,000 lbs. camefrom Anchorage, andthe biggest part was JAFCO.Thebiggest part were postmarked December10--between December 10and15. During thepeak rUSh, when stUdents were coming home, wedidn't get anyfirst-class mail.Allwe gotwas airmail. Inmy mind, they [Alaska] don't havetheright equipment to carry thepeak load capacity. Andtheloads are getting bigger every year ..... Sen. Do you think there isan improvement in thechange thepost Rettig: office adopted to move second class bysurface? Lind-I definitely think so. They found it a definiteimprovement strom: whenthey took 2nd-classaway from Fossandgave it toLynden. Three times a week it gets into Juneau. Whenit came oncea week on Alaska Steam, thepost office was jammed withmail. I feel thesameway about thismail going north.Tomeit is absolutely foolish. Most of themail that goesparcel post is library books and film .. Thatcomprises70%; theother 30%is printed matter, andyou will findthat theState contributes most of this mail. When it arrives atleast tWice a week yougetacontinuityof service. Youarenot getting a big jam load atonetime. Sen. Bud,discounting theattributes andfailingsof Alaska,if you Ray: hadtwofirst-class carriers in here, ~o you think it would be handled better bytruck orair? Lind-I think Alaska canfurnish the service, butthey can't furnish strom: it with theequipment theyhave when theyhave pead loads of passengers.Thesame thing is true ofthe' mail toJuneau via Ha~nes and Skagway. rr they have a full loadof passengers, ----------------------- Page 25----------------------- MINUTES - February 5, 1973 PageTwo 'they have no roomfor mail -- exceptfor airmail. Sen. Forgetabout passengers and get backto the resolution, which Ray: deals withmail. With the properequipment, wouldn'tthe air service bebetter? \~J..nd­ You are right,exceptfor one thing -- the cost. A 50-lb. strom: packagebetweenJuneauand Anchorage costs $4.51 postage. You have anotherfactor youshouldconsider: how much is the saving[by using surfacetransportation]? I think two-times- a-weekserviceon that type mailis excellent. Sen. Do foodstuffs get affected? Ray: Lind- Very little foodstuffs go by mail. Mostlyit goes by air strom: freight. Sen. What your testimony says,then, is that it couldcome better Ray: by air, but you don'tbelievethat the addedcost makes it worth it to the taxpayers. Lind- Right. strom: Mr. Bob Handley, CustomerServices Managerfor Alaska Airlines, testified: I mightrelateone little incident--and we are speaking entirelyof non-priority mail--in dealing withthe reason for the discontinuance .... Weaskedfor the haul from the postalofficialsin Anchorage and receiveda letter back that the discontinuance was not becauseof lack of lift of non-priority mail. With the exception of the Christmasholidays, we havebeen able to move non-priority mail withinone to four days. In that holiday periodout of Seattle we put on four additional aircraft,and we clearedall available mail that was dispatched to us by the ThursdaybeforeChristmas. We broughtin two aircraftcompletely full of mail. So I take exceptionto the factthat we have not be~n ableto lift the mail becauseof lack of equipment. ,Southbound wehada backlog,but at no time was theremore than one aircraft-full backlogged. The established criteria of the postofficeis tendays.If we don't think wecan move it within a la-dayperiod,the post officeis to be notifiedto decideif they want to move it by some other method. As far as equipment--we are in the processof takingcare of this, and I think you willsee the resultsvery shortly. We want the mail,we can handlethe mail,we have handledit with the exception of Christmasholidaytime. And we have carriedthe airmailon the flightswhere it is designated. 'no Would you definefor us non-priority mail? \~..Lller: Handley: Non-priority is the classification the U.S. Post Officeassigns to anythingotherthan airmail. Airmailis dispatched in different colored bags. Non-priority mail is on a space available basis only. The order of priorityis: airmail, passengers, baggage,confirmed cargo,non-priority mail. ----------------------- Page 26----------------------- MINUTES- February 5, 1973 PageThree Sen. There hasbeen somediscussion aboutcost factors. Is there Ray: a difference in the cost betweenLyndenand theair tariff? Handley: I don'tknow whatLynden's rates are. Our non-priority .is computedon.00525 ¢/#/mile. For100 miles it is about 5.25% per mile. Sen. How does thatcomparewith Lynden? Ray: Mr. Jim Jansen, LyndenTransport: We havethis on a different basis.We have a cubedcontract, butI havebeen told bythe post office people we are about one-third oftheair cost. Sen. Wasthe loss of 2nd,3rd and 4th-class mail an economic Ray: blowto Alaska? Handley: Yes, it was a definiteeconomic blow to the airline, when we are striving right now duringour winterlean months .... It is a key factorin our incoming revenue. Sen. Howdo they classify Hawaii? Ray: Handley: All non-priority mailis classified as spaceavailable,no matter what state. Sen. Howdo you operateyourcontractsunderthe subsidyto way . lY:points such as Pelican,Hoonah and Haines? '-" Handley: I am not knowledgable in that area. However,wesubcontract to otherairlines--theyare not charters-~they arescheduled mailflights. Sen. FromHainesand SkagwayI have gotten airmailas muchas Ray: eight dayslater. Handley: Airmailhas to go on the airplane. If we refusean airmail shipmentfromthe post office,we are fined. Weare then issued what we call a "2759". Sen. Thereare a lot of peoplewho believethat regular first-class Ray: mailin Alaskagoes by air. That'sno longertrue, is it? Lind-Whatis the statusof first-class mail? strom: Handley:Thatis a non-priority basis. We have nocontrolover what goesinto the bags. Theyare justlisted by the postoffice as so many bagsof non-priority mail. Anythingthatis not airmail is non-priority.We do carry first-class mail by air between here and Seattle. ~nator Ray thensuggested it might be helpfulif a staff memberwentto ~he post office and found out justhow they handle, sort and deliver the varioustypesof non-priority mail. Mr. Jansenofferedto call LarryJackson, the Postmaster, who he thought would be gladto come overhere and answerquestions. ----------------------- Page 27----------------------- ) ~ MINUTES - February 5,1973 PAGEFOUR Senator Millerdeclared a fifteen-minute recess. When the committee reconvened,Ed Rogers, Regional SalesManager, Alaska _rlines, Juneau, askedto testify: \'-....- A short clarification ofonepointin earlier testimony. JafCowasnothauledbyAlaska. It washauledby another carrier Seattle/Anchorage. It wasturned over to Alaska on Friday, and on Saturday before Christmas. it was movedtoJuneau. Mr. Jansen thenasked what f~eight rates are in effect betweenAnchorage and Juneau. Rogers: $14/cwt, and onspecial commodities,$14, or $12.50/c-yvt,' suchas newspapers. Mr.Jansen thenremarked thattherewas"something terribly wrong with the ratestructure," because of thegreatdisparity between air freight and thepostal contract rates. Since,after somedelay,Mr.Jackson still had notarrived, he wascalled bytelephone to answer somedirectquestions: Question:Our primary question is regarding theclasses of mail. What classisgoingvia highway and whatclassisgoingby air? Answer:Second, thirdandfourth classgoesby highway--that includes newspapers. Question: How isfirst-class mailcoming in? Answer:Withtheairline. Question: Whentheairline talksof non-prioritymail, does that include first-class? Answer:First-classand airmail arepriority mail. First-class mailis coming air as priority mail. Non-priorityis 2nd,3rd and4th-class mail. Nocommittee action was takenonSJR 7. JACKR. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary A P PRO VE D: Senator KeithH. Miller, Chairman 2/6/73 ----------------------- Page 28----------------------- \"0-£'NATE STATE AFFAIRSCOMMIrtdE DATE: 2/2/73;1~45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERSPresent AbsentReason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman x Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman x ,-,I (anothercomm. Senator Ron Rettig xmeeting) Senator Jalmar Kerttula x Senator Bill Rayx Theminutesof February 1 wereapproved as read. SCR10 - By Meland,Rayand Ziegler- Feasibility StudySitka/Warm Springs or Rodniatl Bay Road Therewas general discussion regarding the merits of the road studybecause of sucha road'spossible effecton improving theferryscheduleas wellas adding to Southeastern Alaska's roadsystem. Theresolution was sentout of committee with a unanimous do pass recom- mendation. "'IR 6 - By Kerttula- Glennand Richardson Highways ~/ Senator Kerttulaspoke on behalfof his resolution, stating that it is important to givelegislative emphasis to requests for Department of Highways priorities.He said thatneededrepairs to theGlennand Richardson Highwayshavehad to waitfor fundingwhilehighestpriority wasgiven theAnchorage-Fairbanks Highway. Now thatthat highwayis completed, he noted, attention should begivento the Glennand Richardson roadrepairsbeforeall newfundingis earmarked for newconstruction projects. Uponcommittee objection to assigning "highest priority"to this repair, Senator Kerttula movedthatthe resolution be amended to delete"of the highest priority duringthe 1973construction season"from thelast paragraph.The amendment was adopted by majority vote. SCR6, as amended, was thensent outof committeewitha unanimous do pass recommendation. JACK R. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEYBOWERS Secretary A P PRO V E D: .~"'~,.,/ Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman 2/5/73 ----------------------- Page 29----------------------- ~~------------------------------------------------- '~ .,! SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMIT'T:rtE DATE: 2/8/73;1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present Absent Reason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman x enator Jess Harris,Vice-Chairmanx \~ X·Excusedfrom call Senator Ron Rettig Senator Ja1mar Kerttula x Senator Bill Ray X(State business) The minutes of February 7 were approvedas read. SB No. 104 - By Lewis and Kerttula- Violationsof Narcotic Laws Senator Lewisspoke on behalf of the bill: You are well aware of SB 107 and 108 introducedto set up a dangerousdrug unit within the division of state troopers. They tell me in order to be effective when combating drug abuse you have to go undercover to make purchases. At present they have a $3,000 limit for the whole year. . whetherit's several purchases or one big buy.When they buy drugs the purchaseis made to get evidence on a drug pusher,and it is not normal for a pusher to ~. give a receipt for the drugs that are sold. Uponquestion by Chairman Milleras to the accountabilityof such a program,Lewis answered: Records are kept and purchases will be paid on a voucher sworn by an internal disbursingofficer. It is all accountable within t0e Department. In the case of a very serious investigation,these records can be made availableto the investigators,but they are not normallyavailableas public record. .. Senator Lewisstated that the troopers are excited about the establishment of this new division becausethey feel they have the opportunitynow of getting to some of the bigger pushers. To get the bigger men they are going to have to make bigger purchases. He stated, however, he wouldn't know the dollar amount a "big purchase" would be. When asked by ChairmanMiller if he would like to comment on SB 107 and 108, Senator Lewis replied: These enablingand appropriation billsare the result of a drug study and investigation we conducted. In this study we held hearingsin Anchorage, Fairbanks, Ketchikanand Juneau.I talked personallywith doctors and social servic~ workers ... Two factors which must be faced:availabilityand acceptability. The thrust of teenage peer groups--thefact that drugs are acceptableon the campus ... Wecan limit the availabilitythrough legi~lation and the powerof the police. In Alaska and Hawaii we have a unique situation where we can seal off our borders.Sealing off our borders was recommendedto me in talking with Seaborn Buckalew. ----------------------- Page 30----------------------- MINUTES - February ,8, 1973PageTwo I havetalked to Public Safety -- thebill was written by Public Safety.In discussions withthe ) police I haveheard the stuff comes inin heavy equipment, in fishing boats;inlight planes.Some comesthrough Tok,butthatis thesmaller stuff. They don'texpect to pickup a bunch of kidswith thisnewunit. I believe if theycanpickup one major source it is worth it to thestate. Senator Weplanto havetheCommissionerof Public Safety down Miller: totestify on 108. Have you talked to him? Does hesupport the bill? Senator Oh,yes. Thepeace officers arewalking on Cloud 9 Lewis:thatthey can do something tosealoff thestate. Senator Didthat half milliondollars comefromthe Department?' Harris: Isthatwhattheythinktheyneed? Senator Howmanypeople do theyexpect to use? "Kerttula: Senator Theyplan to use 5 uniformed men,a supervisor and, an Lewis:unspecified number of undercoveragents. Senator Tomy knowledge thegovernor doesn't haveanysuch Miller:legislation in. <:!~nator . • .. it has been charged thatwe arespending more '~wis: time on 'guides and gameviolationsthan weare on the drugproblem. I would urgeyou toget Emery Chapple andPatWellington to talk. Olof K. Hellen, Assistant Public Defender, testified: I would also urge thatEmeryChapple andPat Wellington bequestioned about the legislation. I am awarethat therecord of lawenforcementagencies incontrolling drugtraffic has beenverypoor--not justin Alaska-- outside wherethere are substant~al expenditures made tocontrol thetraffic there hasbeena general failure todo whattheysaythey want to do. I have studied theproceedingsof theDrugAbuseInstitute forTrial Court Judges sponsored by theCalifornia Judicial Council. In no casedidtheyfind police departments capable of doing 'whattheir priorities said they should doon getting thebig dealer. Referring toSB 104,clearly, if youare goingtocatch thebig pushers a $3,000 ceiling is prettyridiculous. There is, though, the problem of accounting. Generally, anundercover agent is not thekindof person youand I would liketo have· dinner with. Theyare often ex- addicts--not dependable people in my experience. They havebeenknown to encourage theuse ofdrugsby their procedures--not justby offering morethanthe going market fordrugsbutby giving off theimpression that they are heavy drugusers. The record on thathasbeen ----------------------- Page 31----------------------- MINUTES - February8, 1973 Page Three poor.The accounting that I have seen done--I don't know if it h~s to be this way--butit is sort of a secretive business,buying drugs. You can't report every day to your police contact.You have to go undergroundfor a period of time, and that generally means if you are going to make a big buy you have to take ~ substantialamount of money with you for ~ome time.I think you should check it out with Chapple and Wellington. I think it would be impossible to set up an accounting procedure on buy funds. Senator Is there an alternative to using this type person? Kerttula: It seems almost a classic method for getting to drug sources. Hellen: What you have got here is what is called a victimless crime.It is nota victimless crime, of course.It is something where the supposed victim or the supplier is not going to tell because they are both violating the law. Therefore,informants have been a quick way of gettingconvictions.I am not convincedthat it has to be that way. Senator What are the alternatives to this kind tif approach? Kerttula: He1len: I don't know.It is a tough question.Considering the record of law enforcement agencies in this area and the fact that it is so hard to catch a dealer unless you put a lot of people in there, I just don't know. Maybe this is the way to do it, but I doubt that it will work unless you would get an informantfor every user. Senator Kerttula: With this money being spent in educational or.rehabili- tation programs -- would this be a better use of the ~oney for the dollar value? Hellen: I think job opportunities, education,rehabilitation would be more effective, actually.There has been a lot of talk that rehabilitation hasfailed, and we have to go to law enforcement. My' opinion is that rehabilitation has really never been tried.Part of the hard drug problem is the other crimes that get involved.You do catch people by what you hear on the street, I imagine.You bump into deals at times.I just question how much more successful you would be with upping the undercover program. There is an under- cover program right now. I think you should questionthe Commissionerand the Deputy Commissioneron the specificsof how they intend to lower the drug traffic.The experience in other states is that additional expendituresdo end up har- rassing the drug trafficker,but they don't get to the big guys. What this has done in some areas has been to up the cost of being a drug pusher and has forced the small pusher out of business to the point where they have been taken over by big drug pushers. So far as sealing the borders:if the specifics being talked of here involve searching everyone who comes through the borders, that is a point you want to consider. Do you want every tourist who comes to Alaska to be searched? ----------------------- Page 32----------------------- MINUTES - February8, 1973 Page Four Senator I think border closure is ridiculous. Kerttula: Between Mexico and the U.S. it has been a failure. They backed up people for miles and, certainly, they caught more people than they had caught before, but I doubt if any of those were the big time dealers.If you don't search everyone, though, it is ineffective. If I were going to bring drugs into the state I wouldn't look like a user.I would come in a station wagon, wear a business suit.As Senator Lewis said, they are bringing the big stuff in through fishing boats, heavy equipment. They are talking about increasing the number of marijuana-sniffingdogs.So there you are talking about limiting marijuana traffic--n6t herointraffic. I don't know whetherthey have dogs who are trained to sniff heroin.It seems to me that could be sig- nificant in whether they are really going after the big dealer. . Also, you can't greatly up the expenditure in one area of the criminal justice system without putting a real strain on other areas.You still havea strain on the rehabilitation program. If you look at the individual cases, you find some favorable rehabilitations. But if you look at the overall basis, the thing that sticks out to me is that some pretty stiff sentences are being handed out to people who have been caught more than once in a use and sale situation. If the marijuana law were enforced vigorously--orthe alcohol law--with figures that tel,! us that 30% to 40% of the population of certain age groups has had ex- perience with drugs--if there were vigorous law enforcement, clearly you would have to increase the D.A.'s staff, you would have to increase the Public Defender's staff.The other part of the addict drug problem is the other crimes that occur.You are going to have an increase in robberies.. Sen.Kerttula: Why?' Hellen: The price will go up.You are going to have at least a Short-range increasein crime because those addicts need it and they are going to have to buy it. They are not equipped to get jobs and so they are going to' have to steal to get the money.So you have a lot of other ad- justments in the rest of the system.You may raise the enforcement part this year and avoid raising it next year, but the pressureson other areas will still be there. 'atorWhat would you say is an alternativeto any of these '~;ttula:things--d6ing nothing? Hellen: My personal opinion is that doing nothing would be preferable.I think money spent would be best spent in employment opportunities,and I think the State should look into the methadonemaintenance program. The stat~ at-present does not have such a program. ----------------------- Page 33----------------------- .•. ) I } ~ \.---,/" , ' MINUTES- February 8,1973 Page Five Senator It's said we have 300 addicts inthe state that are Kerttula:hard drug users, sothere'snotmuch hard drug traffic in this state. Isthat youropinion--that we don't have much ofa problem? I ;llen:Public Safety will tell you it is a growing marketand \.,~ theprofitisgoing tobethere.Most of the traffic that goes onnowisdrugs--but notnarcotics.With heroin you have theside crimes. A little heroin can make a lot moreimpact onthecommunity--alot more. Senator Doyouthink this is just a sexy issue andprobably Kerttula:not that important a matter forlegislativeconsideration? Hellen: I think it is a problemforlegislative consideration, but I think the waytoattack it is by showing alter- natives, andthat means employment, etcet. I donot think youare going togetany useful results by spending $500,000inadditional enforcement,andIdo agree with youthat it is a sexy issue. " Youhave another factor. Undercover work isanexciting one--the glamor area of policework, and youwill find that thepeople who aremovingupin police departments arethose that have hadundercover work and sometimes reach management level. I think Wellington has hadcon- siderable experience in undercover work. I think they ought tobequestioned quite closelyonthe specifics onhowthey expect tolower drug trafficif they dohave themoney. Senator If this does emanatefrom theDepartment of PublicSafety, Miller: whywasn'tit sent as anadministration bill? Hellen: Well, youdohave these informallines ofcommunication. ChairmanMillerannounced a meeting would betentatively set on Monday, February 12, pending theavailabilityofChappleandWellington to testify,and Mr.Hellen offeredtoreturn or provide anyinformation or assistance he could. Bymajorityvote SB104was sent outofcommittee with a dopass recom- mendation. DoPass: SenatorsMiller Harris Kerttula JACK R. SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary P PRO V E D: Senator Keith H.Miller,Chairman 2/12/73 ----------------------- Page 34----------------------- SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE DATE: 2/7/73; 1:45 p.m. ,r.OMMITTEE MEMBERSPresent Absent Reason I \~{lator Keith Miller, Chairman x Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman x Senator Ron Rettigx Senator JalmarKerttula x Jt. HWEmeeting Senator Bill Ray x Theminutes of February6, 1973 were approved as read. CSfor SCR17 - By Kerttula - Construction of Erling Floe Road By maj or'ityvote' CS forSCR 17 wassentoutofcornmi ttee with a do pass recommendation: Do Pass: Senators Miller, Kerttula, Rettig, Harris No Rec.: Senator Ray HB145 - By Haugen, Eliason andOse) Date of Veterans' SB 94 - By Young )DayCommemoration ~~presentative Haugen was requestedto givebackgroundas to thereasons •[> thislegislation: \ ..~ Thiswas prompted bya request fromthestate convention ofthe American Legion.It isalso supported by theVeterans of Foreign Wars. The desire is for meaningfulcommemoration of the eleventh hourof November 11,1918,rather thanthe present celebration ona "meaningless Monday" • Threeother Btate~ have already passed similar legislation. Therearebillsin both theU.S . .HouseandSenate to change thenational observance to November 11. HBl45has passed theHousebya voteof- 37 - 3. ( Since HB 145 had already beenpassed by theHouse and SB94 is an identical bill, thecommittee actedonlyonHB 145. Bymajority voteHB 145 was sent outof committee with a do pass recommendation: Do Pass:Senators Miller, Harris, Kerttula, Ray NoRec.:Senator Rettig JACKR. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary 'AP P R OV E D: Senator KeithH. Miller, Chairman 2/8/73 ----------------------- Page 35----------------------- DATE: 2/6/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERSPresent AbsentReason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman x ~enator JessHarris, Vice-Chairman x Senator Ron Rettigx Senator Jalmar Kerttulax State ~business Senator Bill Rayx The minutes of February 5 were approved as read. SCR No. 17 - By Kerttula - Construction of Erling Floe Road Senator Kerttula spoke on behalf of his resolution,stating that, since it contained some errors, he would hope that it would be replaced with a committee substitute. The resolution is a directive requesting the Departmentof Highways to look into off-system roads.While these have been included in the Department'sbudget requests, they haven't been able to get them funded.Such roads could be constructed, however, under ffextraordinary maintenance,"a line item in the Department budget. The road would connect with the Talkeetna Highway about five miles south of Fish Lake.It would tie into the railroad and would run adjacent to the REA line.The road is about two miles long and would have a good construction base. Old homesteaders,as well as a number of new ones, are anxious to develop the area.Such a road would pump up the economy and make the land very saleable. Senator Kerttula asked that a committee substitute be drawn up correcting the spelling of "Erling Floe" and changing the wording in the resolve clause, deleting the request for constructionduring the 1973 construction season, making it read instead, "as soon as possible". JACK R. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary A P PRO VE D: Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman 2/7/73 ----------------------- Page 36----------------------- ·, :... \'-6NA'rE STATEAFFAIRS COMMI'< )E DATE:2/12/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PresentAbsentReason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman x ;enator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman x .~. Senator Ron Rettigx Senator Jalmar Kerttulax Senator Bill Ray x Theminutesof February 8 were approved as read. SB No.108 - By Lewiset al - Narcotics and drugs enforcement unit in the division of state troopers Commissionerof PublicSafetyEmery Chappletestified: Chapple:Thisbill which has beenintroduced I feel hasmuch merit, and if it is the willandthe intent of the legislaturethat we getdeeperintonarcotics enforcement, we feel weare wellcapable of doingit. We would liketo havethe understandingof thecommittee and thelegislature .. Wehave ourideas,and wewouldlike to haveit well understood that,if wedo develop this unit andgo deeperinto narcotics enforcement,we be allowed andexpected to keepit on a highprofessionalplane, concentratingon theimporters of narcotics.Thatwould include all unlawful drugsfrom marijuana to heroin. Kerttula: Do youconsider thisan enforcement priority? Cahpple:Yes. I thinknarcotics are behinda goodshareof our problems in Alaska. Kerttula: Do youstrongly recommend thislegislation? Chapple:I strongly recommend it as long as weare allowed to do it on a highleveland not bring in a bunch of statistics or a bunchof kids. Rettig: Explain this--high levelapproach as to what? Chapple:As to hassling thestreet people.Certainly, thestreet people wouldbe brought into it, butI wouldnot want thatto be the level of our effort. I do wantto work on theborders, entryand supply--justthe borders of Alaska. Thi point of entry maybe at theborder, on a boat,on anairplane--' Rettig: Which~rings me to the pointof theappropriationof $500,000.Whenyou consider theavenuesofentryinto thestate ... Ijustwonderif $500,000 is realistic. Chapple:I kn6wwhat youare saying, but I wouldrather start with thisamountandgo up.Youcan onlydevelop this kind of people and thisexpertise so fast. We are notgoing to makethe street freeof narcotics--no way--but if we c~n make a start-- ----------------------- Page 37----------------------- ... • lu ;:~IN'UTES - February12, 1973 Page Two' Rettig:Do you seethis becoming increasingly effective over the yearsas you develop your sources of information? 'Chapple: I wouldexpectthat therewill notbe an instant, im- mediate return. It willtake time,but I see no point in doingit this yearand stopping it next year .• Rettig:I see so many possibilitiesof bringing heroin into the state .. Icion' t see howit is possibleto makea showing if someoneis determined to bringdopein. . Ray:Whatkind of cooperation are you goingto have with the military authorities?It wouldseemto me if you don'thave goodcooperation with them,you areout of it .... WhenI was in the liquor control business, they wouldn't even speakto us aboutit. I thinka good share of the drugtraffic isthrough their personnel and in theiraircraft ... Chapple: It wouldbe prettymuch an intelligence operation.I guarantee we can getcooperation.. With thischange that hasbeen undertaken in military intelligence and investigationsthe last few·years -- Ray:Eventhoughwe have a cease-fire in Vietnam we are still goingto have personnel overtherefor a numberof years. Chapple: We can haveaccessto this without the local military commanders even knowingit. , )mmissioner Chapplethenclarified, upon a suggestion by Senator Kerttula, \~at his statements regarding the military were not meantin any wayto bederogatory to the military branchesbut weresimplyreferences to the accessibility of theiraircraft, et cet. Kerttula: What weare tryingto establish is what youare primarily interested in:not hassling the kidson the street, but, basically, you are interested in the distributor, the seller, the big man in narcotics. Chapple: WhenI say narcotics I am including marijuana. I want you to knowthat we are looking for marijuana as well, but we are notgoingto go downto the local high school and go through lockers. Kerttula: Do you feelthat so far yourprogram is noteffective in enforcing the lawin regardto marijuana, hashish-- thatyou cannoteffectively enforcethe lawon distri- bution without this assistance? C:happle: I thinkthis is a fair statement.We have verylimited resources, butI wouldnot tell youthat weare going to regulate it withthis. We couldtakeyou intosome of the caseswherewe have worked, and you couldsee the thousands of man hoursthatgo into eachcase. You indicated thatyou wouldrather nothaveus expect a reportwhichincludesjusta lot of statistics .... Chapple: We wouldcertainly expectto account for what we did,but I wouldn'twantyou to thinkthat withthismoney we would ... build somemonumental statistics. ----------------------- Page 38----------------------- MINUTES - February l2~ 1973 PAGE THREE Rettig:Thisindicates combatingthe illegal sale of narcotics. Wouldn't this be betterdirected againstthe importation r~ther than ~he sale. We havekind of admitted weare notgoing to gain anything on stopping thesale. Chapple: I am apparently havinga hardtime makingmyselfunderstood. Of course,we ~e going to go after the saleand, of course,~ wewillgo into draggingup someof thelittle people. Our emphasis, however,is goingto be on the importation and the entryinto Alaska. Rettig:Rightnow you combatthe illegal sale in Alaska to the extentthat youare able. I don'tsee that thisgives it any direction. Chapple: As I see the bill,it is giving ussome toolsto workwith. Ray:Whatthe Commissioner is tryingto say is he has the over- all function of public protection and he has budget limits; and if he is goingto take peopleoff one area and putthem into another area, thisis goingto be in the natureof an emergency ~quad. Rettig:This bill,to whichI am a party,doesn'tseem to specify a new direction. It appropriates a certain amount of money,and that'saboutall, isn't it? Harris:Otherstates havehad special programs .. thatclosedthe borders. Do we haveany kindof statistics telling us how menyusers werecaught? Afterone year and a half milliondollars, do we havesome moredata to see if we are decreasing theflow of drugs? Chapple: Thereisn't any. I think the U.S.government and the rest of the states would tell you thereis more of it today thanthere ever was. Harris:You said youdidn'tever hope to stopthe use of narcotics withthis money. Do you thinkthere is any way we could stopthe use of them? Chapple:... There areforeigncountries that have undertaken it. I wouldn'tswearwhetherthey havehad any successor not, but thereare othercountrieswherethe use is much more hazardous. Kerttula: Two questions: ThePublicDefenderaskedus to question the Commissioner and the DeputyCommissioner on how they intendto lower thedrug traffic. Do you have a plan? Chapple: We have workedout plansfor thisfor some time. One of the thingsthat happens is that any time you puta crash or special effort on something, it is our view that you invite,or open thedoor to, inequities.For instance,if \ .......~.../ you decidedtomorrow you wouldgive us a million dollarsto stopall burglaries, we might arresta lot of robbers--but therewould be inequities.This is one of the reasonswe are tryingto emphasize we don't wantto use the moneyin thisfashion. One of the first things we will do--wewill increase our effortat the Yukon-Alaska border;we will do more on the ferryboats;we will do considerably moreat the majorairports, and, as our intelligence is developed, more withthe truckingindustry and with thefisheries. ----------------------- Page 39----------------------- MINUTES February 12~ 1973Page Four Kerttula=Another statementfrom the Public Defender:"I think' job opportunities,education, rehabilitation wotild be more effective ...ff With a tight budget, what is your opinion?Do you think the money would be spent '\~'better in enforcement and beefingup your area? Chapple:It is my opinipn that probably too much giveaway is why we; have t~e problem we have today.Yes, there is a place for rehabilitationand medical treatment, but I don't think that it is the whole answer.Most of the people that are involved in this don't need rehabilitation--they need to be caught. Rettig: Don't you think it is self-defeating,if you tell us that you are going to concentrateon the borders, then the borders are going to be avoided; if on the ferries, then the ferries are going to be avoided. That defeats the whole purpose, do~s it not? I think it is a mistake for us to get into these dis- cussions if he is going to be effective at all. Senator Lewis then testified, repeating 'in summary some of the' backgroundregarding the drug study given in the February 8th meeting on SB 104, adding: One of the things that CommissionerChapple said was that he wanted some direction as to whether we wanted these laws enforcedor not. We have been talking about it for years, but we haven'treally done a whole lot,about it, and this is an expression of the legislature that they do want the laws enforced. It makes some basic common sense that we do want to get to the source of supply arid pinch it off .. I agree with Senator Rettig that the appropriation bill looks a little light, but the state troopers say they want to start somewhere.Everyoneis going to be fighting for that budget, and I can see it being eroded, whereas if it is in a bill, either we fund it or we don't fund it.There are a number of worthy programs, and from what we see in the paper, a number of them are going to have to suffer some attrition .. Ray: You are putting on just one piece of clothing. .. You are going to allow the state police emphasis on one area of crime.. .. I agree with that and that you are going to get some arrests that you don't get now. .. They have arrested suppliers and they have arrested pushers, but where are they now? They are not in jail; they are walking around on the streets. Le~'lis :Anything that can be done to get more convictions or better actions out of the court we need to help do.But if'it is necessary to do "B" is no reason why we shouldn't do "A". If the judges don't do what we want them to do.is no reason to leave these guys barefoot. Ray: The only way you are going to shut off the supply is to shut off the demand.You are not going to eliminate all the problem or the users by throwing them in the can.You are going to hav~ to do somethingto re- habilitate .these people, the ones that can be helped ----------------------- Page 40----------------------- i~ MINUTES - February 12, 1973 Page Five Lewis: . . You have to do something about the availability of drugs ... Just the rehabilitation by itself has not worked.There are 600,000 heroin· users now, whereas ten years ago we had 50,000. Rettig: I understand the intent of the bill, but r don't see any place that the intent is expressed.We have set out the thjngs that the departmentis already charged with doing, and if we are going to establish a narcotics intelligence division, it should do just that. Lewis: The bill was actually written with the concurrence of the department.I certainly wouldn't want to put anything in the bill that would restrict them from utilizing this $500,000 to the maximum advantage. To a question by Senator Rettig as to how he interpre~ed this bill, Commiss~oner Chapplesaid: I would read it two ways: one, our desire to enhance what we already have and, two, if this bill is passed by both houses of the legislature,. I would take it that the legislature is saying we do want the narcotics law enforced in Alaska. Rettig: We have illicit drug sale on the statutes already. Doesn't that mean we would want it enforced now? Chapple:No, sir. I have beenback here a little over two years and the first legislature seemed pretty strong th~t they wanted to take it out of the law. This legis- lature seems to be saying they want a little stronger enforcementthan they had the last few years. Ray: I think we are all in agreement.In order to display unanimity,I move, asking unanimous consent, that we put the bill out with a do pass. Chairman Miller asked the commissioner if he had any more statements to make. Chapple:Somewhere along the line I want to express our willingness and our desire to have someone to answer to ... I am more than willing to account for every dime of that money, but not in public hearing. Harris: Drunk drivers kill more people than drugs do in Alaska, but if we pass a bill to give you $500,000 to stop drunk drivers, do you think you could stop them? Chapple:When the people of Alaika want drunk drivers stopped, it won't be necessary to give the $500,000.When the people want it stopped, they will also make it very painful to be caught driving drunk, as the ·Scandinavian countries have----andthey stopped.But our people aren't willing even to let their licenses be temporarilysuspended. Chairman Miller stated, hearing no objection to Senator Ray's motion, SB 108 would be sent out of committee with a unanimous do pass recommendation. ----------------------- Page 41----------------------- 0/' IJII1'JUTES - February 12, 1973 PageSix At this pointChip Thomaand PaulFuhs,attending the hearing,voiced their desireto be heardbeforefinalaction onthe bill .. The committee extendedthisprivilege beforecompleting signatures on therecommenda- tion. (The following testimony is not verbatim but summarizes, in their own \"-o,/:'lo:->ds, the points made by the wi tnesses. ) l'homa: Thereis a gr~at amount of traffic cominginto Alaska throughthe military.It is comingfrom Southeast Asia. It is being putinto bodybags;it is being rammedup the intestines of soldiers.You have a chancein this· state ofclampingdownon the military. The military has gottenawaywith murderin thisstatefor years. The CIA is behindit, too. It is true. The her~in addictsyouare talkingaboutare the military and the ex-military or theirfriends. Andthe majorityare black. Borderclosureis useless. I couldstick stuff in with a 70-year-old Jewish couplein their Winnebago, and they wouldneverknowit. A pound of heroinis enoughto satisfy the needsof the heroinaddictsin Anchorage for a year. A poundof heroincan be strapped to the legs of a femalepassenger with a longskirt. We are talking about Southeast Asian heroin. You are goingto be concentrating on street people. The heroinpushers are not peoplewithlong hairand beards. Weare not stupid. The peoplewho are pushing heroinare lawyers, doctors, short hairs. :.1.e:; tig: What is yoursuggestion for a solution? l'homa: I wouldimagine that the police in thisstate knowthe namesof addicts. You coulddesigna letter for each one of theseknownaddicts. Tell themyou are very con- cernedaboutthe heroinproblem in Anchorage. Ask them to come to a meeting, that you wantto know moreabout the problem--what motivates people gettingon it, to spend his moneyto go out and get a fix. All you.have to do - is be out frontwith an addict~ Tell him youknow as well as he doesthat he doesnltw~nt to be where he'sat. We don't wantto institute things in thisstate that have a record of not workingin other places.In Bethesda, . Md., in Washington, D.C.,they havehad ineffective enforcement for years--and their problem keepsgrowing. Most heroin addictsare verymoral people; they are very intelligent people. They haveunbelievable con- sideration for others. Theyhave turnedto heroinfrom frustration with their jobs, from boredom at a desk job. They havemeaningless worktheycan't relateto. Th~y feelalienated. Theyare very unhappy peopleand they want help. Rettig: Do you think wewouldget the most helpout of the addicts themselves? Thoma: I thinkyou would. If you are dealing with the black communi t'y--there is a distrustin the blackcommunity of whitebureaucrats. --,ttig: How high. a percentage do youthinkare black? ----------------------- Page 42----------------------- MINUTES- February 12, 1973 Page Seven Thoma: 90 outof th6se100 addictsare black. Theclosenessof the blackc9mmunity to eachotheris firmly established. A programcan't operate on a black-white thing. It c~n't operate on a raceculture basis. Theamount 'of heroinan addictneedsevery day in cut- down,heroin we1.ghs so little. It wouldcost him about $15 a day. I. am sure in thisclimatethereare not too manyaddictswitha $100 a day habit. Thereare a lot of addicts that aredoctors,too,and they haveaccess to a supply. But the averagemanon the streetcan't affordany more than$15 a day_. Rettig:Don'tyouthink thisbill could makepossible reducing the drug problem? Thoma: Notfrom whatI heard. You are talkingaboutborder checks,cracking down on kids withknapsacks. There are a lot of kidscomingup here thisyear withan ounce of marijuana with them. But theyaren'tcomingto Alaska to sell the stuff. To approach the problem I wouldstart with$20,000 set asidefor a pilot program to get thoseletters written. lam talking abo~t using organizers--OEO-type people--to sit downand discussan approach to the peoplewe knoware now addicts. Tellthem we are going to checkentry,closethe borders. Tellthem we are urgingyouto come rightnow and tell usyour problems. '"--,,I Putting $500,000 in thehands of the police is following thesame old linesthat haven't ~orked ... they send you to FBItrainingschool--this is how we investigate.The personwiththe. longhair getshit; the personwiththe briefcase doesn't. Fuhs: Onething thisgrouphas neveraddressed itself tois whyour societyis drugdependent. Duringhis(Chapple's) timetherewas anotherdrugaround--alcohol. Lookinto our society--my motheris hookedon amphetamines and is so spacedout. Other hard drugs are as mucha problem: speed,sedatives, reds. I haveabsolutely no compassion for the mafiatype, but whenyou havean inequitable situation like this and justcrackdown on one element of SOCiety, it won't work. I was a militaryintelligence agentin the army. I was a NorthVietnamlinguist.I am awareof the drug traffic, and I know the problem in Anchorage. Heroin comesfromS.E. Asiain MAT flights, in bodybags. If youare not goingto stop drugsin the militarytermi- nal,you are notgoing to stopthem in Alaska. Rettig:Do you haveevidence that thisis ha~p~~ing? \'''",fjiI'/ Fuhs :Justfrom the people I know. Rettig:Do you thinkit wouldbe profitable for us to invite military peoplein? . Fuhs :Yes. Rettig:Wouldyou be willing to sit acrossfrom themat the tableand discuss this? ----------------------- Page 43----------------------- MINUTES - February 12, 1913 PageEight Thoma: Yes .... There is a lot of corruption in the military. A lot of peoplecan be set up in the military in jobs in international dealing. Thereis a guyset up to controlthegamblingat FortHood.. . We have an oppprtunity to institute innovative programs .. Chapple:I havetalked with Chip before .. But I am at a loss as to whathe is tryingto say. Rettig: He is tryingto say we should workwiththe peoplethat are caught. Chapple:That is one of the basic ways to work. We work withthe peoplethatare caught. I wouldn't go along withhim that it would workon a purelyvoluntary basis. There is no nice way to worknarcotics. Fuhs:Thereare methadone treatments, rehabilitation programs-- Chapple:I believe that all thesethings are part of drugcontrol. We need rehabilitation,we needsocialservice "workers, medicaltreatment, doctors. These aregood programs, and I wouldn't wantthem stopped. But we are policemen. From a policeman's viewpoint I believewe haveour place" in life,and it is not social work. Our job is law enforcement.As a person, a citizen,a father,I don't want to lie downand playdead. \-.-/ Thoma: I havebeen smokin~ marijuana for six yearsand was dealingit in Bethesda for two years. I knowthe drug sceneand can relateto it. He thenwent on to say thathard drugaddictswon'ttrustyou if you don'tdifferentiate between pot and harddrugs,becausethey knowthe difference.He stated there would be too much moneyand emphasis put on pot,that harddrugsshould be prosecuted and the budgetnotdis- sipated onpot. He emphasized that a blackorganizer should be usedin workingwiththe policein orderto do a good job. He stated thatif checkson the ferries were instituted and kids werestripped down, therewouldbe a lotof bad feeling built up, a lot of "fistfights". Fuhssuggested that the Anchorage YouthCouncil, fundedby "the borough anddrug education money,"wouldbe a good vehicle to use. Theyare not,he states,the"classicsocial workers.Theyare helping people rightnow to stay off drugs." Upondesireexpressed by the two witnesses to get material together on the blackorganizer programin Was"hington,D.C.and to get data from Anchorage andtheir request for a delay in sending the bill out of committee, ChairmanMillerreminded themthat committee action had \already been taken,thatthere wasopportunity for furthertestimony ~ tobe introduced in theFinanceCommittee and whenit was considered in thelegislature itself. He stated thathe wouldhold thebill in committee fordne more legislative day until hehad time to discuss it withthe Finance Chairman. ----------------------- Page 44----------------------- MINUTES - February 12, 1973Page Nine The committee members suggested that the witnesses bring in to them their concrete suggestions for effectively combating drugs, which could be considered as an entirely separate program. JACK R. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary "A P P ROVED Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman 2/14/73 ----------------------- Page 45----------------------- ~ )ATE STATEAFFAIRS COMMIT~~ DATE: 2/13/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present AbsentReason Senator Keith Miller, Chairmanx Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairmanx \,-",' . Senator Ron Rettig x Senator JalmarKerttula x Senator Bill Rayx SB No.101 - By Palmer - Yearsofcreditable service under the Teachers' Retirement Mr.Robert VanHoute, representingthe Alaska Educat~on Association? testified: Van Houte stated that the Alaska Education Association supports thebill, and thatit would be advantageous bothto theteachers andto thestatefortworeasons: 1.It provides thatteachers,after 25years of creditableservice will beableto retire. There areoftenolder women whowould liketo quit theteaching profession after 25 yearsbuthave. l no wayto maintain themselves. Thiswould help ~J eliminate someofthe problems of getting "rid of theolder teachers". 2.Making it possible for people to retire opensup theprofessionat the bottom ofthe salary scale. VanHoute stated he,did nothavecostfigures available but,based on a study of two years ago,he would estimate present costat $300,000.Hepointed outthat the costofthe legislation would aboutbe equal to the savings to thestate byretiring teachers at thetop of thesalaryscale at an earlier date. Healsostated, in response to a question, thatretirement after 25 years wasnot mandatory. Healsoadvised thatSB 101 wasAlaska Education Association's primary goal for this session. William Overstreet,of Associationof Alaska School Boards, wasoutof townbuthissecretary attended the meeting and stated the Association alsosupported the bill .. Senator Ray moved, asking unanimous consent, thatthebill dopass. Upon objection by Senator Rettig,Chairman Miller stated that further testimony would be heard fromthe sponsor before' the bill was sentout r> commi t te e..., Senator Rettig commented, uponreviewing fiscal notes just thenhanded tothe committee,thattheyshowed thecostto thestate tobe$425,000; in addition, therewould be a costto theschool districts'of about $202,000. Noaction was taken on SB 101pending ~earing offurther testimony. A P PRO V E D: JACKR.SIMPSON . '.. ~'.......... . . , ... " ....... '. , ..... , ........... Administrative Assistant . .. .. .. . . .. .. . SHIRLEY BOWERS S"enatorKei thH. Miller, Chairman 0Secretary 2/14/73 ----------------------- Page 46----------------------- I I Tt -,legislature of thestate of Al~ '-:a ! ' ~ FISCAL NOTE\~' I First Session - Eighth Legislature f I. REQUEST BillIdentification:~S~e~na~t~e~Bl~'l~l_l~O~l~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_ Title: "An act relatingto years of creditableservice...Teachers'Retirement ... " Requestedby:' Mr. Simpson Date :---=2.l-/l~3,,-1..!..7~3~_____ Return Date Requested: 1:45 pm February13, 1973 Agency: Budgetand Management Program:Teachers'Ret; rement , '~' II. FISCAL: DETAIL;' Budget Request Unit (s)Affected:I, A, 2 A. EXPENDITURES: (Thousands of ~d~o~l~la~r~s~)--~~~--~----~--------- OBJECT FY73FY74FY75 FY 76 FY77 FY 78 100PERSONAL SERVICES 3.5 -0- -0- -0--0--0- 200TRAVEL -0- -0- -0- -0--0--0- 300CONTRACTUAL -0- -0- -0- -0--0--0- Iloo COMMODITIES -0- -0-..... 0- -0--0--0- 500EQUIPMENT -0- -0- -0- -0--0--0- 600LAND& STRUCTURES,-0..; -0- -O- J -0--0--0- 700GRANTS, CLAIMS, ETC. -0- -0- -0- -0--0--0- State matchinqcontr. to TRS -0:... 425.7447.0469.4492 9517 S, TOTAL 3.5425.7447.0469.4 492.9 517.5 B.FUNDING:(Thousandsof dollars) GENERAL FUND 3.5425.7447.0469.4 492.9 517.5 FEDERAL FUNDS-0- -0- -0- -0--0--0- OTHER -0- -0- -0- -0--0--0- C. POSITIONS: III. ANALYSIS (SeeFiscal Note Preparation Instructions, Section III) See AttachmentI IV. ATTACHMENTS Letter from Marsh and McLennan -February1,1973 V.DATE: __F_e_b_ru_a_r~y_l_3~,_1_9_7_3__ __ PREPAREDBY: ~-W~ Original: LegislativeFinance cc: Budget andManagement Prime Sponsor (First Legislator Named) ----------------------- Page 47----------------------- \J ATTACHMENTI . , $3,500 100 Personal Services (Benef~t Field -Representative, Grade 16, @$1,092/mo. plus 7% benefits) State matching contributionto TRS based on estimated FY 74 Teachers payroll: Contribution FY 74 PayrollRate Contributjon State-operated Schools $19,000.0.72% 136.8 University of Alaska12,000.0.72% 86.4 Local School Districts 56,250.0.36% 202.5 (50% matchedby locals) $87,250.0 425.7 ----------------------- Page 48----------------------- February 1, 1973 Mr. Robert S. Gates Retirement Administrator State of Alaska PouchC Juneau, Alaska 99801 Alaska.Teachers'Retirement System 25 and Out At Age50 DearBob: A pro~osal has been,or apparently will be, made withrespectto the reduction of the alternate norwalretirement requirement underthe Teachers rRetirer.ent Systemfrom 30 yearsof service ~'li th no age requirement to 25 yearsof serviceand age 50. This i$ a stepin thedir~ction of the enuncintcd o~jective o~ some ~:g~niz&tions of attainLtg a normalretirer:;ent provision requiring a flat 25years of credited service l,V'ithout an age requirement as an alternative to the basicage60 and 15 years. In my opinion, the costof a normalretirement requirement of age50 with25 yearsof service Hill be nearlyas substantial as the costof a flat 25 yearservicerequirement.Thedifference in theseprovisions l,V'ould affect onlythose individuals \V'hostarted teachingpriorto age25 Hhotaugh t con tinuous lyfor 25 yearsand vIho taugh t in Alaska forat least15 yearsincluding the last 5 yearspriorto retirement. Thatnumberis relatively smallin accordance ,V'ith our actuarial assuInptions. Thus,'dhe re the es timatedaddi tional cos t to the Sys tem of a normal retirement requirer.:ent of 25 yearsof service without an age require- mentis approximately .72%of pay, I wouldestimate thatthe additional costinvolvedin replacing the current provision withan age 50 and 25 yearsof servicerequire~ent would be approximately .62%of pay, a reduction of about.10% of pay. Thus,it \..Tould be myfeeling' thatthere'isso little difference bet\'leen an "age50 2nd 25 ye2rs lJ provision and a 1i25 yearsand out"provision thatthe latter should be enacted if any such chanrei-~_ !E. be made. Mcrsh & McLenncm Inc-orporaled, Norton Buildinq, SeetHe, Washington 98104 206/624·7900 ----------------------- Page 49----------------------- February 1,1973 -2 ~r. RobertS.Gates I ur pleasure • I'd behappytodis cussthese i terns .~. NSL:dk ----------------------- Page 50----------------------- \;::;r:,-NATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMIT\~ DATE:2/15/73; 3:00 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present Absent Reason Senator Keith Miller,Chairman x ~enator Jess Harris,Vice-Chairmanx \~ Senator RonRettig x Senator Jalmar Kerttula X (Conflicting meeting) Senator Bill Ray x The minutesof February 12 and 13 wereapproved as read. SB No. 101 - By Palmer- Yearsof creditable serviceunderTeachers'Retirement By ma.jority voteSB No.101 was sent outof committeewitha do pass recommendation. Thoseconcurring with Chairman Millerin the majority reportwere: SenatorsKerttula and Ray Voting"no recommendation"were Senators Rettigand Harris. SCR No.8 - By Palmer-Leasing spacefrom ASHAfor KenaiCourthouse Senator Palmer spokeon behalfof his resolution: Lastyear we had an ASHA bill witha very large numberof buildings on it.It was in the neighbor- hoodof $20 million whenit camefrom the adminis- tration; when it got out of the Houseit was $66 million. It got to the Senateaboutthe time thegovernorhad vetoedthe University of Alaska bondissue. It was reducedto about$11.5 million or $11.2million. There wassomething in it for all thecitiesincluded inthe original package exceptKenai. The governorsaid hedidn't realize thatsuch was thecase, and he wouldbe in favor of approving something for Kenai. Since thenthe governorhassubmitteda package that includes a numberof buildings. Thisbill did not come to State Affairs but wentdirectto Finance. I shouldlike youto considerSCR 8 and send it on up to Finance. The administration has supportedthisin the past;it will supportit this time. lenator Raymovedit be passedoutof committee withindividual recommend- \--..dtions. ChairmanMiller: Do Pass Senator Harris: Do Pass Senator Ray: No rec. Senator Rettig: No rec. A P PRO V ED: JACK R. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant Senator KeithH. Miller, Chairman SHIRLEYBOWERS 2/16/73 Secretary ----------------------- Page 51----------------------- DATE: 2/16/73;2:00 p.m. COMMITTEEMEMBERS PresentAbsent Reason SenatorKeithMiller,Chairman x Senator JessHarris,Vice-Chairman x Illness Senator RonRettig x x Senator Jalmar Kerttula x Senator Bill Ray The minutesof February 15 were approvedas read. SB No. 131 - By Ray - Identification cards Senator Rayspokeon behalf of his bill: Underexistingstatutes, unlessyou are getting a driver'slicenseor a liquorI.D., thereis no provision for an identification card.A valididentification is neededfor cashingchecWs, for notarypublics,et cet;also teenagers are frequently askedfor identification.For persortal or religious reason~, some peoplewho may not drivedon't wantto get a liquor \ identification card. \.--- From the recommended chargeof $5.00 per card, the state willrealizea sourceof revenue ratherthan incurring an additional cost. Senator Raypointedout thatsuch cardsare not mandatory. Fiscalinformation providedto thecommitteeis attached and incorporated into the minutes. State Affairs recommends that SB 131 do pass. ChairmanX ~nator Jess Harris, Vice-ChairmanX BudgetCommittee \~ Senator Ron Rettig X Senator Jalmar Kerttula X Senator Bill Ray X BudgetCommittee SCR 31 - By Palmer- BeaverLoopRoadand Forest Drive(Kenai) SCR 32 - By Palmer- FritzCreekDriva (H6mer) Thetwo resolutions were considered together.Thediscussion centered aroundthe phrasing of the priority stated. Senator Kerttulafelt "of the highest priority" should beamended to "completed as soonas possible" to bringcommittee actionto a moreconsistent status with actionstakenpreviously on likeresolutions. Senator Rettigfelt thata phrasesuchas"as soonas possible" makes"noresolution out tt ofit at all • , 'CR 31 was amended by deleting "the highest tt andinserting "high," ~age 1, Line 23. SCR 31 was thensentout witha do passas amended, withChairman Miller and Senators Kerttula and Rettig signing the majority report. SCR 32 was sentoutof committee witha do pass recommendation signed byChairman MillerandSenator Rettig; a do pass,if amended, recom- mendation"signed bySenator Kerttula. JACKR. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary A P PRO VED: Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman 2/23/73 ----------------------- Page 59----------------------- \,jNATE STATE AFFAIRSCOMMIT\~ DATE: 2/26/73;1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PresentAbsent Reason Senator Keith Miller,Chairman X enator JessHarris,Vice-Chairman X \."'''''''-"''''''/ Senator Ron Rettig X Senator Jalmar KerttulaX . Conflicting meeting Senator Bill Ray X TT " SCRNo. 29 - ByHarris,Lewis & Young- Copper River andChitina-McCarthy Highways Senator Harris moved that SCR29besentoutwith a dopass recommendation. Senator Harrisstated theresolution hadbeen introduced attherequestof theMiner'sAssociation. AlthoughSenator Rettig questioned the accuracy ofthewordingin stating exactlywhat isneeded as toconstruction or reconstruction, ChairmanMiller stated that Commissioner Campbellhad discussed theresolution withhimandwas in accord with its passage. QCR29wassent outofcommitteewith a unanimous dopass recommendation, \~thallfive memberssigning themaj ority report. JACK R.SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary A P PRO V E D: Senator Keith H. Miller,Chairman 2/27/73 ----------------------- Page 60----------------------- L)NATE srrA'rE AFFAIRSCOMMI~"J DATE: 3/6/73;1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PresentAbsent Reason Senator Keith Miller,Chairman x -'enator JessHarris,Vice-Chairmanx "-, Senator Ron Rettigx Senator Jalmar Kerttula x Senator Bill Ray x The minutes of February 5 were approvedas read. SB No.173 - By K. Miller - SchoolBoard 'E"le·c·tions· Senator Miller explainedthat his bill removes the schoolboardsfrom therunoff provisions of th~ present statutes. He stated thatthe bill wasintroduced at the request of several School Boardmembersin Anchorage and that,in his opinion,the voterswouldappreciatethe legislation, also,in the interest of eliminating extra electionsand election expense. SB 173 was sent out of committeewitha do pass recommendation, signed. by Chairman Millerand concurredin by SenatorsKerttula and Rettig. l\Jot concurring was Senator Harris, who recommended "do not pass". ~ HJR19 am - By Specking- U. S.C6ast ·Gua~d pe~sonnel andfacilities HJR19 am was sentout of committeewith a unanimousdo passrecommendation signed by Senators Miller,Harris,Kerttulaand Rettig. J·ACK R. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEYBOWERS Secretary A P PRO VE D: Senator KeithH. Miller,Chairman 3/7/73 ----------------------- Page 61----------------------- \'-uiNATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMI1Jk DATE: 3/9/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present Absent Reason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman X ,"'""-" enator Jess Harris, Vice-ChairmanXTo Anchorage Senator Ron Rettig X Senator Jalmar KerttulaX Senator Bill Ray XState business SCR 26 - By Ziegler and T. Miller - Se~enth annual Boys' State SCR 26 was considered and sent out of committee with a unanimousdo pass recommendation signed by Chairman Miller and Senators Kerttula and Rettig. HJR 38 - By Fink et al - Relating to the Jones Act Testimonysupporting the resolution was given by Don Dickey, Chairman, Governor'sTourism Advisory Board: Mr. Dickeystated that the Bureau of Customs ruling opposed by HJR 38 would seriouslyaffect our economy by adverseapplication to the 10 cruise lines and the 180 trips scheduled to Alaska during 1973.This matter is coming up for hearingin Washington and the passageof HJR 38 will give some ammunition to our Washingtondelegation.SenatorTed Stevens is in agreement with this resolution, is working hard to have Bureau of Customs interpretation overturned,and a decision is expectedshortly. Mr. Dickeyalso pointed out that the cruise ships will be including Anchorageas a destinationfor the first time on a couple of their itineraries. HJR 38 was sent out of committee with a unanimous do pass recommendation signed by Chairman Miller and concurred in by Senators Ray, Rettig and Kerttula. SHIRLEYBOWERS Secretary A P PRO V E D: , )enator Keith H. Miller, Chairman ~3/12/73 ----------------------- Page 62----------------------- NATESTATE AFFAIRS COMMIT .~ \~ \-J'- DATE: 3/12/73; 1~45 p,m. COMMITTEEMEMBERS Present Absent Reason Senator Keith Miller, Chairman x ",,' ~enator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman x Senator RonRettig x Senator Jalmar Kerttula x Senator Bill Ray x The minutes ofMarch 9, 1973, were approved asread. SB 199- By Hensley, Harris andK.Miller-Basic salary sched - state employees A committee substitute for SB199 wasprepared. Chairman Miller explained thattheoriginal SB199 altered thebasic payschedule, which hadbeen prepared by theDepartmentof Administrationwithconsiderable timeand effort.Thecommitteesubstitute providesforthesameincrease of $100 per month across the board asa costof living increment,without disturbing theState's basicsalary schedule. Uponmotion bySenator Ray,seconded by Senator Kerttula,CSSB199 was sent outof committee with a do pass recommendation. ConcurringwithChairman ~iller wereSenators Harris, RayandKerttula. Senator Rettig voted no \--.:i;ecommendation. HJR11 am - ByFritz - Gratitudeto PresidentNixon Uponobservation that acti'ononthe resolution would nowbeobsolete, Senator Rettig movedthat it betabled andHJR11 am,by majority vote, wastabled.Senators Harris, Rayand Rettii voted yes; Chairman Miller andSenator Kerttula voted no. JACKR.SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary ----------------------- Page 63----------------------- \__/NATESTATE AFFAIRS COMMI~,J DATE: 3/13/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present Absent Reason Seriator KeithMiller, Chairman x ...... -~nator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman x "-. Senator Ron Rettigx Senator Jalmar Kerttulax ? Senator Bill Rayx Conflicting comm. Theminutes of March 12 reflected anincorrect voteon HJR11 am. The correction wasmadeandtheminutes approved ascorrected. SB 192- ByRulesbyrequest of Governor - Relating to thefireseason Upon question by Senator Rettigasto thereason forthe bill, Alex Miller, LegislativeAssistant to theGovernor, produce~ GovernorEgan's cover letter of March6, stating that thechange ofdateswould simply more accurately representthe actual fire season. SB 192 wassentoutofcommittee witha do passrecommendation signed by ~hairman Miller and Senators Harris andRettig. HJR41- ByJ. Miller et al- Airservice in Southeast Alaska HJR41 wasconsideredandsentoutof committee with a dopassrecommendation signed by Chairman Miller andSenators Harris and.Rettig . . JACK R.SIMPSON State AffairsAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary A P PRO VE D: Senator KeithH. Miller, Chairman 3/14/73• ----------------------- Page 64----------------------- ~ATE STATE AFFAIRSCOMMIT1.,-,.,) DATE: 3/14/73,1:45 p~m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present Absent Reason Senator Keith Miller,Chairman X \,,,,,..<1na tor Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman X Senator RonRettig X Conflict. meet '. Senator Jalmar Kerttula X Senator Bill Ray X Conflict. meet.' SCR 9By Kerttula and Palmer- Ferry service between Southcentral Alaskaand the continental U. S. Senator Kerttula testified onbehalfof his resolution, ~tating that it~as draftedat the requestof the City of Seward. He pointedout that the once or twice'a yeartrips betweenSeattle andSewardhave been veryfull. He believes that the passageof SCR 9 will bringthe matter to the attention of the administration so that economics and feasibility can be studied. SCR 9 was sent out of committeewitha do pass recommendation signed by ChairmanMillerand concurredin by SenatorsHarrisand Kerttula. Not concurring wasSenator Rettig, who signed norecommendation. \'-r{CR 53 - By Fisher- Conferenceon development of Alaska'stourismindustry HCR53 was sent outof committee with a unanimous do pass recommendation signed by ChairmanMillerand concurred in by SenatorsKerttula, Harris and Rettig. JACK R. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY 'BOWERS Secretary A P PRO V-E D: . Senator KeithH. Miller,Chairman 3/17/73 ----------------------- Page 65----------------------- L/ll\TE srrATE AFFAIRSCOMMIT'1\~ .. DATE: 3/15/73;1: 45 p. m . COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present Absent Reason Senator Keith Miller,Chairman X \~nator Jess Harris,Vice....,ChairmanX Senator RonRettig X Anchorage Senator Jalmar Kerttula X Senator Bill Ray X FinanceComm. HCR 58 - By Eliason- Mud Bay - ChichagofIsland Senator Pete Melandspokeon behalfof the resolution: He stated thatthe resolution wasself-explanatory and non-controversia~. It would be meaningful to residents of Sitka in honoring ~hree oftheir citizenswho lost their lives in a boatingaccidentto re-nameMud Bay in their memory. HCR 58 was sent out of committeewith a do pass recommendation signed by ChairmanMiller and concurredin by SenatorsKerttulaand Harris. SJR 26 - By Harrisand Lewis - Relatingto reparations paymentto NorthVietnam '''-Senator Harris moved thatSJR 26 be sent out with a do pass recommendation. Senator Kerttula moved to amend by changing"millions lIonPage 1, Line 8, to "billions". The amendmentwas passedand SJR 26 was sent out of committeewith a do pass as amendedrecommendation signed by Senators Harris and Kerttula. Senator Millersigned no recommendation. JACK~R.' SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIR.LEY BOWERS Sec:r~tary A P PRO VE D: Senator KeithH. Miller,Chairman 3/17/73 ----------------------- Page 66----------------------- 1 SENATESTATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE DATE: 3/16/73; 1: 4 5 p. m . COMMITTEE MEMBERSPresent Absent Reason' ~nator Keith Miller, Chairman x .~ - Senator Jess Harris,Vice-9hairman x Senator Ron Rettig x In Anchorage Senator Jalmar Kerttu1a x Senator Bill Ray x SB 2Q3 By Ray and K, Miller Administration of elections SJR·32.- By.Ray .. ~nd."K~. Mille~"·-.Alaska·"constitutional .amendments regarding ,,', , - . - . - - - - . - - -a'drriih"i·s·trati'on" of ·ele·c·tton·s Lt. Governor Red Boucherand Messrs.RickGarnettand Ray-Preston of the Attorney General's Office,testified: Boucher:I wouldliketo giveyou some thoughts as far as the overall legalimplications of the bill concerned.I thinkthat all" of us are concernedaboutdeveloping an elections system. that is professional, and we have been working towardthis goal overthe past two years. Someof the guidelineswhich we have beenfollowingwerefrom the President's 1963Com- missionReporton Registration and VoterParticipation. If the committeewouldlike,I havecopiesof the testimony that we recentlymadeto the U.S. SenateCommittee on the Post Officeand CivilServiceregarding the election process. Thereis a nationalconcern for the professionalism of election. administration for the states,the low amountof peoplewho are registered to vote in our country, and also for the low voterparticipation.All states butNorth Dakotanow have voterregistration as mandatory. However, we still don'tseem to be getting thejob done. When we came intoofficein thefall of 1970 we were notified by the Attorney Generalthat the currentstatusof Alaska's Department of Elections was in violationof the 1965-1970 VotingRightsAct.Simplystated,theyaddressedthemselves to two partsof ... that Act,and the State hassolved this problemby amending the Con~titution in the 1970 primary. They specifically pointedout there werefour election districts--Anchorage, Kodiak,Aleutian Islands,and Fairbanks and Fort Yukon---where we were in violationof the 1965-~970 VotingRightsAct.Theycomparedthe amount of peoplevotingin the1968 presidential election to the numberof peopleshown in.the1970census. Mr. Garnett handledthis particular case, and he can possibly discuss it in greaterdetail. " Simply stated,unlessthe State took actionto correctthesedeficiencies, th~ Department of Justice,as I understand it, would takeover the cbnduct of our elections. Garnett:Everychangein our law thatrelatedto electionswould have to be approvedby the Attorney Generalof the United States. Boucher:We addressed ourselvesto this to bringus in conformity with thisAct.I find elections to be an exciting concept; I believe it to be the cornerstone of our democracy.So we have attempted to shoot for professionalismin elections and willcontinueto make our effortsin thisfield an examplefor other parts of thecountry. We recentlyad- ----------------------- Page 67----------------------- MINUTES--March16, 1973 PAGETWO dressedthe first national meeting of election officials in New Orlean~, La. on the stepsAlaskahas takenin the elections field. We wererequested by SenatorGale McGee and Senator Kennedy to come backto Washington, D. C. \,"- and testify before the PostOfficeand Civil Service Committee. We have been investigated by Legislative Audit--and I becameaware of thisafterwards--regarding election procedures. . Senator Ray: That is not a matterof public disclosure at thistime. I wouldask that younot refer to it ... Thisis a pro- visionof law, and I wouldask thatyou do not. Boucher:It is verygermaineto what we are talking about. ChairmanI willleave thatto the discretion of the ~t. Governor. Miller Boucher:Prior to legislative audit,in December1972 I wrote a letter tothe Governor--I thinkthis was even priorto the time that we becameawarethat legislative audit investi- gation wastakingplace---and madea seriesof recommenda- tionstoward whatwe believe to be professionalismin elections. Becauseof suchthingsas reapportionmentand the 19~5 Voting RightsAct--Iwouldrefer to the Supreme Court'sdecision handed downin June, 90 days beforean election wasto be conducted, wherewe hadto reorganize and reshuffle the entireelectionsystem. We hadto draw new precinct boundaries, etc. It's no longersome- thing thatcomesaround everyfour yearsand the rest of the year peoplesit aroundand twiddletheir thumbs-- that day is past. I think we need to havean elections department on the highestprofessional level.. . We have the responsibility of providing the information to local elections, incorporations,et cet.I had made specific recommendations for what I thoughtwas establish- ing the professionalism. I hadno knowledge of SB 203 or SJR 32.Last weekI wasscheduledto~address a group of studentsat ServiceHigh. Five minutes beforeI was leavingSteve Weiner came up. and said,"SenatorRay has introduced the following bills,and what is your reaction?" My first reaction was that anything which addresses itself to improvingtheadministration of elections is good and we haveto look intoit in thatlight. But aboutall I see this doesis to movethe electionsdownthe hall. I have no basicobjection to this,if it is the will of the Governor and the will of the legislature.But thisis still political as hell,and I don'tthink it does a damn thing. That leaves the It. governor with the responsibility of notarypublics. If there is a bitchon the way I personally have conducted the elections, then let me hearit. Garnett:A fewcommentson behalfof the AttorneyGeneral. Our re- actionin many ways is a positiveone becausewe haveadvocated that day-to-day administration should beoff the It. governor's back. It involvestraveling allover the state.We should have an elections supervisor who can be full time. Thereare a coupleof problems: one,in thefact that the constitution needsto be amended. The constitutional prOVisions that relateto the It. governorare confined entirely tohis role in initiatives and amendments.We feel that administration should bea division relatively free from partisan influence or a partisan role. Change~ canbe made without foolingwith ----------------------- Page 68----------------------- MINUTES--March16, 1973 PAGE THREE Ray: It was not our doingto amendthe constitution.It was thoughtby peoplewithinthe Legislative AffairsAgencythat it needed to be done. \:-lett:That is right. If you were goingto do what this bill did, ~/ you wouldhave to amendthe constitution. It removesthe It. governor .fromeveryaspectof elections. Whatwe are sayingis the main object is to geta continuity and profes- sionalism in the day-to-day handling of elections, and thi~ can be done without oustingthe It. governor.We havea Directorof Elect~ons, atleast nominally, butthat Director does notshow up in the constitution. Ray: That was theidea of correcting the situation because there has been so muchcriticism. Boucher:Thereare criticisms in everything you do. We have visibly and aggressively actedto attemptto 'conductan elections systemalongnationalguidelines.In registration, for instance ... we have conducted an aggressive voterregis- tration program wherewe wentout after thepeople. Everybody was givenan opportunity to register. ·The law says I shall administer, andthat is the way it hasbeen. I wouldbe anxiousto hearKeith'sopinions, becuasewhenThelmaCutler was there,therewere someaggressive stepsmade toward computerized elections, and somewhere alongthe line we must placeelections above reproach. As longas a single person has the totaloverallauthority for thething withno buffer in it, you are goingto have thisparticular problem. The 1965-1970 Voting RightsAct say~ you can't do this,and if you don'tshape up ~e [U.S.Government] are goingto take over. Ray: I don'tthinkanyonehas any question aboutyour sincerity or the job you havedone. Boucher:The problemexistsin theconflict between whois going to run the show. I think youare well awareof the internal problemswe havehad down there. We are at loggerheads as to whois going to runthe show. The Law saysI run it, and as long as the law saysI runit, I runit. Miller: Do youhave any suggested amendments.?· Boucher:Not immediately.Thisis a possible step in thatit indicates a needto take a look at the wholepicture. Thereis a bill on purging.I thinkwhat we needto do is bring the entire pictureof elections together and come 'up wi th a comprehensive picture. I don'thavean immediate amendment to thisthing. I wouldliketo develop discussion to see if wecan come up with something meaningful. I've noteven had the opportunity to discussthe matterwiththe Governor and get his feelings on the matter. '-'nett:The only other point I hadis that I feel a high elected official~ like the It.governor, should be in thesystemin a reviewrole,partlyto emphasize the signific,ance and partlybecausethisis a national pattern. Everybody sends theirIt. governorandtheir secretary of state. If we put all of our levelof responsibility at a lower level,we are not in tun~ with the rest of thestates. His should be an overviewtyperole--not the warp or woofof every day. . .. ...... ~~iller : Wouldit be possible for yourstaff to prepare some suggestions ----------------------- Page 69----------------------- MINUTES--March16, 1973PAGE FOUR or legislation for this committee along these lines in view of your own input? oucher:I don't know if this is an appropriatequestion, but you sat there [to Chairman MillerJ.What is your feeling? Miller: I definitely think that some changes should be made and possibly it is going to have to be done legislatively;and· that is why it would be most helpful to have your input. Ray: . There are a great number of people who were dissatisfied with candidates who were allowed to stand for office ... Boucher:Then change the law.The It. governor has nothing to do with the qualificationsof the candidates . Ray: .. and they felt that decisions were 'made by partisan groups. Boucher:When it initially started out,wereviewed the qualifications of the candidates.We were informed this was not a function of the office. Preston:There is a bill in the House, HB 148, which does in fact give the let. governor power to make the initial determination as to a candidate'squalifications, so that would be taken care of should that bill pass. ~erttula : Who hires the Director of Elections?Does the It. governor? Boucher: Yes, based on recommendationsthat are submitted to me. Miller: It is not our intention to act on this legislation today. Boucher: I think we need to take a look at the total thing.I am leaving copies of our testimony which covers the entire election system when we testified before the Post Office and Civil Service Committee,and probably this is the first report that has been put out by the Attorney General's Accounting Office regardingan election overview.I would caution us not to put it together piecemeal. The whole thing needs a look from the administrative level and the lawmaking phase of it.Because of our concern we have asked Arthur Young to do a thorough study on our procedures,the amount of dollars that are being spent.Although we have a computer system there is still too much hand work done; the lists don't get out fast enough.Purging runs behind; how to maintainan up-to-date list--and quite possibly this report gives some insights into the overall picture. Ray: This is the 68th day of the session. Why are we waiting till now ------ '~Boucher :I sent my messages out long ago that cover the laws that you are discussing. ----------------------- Page 70----------------------- L , MINUTES--March 16, 1973 ) PAGE FIVE Upon request by Senator Harris that the Lt. Govvernor discuss the YES program funding, also, it was agreed that this discussion would be deferred till later. \-dCR 35 - By Bowman et al -Temporarystop-'go lights--Seward Highway Upon motion by Senator Ray, HCR 35 was sent out of committee with a do pass recommendation signed by Chairman Miller and concurred in by Senators Ray and Kerttula. JACKR.SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary A P PRO V E D: Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman 3/20/73 ----------------------- Page 71----------------------- ~;SENATE STATEAFFAIRS COMMI'rTE\j; DATE: 3/20/73;1:45 p.m. COf'IMITTEEMEMBERSPresent AbsentReason \~' X Senator KeithMiller, Chairman Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman X Senator Ron Rettig X Senator Jalmar Kerttula X t Senator Bill Ray X IHB150 am .... By Rules' bY·,req·uest,of .Governor - Candidatesof political parties inspecial elections \ f Because of th~ ~b~etice 'of a representative from. theGovernor's Office to I testify, considerationof HB150 am wasnot taken up on today's calendar. I It was alsa sugge~~ed-by Senator, Rettigth~t the drafter from Legislat~ve t Affairs Agen'cybe' 'requested to be present whenthe bill isconsidered. 1 ! HJR28 am - ByGa~diti~~ ~ S~~PlU~ ~bvernment heavy equipm~nt ! t i DaveBliss 'fromSouthe'~st. AlaskaCOmmunity Action Program (SEACAP) testified: f He stated th~t 'a recentmeeting of the' Boardof Directors of SEACAP had passed a re~olution, addres~ed spe~ifically to th~t equipment in Vietnam, sta.ting the'needfor he'avyeqUipment in our villages forsuch eqUipment andrequesting th~t SEACAPand all involved, agencies do wh~t they can. To his. reniarkth~t Senators 'Gravel and Stevens hadbeensentcopies of theresolution with 'a request for help, Senator Kerttula advised thatTed Stevens hadbeenhe'lpfulin obtaining somehe'avy equipment fortheSeward Ski 11 Cen·ter·. Senator Rettigsugges·ted th~t sending neweqUipment overfor therebuilding of Vietnam andreturning usedequipment 'from there to Alaska is a poor policy whe'n' new eqUipment 'stockp'iled in the Lower 48 couldbe sentto Alaska. Senator Kerttula pointed upthe'futili ty of sending equipment tovillages,' withOut th~propertraining program to maintain andoperate it, citing an example of D-4's beingsentto villages and ending up withcracked blocks because thepeopledidn't drain the waterout. Witnout trained andresponsible people equipment is us~les~. I iBlisscommented thata SEACAP planned training program was stopped bythe !cutting offof Title IVfunds. Healsosaid they couldlookfurther into tsurplus eqUipment in Alaska, suchasat Amchitka, whereKlawock andKake Ihadobtained power generators. ISenator Rettigcommented th~t training at skill centers should be utilized. t Uponmotion by Senator Kerttula, HJR28 am wassentout of committee with individual recommendations.Senators Harris and Kerttula voteddo pass; IChairman Miller and Senators RayandRettigsigned no recommendation. f HB 246- ByChanceandM. ·Miller - Deferred compensation programfor public employees I Senator Rettigsugge~ted th~t lines14 and15, pag~ 1, should state "sala~y € ,\"--" / f, or wages" in lieuof "income" and thatinline 24the wordshould be i"reductions"instead of"deductions". Heexplained thatonly a "reduced" I income couldbe d~fer~ed andescape taxation. He alsostated that he believed it would be better forsuch ~eductions \ ----------------------- Page 72----------------------- ,,-,,' I ~ MINUTES------March20,1973PAGETWO to bepaidinto aseparate fundandinvested by the Departmentof Revenue, thereby deriving a substantially larger return thanwith an insuranqe Iannuity. iUponmotion bySeriator Rettig, ,secondedbySenator Kerttula, theamendments to lines 14~ 15and 24,page'1, wereadopted and HB 246wassentout , ' ofcommittee 'witha do pass as amended recommendation signed by Chairman iMiller andconcurred in bi Senators Ray,Kerttula and ~ettig.Senator Harris votednorec'ommendati'on. [Later,upondiscoverythatthe'rewas no, further referral to Commerce on the 'Senatesideasthei hadoriginally, believed, Senator Kerttula andRettig recalled the' bill fromtheSeriateSec'retary forfurther discussion in State Affairs.] Ch~irman Miller stated that h~ hadrefe~red HB218to Senator Kerttula as a commi ttee.of one'to' res'earch 'the'bill. IJACKR. SIMPSON JAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS I Secretary t I 1 ! 1 f I ----------------------- Page 73----------------------- _S__A_~~_)TATE AFFAIRS COMMITT4 :1, '---..-/ DATE:3/2l/73;1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERSPresentAbsentReason \-....-/ Senator Keith Miller, Chairman x Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Qhairman X Senator Ron RettigX Senator JalmarKerttula X XFinance Comm •. Senator Bill Ray SJR22 - ByHarri's' -P'rivat'e' 'ownership pf gold Senator R~~t~g noted th~t th~ wording of th~ ~esolution is nottechnically correct, citing lines'24. and25""restrict or prohibit the freeuseof gold," and line 'IT""manufactured gold". as examples.Freeuseof gold in commerce pres'ently exists, andmanufacturedgold in theformof products is notrestricted, he' 'pointedout.'. Senator Harrisstated the''intentof the' resolution is that people be allowed to buyand sell gold in any waytheychoose. To Chairman Miller's question, he stated that ,the legislation iS,an attempt to stimulate the mining of goldin Alaska. Senator Harrisrequested th~t the bill be, heldin committee until he had opportunityto che'ckthe 'accuracyand effectiveness. \1 204- By Harris- V~terans' pr~ference ~ state h~ring ~ , It wasagreed by committee, 'members. to holdthe bill in committeeuntil the National Guardandveter'ans'could ·be scheduled to testify. HCR36 .... By Wilson '-Tay,lor Highway Chairman Miller advised that th~ Taylor Highway is oneconnecting Tok to Dawson. Uponmotion by Senator Kerttula, asking unanimousconsent, thatHCR36 be sentoutd6 pass, Ch~irman Mille~ and Senator Kerttala voted yes; Senators Har.risandRettig voted no.No action takenon the resolution: HB 246- ByChanceand ,M.Miller - Deferred compensation-publicemp.loyees Senator KerttulaandSenator Rettig wanted to discuss thisfurther since therewasno further referral. In theinterest of getting sucha program started it wasagreedthatthedo passrecommendationshould remain,with the possibility of putting in a bill next session which wouldamendto allow wider latitude in investment,shouldresearch show thisfeasible. CSHB148- By Judiciary Committee - Nominationand qualification ofcandidates Lt.Governor Red Boucher testified thathe saw noobjection to thelegislation. He stated that the bill would correct oneof the things that wasoverlooked wh~n election legislation was written andthatit ~as logical that if the It. vernorreceives candidates' filing he should be able tocheckaffidavits "-'.tid approvethem. ----------------------- Page 74----------------------- J \m'NUTES---March "21,1973 PAGETWO Upon motion bySeriator Ke~t~u1a, seconded by" Senator Rettig,CSHB 148 was sent outofcommi tte"e" wi thindividual recommendations: Chairman Miller:DoPass Senator" Harris:NoRec "Kerttula: NoRec "Rettig:NoRec - ...... -. JACK R.SIMPSON Assistant SHIRLEYBOWERS Secretary ----------------------- Page 75----------------------- SENATESTATEAFFAIR~ COMMITTT ~)\---~,y' DATE:3/22/73; 1:45 p.m. COTIJMITTEE MEMBERS Present Absent Reason X SenatorKeithMiller,Chairman Senator JessHarris, Vice-Chairman 'X Senator RonRettig X Conflict.meet. Senator Jalmar Kerttula X Senator Bill Ray X FinanceComm. SB 205 - By Thomas- Authorization of fundsfor trailsand footpaths Senator Thomas testified: Thisis an outgrowth of legislation enacted last year,and at that timewe wereunableto put into the legislation that a certain amount wouldbe required for this business. Thfs legislation is to correctthis so it can be funded. Representative Mike Miller also testified: The needfor the bill aroseout of last year's legislation. It passedboth housesoverwhelmingly.It was our understanding that withthis clear mandate from the legislature we didn't needany furtheractionfor the administration to release funds. However, the administration has done nothingaboutthis. We did appropriate $-25,OOO--atoken--so that a little bitof planning could be done. Even that $25,000hasnot been released so it appearsthat planning and construction on bicycle paths' and trails isgoing to require that wetakefurtheraction. The funding would be that 1/4 of 1% up to 1% wouldhave to be used eachyear for construction of bike pathsand footpath~. This evenallowsa lot of flexibility to the administration. I wouldassumethat in the lean yearsthe administration would appropriate 1/4 of 1% and then whenthe pipelinegetsgoing we could get more.. Mr. Ted Smith,Director of-the Division of Parks, ~estified; In conducting a survey,trail related activities was the most populargroupof activitiesin the state of Alaska. We compiled' .this information by a seriesof interviews. Mr. Smith explained that the programas directed bylast year'slegislation has not beenimplemented and that they(the division) are constrained to maintenance level budget. It is not in fiscal'74 as a grant program, and the moneyhas been impounded: To my knowledgethe state of Oregon is the onlystate witha comprehensive plan. We havenot yet drawn guidelines for the plan=iWe have not developed regulations for the plan. This beinggeneralfund money,it wouldbe available for matching funds. The HighwayDepartment has indicated to me they have no objections to the bill.Fromthe appropriation of $50 million,. $125,000wouldbe availableannually for this program. - It would take about$20,000to administer the programfor the first coupleof years.- $200,000 wouldbe availablein grantsto the communities. ChairmanIs thereany conflictat all witha federallaw? Miller: Smith:Not that I am aware of. My readingof this bill saysthat ----------------------- Page 76----------------------- MINUTES---March22, 1973 PAGETWO this moneymay be appropriated annuallyfrom thegeneralfund. The onlyconnection with the HighwayDepartment is that they establish the funding. Thomas: The State of Oregonenactedsucha law a coupleof years ago, and that's where we got our idea MaryShulz,representing the AAUW,also gave testimony regarding the results of theirsurveyon the need for bicycleand footpaths,emphasizing the present need and also the dangerous conditions whichexist on present roadways for bike ridersand hikers. She presented written testimony fromboth the Juneauand Fairbanks bicyclepath studies which ~s in our permanent recordsand incorporated in these minutesby reference. It wasalso pointed out that, withproper planning, biketrailscan also be usedduring the winter months for crosscountryskiing,snowmobiling andsimilaractivities. Representative TerryGardineralsoappearedto offer hissupportfor the bill. SB 205 was sentout of committeewitha do pass recommendation signed by Chairman Millerand concurredin by SenatorsHarrisand Ray;Senator Rettigsigned norecommendation. SB No. 203 - by Ray and K. Miller - Administration of elections Mr. RickGarnett,of the Attorney General'soffice,testified regardingtheir recommendationsfor legislation: It does givestatutorystatusto the Director of Elections. Thereis a real problem with administration. There has beena lackof anyclear chainof commandwithinthe machinery.The lieutenant governorwouldlike to be takenout of the job of administering everylast detail. This bill wouldprovide a director who is at the headof a division. The Director of Electionswouldbe subject to confirmation by members of thelegislature in joint session. I think thisapproach would tend to make the director's job a little lesssuspect,a little lesspartisan. Obviously, you can't takepoliticsas suchout of elections, but you minimize the appearance of partisanship. , We checkedTitle15 trying to checkout the 127 references to tthe lieutenant governor. We tried to see if wecould makesome idistinction betweenthose functions that shouldstay withthe lie~tenant governor and those whichsh6uld not. As a practical matter,it mademoresense to give thelieutenant governorthe powerto delegate. Sen. Wouldthe Directorof Electionsbe appointed by the Governor? Harris: Garnett: No,he wouldbe appointedby the lieutenant governor. The problemis thatthere is no directorof elections in the statutes but thereis one in existence ..... The It. governorwould havethe authorityto appoint,subject to confirmation. We have had a complicated year in elections, and the job dealing with the problems was complicated by not havinga clear prOVision as to what waslegal. I thinkthis does improve over the present ',-/ situation. . No committee action wastaken. ----------------------- Page 77----------------------- I' I ! ~ ~/ MINUTES---March 22,1973' PAGE THREE \,__'' Becauseof non-appearance by thesponsors, Senq.teBills126 and 143 were not considered by thecommittee. JACK R. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWER~ Secretary A P PRO V ED: Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman 3/30/73 I r f I f I I ----------------------- Page 78----------------------- \-.J3ENATESTATE AFFAIRS COMMITTE\~, DATE: 3/23/73;1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PresentAbsentReason \ ",-,/ Senator Keith Miller,ChairmanX Senator Jess Harris, Vice-ChairmanX Senator Ron Rettig XConflict.meet. Senator JalmarKerttula X Senator Bill RayX Finance Alth6ugh BJR 20 was not on the agenda, thech~ir extended toLeoV.Schachle of Anchorage th~ courtesyof appearing onth~s re~olut~on.- Hetirged th~ legislature torepeal Alaska'sratificationofthe27th amendment tothe' U.S. Constitution on thebases of invasion of privacy, infringement on I state's rights, andthel~kelihdod of very erratic Supreme Court inter- pretation in thefuture. IHehada petition from Anchoragewith about 500names affixed. Hestated similar petitions arebeing circulated in Fairbanks, Ketch~kan, Petersburg, I' Kenai andHomer. Healso stated that benefita purported toaccrue to women becauseof theEqual Rights Amendment arealready provided under the IEqual Employment and Civil Rights Acts. CSHB 18am- ByJ. Miller(orig. sponsor)-CS byHouse Judiciary- Legislation andballot measures authdrizing g.o. bonds Representative 30AnnMiller testified: 'rhe bill is quite self.... explanatory.It sets outtoaccomplish two things: (1) Thevoter would beadvisedastoexactly what our g.o.bonds will be by means ofa statement ona sample ballot astothe scope of each major project,andthat statement shall be the same asincludedin the authorization bill. Th~t would eliminate some oftheproblemssuch 'as h~ghway bondproposals. It states the scope, description andamount of the project. (2) Any suchtransfer offunds ong.o.bonds would besubject to review bytheBudgetandAudit Committee.The reason is that there have been a lotofcases where voters have authorized ! certain g.o.bonds--for example,thethree ferriesin Southeastern-- t byth~ timethey gotaroundto th~m they could only afford two r andthe public doesn'tunderst~nd what happened.If there were review bylegislative audit, the legislature would not getthe blame. This bill wouldclose that loophole. It would inform thepublicandmake anytransfersubjecttoreview bybudget I I and audit. ! 1 tSenatorDoyouhave the governor's assurance he will notveto? Kerttula: I RepJ. ,I don't think he will because it isdirectedtowardg.o.bonds Miller:andnot within a department. There is nothing tosaythey Ican't transferata later date. It justsays it is subject to i review and approval~ Theway thebill has passed the house is I a very fair bill, I think.. . ! t Upon motion bySenator Harris that thebill be sent outofcommitteewith I individual recommendations," CSHB 18 amwassent out withChairmanMiller and SenatorsKerttula andHarris signing dopass. I I, I I ----------------------- Page 79----------------------- l~1 '~) ~., MINUTES-- ...March '23,1973PAGE TWO SB No. 86 - ByHensley - Spec. approp Dept. Econ. Develop.-native arts and handcrafts ChairmanMiller read into the record a letter fromFrank Seymour,Executive Directorof theAlaska VisitorsAssociation, which isattachedand made a part of these minutes byreference. Lynn Chambers,of Department of EconomicDevelopment, testified: I worked in arts andcrafts forabout 3-1/2 yearsin the Community EnterpriseDevelopment Corporation in Anchdrag~.Then a resolution was senttothegovernorasking himto establish a position ~n the Dept. of EconomicDevelopment fornative arts andcrafts develop- ment andthat is what Iam doing now. Thetwo programscovered arethetwostate responsibilities: identification and conducting competitions. Sen. Whydoes it require a special authdrization? Harris: Chambers:Becausefunds havenotbeen made available. Tourism Division was kindenough totake $10,000 out of their budget last year in order togetit off the ground. Outof the 462stores I have writtentoso farabout 50 areusing these labels [authentic native handcraft labels]. Sen. Isit astrong selling point? Kerttula: Chambers:Yes, andit is also good fromtheconsumerstandpoint .... It gives theconsumera clear chdice of buying authentic Alaskanartor imitations fromHong Kong, etc. AVAwants a sister program initiated for non-nativeAlaskan-made products. Forthepast 100years artsandcrafts hasbeen on the downgrade. With commercialization thequality goes down. Thecompet1tions would stimulate better quality. They find outthey cangethigher prices andbegiven recogni- tion forfine craftsmanship. Thiswill influence other I people in their villages,also. I Senator Kerttula moved thebill out withindividual recommendations and iSenator Harris asked that themotion beamended todo pass.SB86 was tsentoutwith a unanimous do pass recommendation,signed byChairman IMiller and Senators Harris andKerttula. i !SB 96ByZiegler - Certain employeesunder thePublic Employees Retirement Act ISB 96wasconsidered andmoved outofcommitteewith a unanimousdopass Irecommendationsigned by ChairmanMiller and concurredin bySenatorsHarris IandKerttula. t 'JACK R.SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant ISHIRLEY BOWERS t Secretary } (A PPRO V E D: ~ 1 Senator Keith H.Miller, Chairman 3/30/73 I~ f ----------------------- Page 80----------------------- I I \.J alaska visitorsassociation P. O. Box 2208 Anchorage. Alaska99510'(907) 279-4116 aval March 22, 1973 Members,' Alaska State Legislature Pouch V IJuneau, Alaska 99801 ,I Dear Members: [j .":".:: ,:..... ;-In regard to SB86, a special appropriation for promotion of authentic native Alaskan handicraft. The promotion aspects . ~:-. -"( , ' .....:and advantages of this program is an asset and assistance to the Alaska Visitors Industry. We recommend that you give positive consideration to this bill. Sincerely yours, .r;??/(ffiff~7 F. A. Seymourt/ AVA, Executive Director ----------------------- Page 81----------------------- 1 SENATE.,. .,iATE AFFAIRSCOMMITTEE DATE:3/26/73; 1:45'p.m. r'WIMITTEE MEMBERS Present Absent Reason '~ x Senator KeithMiller, Chairman Senator JessHarris, Vice-Chairmanx Otherlegis. business x Conflict.meet. Senator RonRettig x Senator Jalmar Kerttula X Senator Bill Ray --" HE 150 am - By Rulesby requestof Governor- Candidates of political parties in special elections AttorneyGeneral John Havelock testified: Thisis essentially a housekeeping bill against the eventuality that we sincerely hope neveroccursagain: the requirement of a special election to fill a vacancy. You may recall that at the timeof the vacancyof the congressional seata controversy aroseas to whetherit wouldbe possible for the central com- mitteeof a party to select thecandidate of the party where the partyrulesare silent. There wasa substantial difference of opinion which reflects the ambiguity of the statutesas to the legality of central committee, convention, et cet.Thisis to clarify that, where the partyrules aresilent,either method is legal. Thatis why this bill wasdraftedat the personal request of the governor,andI drafted it. '~n motionby Senator Ray, seconded bySenator Kerttula, HB 150 am was sent out of committeewitha unanimous do passrecommendation, signed byChairman Millerand concurred in by SenatorsRay and Kerttula. HB 210 - By Rulesby requestof Governor - Military Code of Ala:ska Ron Mattson,LegalAssistant in the Attorney General's office,testified: This bill wasdrafte~ for the governorat the request of the Commander of the National Guard in Alaska. The entire purpose was to broadenthe wordsto includethe NavalMilitia with AlaskaNational Guard wherever thosewords appeared in Title26. Whilegoingthrough~he lawworkingon that, wefoundtwo sections, 260(d)and 260(e),relating to disability and who shall determine the disability (pages4 and 5 of the bill) whichneededclarifying.Just readingthrough, the language provides for a boardof 3 persons to determinehowlong a man shall beentitled todraw payand in what amount,but not clearas to whetherthe boardwould be all medical officers or if the commander's discretion could be usedin selecting the board. The newlaw would makeit so that the commander coul.d haveeither. Upon questions by Senator Kerttula it wasestablished thata naval militia does exist,basedin Anchorage, and that no substantial fundingwouldbe i~plied by the legislation.Senator Kerttula movedthat it dopass, and HE 210 was sent out with a unanimous do passrecommendation signed by Chairman Miller and Senators Ray and Kerttula. '-~B 175 - By JudiciaryCo~~~t~ee -Narcotics unit_ofstate troopers 'Tf:e committeenotedthat~ although they had sentsimilarlegislation from' the Senateto the_RulesCommittee previously, they recommended that CSHB175 do pass. Chairman Millersigneddo pass, withconcurring signatures of SenatorsRay and Kerttula. ----------------------- Page 82----------------------- 1, .•/ MiNUTES. March 26, 1973PAGE TWO ~ HB216- By HW&E Committee- Dual offices-University of Alaska ')resentative Helen Beirne,Chairmanof the Health, Welfare andEducation \_---inmi ttee, tes tified: Thepurposeof HB216is alegislative proposal which' would direct that the Chief Executiveof theUniversity of Alaskaandhisstaff wouldhave th~ir first loyalty toadministrationof the statewidesyste~. At the presenttimethere is agreat deal ofloyalty to one campus. Atthepresent time there is agreat deal of loyaltyto one campus.This would reduce conflictof interest. I· RepresentativeBeirne emphasized that this guideline would come into effect in July with theappointment ofa newpresidentandwould not affect Dr.Wood. Her preparedstatementis attachedandmade part of these minutes byreference. Upon motion bySenator Ray, HB216 wasmoved outofcommitteewith individual recommendations.Chairman Miller signed do pass; Senators RayandKerttula signed no recommendation. TheCommitteewasrecessed. After the3:00 p.m. Senate session,theCommitteewas reconvenedwith' ChairmanMiller andSenators Harris andRettig in attendance. SB229By Butrovich et al -Filling ofvacanciesin th~ state legislature by appointment SB229 was sent outof committeewith a dopassrecommendationsigned by lirman Miller andconcurredin bySenatorsRettig andHarris . • JACKR.SIMPSON Administrati ve Assis,tant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary A PPRO V E D: Senator Keith H.Miller, Chairman 3/27/73 ----------------------- Page 83----------------------- ... LegislativeIntent of House Bill No. 216 House Bill No. 216is a legislative proposalwhich, if enacted, will direct thattheChief Executive of theUniversity.of Alaska and his executive staff will have as their first responsibilityandloyal- ty theadministration of theState-wideUniversitySystem. If enacted, theChief Executive and hisexecutivestaff would beplaced inan administrative environmentwhere conflict of interests relating to anyonecampus or program ofa State-wide system would be lesslikely tooccur. ThisActdoesnotpertain to thepresent administration, but would enact statutoryguidelinesforthe newpresidentwhowill be appointed inJulyof1973. Thisisa recommendation of the report of theLegislative Council's Higher EducationStudy.It wasthebelief of thiscommittee at thetimeof thewriting of thereport that thePresident ofthe University of Alaska System was also consideredto be thePresidentof the University of Alaska, Fairbankscampus. Dr. Wood hasnoted thatthepresent administration hasbeenmov- ing toward thisconcept forsometime. On oneoccasion healluded to the factthatforapproximately thelast 18 months he hasessentially served in thecapacity as Presidentof theState-wide system andthat thepresent appointedProvost of theU.of A.,Fairbankshasassumed governanceof thatcampus. ----------------------- Page 84----------------------- I~SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTE II '~ ~' DATE: 3/27/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEEMEMBERS Present Absent Reason ~Senator Keith Miller,Chairman X Senator JessHarris, Vice-Chairman X X Senator RonRettig X ,Senator Jalmar Kerttula X Finance Senator Bill Ray SB 167 - By Rader- EstablisJ:1in.s._the Officeof A9:~inis't'ratT\"eAdjudication AttorneyGordonEvanstestified, lobbying for Alaska BarAssoclation: Senator Rader introduced thisbill at the request of the Bar Association.Thisbill was beforethe legislature last year--CSHB 480--and, if memory serves me, it failedin the Houselate in the sessionand then, uponreconsideration,it was referred to the FinanceCommittee and nothing happened. Thisbill wouldestablish a~ystem of professional hearing officersplaced under the courtsyste~ and wouldfunction under the Administrative Procedure~ Act. '"'--At the present time the hearingofficers are appointed by the agencies concerned and, whileit is presumedto be legaland fa~r inall respects, you haveto know that thehearingofficer isfromthe agencyconcerned, and thereis alwaysa concernabout wherehis true feelingslie.Underthisbill the hearihg officer wouldnot be a member of theagency buta memberof the Offic~ of Adminis~radtive AdThjUdidcat~ton. Heathrin g officers • are, In essence,JU ges.eyon have e same qualifications butthey performthesame functions. Theyrenderwritten decisions.A hea~ing officer,under thislaw, wouldhave to be trainedin -law, be· in practice for a minimum of two years,and meet addi- tionalqualifications whichwouldbe established by thecourt system . . The chief executive officer of thisoffice would be knownas the Presiding Officerand, in a sense,would be similar toa judgeof the Superior Court. In addition l he alsoassignsthe hearingofficers to the various agencies when required. The Presiding Officer would be t appointed by the governor from two br more nominations by the Judicial Council. The bill also provides that theoffice maycontractfor the services of a hearing Iofficer when one of'their own peopleis not available. Presumably this wouldbe wherespecial expertise is Irequired. Theoffice will maintain a staff of technical and ! clerical personnel. I Mr. Evansstated thathe did not have a currentfiscal note. He had called Anchorage to obtain a copy of a fiscal noteprepared last year;this would be mailedtoday and he should beable to furnish it by the nextday.He I h'i ----------------------- Page 85----------------------- I ~ MINUTES-------March27, 1973 PAGE TWO pointedoutthat it wouldbe increased, andtheamount oftheincrease would be partially dependent ontheoutcomeof the state pay raise legis- lation. Healso stated significant administrative lawdecisionswould be published, similar tothose publishedin the Alaska Rep~rt now. Senator Kerttula stated he hoped this committee would suggestto the 'legislature an addendumto any lawthat attorneys who would perform under this office would notbeable togo into practice in Alaskaforsome rea- sonableperiod of time after theyleft thisoffice, citing anexample of aformer departmental attorneythat, after leaving that department, used knowledge gained while there inlater private legal actions. Senator Harris broughtupthequestionofcost, asking if witnesses were requiredtotravel, if thiswould beat the state expense.Mr. Evans answeredyes, if the state subpoenaedthewitnessit wouldbea state expense. Senator Kerttula movedit out with individual recommendations. Chairman Miller noted that, with another referral to Judiciary, such amendment could be done there. SB167 was sent outwith individual recommendations. Concurring with ChairmanMiller in norecommendationwas Senator Rettig;Senator Harris voted do pass; Senator Kerttula voted donotpass. SB.126 - ByGroh - Mul~i=~ose senior centers SenatorGrohtestified: Thebill has nocost impact forthestate. It is an effort forold fblks to put togethersenior centers, andthey can takecontributionsfrom anybody,form nonprofit corporations,andobtain needed services. Upon motion by Senator Harris,SB126 was sent outofcommitteewith a dQ pass recommendation. Concurring withChairmanMiller were SenatorsKerttula andHarris. Senator Rettigsigned norecommendation. ~~-:- By Kerttula - __Q~O. bo~ds $6 million-lq_~al serviceroads and trails Senator Kerttulaspoke on behalf of his bill, stating that, while he hoped t thecommittee would seefit to send outboth SB7 andSB12,if there had I tobe achoice betweenthetwo, he wanted SB7. SB7 wassent out with individual recommendations. Concurring with ChairmanMiller in dopass was I Senator Kerttula.Senators Harris and Rettig vo.tedno recommendation. SB12 ByKerttula- ~pprop to Dept. of Highways ([rom generalfund) I SB12 was sentout of committee withindividual recommendations.Concurring with ChairmanMiller in dopass wasSenator Kerttula.Senators Harris and Rettig voted donotpass. IJACK R.SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEYBOWERS Secretary A P PRO V E D: Senator Keith H. Miller,Chairman 4/6/73 ----------------------- Page 86----------------------- j1 SENATESTATEAFFAIRS COMMITT:. I ~ .~ DATE:3/28/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS. Present Absent Reason ~/' Senator Keith Miller,ChairmanX Senator Jess Harris, Vice-9hairman X Senator Ron RettigX Senator Jalmar KerttulaX Senator Bill Ray X HJR51 am - By Degnan- Emergency medical evacuation andmail service for Little Diomede RepresentativeCharles Degnan,sponsor, testified: Thisis a requestto the President to attemptto gain permission to use the BigDiomede landingfieldfor purposes of ser~ing the village of Little Diomede.It is a lot closer than Walesand morepractical fromthe pointof viewof the citizens of Little Diomede.All we wantto do is to get the ball rolling to attemptto gainuse of thatairfie.1dfrom Russia. Senator Ray moved,asking unanimous consent, that it do pass.Concurring IwithChairman Millerin do pass wereSenators Kerttula and Ray. Senators HarrisandRettigsigned norecommendation. I f \,~ HCR 36 am - By Wilson- TaylorHighway -IRepresentativeLavell Wilson, sponsor, testified: I Thisresolution is aimed towards the eventual upgrading of TaylorHighway, which is the only access into Alaska by autootherthanthe original Alaska Highway. I It is maintained by the BOR andthe State Department of Highways and hasneverhad any reconstructionas such sinceits original completion.It is becomingmoreand ! moreof a touristattraction in that it is a lot closer I to wilderness typescenerythan"th~ Alcan. It is all ( gravel and"hasdeteriorated greatly sincethe adventof the mining operation.The Canadians haveone of the largest mine operations in the worldlocated at Cassiar, andthere havebeenseveral contractsto haulto Alaska. I Theyhave ~arried as muchas 32 tons. Last yearit was in horrible condition.I thinkthat theStateof Alaska is beingembarrassed considerably by thecondition of the road--not only so far" as tourists areconcerned but also I Alaskan citizens. Theycan geton that roadat Whitehorse andit provides a scenicroutethrough the goldfields. We aregoing to haveto do something with it eventually. It is maintained as a summertype road,andI wouldlike to seeit become moreof a priority. Commissioner BruceCampbell, Department of Highways, testified: I I wouldliketo see this,also. We have$5 million bridge replacement money. The 40-Mile RiverBridgeis plannedto be included in thatprogram. We also hopein the nexttwo I yearstd do somemajorwork on thefirst30 miles of the 1 ! road. It isin bad shape;it is getting more tourist traffic; 1 it is a scenicroad. As traffic picks up the priority will t go up."I concurin everything Rep.Wilsonsays. ! ! ----------------------- Page 87----------------------- MINUTES----March28, 1973 PAGETWO HCR36 am wasthensentoutofcommittee with a do passrecommendation signed by Chairman Miller andconcurred in bySenators Harris, Ray,and Kerttula. Senator Rettigsigned no recommendation SB2~4.- By Kerttula - Special approp. Dept.Highways--Copper RiverHighway Senator Kerttula stated he submitted this bill at the request of the Commissioner of Highways andthatthe Commissioner needsassistancein getting thisproject moved.---" .. Commissioner Campbell testified: The Sierra Clubfiledsuit to stopthis p~oje~t. Before courtaction cameup,thefederal government pulled the rugoutand rescindedits approval. We havecontinuingcontact with attorneys andrepresenta- tivesofthe Sierra Club,and it has beenmadecl~ar thattheSierra· Club doesnotobjecttothis particular project persew Theyobject on thepremise that further up theCopper Riverwill be harder forthem to stop. Wearein the middle.It took $8 million getting to themiddle, and it will cost$7 million to get tothe other side--whichtheyaretrying to stop. I askedSenator Kerttula to introduce thisto giveus' a little more bargainingroom. If we had a state appropriation in the mill, it would enhance our bargain- ing position. There is no intent of using th~ funds. ! Senator Ray moved SB 214out with individual recommendations. Concurring withChairman Miller in dopasswereSenators Harris, Kerttula and Rettig. Senator Ray signed no recommendation. I CSHB52- ByState Affairs- Establishing state capital improvement land I acquisitionand advance planning fund$ , I I Commissioner of Public Works. George Easley testified: f ! The bill as submitted by thegovernor didone thing, [ ! and thebill whtch is before yourcommittee this ! afternoon undoes the purpose we hadin mind. With Ithis,themoney in thefund maybe used onlyfor land acquisitionandadvance planning after bonding hasbeen approved bythe voters.Thewhole ideaof thefund was to be ableto have the money in advance of asking the legislatureforthe bonds so thatwe cancomein with 'a goodplan. Thecapital improvement has been in poorshape I eversince webegan, because we havenothadany advance planning money ....... Thebill here doesn't give anything new. Thetimewe needthemoneyis before we ask thelegislatureforthe bonds. , ! It is ourintent to setthisup asa revolvingfundfor thoseprojects approved by thelegislature. If th~ I legislaturesuggests to thegovernor a study on an item withthe understanding that it is to befunded later if desirable, there arecertain thingsthat must be done, f.... e.g., appraisals,estimates, soils testing .. fHow muchwill an airport costat Valdez?Onour partit 1is gue$swork. I would, of course, liketo be ableto igiveyouan answer. i I ----------------------- Page 88----------------------- ',,---) MINUTES-----March 28,1973 PAGE THHEE Therewould be someloss in thisrevolving fund,obviously. If thelegislature determines theywantto do a bondissue in1974 or1976, you've gotto know howmuchto put on the ballot in thefirst place. Heretoforeit hasbeena guess, andwe end up withtoomuchor too little. It would not involve anylandacquisition unlessthe project is approved. If theproject is not approved, the money for thestudy would, of course, be lost. . Rettig: Whatwouldbe theobject of an acquisition fundfor land? Easley: If wehavea bondauthorizationandthe bondshavenot beensold andwe needa pieceof ground whichis available andsomeone is goingto putan apartment building on it-- thatis whencashis veryimportant.I'd like to see a motion to replace the committee substitute withthe original bill. Miller: I takeit you would rather have no bill atall rather than theway it is. Easley: Right. After discussion, a committee substitute was offered to CSHB52.The changes weredeletion fromlines6 and13 of pagel the' words"land I acquisition and"; anddeleting all oflines14 and 15 andsubstituting: "Money in thefundshall be used by the Departmeritfor advanceplanning I forstate building projects." I \.~By~unanimous' vote,the proposed SenateCommittee Substitute for CSHB52 wassentout with ado passrecommendationsigned by Chairman Miller and concurred in by Senators Ray, Kerttula, Harris and Rettig. j Senator Kerttula was excused fromthe reatof themeeting due to another I conflicting committee meeting. I ! • CSHCR 61 - By Rules by :r:eques'~f Housemembers - Poetlaureate of Alaska j I CSHCR 61 wassentout with aunanimous do passrecommendationsigned by i Chairman Millerandconcurred in bySenators Ray,.Harris andRettig. I I JACKR. STMPSON I AdministrativeAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary I APPROVED: Senator Keith H.Miller; Chairman---> 4/6/73 ----------------------- Page 89----------------------- I I ~~ SENATE STATE AFFAIRS' COMMIT'~ I.DATE: 3/2.9/73 ;'1: 45p. m. COMMITTEEMEMBERS PresentAbsent Reason '< ~. X Senator Keith Miller~ Chairman Senator Jess Harris~ Vice-phairmanX Senator RonRettig X Senator Jalmar Kerttula X 'X Finance Senator Bill Ray SB198_-ByState Affairs byrequest - Ha:ird;r.essirigarid "c'osmetology Testifying were lone Lambert, member of AlaskaState Boardof Hairdressing andBeauty Culture, RayRoady, Directorof the' DivisionofOccupational Licensing, andJoan Hughes,Examining Secretaryforthe Board· Mrs.Lambertexplainedthat at thepresent time ourlaws allow on-premise inspection of schools butnot shops.Thisbill wouldcorrect that situation. I Shenoted that in theAnchorage area they recentlyfound several shops em- ploying operatorswithoutan Alaska state license. They werenotified ,that suchoperatorswould have to stop working, but "weactually don't have the I authority under thepresentstatute." I Senator Whyareweincreasing the fees so much? Harris: Lambert: The feeshelp defray the costof holdingtheBoard '''-/. examinations, which areheld in beauty schools because they aretheonly locationswith enoughequipmentand faciltties.Previously, the schools were charging us $75per day;nowthey arecharging.$150 perday. Also, wearenowparticipating in the nationaltesting program~ which isanadditional expense. ' ......... Senator Howmany schools arethere that arelicensed? ,Rettig: Hughes: Five in Anchorage andonein Fair~anks .... And thepresent$300feewon't pove~ expenses. Our expensesinclude perdiem for board members,publishing forexaminations :['four examinationsperyearJ, and r paying schools fortheuseoftheir shop andequipment. Wegenerally have between 28 and 32 examineesateach examination. I Mrs.Lambertalsoasked togoon record regardingSec. 08.28.275.ADVERTISING. ISheexplainedthere areschools in Anchorage falsely advertising that they I arean accredited school. Students are misledandpay tuitiori forwhatthey believeto beanaccredited school, onlytofindthat their training is not acceptableat alater date. Sheexplainedthat theterm "accredited" means approved bytheAlaska State Board. SB 198 was sent' out ofcommitteewith a unanimousdo pass recommendation, Isigned by Chairman Miller and concurredin bySena~ors Harris, Rettig and Kerttula. ! IHJR50 - ByBanfield- Proposedclosing of Polnt RetreatandEl~red Rock I light stations ! Testifying were Rep. Banfield,thesponsor,andRu~s Gipson, ExecutiveVice President,Juneau Chamberof Commerce: ----------------------- Page 90----------------------- :I \---", . ,I ~ MINUTES----Marc~ 29, 1973 PAGETWO .~' Gipson: We verystrongly recommendthe, passage of this resolution and would like to recommend one minoramendment to add CapeDecision [Mr. Gipson later discovered h~ wasrefer- ringinstead toCapeSpencer, and the' restof the' minutes will use"CapeSpencer".] to the points covered for this area. Theparticular probl'em is the lackof weather reporting.Theseare troublesome areas;airlines are verydependent uponthe visualreporting of theCoast Guardpersonnel as well. JamesDifalco of the National WeatherService in Anchorage hasadvisedthatthereis no automatic equipment that can be placed at thosepoints that willaccurately givevisi- bility, which is the problem. Th~se ~re critical locations due tosudden weather, cross tides, etcet. Th~ placement of ground~tations at otherlocations remote from th~ particular pointsin question will not provide the needed service because,again,it is necessary to actually see the points. ChairmanWhereis CapeSpencer? Miller: Gipson: On theoutside-- Icy Straits. Chairman Miller asked aboutincluding air problems in th~ resolution,as had beenconsidered earlier byRep. Banfield as a possible amendment. I~Senator I thinkthis is partof the hangupas faras theCoast Rettig: Guardis concerned.They don't want to man th~ stations I for FAA. Gipson: It hasbeendone by th~ Coast Guard becuase theyare the I onlypeoplewho havethe' equipment to do it. I Chairman Miller then invited Representative Banfield to speakaboutin~luding air in th~ resolution: i Rep.Banfield: My thinking is thatif we hadthe industries thatreally use the water--fishing, loggingandshipping, and just plain people whogo out fishing who reallyknow the weather extremes at thosepoints, it would be more effective ...... Accordingto AdmiralPalmer there will beone light overby RCA.. and one further along, but theseare points on land. He said he thought it would probably be' satisfactory, but whenI askedhim if it would be as satisfactory, hestated no,it wouldn't be. It wasagreed bysponsorandcommittee membersthatit would be more effective tolimit the resolution to wateronly. Senator Rettig suggested thatanother resolution should bedirected toward the FAAto supportthe needsforaircraft. Chairman Miller suggested that amendments be limited tothe inclusionof CapeSpencer. Uponmotionby Senator Kerttula,HJR 50 was sentout witha do passas amendedrecommendationSigned byChairman Millerandconcurred in by Senators Harris,Rettigand Kerttula. SB 222- By Meland- Limitations on the issuance of new liquorlicenses Senator Meland,sponsorof SB 222,testified: The statute now is written that onelicense maybe issuedforevery1500 peoplewithin corporate limits or for a five-mile radiusand1500 peopleoutside corporate limits. He explained thisbill wouldgive C!l"'Imo l!:lt:;t-llnp t:f"l ,q1"P,q!=: to c'ipcide throuf2:h hearings and ----------------------- Page 91----------------------- I '~\...;..../ PAGE THREE passing ofordinance if theywanted additional liquorlicenses issuedin their cities. Hestated there are circumstances,such ashe can foresee happening in Valdez, where therecould bealarge concentration of people who may not bepermanent residents (such asconstruction camps)where unduly limited bar facilitiesand anunusu~l numberof peoplecould make for a troublesome situation. Senator Rettig expressed the opinion thathethought liquoravailability was adequate now, especiallyin viewofthe fact that weare appropriating sums tor the treatmentofalcoholism. SB222was amendedby Senator Rettig todelete from lines12and 13"for reasonsof public convenienceornecessity" and from line 14, "from the governing body". SB222, as amended, was sent out ofcommittee with indi- vidual recommendations: Chairman Miller-- No recommendation Senator HarrisDonot pass "@ Kerttula--Dopass "Rettig Donot pass unlessamendedtoprovide for additionalalcoholtreatment centers SB 212 - ByHarris-Architecture, engineering.§..!!d land surveying I {Senator Kerttula voiced strong objection to creating a situation requiring registered architectsandengineersin many building projects. Hestated that, because oflast year'slegislation, anyonebuilding a project larger than afourplex is now required to havea registeredarchitect. Hepointed outthat registration does not preclude their making mistakes and that the I requirement to havethem often adds unnecessary expense.Quiteoften a I reputablecraftsman issuperior. I I Senator Harris pointed out that hisbill insures that a man who does ajob I: Iwill bequalified to doit and that the publichealth and sarety is protected in this way. t Senator Kerttulacountered that language could be construed toshow that every building jobinvolves publichealthand safety; that this bill is in I the special interestofarchite'cts and engineers;that it is unnecessaryand I qostly. It wasalso pointed outthat the suggested legislation defines no !penaltiesif sucha lew were enacted. Senator Kerttulastated thattheproblems whichthis bill purports tocorrect arereally administrative problems anyway. t I Senator Rettig cited anotherexample in building whereanarchitectcould not i solve a problem with anair conditioningsystemcomponent. Theproblem was solved by a non-professional workman. Senators Rettigand Kerttula agreed that they wouldgoalong with legislation forarchitectsand engineers atsuch time asthey assumeresponsibilityand cited examples whereengineers or Iarchitects did notassumeresponsibilityfor their actions. Upon motionbySenator Rettig SB212 was movedoutwith individualrecommenda- tions. Chairman Millervoted 'no recommendation; Senator Harris, dopass; Senator Rettig, norecommendatIon; Senator Kerttula, send toJudiciary. JACK R.SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEYBOWERS Secretary ----------------------- Page 92----------------------- SENATESTATEAFFAIRS COMMITT' i: \~i· DATE:3/30/73;1:45 p.m. / COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present Absent Reason Senator Keith Miller,' Chairman X Senator Jess Harris,Vice-Chairman X Senator Ron Rettig X Conflict. meet. Senator Jalmar Kerttula X Senator Bill RayX CSHCR21 - By HouseFinance (orig.sponsor,Eliason) - Studyof road-Sitka to WarmSpringsBay LesShepardof Sitka testified.He explained that thecommittee substitute differed from theoriginal resolutiononly in that it eliminateda likestudy of a road fromSitka to RodmanBayincludedin the original resolution. In 1964, a studyof the' Rodman Bay roadwas madeso it wasfeit unnecessary to repeatthatstudy. We do need a studyfor the roadto Warm Springs Bay. Building such a road willgive Sitka daily ferry service and wouldeliminate the ferry runinto Sitka fromChatham. One weeklyferryrun into Sitka would be necessary to bringin trailers, et cet., butthis wouldgive us dailyservice. He explained the roadwould haveto tunnelthroughthe mountains for a length of1-1/4 miles but that he felt thecost of the roadwouldbe justified by revenue from tourists after thearea was openedup. Senator Harris moved,askingunanimous consent, that it do pass. Concurring withChairmanMillerin a do pass recommendationwere Senators Harris, Kerttula and Ray. SB 220 - By K. Miller- SpecappropDept PublicWorks-Design phaseof Knik ______________________________________________________________A_r_m__B_r_~dge , Uponmotionby Senator Kerttula, asking unanimous Gonsent, that it do pass, SB 220 wassent out of committee witha do pass recommendation. Concurring withChairmanMiller were Senators Rettig,Kerttula and Harris. Senator Ray signed norecommendation. SR 8- By Kerttula and Croft- Honoring,Mrs. Exenia Barnes Senator Kerttula stated that Mrs. Barnesis an elderly Alaskanlady who has beenvery activein the Cordova area and wasselected asCordova IcewormQueen. He had beencontacted by some of her children who are veryactivein the ChugachNative Associat~on. Senator Ha~ris movedthatit besponsored by all members of the Senate. Chairman Miller wasrequested to make thatmot:'on on the floorof the Senate. SR 8 wasthen sentout of committee with a unanimous do pass recommendat:'on signedby Chairman Millerand Senators Harris,Kerttula and Ray. SB 143 - By T. Miller- Political activities of state employees ~he sponsor was not presentto testify. Aftersomediscussion of the merits of havinga "Little Hatch Act" Senator Ray movedtha.t action onSB143 be post- poneduntilsuch timeas the author requests releasefromthe ~ommittee, and it wasso ordered. ----------------------- Page 93----------------------- ,,-y) .1 ) '~ ·MINUTES.......~arch JO,1973 .PAGE TWO / SJR30 - By Lewis, K. Miller and Rettig- Urging Congress to takeaffirmative ____. __ actionon theLiberty Anieri~!Ilent.____ Because of the necessity of returning to Finance Committee, Senator Ray wasexcusedfromtherest of themeeting. Senator Lewis appeared on behalf of the resolution,stating that several states have already passedsimilar legislation. UponmotionbySenator Harris, SJR30 wassentout of committee witha do passrecommendationsigned by Chairman Miller and concurred in bySenator Harris. Senator Kerttulasigned no recommendation. JACKR. SIMPSON Administrative Assistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary A P PRO V E D: Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman 4/6/73 t ----------------------- Page 94----------------------- SENATE STATEAFFAIRS COMMIT~':~ ,1- , ,') "-'DATE:4/2/73; 1:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PresentAbsentReason Senator KeithMiller, Chairman x Senator JessHarris, Vice-Chairman X Senator Ron RettigX Senator JalmarKerttulaX Senator Bill Ray X Conflicting meetine HJR 30- By Ose- DevilCanyon Project Sponsor, Representative Ose,submitted copies of a March'6, 1961,report to the U.S.Departmentof the Interior by thenCommissionerof the Bureau of Reclamation Floyd E. Dominy, which is attached to andmadea partof theseminutes. He stated he had talked with Senator Gravellast week, wh6 promised to make an intensive studyandbringit upin Congress . .. . This wouldmeanjobsforpeople; the project is expected tolast about 15 years ... It is important th~t it be reacti~ated. Senator Kerttula commentedthattheRampart Dam gotto be a "sexier issue" nationally aner'soDevilCanyon was dropped, but thatthe' DevilCanyon project was farsuperior for electrical energy. I,~Chairman Miller commented that,in addition to the Valley, it could supply both Anchorageand Fairbanks. I Senator Kerttula moved it out witha unanimous do passrecommendation, signed by Chairman Miller and concurred in by Senators Harris, Kerttula and I Rettig. (Senator Raylater signed no recommendation.) I SB 233 - By T. ~!ller - Residency requirementfor voters ! Jan VanDortand William B.Rozell, of the lawfirmof Faulkner, Banfield, I I DooganandGross, testifi~d, stating the reasonfortheir request was that [ theydid mostof theworkon thedurational,voter residency requirements I case[75-day residency requirement in AlaskaJ.A copyof the judge's ! decision in granting plaintiff'ssummaryjudgment in Civil Action No.72-252 is attached as partoftheseminutes.Alsoattached aretwo Supreme Court decisions, justreceived by their firm today,which reenforced Van Dort's opinion thatSB 233,as introduced, would be unconstitutional:Burnsetal v. Fortson et al andMarston et al v. Lewis and Mandt. Copies of these decisions are on permament'record withthiscommittee and madea part of theseminutes by reference. The committee agreed that,in viewof ,the Supreme Courtdecisions, there would be no purpose inconsidering thebill. Chairman Miller stated that the sponsor could not appear at thistimeand,in viewof the testimony, the bill would be held in committee without action.' CSHB382 - By theJudiciary Committee - Corrective amendments to the Alaska Statutes Art Peterson, Revisor forthe LegislativeAffairs Agency, testified.His covermemorandum is attached andis madea partof these minutesbyreference. It is reflected- on Page794of the HouseJournal.TheHouseJudiciary Committee prepared CSHB382,deleting Section 28 of the original bill (refer to House Journal Page885). [Thesecretary 0as renumbered sections ----------------------- Page 95----------------------- ·~. MINUTES---April2, 197j PAGE TWO beginning with Sec. 29 so that the cover memorandum will be consistent . with the CSHB 382 as finally passed by the House.] Mr. Peterson explained that these are the customaryamendments to the Alaska Statutes for correctionand clarification. The 1972 revision of Alaska's municipal law made several sections of the bill necessary. Upon motion by Senator Harris that it be sent out with individual recom- mendations,CSHB 382 was signed by Chairman Miller and Senator Rettig do pass; Senators Harris and Kerttulasigned no recommendation. SCR 51 -.- By Harris ._- Legislative committee hearings Senator Harris moved that SCR 51 be sent out with a do pass recommendation. Objections were voiced by Senators Kerttula and Rettig.Upon motion by Senator Rettig SCR 51 was then sent out of committee with individual recommendations. Chairman Miller,along with Senators Kerttulaand Rettig, signed no recom- mendation;Senator Harris signed do pass. SB 236 - By K. Miller and Kerttula - Student housingfor Universityof Alaska at Anchorage SB 236 'was sent out of committeewith a do pass recommendationslgned by Ch~irman Millerand concurred in by Senator Kerttula. Not concurring were Senator HarriS, who voted do not pass, and Senator Rettig, wh6 voted no recommendation. JACK R. SIMPSON AdministrativeAssistant SHIRLEY BOWERS Secretary A P PRO VE D: Senator Keith H. Miller,Chairman 4/5/73 ----------------------- Page 96----------------------- ~;JATE STATEAFFAIRS COMMITJ]- DATE: 4!6!73~ 10:15 a.m. 'OMMITTEE MEMBERS Present AbsentReason \~ X Senator Keith Miller,Chairman Senator Jess Harris, Vice-Chairman X Senator Ron RettigX Senator Jalmar Kertt.ula X Senator Bill Ray X CSHB381 - By. Judiciary Committee (orig.sponsors McVeigh, Fink& Fischer) - Exercise of powerof eminent domainof certain municipalities CSHB381 wassentout of committee withindividual recommendations. Chairman Miller ) .SenatorRay ) No recommendation Senator Harris ) Senator Rettig Do pass ',,-cnator KerttulaDo notpass SB 221-By Groh - Corporations organized underAlaskaNativeClaims Settlement Act SB 221was sentout of committee withindividual recommendations. ,Chairman Miller ) ISenator Rettig ) No recommendation i Senator Ray. ) I ISenator Kerttula Do pass SHIIlLEYBOWERS Secretary AP PRO V E D: Senator Keith H. Miller, Chairman 4/6/73 ----------------------- Page 97----------------------- ----------------------- Page 98----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE January 28th,1974 Present: Senators Keith Mi Iler, Rettig, and Kerttula Absent; Senators Ray and Harris Senator Miller called the meeting to order and explained that this meeting was merely an attempt to get reacquainted and acquaint the committee members with the new staff members and the new staff with the committee members.He referred to the bills in committee list and noted that Senate BHls Numbered 271, 272, 276,280, 285, and 287 were new to the committee this session. After a period of friendly discussion, Senator Miller adjourned the meeting noting that the next committee meeting would be addressing some of the Igislation in committee. ----------------------- Page 99----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE January 30th, 1975 Present: Senators Keith Miller, Rettig, Ray,and Harris Absent:Senator Kerttu Ia Senator Mi lIer called the meeting to order at 2: 00 in the afternoon. He said that the committee would take up Senate Bill No.308 first. Senator Ray said that he found a couple of subsections in Senate Bill No.308 that he did not quite understand and called the attention of the committee to page two,subsection (4) relating to the rate structures of public utilities. He asked if this proposed council would have the authority over the Public Uti lities Commi ssion. He asked what the reason behind this bi II was.He referred to Item(3) and said that this section was thoroughly distasteful to him.He did not see how a council could contract with a member of their own counci I. He said that he found both parts highly objectionable. Senator Mi lIer suggested that the author of the bi IIin the Governor1s Office come before the committee to give his reasons and substantiation for the bill. Senator Ray moved and asked unanimous consent that this bi II be held unti I a representative of the Governor could appear to testify.- Senator Mi lIer so ordered. He then asked that Senator Harris comment on Senate Bi II No. 300. Senator Harris said that his drug abuse committee had listened to testimony from the court systems stati ng that they have trouble keeping tabs on people who are on parole. The drug abuse committee,after hearing hours of testimony, unanimously agreed that a change in the parole structure was necessary. He said that he felt this approach was worthy of a try. Senator Miller said that this billwouldset up qualifications and guidelines for appointment to the parole board. Senator Harris agreed. ----------------------- Page 100----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Page Two After discussion relating to the parole system Senator Harris moved that this bi II be held over and asked for unanimous consent. Senator Ray asked for discussion. He asked that the committee remember there had been different discussions in different committees relative to parole procedures. Senator Raysaid that he feels there should be a complete re-evaluation of the parole system, not just a change of the composition of the parole board membership. Senator Miller said that this bill would be held over for further study and review. He then adjourned the meeting. ----------------------- Page 101----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 4, 1974 Present: Senators Kei th Mill er, Retti g, Kerttu Ia, and Harr is Absent: Senator Ray Senator Mi Iler called the meeting to order at 2: 30 in the afternoon. He noted that Senator Thomas was present to testify on Senate Concurrent Resolution No.6, Senate Concurrent Resoluton No. 11, and Senate Joint Resolution No. 44. Senator Thomas referred to Senate Concurrent Resolution No.6,relating to the use of Elmendorf Air Force Base as a "weather alternate" to Anchorage International Ai rport.Senator Thomas said that he supposed that everyone knew that "weather alternate" meant emergency type operation. He said that regardless of what does or does not happen at the Anchorage Internati ona I Ai rport,there will a Iways be a need for an alternate because of the fog. He said that he had done a little checking with the military andit seems to be a concensus that upgrading of the facilities could be done at Elmendorf Air Force Base by the State for the use of the air field as a weather deviation alternate. Senator Mi Iler asked what type of improvements would be necessary. Senator Thomas said that unloading ramps for the 747 jets would be needed, facilities for putting food on board aircraft, provisions for unloadingsanitary facilities, and licensing of vehicles which need to go across town. In summary, arrangements need to be formalized for the use of Elmendorf Air Force Base and an alternate landing site. Senator Kerttula said that he was wondering if t this resolution were passed if there should not be an accompanying definition backing up the resolution and enumerating specifically what type of improvements. Senator Thomas did not object. Senator Thomas said that the resolution was saying that if the situation i is as bad as some pilotssay it is for an alternative, then something should be done about it. Senator Kerttula said that he thought that was a very good idea. ----------------------- Page 102----------------------- MINUTES Page Two Senator Miller asked that Senator Thomas go ri ght on to the next Resol uti on. Senator Thomas said that the need forSenate Joint Resolution No.44 stemmed from the hearings. He said there had been much ado about noise abatement.He said that Division of Aviation statistics state that ninety percent of jet takeoffs are made to the east.He said that he had noted that many, many times planesare directed to take off to the east even when there is no incoming traffic.He said that if we are really interested in noise' abatement, this would be the way to handle it. He said that the Federal Aviation Agency tries now to turn them around at night and encourage west takeoffs. Senator Rettig asked if the old runway didn't have a slope to it. Senator Thomas said that he did not know but it was not enough to make any difference. Again,he said, that if we are really concerned about noise abatement, this would take care of the problem right away. Senator Thomas continued,referring to Senator Concurrent Resolution No. 11, relating to the "Federation International de Ski" cross-country ski races. He said that the Federation International de Ski is just like the Olympics only it is just related to ski ing. These races were conducted in Anchorage and this just throws a bouquet at Anchorage. Those who participated said they had never seen it conducted or done any better. He said that this is just like commending a basketball team. Senator Harris moved we pass Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11 and asked for unanimous consent. Senator Miller, hearing no objection, so ordered. He then thanked Senator Thomas for coming. Senator Mi lIer asked Senator Kerttula if he wanted to make a motion on Senate Concurrent Resolution No.6. Senator Rettig and Senator Harr is said that they wanted to have the testimony of experts on this topic before any action was taken. Senator Mi lIer said the bi II would be held unti I the committee had more testimony on the bi II.Then Senator Mi Iler asked that Senator Rettig prepare a proper amendment for the bi II . Senator Rettig agreed to do so. He then said that, referring to Senate Joint Resolution No. 44, we should not take this up until we had expert testimony by air traffic controllers. ----------------------- Page 103----------------------- MINUTES Page Three Senator Kerttula said that the Transportation Committe would be introducing legislation that was on the same topic and that it might be wise to have some kind of a jointhearing with testimony from allover the state. Senator Miller asked that we look at Senate Joint Resolution No.1. Senator Rettig suggested that the scope of the bi IIbe expanded to include any office holder except those seeking re-election.He asked that we get some testimony from prospective candidates. Senator Harris asked that the sponsor of the bi IItestify.He then requested that it be held over unti I Senator Ray could attend. Senator Kerttula said that would then give the opportunity for the committee to ask if Senator Ray would object to having the bi II be more encompassing. He then asked that Senate Concurrent Resolution No.9 be brought up. Senator Rettig asked if the payment of the new ferry was not conditioned upon the sale of the M/V Wickersham under present law.He said that if we could get the bond issue where this ferry was authorized, that would clear this up. Senator Kerttula asked that we have a hearing with officials from the Department of Public Works. Senator Harris asked that the Minutes of the last two meetings be considered. Senator Rettig moved that the Minutes of the first two State Affairs Committee meetings be approved and asked unanimous consent. Senator Miller hearing no objection so moved. He then adjourned the meeting at 3: 00. ----------------------- Page 104----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 6, 1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller, Kerttula,and Ray Absent: Senators Harris and Rettig Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 00 PM.Senator Miller asked Senator Ray if he had anything he wanted to say to the committee regarding Senate Joint Resolution No. I. Senator Ray said that the thought that the bi II was self explanatory. The reason I am proposing this resolutionis the interest my constituents have shown regarding people in the State Senate using the State Senate as a platform or springboard to mount a campaign for statewide office. In the anticipation that someone in future years might use their position of authority in the Senate to mount a campaign, and someone wants to run for office, he should make formal notice so that others can run for the State offi ce . Senator Mi Iler asked Senator Kerttula if he had any comments. Senator Kerttula wanted to know if local governmentt officials such as mayors might not also have the opportunity for undue advantage. He thought he could support including local government officials in the bill too. Senator Ray said that according tolegal advice that would be an imposition on local government whereas all thi s bi II speaks to or attempts to control are those who are running from the standpoint of alegislative office. To include local government officials might be a hardship to work out down through local government levels -- might be an infringement upon their rights and duties. Senator Ray said that if there were no other questions he would move that the committee put this bi II out with individual recommendations. Senator Mi Iler hearing no objections so ordered. ----------------------- Page 105----------------------- MINUTES Page Two Senator Mi Iler said that Senator Thomas would be allowed to give further information regarding Senate Concurrent Resolution No.6 and Senate Joint Resolution No.44. Senator Thomas referred to the statistical data he had submitted to the committee from the Alaskan Air Command. He said he would be happy to answer any questions the committee might have. He said that the bi lis were just two simple resolution which were good. Senator Miller said that Senate Concurrent Resolution No.6 and Senate Joint Resolution No.44 would be reported out with individual recommendations. Senator Thomas asked if they would be amended. Senator Miller answered in the negative and said that could be done from the Senate floor. Senator Mi Iler adjourned the meeting. APPROVED ----------------------- Page 106----------------------- ,,~ MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 11, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller, Rettig, Kerttula,and Ray Absent: Senator Ray Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 00 in the afternoon.He referred the committee to House Joint Resolution No.59. Senator Miller gave Senator Ziegler the opportunity to speak to the committee rela- tive to the proposed legi s lation. Senator Ziegler said that he was appearing on behalf off all the people in his district and on behalf of the City of Ketchikan.He said that he had not heard from one person who was in favor of this proposed time change. He recommended that this bi II not be passed and added that the was totally opposed to it. Senator Meland referred to copi es of a petition presented to the State Affai rs Committee and said that he hadseveral hundred signatures from his Senate District B and the House District and that they were unanimous in saying that they definitely want no tampering with the time zones. Representative Eliason concurred with the remarks that Senator Meland had made. He said that he had just returned from Sitka that afternoon and that everyone he hd spoken to about this matter, without exception, was opposed to this recommended time change. He read a Resolution from the City and Borough of Sitka.He also referred the committee to an editorial from the local newspaper expressing opposi- tion to this time change. Senator Miller asked Senator Ziegler if he had any further remarks. Senator Ziegler said that Ketchikan was very closely affiliated with Seattle in business connections and it was of inestimable value to be on the same time zone. Reverend Glen Gingery representing the Seventh Day Adventist Church gave his reasons for opposing the time change and presented the committee with backup documents. ----------------------- Page 107----------------------- MINUTES Page Two Senator Ray said that the committee should put a little perspective into this matter. He said that weshould know just what a time zone is and what it includes. He then gave a brief hi story on the establ ishment of time zones. Senator Miller said that Senator Ray had been very informative. Senator Ray said that he was not in favor of the Resolution. He indicated that the attitude of the people in this district would be ten to one opposed to this Resolution. Ginny Kline, a member of the Greater Juneau Borough Assembly,wanted to testify. She said that the Assembly felt the time zone change would be a good idea as far as Juneau was concerned. She did say that the Assembly did not have any public hearings at the time this was considered,however. The Assembly did think that the opinion of Juneau should be based on a majority opinion of SouthEast Alaska, even though the Assembly did pass the Resolution so favoring the time change. Russ Gibson, President of the Juneau Chamber of Commerce,said that the Juneau Chamber had not taken an official stand at this time due to the lack of opportunity to review the question. He said they would like the right to submit written testimony. Senator M i Iter affi rmed that wou Id be a II right. Joseph McLean introduced himself to the committee, saying that he practiced law in the City of Juneau, had lived here most of his life, and was the Mayor of Juneau from 1970 to 1972.He said that House Joi nt Resolution No. 59 had been a subject that he had felt had been very important for Juneau.In essence Juneau is on double day light saving time. He gave a brief history of the choosing of Pacific Time for the City of Juneau by city officials in 1938.He thought that pushing up the time zone would be a step toward uniting Juneau with all of Alaska. He said that it was not unique that a change of time zone was being talked about at this time and referred to a time study currently under way which would change the time of most of the United States. Senator Rettig asked if Prince Rupert was on a one hour difference time zone. Mr.McLean explainedthat the Canadians have not changed to day light saving time yet. Senator Rettig noted that we all do busi ness wi th Seattle, Portland,and San Francisco and that out in the Westwardit was extremely difficult at times to do business with ----------------------- Page 108----------------------- MINUTES Page Three coastalcities who are on other times. He said he would think it would be better tomove the other di rection -- to move Anchorage closer to this time rather than to move this one backward. Senator Ray agreed that the great help would be bringing Anchorage time forward, not setti ng SouthEast ti me back. William B.(Bart)Rozell, and Attorney in Juneau, introduced himself and said that he appreciated the difficulty of the two hour time difference.He said, though, that the only people from Juneau he had found who supported the Resolution were Mrs. Banfield and Mr. McLean. He had discussed this resolution with the Recreation Department of the City and Borough of Juneau -- this would obviously cut off an hour of everything that they could do. As an example, there would be only two thirds the number of softball games during the spring. He continued that he and everyone to whom he had spoken opposed this proposed time change. Don Dickey, President of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, introduced himself and said that he had taken a telephone poll and he could find no one in any of the SouthEast Alaska communities who were not opposed to the proposed time change. EdCahi II introduced himself.He said that he worked for the Department of Highways here in Juneau and wanted the record to show that he spoke as an individual and not as a Department representative. He said that he was very much opposed to the proposed time change. He indicated that he for one really enjoyed the timeset up the way it is now -- he would like to have the same for next winter. He really liked having one hour of daylight after work during the winter. Senator Kerttula substantiated what Mr. Cahi II had said by saying that what he meant was that he would like to leave the time exactly as it is. Mr. Cahi II affi rmed that was correct. Representative Banfield testified that this bill wouldindeed bring us closer to our sister communities in Alaska. She said that she also had had a great number of people talking to her and with the exception of Mr. Rozellall the people were in favor of this proposed time change.She said that the thing she had not heard anyone say much about was the matter of communi cations. At the present time we may have more business with people in Seattle and on the West Coast, but with the growth of the State and the building of the pipeline that is not going to be the way. Business people here in Juneau are interested in closing up the time ----------------------- Page 109----------------------- '- MINUTES Page Four barrier. She had had many people from Anchorage complain to her that they have difficulty in getting lines into Juneau. One of the reasons is that business must be conducted during limited hours. People get so emotional on the subject of discussing something with our clocks that they really don't want tolisten to anything else. What the Resolution is really saying is that the people of Anchorage really want to make the effort to do business with the peopleof SouthEast. It is not right when you think that a few people in the state are not willing to incon- venience themselves for the good of the greater number.She said that she understood the Resolution had already been disposed of but she just had to come and appear so that the commi ttee did not act from the standpoi nt of ignorance. Senator Ray said that Mrs. Banfield was surely voicing a very strong and com- pelling argument for the people for whom she is speaking. But he certainly would not attempt to tell the rest of SouthEast Alaska how they should sacrifice themse Ives for the rest of the state. Mrs.Banfield said that when this Resolution was on the Floor of the House it was brought up about bringing Anchorage one hour closer to Juneau time, but that could not be done in this Resolution. It would have to be done separately. Malcolm Hunt of the Resurrection Lutheran Church introduced himself to the commi ttee and said that he wasin favor of the ti me zone. He strong Iy recommended that we get more in gear with the movement of the sun. Senator Meland expressed the thought that there might not be quite so much emotionalism if more people who would be effected by this time change had been consulted about it. Mrs.Banfield said that it seemed so awfully right to everyone in the House. Senator Miller asked if anyone on the committee wished to give more information. Senator Ray said he would like to thank everyone for coming and speaking so honestly and forthrightly. Senator Miller adjourned the meeting at 2: 52 in the afternoon. ----------------------- Page 110----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 12, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller,Rettig,and Ray Senators Kerttula and Harris present, but late Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 00 in the afternoon. He referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 271, State Employees Base Salary Schedule, and noted that Senator Si Iides, the sponsor of the bi II, was present to address the committee. Senator Rettig said that before discussions began, and in view of the balloting and discussions going on currently, he thought it would be appropriate to defer any action on this subject unti I later. Senator Ray concurred. He noted that two thousand ballots had been submitted so far and he thought that action on this bi II might bias the negotiations currently going on. Senator Silides said that he would agree. He said that he would not support it if there were the opportunity for this bill to promulgate any bias. He did not wish to bias anyone. He probably had not given this full thought. However, when the time comes,he thought the issue that should be addressed was that this committee and the Legislature does have the right to go on record stating what the opposition mayor may not be. Senator Si lides said that aside from the timing factor with which he tended to agree, he would not like to interfere in any way with due process but as prime sponsor he would suggest that the committee waituntil the balloting has been completed. He wouldask that his letter be read so that these views could be held in mind when the timefor discussions arises. Senator Miller said that at therequest of the prime sponsor, this bill would be held over until the balloting of the Alaska Public Employees Association has ~~de::~::::Dmeeting adjourned. ----------------------- Page 111----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 13, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller,Rettig,Kerttula, and Harris Absent: Senator Ray Senator Mi IIer called the meeting to order at 2: 05 in the afternoon. He referred the committee to Senate Concurrent Resolution No.9 and made note of the fact that Commi ss ioner Eas ley, Department of Pub Ii c Works, and Capta in Lockert of the Division of Marine Transportation were present. Senator Miller asked Commissioner Easley to proceed with his testimony. Commissioner Easley said that his Department had done a fairly extensive "-.--/ study last year relative to the Southeast -Southcentral connection of the Alaska Marine Highway and after reviewing the material he found that it was still current.He gave three copies to the Committee for their use.He said that if the Department were to run the Wickersham with the waiver of the Jones Act it would be run from Ketchikan to Seward and without the waiver it would have to be run from Seward to Price Rupert. The cost of this service in 1974 would be a net loss of 1.5 million dollars comparing with the revenue loss of other vessels on the system. The comparison of running an American bottom vessel on the same route could be seen by referring to the basic curve on the subsidy found on page 29 of the study provided to the committee. He noted that the decisions of whether to keep the vessel or sell it is apparently not within the purvue of the Department of Public Works. Senator Kerttula asked if he was saying that at the moment with all factors cnsidered, the Wickersham was cheaper to run. Commissioner Easley said that was so. The total subsidy for the first five years would beless for the Wickersham. Senator Kerttula asked if the statement in the Resolution that the Columbia would, not be ready unti I late in 1974 was true. ----------------------- Page 112----------------------- MINUTES Page Two Commissioner Easley said that they had met with the shipyard people and they expect to receive shipment on April 26th.If the ship is not ready then we are in real problems for we are sold out for that vessel. He said that the engines have been tlJrned over and are operating. The shipyard has been told that the revenue capacity for one trip is $200,000 and if the ship is not ready, he expected the shipyard to pick up that tab. Senator Miller asked if the Commissioner felt the Vancouver terminus would be better. Commissioner Easley said he preferred the Prince Rupert terminus -- noted that it was a shorter run, for one reason. Senator Kerttula asked if the economic picture was entirely negative in the subject of running to Seward. Commissioner Easley said that it was slightly more negative than the rest of the system,but added that the potential for the SouthEast -- Southwest connection was tremendous. Senator Kerttula said it seemed to him that it was in the state's best interest to apply for some use of the rai Iroad system too to tie into the complete system. Commissioner Easley noted that if the Wickersham were put on the SouthEast-- Southcentral run she would need some minor modifications and adjustments for excepti ona Ily rough waters she wou Id be goi ng through. Senator Miller asked if he had any idea of the cost of these. Commissioner Easley replied that it would be about $10,000. Senator Rettig asked if the present sale for the Wickersham went through, what would be the delivery date. Commissioner Easley said that frankly he did not know,he had not had a detai led discussion with Commissioner Henri. He would assume that the buyer not expect delivery unti I the lOth of May when the requested ten salings would be completed. Don Dickey said that the Governor's Advisory Board on Tourism had gone on record as recommending that the Wickersham be put back into operation rather than be left sitting idle. He also wanted tolet the committee know that an exercise in futility was trying to get an extended waiver from the Jones Act. ----------------------- Page 113----------------------- MINUTES Page Three Then Mr. Dickey asked if the State would need two ferries of the class of the Wickersham and the Columbia. Commissioner Easley said they would not in 1974, unless it was the intent to develop a brand new route.In any further planning including the Wickersham, it was the opinion of the Commissioner, that it would be better to plan on not having the use of the vessel,rather than to plan any use in relation to the waiver of the Jones Act. Senator Miller asked if there were any other questions from members of the committee. Senator Harris asked what the per-day cost of the run from SouthEast to Southcentra I was. Commissioner Easley said that the Wickersham has an operating cost of about $11,000 per day which would be the same anywhere, not counting the revenue. He illustrated by showing that the totalcost of the Wi ckersham last year was 3.8 mi Ilion dollars compared with 2.3 mi II ion dollars generated in revenue. These fgures were based on figures avai lable March,1973 figures using the normal ten-month operational basis. When the Wickershamis just sitting, it costs $2,000 per day. Senator Kerttula asked if we shouldn't have someone from the Department of Administration testify before the committee concerning this Resolution. Senator Rettig thought that this Resolution might be appropriate the end of Apr i I when the ten-week temporary use has come to an end and when we know whether or not we have a sa Ie. Senator Mi Iler said he did have one amendment to recommend. He asked that the last paragraph bedeleted inasmuch as Legislative Affairs Agency has said that this should be deleted. He asked for unanimous consent which was given. Senator Rettig asked that we get some one from the Department of Administration to come before the committee to testify. Senator Miller said that the committee would hold Senate Concurrent Resolution No.9 over and have another meeting at which time a Department of Administration representative would be present.He then declared the meeting adjourned. ----------------------- Page 114----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 15, 1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller, Kerttula,Rettig,Harris,and Ray Senator Mi lIer called the meeting to order at 2: 00 PM. He referred the committee to Senate Bill No.370, employment of relatives of members of the Legislature. Senator Miller noted that Representative Helen Fischer was among those who wi shed to speak concerni ng the bi 1/and invi ted her to be fi rst. Representative Fischer said that rather than hiring relatives when there are so many young people who are trying to work their way through school,and go on through, she thought that it was just plain blatant nepotism to hire relatives. She said that she had seven grandchi Idren growing up and as long as she was in the Legislature, the committee could besure that none of them would get a whack at a job. Senator Harris said that some sons and daughters of Legislators were also working their way through college. Representative Fischer responded that it would be the same rul ing as now exists in the State departments and the Governor1s office. Senator Ray proposed an amendment to page I, line 15, reading,"delete the period andadd"during a general or special legislative session. IIHe said he would not mind a son or daughter working forLegislative Affairs when there is not a session in progress.When thelegislative session is not in progress, the person would not be coming in contact with their father or mother. Representative Fischer said that many times in this Legislature we are speaking on things and she just didn't want some person standing near and listening over her shoulder and then running to tell Daddy or Mama. Senator Kerttula said that he agreed with Senator Ray but he thought that there wassome unfairness in this as Senator Harris had pointed out. But he thought the subject of appearance should be taken into consideration. Public interest is better served by a nepotism law but there is some unfairness as Jess had just said. ----------------------- Page 115----------------------- MINUTES Page Two Senator Ray said that he thought if a Legislator wanted to take the responsibi lity of hiring a relative, then they should work for him personally so he can be responsible for them. They should not be shuffled around and have to work for others -- to slink them around and hide them within thelegislative process was wrong, to him. Representative Hackney said that a great deal of the testimony that he had to offer covered the same ground that Representative Fischer had offered.The dictionary definition of the word"nepotism" reads in party because of relation- ship and not according to merit or knowledge.He thought this was wrong, but hastened to add that this did not impute any lack of competence or knowledge on the part of those relatives working on the Floor this year. The nature of this bi II, he said, shou Id be addressed to a concept and not to specific persons.He hoped for the good of succeeding Legislatures this billwould be passed now. Representative Hackney then said that he could live very nicely with Senator Ray's amendment.After a little bit of research, he could find no record of nepotism law in other states. Senator Rettig added that was also true of the United States Congress. Senator Rettig moved that the committee go into executive session. Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Miller called the meeting back to order. Senator Kerttula asked that the Journal reflect Senator Ray's reasoning for this amendment. Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Rettig moved that an amendment by added effecting the date, part of line 16 deleted and all of line 17 and in its place, after the word "on", the words IIJanuary1, 1975" be added. Senator Harris moved that on line 14 after the word "government" the words "unless hired by a Legislator and working under the direct supervision of a Legislator. II ----------------------- Page 116----------------------- MINUTES Page Three Representative Fischer said that if you accepted this amendment, you would no longer have a nepotism bi II at all. She would be against this were she a member of the comm ittee . Senator Kerttula pointed out that nepotism pertained to employment of relatives. Senator Ray moved that thi s bi II be passed out wi th the two amendments. Senator Kerttula seconded it. All voted in favor with the exception of Senator Harris. The motioncarried. Senator Kerttula asked that we take up Senate Senate Joint Resolution No. 53 at this time. Senator Rettig moved that the bi II be passed ou and asked for unanimous consent. Senator Miller hearing no objections so ordered. Senator Miller declared the meeting adjourned. Copy of testimony of Representative Glen Hackney attached ----------------------- Page 117----------------------- February 15, 1974 Mr.Chairman: Thebill youare consideringtodaycan be veryneatly summed up in one word-ffnepotism."Thedictionary defin- ition gives this as"favoritism shownto nephews or other relatives as by giving them positions because of their re- lationship rather thanon their merits." Introductionof thisbill in theSenate, I am sure, andintroductionof a companion bill in theHouse does notimputeanylackof meritor competence to anyof the relatives, of whatever distance in relationship,whonow workin thelegislature. In fact,qUitethecontrary.Con- sideration of thebill,in committee or on thefloorof either body shouldnotconsider anythingb~t a concept, theconcept of ugingpolitical prestige andinfluence to ensure employment of relatives. ML Chairman, the trust that citizens of the State of Alaska place in theduly elected representatives andsena- torscan notbe construed to hangupon thetenuous thread of theconcept addressed in this bill. However, theem- ployment of relatives is a particularly visible thingto the people, giventhe fishbowl atmosphere in which,quite rightly, the public business is transacted. For thisrea- son,if for noother,thislegislature will bedoing it- sel f andfuturel~slatures in thisstate a veryrealfa- vorby speedily enacting this piece of legislation# '''--'' ----------------------- Page 118----------------------- Page2 Nepotism Bill if by so doing westrengthen to evena very slight degree the confidence thatthe peopleof Alaskahavein politic- ians,thenI think agreatdeal will have been accomplished by thisbill. ----------------------- Page 119----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 20, 1974 Joint Hearing with the House State Affairs Committee Present: Senators Kei th Miller, Bill Ray and Jess Harri s Representatives Helen Fischer, Joe McGill, Ed Naughton, Dick Eliason Mike Miller,and John Huber Mrs.Fischer called the meeting to order at 1: 40 in the afternoon. She introduced Senator Keith Miller,Chai rman of the Senate State Affai rs Committee, and the other members of both committees. Mrs.Fischer referred the joint hearing to Senate Concurrent Resolution No.4, relating to the Far North Bicentennial Park Proposal. She invited Charles Parr, Chairman of the Alaska American Revolution Bicentennial Commission to address the comm ittees . Mr. Parr gave a brief background of the function and history of the Bicentennial Commission.During the meetings of the Bicentennial Commission, several proposals have been presented to the Commission for consideration. The state commission had adopted the three main thrusts of the NationalBicentennial Commission. The proposal for the Bicentennial Park in Anchorage fits under the"Horizon176" theme which is primarily involved withimproving the quality of life for future generations. Mrs.Fischer noted that the Commission ran on a very limited budget. She asked if the Commission expected any funds from the national budget. Mr. Parr said that they hadso far received a total of $45,000, $40,000 from the national budget and $5,000 appropriated by the Legislature. This budget includes the salary of the Executive Secretary and secretarial staff. Mr. McGi II said that this was his fifth term in office and each term there was some form of promotion or planned rip-off for this piece of land. Dorie Clark, the Director of Parks and Recreation of the Greater Anchorage Area Borough, gave a presentation accompanied by projected drawings showing the planned use of the area as an urban park. ----------------------- Page 120----------------------- MINUTES Page Two Senator Ray questioned the choice of the name "Far North Bicentennial Park".He felt that it would be unwise for the Legislature to approve that name for the park inasmuch as it sounds as though the Anchorage park is the only Bicentennial effort in Alaska. He also wantedit clearly understood that he,for one, would not be able to support any request for state financialaid for the park. Mr.Parr assured Senator Ray that no allocation of funds had been asked for at that time, and it was not the intention of the Commission to ask for funds for this project at all from the State Legislature. If Bicentennial funds were requested for this project, they wouldhave to be considered just as every other application for funds would be treated.He could state categorically, he said, that no special favoritism would beshown to that project. Mrs.Clark said that since there were no funds involved, this really didn't compete wi th any other project in the state. She said that thi s was on Iy a request that the Legislature endorse this as a good project for the Bicentennial Celebration. Other projects that are bei ngreviewed and wi IIbe reviewed by the state Bicentennial Commission can be ruled on apart from this one. Mr.Huber asked about access to the park. Mrs.Clark answered that there was already good access to the proposed park area from Tudor Road and Abbott Loop Road and a proposed extension of Dowl ing Road. The existing Campbell Airfield Road goes right through the proposed park area. She added that they we re not propos ing extens ive roads into the area.The roads to the park are there now. Proposed new roads would be under five mi les. Access to the area is excellent now. Senator Ray asked if there were no anticipation of Federal funds and the Bureau of Land Management has already stated that this landis surplus, why are we citing this in with the Bicentennial project. Mrs.Clark said that differing agencies have asked for the use of thisland and this is the best use of this land and better than cutting it up into chunks to be subdivided.She said that they believed that this is public land and should have the best use for thepublic for years to come as well as protection of the Anchorage water system watershed. ----------------------- Page 121----------------------- MINUTES Page Three Representative Fischer said this project wi" not cost us anything and we wanted one good project which the entire community would help with. There had been strong community interest, area wide, in helping with this proposed park plan. Mr.Parr was asked where Bicentennial funds thus far awarded had gone. He outlined: Seward received $5,000 Homer recei ved$5,000 Tanana Valley Fai r Association, $5,000 Sitka received $5,000 Juneau received $7,500 Senator Ray asked that line 6 page 2 be amended by placing a period after the wordIIcenterll and deleting the rest of that paragraph. Mr.Parr felt that this would weaken the case with the Bureau of Land Management. Mr. Huber agreed with Senator Ray's suggested amendment. Mr. McGi II agreed with comments made by Mr. Huber and proposed amendment of Senator Ray. Senator Harris said that he wou Id not support the suggested amendment. He thought Anchorage should be the center of the Bicentennial celebration. Mrs.Fischer hoped that thi s does not get to be a sectional question. Ed Naughton said that he would like to know what the other proposals for use of that land to the Bureau of Land Management were. Senator Ray wanted to go on record supporting this concept one hundred percent. He just thought every community should have an opportunity to use the allocation. Rita Hendrickson of Anchorage read short remarks giving the reasons for the IIHorizons for '76 11 aims with the emphasis on the future. Mr. McGillsaid he had his doubts about the Resolution. Gwynneth Wi Ison testified that a good crosscut of the people and community have supported this concept with a sense of unity. ----------------------- Page 122----------------------- MINUTES Page Four Chester Zenone, a hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey, supported the proposed use of the land.He offered the committee background information of the importance of maintaining this watershed free from additional development. Senator Miller asked under this proposal what would happen to the airstrip itself. Mr. Zenone said the Bureau of Land Management would continue to use it for five to ten years for fire fighting purposes only, then would phase it out. Dianna Wade, President of the Federation of Alaska Women I sCI ubs descri bed the relation of the Federation of Alaska Women1s Clubs to individual women1s clubs, of which the Anchorage Women1s Club was a member.She referred to the concept as a park for all. She said that the Alaska Federation would be supporitng the desires of the Anchorage Club to obtain this area as a Bicentennial park. Mrs.Fischer said she would get in touch with the Bureau of Land Management and ascertain what other applications have been submitted for the committee to study. Mr. Naughton wished to express special thanks to Mrs. Clark. Mrs.Fischer adjourned the meejing and thanked the people who hadcome to testify. ----------------------- Page 123----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 21, 1974 Joint Hearing with the Senate Finance Committee Present: Keith Miller, Rettig, Groh,Silides, Poland,Palmer Mike Mi IIer, Terry Gardiner Senator Mi IIer called the meeting to order at 2: 05 PM. He referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 350 and Senate Bill No. 351. He introduced the members of each committee. Don Berry,the Executive Director of the Alaska MunicipalLeague,was asked to testify first. Mr.Berry asked that Bi II Boardman of Ketchikan be allowed to address the committee.He explained that he was available to testify for members of the Legislature throughout the legislative session, and wouldrather that those from out of town speak today. Bi II Boardman explained that he was Vice President and a Board Member of the Southeast Conference,he represented the City of Ketchikan during the legislative session,and he was a member of the Transportation Committee of the City of Ketchikan. He gave a brief history of the Southeast Conference, indicating that the main thrust of the program is attention to matters of transportation. Since the direction of their effort to this topic, they have seen the Marine Highway extended, then a network of trunk airports in each community.This bill is the top priority of the SouthEast Conference. This is one of the most significant needs of the entire system -- every major community almost has some real sophisticated needs in this area of port faci lities. The concept of a statewide port authority has been bandied around for several years and seems to have some problems; but this bi II would be a step toward meeting the concept of a grant system. To fully fund the package the bill should expend 25 million dollars instead of 20 million dollars. Cordova should be included in the projects and programs. He repeated that this proposed bi II does have such widespread and universal support -- the program fits in beautifully with the needs of each of the communities statewide. Mr. E. J. Emery introduced himself and stated that he was representing the City of Juneau. He said that Juneau was tryi ng to work toward the development ----------------------- Page 124----------------------- MINUTES Page Two of port faci Iities. He asked to submit a report from the City and Borough of Juneau. He felt every seaport community should have some type of port faci lity. He explained why the provision in the bi II that a project be"economi- cally feasible" could be a stumbling block. He pointed out that the State had underwritten the development of ai rport faci Iities throughout the State. He doubted that all of them were economically feasible but they were a need.He used the same illustration pertaining to small boat harbors and drew the conclusion that whether port faci lities are economically feasible or not,in a sea port communi ty they are a need. He wi shed to go on record in support of Senate Bill No. 350 and Senate Bill No.351. James Eide,the City Manager of the City of Ketchikan, introduced himself to the committee and said that he felt this one bond package was an investment in the State and wi II return dollars to the State. It wi II be a good investment to the State.He said he would address his remarks to the cruise ships or tour ships figure of port traffic.This is becoming a very large,very attractive industry. He said that in 1973 40,000 tourists had visited Ketchikan. He estimated that in1974 ,50,000 would be able to; and based on projected tour ship dockings, he would project that 100,000 passengers would be stopping in Ketchikan in 1975.This included a total of 150 calls of the cruise ships.He said they count the number of hours these tourists are in the city. If we have no port facilities, they can only spend half as much time in the city as if the ship could be docked. If they cannot come into the city, they are not going to be spending any money in the city, in Alaska. With a port faci lity the number of dollars these tourists would bespending in Alaska could be doubled or tripled. The tour ship industry is going to be a large part of the economy of Ketchikan. Senator Groh asked what extent of port faci lities in Ketchikan there were in round dollar figures. Mr.Eide said that the old Alaska Steam Company faci Iity was there, but that it would not be available to cruise ships. Senator Groh asked what wou Idit cost to bu i Id the dock that they contemp lated. Mr.Eide said it would be about $750,000 -- that was an estimate of four years ago and the estimate would have to be updated now. Senator Groh asked if the city could afford to bui Id the dock on their own bonding capacity at this time. Mr.Eide replied in the negative -- they would not be able to. ----------------------- Page 125----------------------- MINUTES Page Three Senator Silides asked if the community could afford to support a twenty-percent assessment, or matchi ng share. Mr. Eide replied that it could. Senator Groh asked how many people are in the Ketchikan area. Mr. Eide repl ied between ten and twe Ive thousand. Senator Groh asked if they couldn't bond themselves for this faci lity.Mr.Eide explained that they were bonding for sewer, water improvements and street improvements,and he was afraid that was all the community could stand. Mr.Erwin Davis,Port Director for the Port of Anchorage, City of Anchorage, introduced himself to the Committees' members.He said that he supported the spi rit and objectives of the legislation now under consideration.He thought it would be helpful to make a few comments on the operation of the Port of Anchorage.The City of Anchorage has long recognized the need for marine terminalfacilities. He submitted a copy of a statement which he read for the Comm ittees . Senator Palmer asked what the ratio of earnings to debt service was. Mr. Davis said that there was a shortfall of earnings in relation to debt service. This year it was about one half a mi Ilion dollars shortfall but with the proposed new construction, they would begin to go backward.In 1962 - 1963 the short- fall had been one mi Ilion dollars. Senator Groh asked if it was possible to make up some of the shortfall by rates. He wanted to know if the rates cou Idn' t be increased.Mr.Davi s said that he did not believe the raising of rates was the answer.That would have to be approved by the Federal Maritime Commission.Ports are not historically money-making operations. Senator Groh asked if Mr. Davis wassuggesting that allocated amounts on Senate Bill No.350 should be changed. Mr. Davis said that it appeared to him that the allocations for the various cities was a little arbitrary at that time. He thought consideration should be given to the populace served by the communities. Senator Palmer expressed concern about small communities who have no tax base and yet pay a large share of fueltax -- they have not gotten any of the bonding proposals of the past. ----------------------- Page 126----------------------- MINUTES Page Four Mr.Davis suggested that other criteria could be used than pure population. Senator Rettig asked for the total tonnage over the Anchorage dock. Mr.Davis said that 2,012,000 tons was the amount of tonnage last year. Senator Rettigasked how much of thi s goes beyond Anchorage. Mr.Davis said that less than fifty percent of the total is designated for Anchorage per se.Senator Rettig then asked what he felt Anchorage's reasonable existing needs at this time were. Mr.Davis said that construction in the estimate of six million dollars, but then referred to existing bonds in the amount of three mi II ion dollars leaving fifty percent of that total, or three mi Ilion dollars. Sam Coxson, the City Manager of Dillingham introduced himself to the Committees. He said that he just wanted to go into what these funds wi II mean to the people in Dillingham. They have about one thousand people.If the City and the Dillingham area are to grow significantly,it is going to depend very heavi lyon water freight.The referendum for these two bi lis would receive wide support if this measure were to be passed, he was sure. Senator Rettig asked who owned the dock in Dillingham. Mr.Coxson replied that the Ciiy does, but it is not adequate for ocean going barges carrying freight. It is all right for fishing vessels. Jim Filips, the City Manager of Seward,introduced himself to the Committees,and said that the citizens of Seward certainly do support this measure. He said that they feel that this wi II permit development that would not otherwise be possible or feasible.He also felt it was best to have more opportunities for port facilities, rather than having all our eggs in one basket in the State. He said that what we werelooking at is that the City of Seward would like to be a partnership in the pros- perity of the State. Senator Rettig asked if the mai n dock was not owned by the Alaska Rai IRoad. Mr.Fi Iips repl ied that the dock was being used very poorly.He said that the City had asked that they be given a deed to the dock property. " -----/Senator Rettig asked if the fi shery bui Idup in Seward had not been an exciting development. ----------------------- Page 127----------------------- MINUTES Page Five Mr.Filips said yes, the development of the Fourth Avenue dock facilities would be a possibility to be rebuilt into an operating,usable dock.The bulk of the tonnage is hand Ied over the ci ty docks at the present ti me. Mr.Jack Isadore, the City Manager of the City of Kodiak,introduced himself to the Committees' members. He said that Kodiak was the second largest port in the state;the second largest port of export for fish products in the United States. He pointed out that Kodiak had three times the fishing fleet that it could accomodate. They have a realneed for fishermen's warehouses. He urged the Committees not to amend the bi IIin any manner. He further urged the Committees to put this before the voters as quickly as possible. He concluded by adding that Kodiak was the westward shipping point for the western part of Alaska. Herb McNabb, the City Manager of the City of Wrangell,said that he supported Senate BillNo.350 and Senate BillNo.351 with the amendments proposed by the Southeast Conference. He said there is a need to update the Wrangell faci Iity to handle modular homes and bulkier freight without the inconvenience of waiting for tides.He said that Wrangell is sort of the center of a logging industry and acts as the center of the incoming and outgoing freight forlogging communities. The only way that Wrangell could possibly upgrade the facility is through support such as outlined in Senate Bill No. 350 and Senate BillNo.351. They just don't generate enough income to undertake such a project themselves. He then referred to a long range plan in Wrangell to challenge the development of ore deposits twenty or twenty-five mi lesinland to use Wrangellas a freight port and port of exporti ng the ore. Senator Silides asked if they wouldexpect to make the dock itself pay through wharfage fees. Mr. McNabb said yes, he thought they cou Id take in more in wharfage fees than it wou Id cost. Roland Lynn, the City Manager of Nome, introduced himself to the Committees and then read a statement in which thesupport of the City of Nome was outlined as wellas the desperate need for a docking faci lity. Senator Rettig asked if at the present time he hadsaid that barges were unloaded one half mi Ie off shore.Mr.Lynn answered in the affirmative. Senator Rettig asked if a new facility could be built far enough out in deep water. Mr. Lynn repl ied that it could be. ',---' ----------------------- Page 128----------------------- MINUTES Page Six Senator Rettig asked if it would be a causeway type construction which would not be subject to ice flows.Mr.Lynn replied that was correct. Don Statter, Director of the Division of Waters and Harbors, introduced himself to the Committees and brought to attention several books available in the Finance Committee room which would provide good background material. One of the books is entitled, Arctic Marine Commerce and the other, Alaska Trade Story. He said that in copies of a report avai lable the needs of each of the communities is treated in detai I. Hesden Scougal, City Manager of Petersburg,introduced himself to the Committees, and said that they in Petersburg support these bills, Senate Bill No. 350 and Senate Bill No. 351,for the one reason that they have no port.The commerce that comes in comesin on the marine highway system or barge. They are a total resource community of 2,300 people,based on fishing and logging. Senator Rettig asked what tonnage was brought into Petersburg on the marine highway system and barges. Mr.Scougal answered 150 tonsa day.Then said they also want to attract the tourist dollar. This bill would be good for them because it would give them a chance to broaden the i r income. Bill Moran, the Mayor of Ketchikan, introduced himself to the Committees, and elaborated on subjects brought up by Mr. Eide and Mr. Boardman. He also stated that they were a gateway city for various small communities. He referred to the strictness, almost strangulation, of environmental laws and feltKetchikan was well advised to look for a supplement to its income from logging to the industry of tourism. Their present facilities are extremely poor for a town of their size. Most of their incoming freight comes across a faci lity under lease to a barge company. He hearti Iy endorsed the bi lis and felt the State would get thei rmoney back once these port faci lities have tied the communities of Southeast Alaska together. Frank Mullen testified on behalf of the amount allotted in the billto Kasilof. Senator Mi Iler adjourned the meeting at 4: 00 P. M. PPROVED ----------------------- Page 129----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 25th, 1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller, Rettig, Ray,Kerttula, and Harris Senators Terry Mi Iler and Groh Senator Miller ca lied the meeting to order at 2: 03 P. M. Senator Miller referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 143 and noted that the sponsor of the bi II, Terry Mi lIer, was present. Senator Terry Mi lIer said that this bi II amended the Hatch Act. Senator Kerttula asked if through collective bargaining the employees did not already have a tremendous toolfor redressing grievances.He was not sure if, by passing this bi II, we would not be providing greater opportunity for State employees than for other citizens. He noted that they have a tremendous tool already. James Cameron, the Acting Executive Director of the Alaska Public Employees Association said that some of the problems he hadhad -- last year,for instance, the basic problem was that the employees did not know if they were subject to the Federal Hatch Act or not and did not know what the state Hatch Act was.Most people want to participate in political rallies, want to vote on referendums, do want to have the right to vote on the issues and campaign. Senator Kerttula asked if publ ic employees as a rule wanted to go to conventions. Mr. Cameron replied that they did, but their main thrust was to get a sense of education across to State employees.He said at thi s time they just want to be able to vote, to look at the issues, to educate the publ ic employee about the pros and cons of issues and candidates. He reiterated that the public employees did not know where they stood as far as the Federal and State Hatch Acts. He explained that a separate public employees corporation committee gave out information about candidates and issues during the last cmapaign -- but whi Ie it was the same people, it was not the Alaska Public Employees Association,but a separate entity. Senator Groh asked where the money for EPEC (the separate campaign corporation) came from. Mr. Cameron said that it was contributed money, it was not dues money. ----------------------- Page 130----------------------- MINUTES Page Two Senator Terry Millersaid that most of the issues that effect public employees' pocketbooks have been removed by collective bargaining. Mr. Cameron said that he believed that because of collective bargaining and Alaska Public Employees Association education of public employees, they were more concerned with political issues. Senator Ray summarized that what it came down to was that the public employees want to have the same rights as everyone else has. Senator Terry Miller asked Mr. Cameron if he favored the bill.He said he did as it was originally written. Senator Harris said that somewhere we must draw a line on what management really means referring to pol itical parties -- maybe the bi II goes too far. He asked if the office of precinct committeeman or precinct committeewoman would be cons idered management. After further discussion Senator Kerttula moved that a committee substitute be drafted. Senator Ray moved that a subcommittee of himself, Senator Rettig,and Senator Harris meet with the sponsor, Senator Terry Mi Iler, and draw up a committee substitute ready for the meeting the following day. Senator Mi Iler declared that,hearing no objections, Senator Ray's motion was so ordered. Senator Keith Miller than referred the Committee to Senate Resolution No.1, and invited Senator Terry Miller to give his remarks. Senator Ter ry Miller sa id that in essence if thi s were adopted, it expressed the sense of the Senate that, first of all since the advent of the one man, one vote decisions of the United States Supreme Court, many feel that the balance of the Legislature, the check and balance system, many feel there should be a difference in representation -- all of Anchorage,all of Homer, -- while the House represents simi lar subunits.In essence, if the Senate adopts the argument that it represents large, socially economic units and leave the House to represent special districts, the Senators that were elected last year should be allowed to continue toserve. Senator Groh said that the Senate had expressed itself on the idea of four-year staggered terms.Just because you have reapportionment, the terms should not be termi nated. ----------------------- Page 131----------------------- MINUTES Page Three Senator Ray said that the only opposition he would have to this was that he was a firm supporter of the single member district and under those conditions, he did not see how he could findin a position of not supporting his Governor after the study of the reapportionment board.He had not quarrel with the districting of the Anchorage area but he did have a question about terminating those elected to serve. Senator Kerttula said that he also did not believe the terms of those elected should be cut off. He does believe that each Senator should represent an area or district. He thinks the Senate should be districted or should be statewide. Senator Terry Mi lIer said that since recent UnitedStates Supreme Court rul ings, the section of the constitution addressing reapportionment is no longer val id. Senator Ray said that if the bi II were changed just to address the terms, he would support it one hundred percent. Senator Terry Miller said that if the bi II were going to have some validity before the court it had to be more than a self serving plan to continue the terms of four Senators. The Senate should also go into the area of what is the nature of representation between the House and Senate.This is going to have to get into the question of what thi s reapportionment is all about. Senator Kerttula said that he felt strongly enough about knocking off the terms of Senators, that he felt it was dead wrong,that if this is the only Resolution we can get out, he would vote for it. SEnator Groh said that he agreed with Senator Ray that we have not addressed reapportionment,but if we cannot get through a simple Resolution saying that a guy1s term should not be cut, he didn't know how we were going to get anything more through. There are not single member districts in other area of the state, he pointed out, the single member district is not a valid argument.The reapport- ionment plan under which the last election was held was a court decided plan. It could not be any better a plan if you worked on it for years and years. It seemed to him for that reason that those elected should stay in office unti I their terms expired. Senator Terry Millersaid that he just thought that we ought to make a Senate Resolution to the Court. Senator Harris moved that the Resolution be moved out. Senator Ray objected. ----------------------- Page 132----------------------- MINUTES Page Four Senator Keith Mi Iler asked for a show of hands for the motion to move the bi II out of committee.Three responded.The bi II was passed out of committee with individual recommendations, three of which were 1100 Pass ll and one IINo Recommen- dation."Senator Miller adjourned the meeti ng . ----------------------- Page 133----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE February 26th, 1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller, Ray,Kerttula, and Harris Senator Terry Mi lIer Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 00 PM. He said that the committee would again consider Senate Bill NO. 143, and invited Senator Terry Miller to discuss the Committee Substitute. Senator Terry Miller said that the subcommittee had drafted the committee substitute for Senate Bill 143 along the lines of the original Hatch Act. He explained the reason ing for each change. Senator Keith Miller asked Mr.James Cameron(Acting Executive Director of the Alaska Public Employees Association) if he had any comment. Mr. Cameron said that line19 relating to management in a political party might be misconstrued. Senator Terry Mi lIer said that meant they were allowed to attend a political convention,but not act in a capacity of party officeholder. He felt this drew theline of actual involvement in a political party. Senator Kerttula asked that they put this out to the Floor. Senator Ray said that he had one question on that part of party management because sometimes in Juneau it is tough to get precinct representatives. Senator Ray moved we strike the period on line 20 and add the words "above the committee level. II He asked for unanimous consent for his motion. Senator Keith Miller hearing no objection so ordered. Senator Kerttula moved the Committee Substitute as amended be moved out of cmmittee with a liDo Pass" recommendation. Senator Keith Miller so ordered. Senator Keith Miller referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 363 and Senate Bill No. 380.He asked the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, Bob Dwyre, to address the committee. Bob Dwyre said the Department of Public Works has analyzed this billand they thought that it had some fine aspects on the coordination of things. It has a consid- erable number of things, though,that are not taken care of, the largest of which is that under this proposal the Division of Bui Idings would not come under a ----------------------- Page 134----------------------- MI NUTES, February 26th, 1974 Page Two contracting officer. A contracting officer is someone who is very familiar with all the aspects of the preparation, coordination, and completion of a contract and the Division of Bui Idings would be excluded.He said that he believed there are some requests that are made within the bill which can be accomplished effectively with two departments under the current arrangement.He said that some proposals in the bi II have not really been active -- for instance, the NORTH Commission has not been functional and it does seem strange for us to formulate commissions to accomplish work which weshould be doing. The other objection on the bill he had is that there are approximately 1100 to 1200 employees in the Department of Public Works and if the Division of Communications is not included here at all, subtracting them from the Public Works organization would take out only 150 employees, and the combination of this Public Works Department with the number of employees they al ready have in the two departments creates a rather large department.He said that the department was not in favor of the bi II. Senator Kerttula asked if we had coordination of planning function between the departments.He said that the main interest is sufficient planning to determine the needs of an area, to provide the forms of transportation that are available in the urban areas. He asked if we hadsometh ing goi ng there. Bob Dwyre said that he would say that in connection with Bob Pavitt's office we do have coordination going.He said they did not think it is as complete a planning effort as it could be or that as much has been done as could have been. However, unti I two years ago there were only a couple of states who had multi mode trans- portation plans. Since that time there has been considerable effort made nationally. He said that he thought we are far behind what we should be. Charles Matlock,Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Highways, said that he agreed with the concern in setting up a"super" department. There would be more responsibi lity and authority and more widespread responsibi lity than any other department and probably more than cou Id be hand led effectively.He referred to a mass transit study done by the Department of Highways, the Department of Publ ic Works, and the Alaska Rai IRoad. He said that the Greater Anchorage Area Borough has a mass transit administration study also. He thought in general that everyone has worked closely together. Mr. Matlock continued that the goal was to get all transportation faci Iities together with all the priorities going in the same direction.One problem with the reorgani- zationwould be that the Department would be demoted to a Division with the resulting demotions all the way down the line for personnel.He said they already have trouble getting and keeping good people and he was afraid that would make it even more difficult. Bob Dwyre said that he certainly agreed with what Mr.Matlock hadsaid. '- Charles Matlock said that basically the Department of Highways opposed the bill. ----------------------- Page 135----------------------- MINUTES, February 26th, 1974 Page Three Senator Kerttula said that if in fact we did have a greater opportunity breaking into the trust funds as mentioned, was the Department of Highway going to vigorously pursue getting other funds for Alaska. Mr.Matlock said that they would pursue dilligently to get whatever funds they could. Senator Mi Iler thanked Bob Dwyre and Charles Matlock and said that we wou Id be holding another hearing on these two bi lis. He adjourned the meeting. APPROVED ',"-" ----------------------- Page 136----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Thursday, February 28th, 1974 Present:Senators Miller, Rettig, and Kerttu la Absent: Senators Harris and Ray Senator Mi Iler called the meeting to order at 2: 10 PM.He said that the Committee would consider Senate Concurrent Resolution No.9 again and that he would turn the floor over to Commissioner Joe Henri,the Commissioner of the Department of Administration. Senator Rettig asked if the Wickersham has not yet been sold. Mr.Henri said, No,not yet." He referred to the State statutes and said that there was an amount of 7 million dollars on the books to be added to the 21 million dollars from1970 ferry bond sale, giving a total of 28 million dollars in all for capital accounting. He continued that the State had a receivable for7 million dollars on the books for the sale of the vessel. The sum appropriated for the vessel wi II be returned to the General Fund -- for this one receipt what the generallaw is that whatever the receipts for the Wickersham the amount wi II go into the General Fund. Of the 7 million appropriated by the Legislature in 1971 we have expended to date about 2 million dollars with a5 million dollar balance. When the Columbia comes out and the vesselin Sturgeon Bay is com- pleted that wi II take care of that. Commissioner Henricontinued in reference to the sale -- "I guess there are volumes that could be spoken about that.In late Mayor early June westarted to seek a buyer and uti Iized the law fi rm of Dean Acheson in Washi ngton,D. C. to advise us on the peculiarities of selling a foreign vessel to presumably a foreign buyer. We entered into contract with four brokerage firms -- two in New York, one in London,and one in Hong Kong. In August one of the brokerage girms found the Sol Lines, a Dutch firm.They came here, sent an inspector in early September to look at the vessel, and passed on his favorable report. They came havi ng agreed to purchase her for ten mi II im dollars.In Seattle we found out they did not have the ten percent deposity and we agreed therefore to set up an escrow at the Seattle First NationalBank to receive the whole purchase sum by September 26th. On that date the entire purchase price was to be delivered and delivery of the vessel was to be by October 31st. The purchase price was never made. A lot of moment has been made out of the fact that we never did get a down payment. Whether we sold her to Sol or not, we ----------------------- Page 137----------------------- MINUTES February 28th,1974 Page Two still had to keep her in Seattle. We have had a number of inquiries talking about five million or six million but no one talking about what we think it is worth. She remainedin Seattle until two days ago, the 26th,where by the work of the Legislature and the Governor she is making ten more sai lings. liOn the prospect of selling her, I think it is going to be a long,drawn out affair.The Wickersham is a custom ship -- it is customized to a particular type of trade and it is very welldesigned for the type of trade it is designed for. She is not a tourist ship, she is just a ferry, and not ideal for stateroom accomodations of over two days.Her car deck is dismal when it comes to Alaska use.She is a narrow vessel because she is bui It for the high seas. The rest of our vessels are much wider on the car level and have more head room for campers. You can always sell it, that is an obvious thing,but it is a question of how much you want to get forit. Because the vesselis specialized, it is a difficult thing -- in this case one is not as good as the next. II Senator Miller asked what wou Id Mr. Henrianti cipate wou Id be done with the Wickersham in the event that a sale is not completed before the ten-week sailing is out. Mr.Henrisaid,"I do not know -- I have not talked to the Governor or the Public Works Commissioner about that.My only mission is to sell her. II Senator Rettig remarked that so far that had been discouraging to which Mr. Henriagreed. Senator Kerttula referred to the fact that with all the pipeline supplying to be done with existing services, he felt maybe we should consider just keepingit for the summer as a backup. Senator Mi lIer said the Committee had talked to the Commissioner of Public Works and Captain Lockert on their aspect of it,but the Committee wanted to wait until talking to Mr.Henri before any decisions regarding action on the bill were made. Senator Rettig asked if the appropriation of seven million had been made to the General Fund,was this just an attempt to return it to the General Fund, to which Mr.Henrireplied in the affirmative adding that we would have to reduce our available General Fund balance by seven million. Senator Kerttula asked if he had heard anything about the marshalling of available freight services to Alaska to the, perhaps, detriment of day to day shipping space. Mr.Henri replied that he had heard that. Senator Kerttula remarked that he had heard from foodavai labi Iity to automobiles . He again said that maybe Mr. Henriwould want to bring it up from hislevel that weshould keep this vessel until fall. ----------------------- Page 138----------------------- MINUTES February 28th,1974 Page Three Senator Rettig asked how much of a job it would be to convert the staterooms to better accommodations.Mr.Henrireplied that it would be an awfully expensive job. It has 140 staterooms,18 of which have toilets in them.Then Mr. Henri saidthat in reference to the Wickersham, it wa much easier to buy one,than it was to sell one. Senator Kerttula moved that Senate Concurrent Resolution No.9 be moved out of committee with individual recommendations and asked for unanimous consent. Senator Miller hearing no objection so ordered. Senator Miller then referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 383,noting that the sponsor of this bill was a member of this committee but could not be here because of a Finance Committee obligation. Senator Kerttula moved we move this bill out with individual recommendations and asked for unani mousconsent. Senator Miller heari ng no obj ection so ordered.Then Senator Miller read House Joint Resolution No. 73. Senator Kerttula moved we move this bi II out and asked for unanimous consent. Senator Miller hearing no objection so ordered. Senator Kerttula asked that Senate Joint Resolution No. 48 and Senate Joint Resolution No. 49, Senate Concurrent Resolution No.18 be brought up. Senator Rettig moved that Senate Joint Resolution No. 48, Senate Joint Resolution No.49, and Senate Concurrent Resolution No.18 be moved out of committee. Senator Kerttula moved that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 18 be changed to a Senate Joint Resolution and be brought up at another time. Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Rettig asked that Senate Concurrent Resolution No.27 be brought up. He then moved that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27 be moved out of the committee with a "Do Pass"recommendation. Senator Mi Iler hearing no objection so ordered.He then declared the meeting adjourned at 2: 40 PM. ----------------------- Page 139----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Friday,March1st, 1974 Present:Senators Keith Mi Iler, and Kerttula George Si Iides Absent: Senators Rettig,Ray,and Harris Senator Miller noted that in the absence of a quorum,thi s wou Id just be an informa I meeting. He invited Mr. Dohse of Auke Bay to testify on House Bi II No. 205. Mr. Dohse said that he was a general small bui Idi ng contractor.He continued,III bui Id a few big homes and I bui Id better homes. I am positively for strict safety features. There is, number one, glass. I have something against sliding doors, I do not think they are good for this part of the country. II He referred to the Uniform Building Code for Juneau as relates to glazing. When he bui Ids a house, he does not put in glass shower doors or other glass doors. He then showed the committee a piece of shattered shower door from which he had sustained injuries which couldhave been fatal. He said that the bill, House Bill 2nd Committee Substitute for House Bill '-- No. 205 amended, was good because it gets down to the matter of the suppl ier, it doesn't just stop with the contractor. He thinks a statewide code should be maintained bylaw -- making it a crime to sell something like the piece of shattered glass he displayed. He said that if House Bill 205 was enforceable it was just beautiful. Senator Miller asked him if he was in favor of the bill. He said that generally he thought he was if it was enforceable -- there were several portions of the bi II where his knowledge was not complete enough to comment. He did know that in some states this type of injurious glass was not allowed to be sold statewide. If the sale of the items without the labor were illegal, he would be in favor of that. Senator Kerttula said that some people feel it is an infringement upon their rights and freedoms to tell them what they can buy. Mr. Dohse said that would be so if they stayed in possession of the house,but if a person installs a plate glass shower door and then sells the house, the buyer doesn't know what heis getting. Senator Miller thanked him for his presentation and said his remarks would be made a part of the record.Senator Miller adjourned the meeti ng. ----------------------- Page 140----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Monday, March 4th, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller,Kerttula, Rettig,Ray,and Harris Senator Si lides Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 00 PM. Heinstructed that the committee would take up Senate Joint Resolution No. 58.He introduced the prime sponsor, George Si lides, to the Committee and gave him the floor. Senator Si Iides said that most of the information necessary was contained right in the title of the bi II. Senator Rettig moved that the bi IIbe put out with individualrecommendations. Senator Keith Mi Iler hearing no objections so ordered. Senator Miller brought up next Senate Bill No. 271,and again gave the floor to Senator Si Iides, the prime sponsor. Senator Silides explained that since the negotiations between the State employees and the Administration were now well in progress, there was no reason this could not now be dealt with.He further explained that his bill gives the highest amount of money to those now getting the lowest amount of money and offsets the inflationary trend brought about by percentage increases. He said that hi s bi II now gave those who have been bearing the brunt of the inflationary spi ral a break. Senator Ray pointed out that we could not change the agreement already reached by the State and the Alaska Public Employees Association. Senator Rettig moved that thi s bi II be moved out to be sent on to the Fi nance Committee.Hearing no objection Senator Miller so ordered. Then Senator Miller moved the committee on to House Bill No. 205 amended.He introduced Represen- tative Genie Chance, the original sponsor. Representative Chance explained the origin and need of the bill addressing the problem of the hundreds of thousands of injuries that occur in places where there is non safety glass -- and requiring that it be safety glass that is installed in theselocations. ----------------------- Page 141----------------------- MINUTES March 4th, 1974 Page Two Senator Harris said that if Representative Chnce had no objection he wouldlike to have a couple of days to look this over and bring it up again after he hadhad a chance to look it over. Senator Miller said we would hold the bi II for a couple of days and that Senator Harris would get together with Representative Chance to work the bi IIover. Senator Mi Iler adjourned the meeting at 3: 00 PM. APPROVED ~ ----------------------- Page 142----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Tuesday, March5th, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller,Kerttula, Rettig, Harris, and Ray Senators Silides, Hensley, and Poland Senator Miller called the meeting to order and announced that the committee would consider Senate Bill No. 350 and Senate Bill No. 351. Senator Silides spoke for Senate Bill No. 350. He proposed various amendments and there followed muchcommittee discussion. Senator Rettig moved that all proposed amendments(copies of which are attached)be passed.Senator Miller hearing no objection so ordered. Senator Kerttula moved that we pass Senate Bill No. 350 out of committee as amended with individual recommendations. Hearing no objection Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Silides said that the total amount of the bonding authority for Senate Bill No. 351 should be changed from 20 million dollars to 25 million. Copies of other final amendments are attached. Senator Kerttula moved that the amendments be adopted and asked unanimous consent. Senator Miller ca lied for a show of hands vote whi ch showed that Senator Harris and Senator Rettig opposed. Senator Kerttula moved the bi II as amended be moved out of the committee with individual recommendations and asked unanimous consent. Senator Mi Iler hearing no objections so ordered. House Bill No. 542 was then referred to the Commi ttee, but Senator Ray asked that House Bill No. 542 be held over one day. Hearing no objections,Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Mi Iler adjourned the meeting. -+~~~.~-I{/~'-=--~~_-~~__APPROVED ~~ ----------------------- Page 143----------------------- A MEN D MEN T Offeredin the SENATE To:SENATEBILL NO. HOUSE BILL NO. AMENDMENT: Page Line caliyl! P2gi~ 2Line 5De Pagu 2Line 6D'812t~ th2 words, ueconomic!l Pdge 2OQiete Lirll~s 20, 21,22,13, and 24 ----------------------- Page 144----------------------- A MEN D MEN T Offered in theSENATEBy ST,rT~: " :..-:: 'q?~ --~~~--~~~~~------- To:SENATE BILLNO. HOUSEBILLNO. AMENDMENT: Page Line U:.:nd sh,.:ill be c:pportioncd 3 Line 4 Ch~nge U $20 I 000 I aeot! to 5, ----------------------- Page 145----------------------- A MEND MEN T PAGE T\,:}O Offered in the SENATE ~r·'S To: SENATE BILL NO. :..~ :; .t AMENDMENT:Page Line Page 2 Lines (It)$1,500,000 - \Vrangcll (5) $1,500,000 - Juneau (6) $l,OOD,COG - Bethel {7i $1 , 000, OGO - P~tcrsburg (3} ~1/0:'<),OOO -Sitka (9)$1 t 0C!;L 000 .- Kad i ak (10) $1,000,.000 - Homer ( 11) $1, 000 000 - Cordova (12) $750,000 - Haines ( 13) $750,000 - Unaldska {lLJ} $750,000 - Skagway ( 151 $500,000 - Dillingham {16) $500,000 - Seward ( 17) $500 / 000 --Pelican (t oj $ E"QO,OOO - Kenai - ('19 ) $ 500 / 000 K0tZ8bu.;~ (20;$Suo, QUO - Angoon ----------------------- Page 146----------------------- ".t(.' A MEN DM E,N T PAGE THREE Offered in the SENATE -:1 ~~ 1 To:SENATE BILL NO. ..... .; ••,J * HOUSE BILLNO. AMENDMENT:Page Line Lines 1 throu£jh9insLttion (21 ) S 500,00'0 - Vi.dde:z "t (22)s250.000 - Tanana l' (23)$250 1 000 -- St. Ma.rys ... {24};,> 250,000 - Kc:Jsiiof and i.lppruved by the Gcvernor provick~d tf-'ktnUrL! listed pt~ojects" if ~ppf'oved, ffUYbe chdng~;d in c>~(;::;s~:; Lf 10% (ten p0rccnt) . ----------------------- Page 147----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 6th, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller, Kerttula,and Harris Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 05 PM.He invited Marilyn Miller to speak regarding House Bi II No. 542.She related that a Resolution was passed at a convention of the Alaska Municipal League in November supporting the use of the Wickersham. Senator Mi Iler referred to three telegrams from the Cities of Petersburg, Wrangell, and Sitka supporting continued use of the Wickersham. Representative Haugen addressed the committee and said that the bi IIasks that we repeal the act that gave authority to sell the Wickersham.The reason for introducing this bill is that the ferries leaving the Seattle port over the winter have not been able to take the traffic avai lable to them; replacement cost of the type of ship of the Wickersham would be$30,000,000. The Columbia is going to cost $25,000,000 by the time we get her ready. He gave his explanation for believing we would never get $10,000,000 for the Wickersham and believing that it would be wisest in thelong run to keep her unti I we have been able to pass a ferry bond to bui Id a replacement some years from now.He said that he thought we have had some poor management in the operation of the ferries and if we had been concerned with getting more service out of the existing vessels, we would have shown a substantially less need for even the amount of subsidy we are faced with.He thought that it was a political question. There is a very substantial feeling that weshould hang on to the Wickersham until the bond issue has a chance to get out of the Legislature and on to the bond issue -- unti I we can replace the Wickersham with a vessel of substantial size. The gas shortage we will be having for four or five years will be seeing the use of smaller vehicles in the years to come.He said that he was not out to embarrass the Governor's Office at all. We have the assurance of the maritime people that they wi IIsupport a year by year extension to the Jones Act, and I think in that regard we can gain more in the long run by hanging on to the Wi ckersham . Representative Haugen continuedthat he felt it was worth trying in referring to the prospective use of the Wickersham from south points across the Gulf of Alaska to Seward. He thought it was a temporary thing, this withholding of the sale of the Wickersham. Senator Kerttu la moved we pass House Bill No. 542 out and asked for unani mous consent. Senator Miller so ordered. Then he brought up Senate Concurrent Resolution No.9. ----------------------- Page 148----------------------- MINUTES Page Two March 6th, 1974 Senator Harris explained that the need for Senate Concurrent Resolution No.9 was generated because of the need for housing forstate troopers in remote areas -- the need wi II grow larger, notless.It should be possible for the State to provide housing for the troopers. He thought that maybe we should talk to the Department of Pub Ii c Safety before we take any action on th is bi II . He asked if the bi II cou Id be he Id over. Senator Mi lIer so ordered. Then he took up House Concurrent Resolution No.66. Senator Kerttula moved that this bi II be moved out with individual recommendations. Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Kerttul a asked that Senate Concurrent Resol ution No.7 be taken up at this time.Senator Harris moved that this Resolution be put out with a1100 Pass ll recommendation. Hearing no objections, Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Mi lIer adjourned the l1)eeting. -4~__~_-__-4~__._~__~_'_______________APPROVED \.~ ~~ ----------------------- Page 149----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Joint State Affairs and House State Affairs Public Hearing Thursday, March 7th,and Friday,March 8th,1974 Fi rst portion of heari ng, March 7th PRESENT: Senators Miller, Harri s, Ray,Rettig Senators Butrovich, Silides, Croft,Poland Representatives Fischer, Wilson, Mike Miller,Huber, Urion, Orsini, Fink,Bowman, Eliason Senator Miller called the meeting to order.He announced that the purpose of the joint heari ng was the confi rmation of General Bruce I. Staser to be the Adjutant General of the State of Alaska National Guard. He then invited General Staser to to speak to the comm ittees . General Staser gave a brief autobiography -- included in which were facts such as that his father had been a member of the State(then Territorial)Legislature in 1923 and1924, his family had mined in Alaska;he attended the University of Alaska off and on for a four year period gaining two and one half years of credits toward a mining engineering degree.He applied for an appointment to West Point through Anthony Dimond. He graduated from West Point in 1944; upon graduation he served in Europe with a prar troopers division. He now has a Masters Degree in Public Affai rs. He then explained his staffing problems since coming to the Guard.He said that he had Legislative Budget and Audit Committee approval of the hiring of John Nelson on a provisional basis. He indicated that Colonel Weston offered him a trade-off-- drop Nelson as Deputy Adjutant for Colonel Weston and the Guard Officers Association would drop their objection.After his refusal to so do he described the series of events including Dupere's hiring of alobbyst to effect getting rid of Nelson. General Staser said that he had to do what he had to do -- he was not going to trade off withanyone. He told how the Governor had called him in before he was hired,told him that he had a mess in the Guard and asked him to clean it up. He said that was what he was trying to do and that was why all the objections were being made. ----------------------- Page 150----------------------- MINUTES March 7th, 1974 Page Two General Staser continued that Nelson was terminated because there was no legal way to keep him any longer -- he was not fired. Senator Ray asked if the conditions laid down by Harry Asse in his resignation from the Guard had been discussed with anyone else.General Staser replied that he did not personally discuss this with anyone else. Senator Ray asked if Harry Aase did meet all the requirements in the Guard. General Staser replied in the negative. Senator Ray asked how did he get to be a Colonel. General Staser said that was a good question and indicated that it was probably through the buddy system.Senator Ray asked if Aase were eligible for retirement under the Guard. General Staser said that he was. Representative Orsini referred to the previous testimony of General Staser under which he stated that the Alaska National Guard for two years had gotten bad ratings under Federal inspections and asked exactly what was the terminology used. He also asked what position General Staser held in the military service when these ratings were given. General Staser explained that he had been Chief of ROTC Section in San Francisco, '-when the unsatisfactory ratings were given. Representative Orsini asked what his concept of the function of the Alaska National Guard was. General Staser replied that each state used to have their own state army -- in 1916 they were organized into what is now known as the national guard and they are Federally funded. Since this is so, the Federal Government retains control over the Guard -- if the training is not up to snuff, the Federal Government can withdraw its support. The Guard exists to support the Governor of the State and to assist the Federal Government in time of emergency or natural disaster. Representative Orsini asked if potentially these were combat units. General Staser said that they were coounted on very heavi Iy by the Air Force as a cargo carrying unit. Representative Huber asked him(the General)to whom Mr. Dupere had made the statement to.General Staser said that he had made it to him personally.Represen- tativeHuber asked himif he believed that the happenings taking place in the Guard had done anything to inhibit his effectiveness in taking control and commanding the Guard. General Staser replied that since he had taken over the Guard has gotten about 220 people and have passed a recent test with the highest mark in history, most outstanding rating they have ever had. He said that he is attempting to purchase at this time all-weather planes to handle taking care of the batallions so spread out through fifty-five vi Ilages. ----------------------- Page 151----------------------- MINUTES March 7th,1974 Page Three Representative Huber asked,"Even though you have now lost Colonel Nelson and the various things that have happened, you don't feel your ability to lead has been hampered? IIGeneral Staser answered that he wouldsurvive if he were the last man there. Representative Wi Ison referred to the Juneau Company --said that it sounded as though it were all chiefs and no Indians. He asked if the General would phase this out if he were allowed to continue. General Staser replied that they were phasing out through selective servi ce. Senator Rettig asked how many years General Staser hadspend in Alaska before he accepted this post. General Staser replied that the first 22 years of his life were spent here -- 25 - 26 years all together. He said that his home had always been in Anchorage. Senator Rettig said that the General had indicated that in his first meeting with the Governor, the Governor hadsaid something was wrong andhe would like to get to the bottom of it. General Staser then described the promotion system of outstanding reports being given and the next step of being fired. He referred to promotion system and said there must be some type of promotion board. Senator Rettig asked if he had found out what was troubling the Governor since he had been with the Alaska NationalGuard. General Staser replied not -- that he was just supposed to be taking this off his (the Governor1s)back.He said that when you come into something and try to clean it up, someone is going to get his toes stepped on. After further discussion, Genera I Staser said that they had a lot of thi ngs underway.They had to get down to a good training theme -- they had to get a program set up so that when a fellow comes to his training, he leaves really feeling he has accomplished or learned something. Representative Orsini said that the General hac;:j mentioned that Mr.Dupere said he was going to get rid of him (the General) -- if requested, he wanted to know if the General could produce two witnesses to that statement. General Staser said he could. Representative Fischer referred to personal use and personal gain -- asked him what he meant by personal gain. General Staser replied that flyingin personal belongings from the states, snow machi nes for sale, personal boats and launches and household goods and even automobiles, building materials"beer.This is illegal and it has been common practi ce. ----------------------- Page 152----------------------- MINUTES March 7th, 1974 Page Four Senator Harris noted that it appeared to him that there was a very strong move to see that he (the Genera I) was not confi rmed. He asked the General to identify these people for him.General Staser replied that it was the Southeast contingency. After further questioning and answers Senator Kerttula remarked that he had had several conversations with the General and he wassatisfied. Senator Rettig referred to an earlier remark of the Generalis and asked himif he had any further information on these investment organizations within the Guard. General Staser said that he just knew that there was quite a group.Senator Rettig asked himif he had a piece of the action in any of these organi zations. The General replied in the negative.Senator Rettig asked if Mr. Nelson were involved in these investment organizations to which the General again replied in the negative.Then Senator Rettig asked him if he regarded this job highly enough to want to be confirmed. General Staser said, "Yes,I have never lost in my life and I donlt want to lose now. II Representative Urion pursued the question about the two mencomi ng down from Anchorage to testify on the Generalis behalf. Senator Mi Iler called for a ten minute break.After Senator Mi Iler called the meeting back to order, Senator Ray asked Gneral Staser questions regarding Aasels reti rement. Mr.Staudenmei r took the chai r to address the committee. He gave a lengthy testimony which illustrated his career of volunteer"watchdog" work and then launched into reasons that General Staser should not be confirmed. General Staser was allowed to give a rebuttal regarding leave slips, wearing stars, and ended by sayi ng that he had not fi red anyone yet. Roger McShea read a prepared statement into the record opposing the confirmation of General Staser. He then answered questions of the committee members. Representative Fischer acknowledged that Mr. McShea represented the Alaska NationalGuard officers association. Mr. McShea felt very strongly that the cmmittees should have an executive session during which hearings of Guard members could be held so that those who wish to testify would not be in any jeopardy of losing thei r jobs. Representative Fink objected to that. Representative Joann Mi Iler asked that ColonelKaiser be brought down for the hearings the next day. General Staser refuted the McShea paper and said that the reorganization plan as outl ined by McShea was 100 percent wrong. ----------------------- Page 153----------------------- MINUTES Continuation of Joint Hearing March8th, 1974 Page Five PRESENT:Representatives Fischer, Urion,Mike Miller,Wilson,Orsini, Joann Miller,Eliason,Huber Representative Fischer called the meeting to order at 1: 37. She announced that none of the Senate committee members would be attending. There were questions from Representatives Urion and Mike Miller regarding the announcement that no Senate members wou Id be attendi ng. Representative Huber said that he suggested that inasmuch as this was a joint committee and the Chairman of the Senate Committee only had asked to have himself excused the previous day, he thought that the Senate President should be so informed. Representative Fischer suggested that she would not attempt to tell the Senate how to run its business. She announced that testimony would be limited to five minutes per person and that questions and answers were to be unlimited but not reiterate.She alaso announced that there would be a conference call with General Marks, Commanding General of the United States Army, Alaska,at 2: 00 during which anyone of the committee could ask General Marks any question. General Staser asked to make a correction in his testimony of the previous day. He refuted the charge of calling peopleliars and back stabbers -- he said, "I did not say that to a group of people but I did say that to one person, that person was Robert Dupere. I admit this was ungentlemanly,unprofessional, and I cannot remember ever calling anyone that before in my life. II He referred to another correction of reassignment instead of resignation of one Smith of Juneau.He also pointed out that McShea was neither an officer nor an enlisted man.He explained that the Alaska National Guard Officers Association had been formed by a splinter group here in Juneau and it has fifteen members or so -- this is the organization that McShea represents. He referred to a paper given to Representative Fischer in which membership of the association of officers and board of directors was listed -- he pointed out that these were fully employed, full time people, and that the only part time people they were talking about were the people headed by Robert Dupere here in Juneau. Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser,DonaldKaiser, the Director of Naval Affairs of the staff of the Adjutant General, took the chair to address the committee.He said that the position he held was the only one which General Staser wanted to delete. He said that this was possibly just to remove him and not just to delete the position. He said that was why he decided to turn in his resignationlast week. He continued that the naval militia had started to suffer and it was his duty to resign so that the mi litia would no longer have to suffer.He indicated that 95% of all people in a naval mi litia unit must first be in the naval reserve. ----------------------- Page 154----------------------- MINUTES Continuation of Joint Hearing March8th, 1974 PageSix Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser continued that he believed that the state and all military forces need as much public relations work as they can get -- and this he does for the naval militia. He said that the people voluntarily giving their services to the state from all walks of life should not be overlooked. He asserted that he wanted to emphasize that the naval militia is a voluntary orgainzation and it strengthens the State Department of Mil itary Affai rs . Representative Wi Ison asked if the primary reason he was against the confirmation of General Staser was that his position was to be deleted, and asked if he had other major reasons. ColonelKaiser replied that tthe reservists are always looked down upon -- because they do not understand the functioning of a National Guard unit. (Editors note:I think he meant that army regular people alwayslook down on the guard units because they do not understand the difference in systems and concepts.) Since 1969, he continued,he had spent some time as a reservist and a militia man and you have to reorgani ze your thoughts --you are then a civi II ian - soldier, and a civillian first. He said he didn't think the General realized this yet. He said that there had been a problem of reorgani zation. Representative Orsini said that he didn't quite understand what benefits the members of the naval militia get from being in the naval militia. Colonel Kaiser said that some times he asked himself the same question and so did they. General Marks called from Anchorage. Representative Fischer asked him what the principal mission of the Alaska National Guard was. General Marks replied, "I would say that the first mission is to support the Governor in national emergencies or disasters and he has the authority to call out the Guard to satisfy that requi rement.The second goaland more important is to be ready to support the military establishment or the Regular Army in the defense of the State of Alaska in time of emergency or war. Representative Fischer asked,"What is the Guard's role under the total force program?" General Marks answered,"It is an important and essential part of the overall national defense in that we have reduced to a great extent the strength of the Regular forces and are relying on the Guard to take up the slack, if I may use that term,to a great degree." He then gave supportive reasons and added that in so doing this the Defense Department has elected to integrate the Guard and the Reserve into the defense posture and that they had improved the effectiveness and the readiness in order that they might take thei r place to defend the United States as necessary. ----------------------- Page 155----------------------- MINUTES Continuation of Joint Hearing March8th, 1974 PageSeven Representative Fischer asked,"What is the importance of a strong National Guard from the standpoint of leadership. What is the importance to Alaska of a strong National Guard? II General Marks said, lilt is two-fold -- it is to support the Governor in whatever emergency might arise in the State of Alaska -- II and he gave as and example the earthquake. "We have never been bothered wi th ri ots, but in such cases, the Guard is called upon to assist the Governoand the citizens. II Representative Fischer asked,"What is your professionalopinion of General Staser? II General Marks answered,liAs you mayor may not have known, he was just reco- mmended by a board of offi cers to the Genera I of the Army for confi rmation as a Brigadier General in the Army. This group has gone through General Staser's fi Ie and they don't do this lightly. Regardless of what I think, the fact that he was recommended by a board of officers to the Secretary of the Army speaks that he does have the qualifications to be the Adjutant Generalin the State of Alaska. Secondly, in my relationship in official capacity,I have seen a general improvement in the Guard. II He then referred to his staff advisor, Colonel Joe Marks. Colonel Joe Marks briefly gave his own background and stated that he was the advisor to the Army of the Alaska National Guard. He feels that the Guard has improved and is improving under Staser's command. He ended by saying, "I have the utmost competence in Staser's capabi lity. II Representative Wi Ison asked General Marks, "ls there any reason why aRegular Army officer should not command the Guard? Would he be at a disadvantage or an adva ntage? II General Marks responded to the questions,"This is the Governor'sprerogative-- I see no disadvantage. Doing this as a life time, this should make him highly acceptable as a candidate to the Governor. II Representative Urionasked that the General please have Colonel Marks describe how the Guard hadimproved since General Staser had been in command. Colonel Marks replied, "During the nine or ten months General Staser has been there,I have noted a general improvement in the combat readiness of the Guard." He explained the new reorgani zations and new programs designed by General Staser to improve more the posture of the Guard soldier.He felt there was a definite upswing and an improvement in the recruiting posture. ----------------------- Page 156----------------------- MINUTES Continuation of Joint Hearing March 8th, 1974 Page Eight Representative Urion asked, "Did you know General Staser before he joinedthe Guard?" Colonel Marks replied that he had only for a short period of time. ColonelKasier continued with his testimony which is summed up fairly wellin the remarks already recorded. Representative Orsini asked Colonel Kaiser how he viewed the functions of the Guard. ColonelKaiser agreed that the Guard is an organized highly trained group of people ready to be called out in the face of an emergency. Representative Orsini asked what benefits were derived by the naval militia. ColonelKaiser said the same benefits as the National Guard -- state loans, re- enlistment bonus,educational loans. He added that if there were a natural disaster in the state, each one of them wou Idlike to play thei r part in it. Representative Mike Miller asked Colonel Kaiser to explain again just what the naval militia does,how often they meet. Colonel Kaiser described what he actually does. Representative Mike Mi Iler asked if other seacoast states have naval mi litias. ColonelKaiser answered that some of them do have naval militias.He went on to explain that the naval militia is comprised of twenty-five officers and forty enlisted men. Representative Joann Mi Iler referred to the recruitment which Kaiser had described and asked how much the naval militia had grown.ColonelKaiser said there were under forty when he took over three years ago. He then said that the morale had gone down hillin the time since General Staser had been with the Guard. Representative EI iason pinned Colonel Kaiser down about his recruitment -- did he actively recruit outside of the naval reserve, he wanted to know. ColonelKaiser answered that he did not. He said that in the attitude of the General he tried to make the General understand what the naval mi litia is and what it does. He felt that Genera I Staser never did take a posi tive attitude. There followed testi mony by the followi ng listed persons: Harry Aase Bruce Casperson Robert Dupere J ames Castello Colonel Jake Lestenkof Robert W. Steele Harold Wolverton ----------------------- Page 157----------------------- MINUTES Continuation of Joint Hearing March8th, 1974 PageNine The testimony was all opposed to the confi rmation of General Staser and was lengthy. A general summary would be that some of the testifiers felt they had been harmed by the policies of the General. Colonel Wolverton refuted General Staser's charges of Federal inspection failure-- "can categorically state that we have not failed an inspection since '65." Captain Bashaw and Vernon Wood next spoke; Vernon Wood believed that the Guard had a lot of problems and needed the tight management of the General. Previous testimony also alluded to problems in the Guard before the General came. Representative Fischer called a recess for two hours and said that the meeting wouldcontinue at 7: 00 PM. Representative Fischer called the meeting back to order at 7: 00 PM. Present were Representatives Eliason, Wilson,Wingrove, Joann Miller, Mike Miller, and Huber. Captain Jenkins introduced himself to the committee and said he was a citizen of the State of Alaska and a member of the Guard officers association. He said he did not like the idea of being intimidated when attempting to contact his legislators. Representative Miller pointedly asked Jenkins what he was here for if he could not testify for or against the confirmation of General Staser. He replied that he was here because of his interest in the Guard. General Staser spoke of the fai lure of the Guard to meet readiness requirements and told the committee he would have copies of the records sent down. Senior Master Sergeant Losche related that he had spent over twenty years of active duty in the Alaska National Guard. He said there was a communications problem between men and staff officers and between the General and staff officers. First Sergeant Eidem took the testifier's seat and said that aslong as you have unrest in the top ranks and it reaches down to the lower ranks, the appoi ntment of the Adjutant General is the Governor's placement but when it reaches down or through the Guard and people throughout the Guard are on the firing Iine for what reason he knew not, then you have troubles. Whether the General is confirmed or not confirmed is the main reason for the dissension and conflict. He said that he knew in his own case, in rating the individuals under him,a man doesn't deteriorate in ten months. Clayton Moore, Base Detachment Commander at Kulis, said that he did strongly urge the committee to confirm the appointment of General Staser as our Adjutant ----------------------- Page 158----------------------- MINUTES Continuation of Joint Hearing March8th, 1974 PageTen General. He said, "We have been through several months of turmoi I. During the last few months of the term of Elmore, things were understandable shaky. We needsomeone to plant his feet firmly and say this is the way we are going to go." He was one of several who were anxious to answer questions the committee might have on the Alaska National Guard operation. Again he said,"Again I urge the confirmation of the appointment of General Staser as Adjutant General.We don't need any more turmoi I and if we don't confirm him, there is going to be turmoi I with whoever you bring in. It is time we get a leader and fall in line and go down the road and do our job."He is a Guard member of eight years, the base detachment commander, and a Federal employee. When questioned by the committee about General Staser's denial of a promotion for him,he repl ied that he just thought that he would try to measure up to what was expected of him and apply for a pro- motion again. Major Kent Woodman,a twenty-one year resident of Alaska, said that his original purpose in coming down here was to speak for the House bills pertaining to the Guard. He said that he was not prepared to pass judgement on the confirmation of General Staser. He said that he did disagree with some of the actions that had taken place and the policies that were in effect. He added that internal communications are a problem now. He referred to construction and operation and maintenance funds and said that his purpose right now was to see the way in which to reply to those allegations, whatever they were.He summari zed by saying that allegations of mis appropriation of funds was of large concern to him. Colonel William Sharrow took the witness'chair and said that he had been with the National Guard since mid April '65. He wasconsidered alone eagle since he does not fraternize with any of the elements within the Guard. He said, "I have been concerned for a considerable number of years about the Guard organi zation. Before beginning on that I want to touch on the topic of morale.I think that morale is a condition of a man's mind conditioned by external pressures.I don't think that General Necrason had the fullsupport, unquestioned and undivided loyalty of all the members in the Alaska National Guard. I am sure that during General Elmore's tenure,he also didn't enjoy this status." He noted that there were 2,500 Guardsmen and,"I don't believe that all the opinions represented here are the opinions and feelings of the total National Guard. It is usually the vociferous that gain attention, but they are not the majority. I do agree that there is a lack of communications in the Guard. I am sure that weare capable of coping with and resolving this internal problem. This business of opposing or favoring a confirmation of an appointment by the Governor who is our Commander in Chief is outside of our realm. I think it is somewhat hypocritical to say that I wi IIbe loyal to you when wearing the uniform and then take off our uniform and turn around and say that I do not agree with you and I question your appointment.We cannot turn this Guard over to command by" ----------------------- Page 159----------------------- MINUTES Continuation of Joint Hearing March8th, 1974 PageEleven "committee and I think that is a damned important consideration.We have to have select individuals leading the Guard or we are going to have a popularity contest. I think someone has to be responsible for giving the direction and that individual held accountable. I think that if this committee denies the confirmation of Bruce Staser there is going to be untold damage done. Itls been reduced pretty much to one of principle with me. I am personally willing this evening to stack my family security, mylivelihood, and my mi litary future through restoration of command to the Governor through his appoi nted representative." __+~__~__• _____~• __~~____- ________~~________APPROVED 7~ Secretaryls Note: The testimony of Weidemeir which was in opposition to the confirmation has not been included in these notes through an oversight. ----------------------- Page 160----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Monday, March11th,1974 Present: Senators Keith Mi lIer,Rettig and Kerttula Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 10. He introduced Dane Welch from the UnitedStates Forest Service and said that he would speak to the Committee concerning Senate Bi II No. 287. Mr.Welchsubmitted a prepared statement to the committee.He stated that the Forest Servi ce supports the concept of the State organi zi ng its own fi re protecti on service. Senator Rettig thought that the passage of this bi II would develop a "tai I wagging the dog situation" -- theland wouldsti II be under Federal control and FEderal ownership. Senator Kerttu la referred to the State payi ng thei r share of the bi II -- thought it was duplication of effort and was not at all certain that it was the State's responsibi lity. He said that the expertise is in the Federal Forest Service and asked why it should not be retained there. Deputy Commissioner Fackler(Wi lliam Fackler,Department of NaturalResources) spoke favorably regarding the passage of the bi II. Senator Rettig said that unti I wecan get the statehood selection clarified and in our pockets and a few other thi ngs settled that they are tryi ng to undo for us, he tght it would be a mistake to go this direction. Senator Kerttula was reluctant to get into another program when he didn't feel that other simi lar programs had been handled effectively. Senator Mi lIer said there would be further hearings on this when the State Forester could be avai lable. He appointed Senators Rettig and Kerttula as a subcommittee of two to draft a Resolution to the Federal Government on the subject. Senator Miller said that the next itern of bus iness was Commi ttee Substi tute for House Joint Resolution No.65.Senator Rettig thought that we should ask that the title be changed to ask for a permanent waiver instead of an annual waiver. Dwayne Carlson said that the chances for getting a permanent waiver are realistically pretty tough. Dwayne offered to call Greg O'Clary of the Boatmen's Union to come up to testify to the committee. ----------------------- Page 161----------------------- MINUTES March11, 1974 Page Two Whi Ie Mr. Carlson was contacting Mr. D'Clary,Senator Kertulla asked that Senate Joint Resolution No. 60 be moved out with a "00 Pass" recommendation. Senator Miller, hearing no objection,so ordered. Senator Miller asked for a motion approving the Minutes of all meetings through the 28th of February.Senator Rettig so moved and asked unanimous consent. Greg D'Clary came before the committee to testify regarding Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution No.65. He said that the building trades unions and the Amer\ican based unions have prepared themselves for a long battle against breeching the Jones Act. He felt there was no way you get a permanent waiver through, but he was confident that we could get a year to year extension of the waiver through if we had an excuse and the excuse would be that we are unable to complete our building program inlight of the increased demands of the pipeline growth. Senator Rettig did not believe that the WHEREAS clauses addressed themselves strictly to the provision of an annual waiver -- felt an annual waiver could be obtained. Senator Rettig moved that westrike the word"permanent" on line 22, Page 4. Senator Kerttula said the administration feels that the passage of this Resolution is unnecessary and that the Wickersham should be sold. Senator Rettig moved that all material from line 15, page 2, throughline 21, page 4 be deleted and two new WHEREAS clauses added. Senator Rettig moved that the amendments be adopted. Senator Kerttula asked unanimous consent.Senator Mi Iler moved that this would be a Senate Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution No.75. Senator Rettig moved we adjourn.Senator Mi Iler so ordered. ----------------------- Page 162----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE March 14th,1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller, Kerttula,Rettig,and Harris Senator Hensley Absent: Senator Ray Senator Miller called the meeting to order and instructed taht the committee would take up Senate Bi IINo. 287. He introduced Bi IISacheck, the State Forester in the Department of Natural Resources.He noted that the purpose of this bi II is to finance the construction of major faci lities for fire fighting in Anchorage and Fairbanks and fi e Id stati ons around the state. Mr.Sacheck said that thi s had been initiated by a request from the Bureau of Land Management that the state resume its responsibi lities in the protection of forests andlands. The Bureau of Land Management is beingspread too thinly and they are movi ng thei refforts to the western part of the state to serve the vi Ilages and wi II be unable to perform as under a contract we have had wi th them si nee statehood. He gave an explanation showing the projects and plans of the Department for forestry coverage and protecti on.He exp Ia ined that some of the fi e Id stati ons wou Id just be operated through the summer months and that eventually these stations would be used fully throughout the state. They do intend to people nominal facilities.He spoke of the economics being plannedin building for these facilities. For each one of these faci lities in every area except Anchorage they do have land tied down. They would like to get in the Tudor Roadarea where Campbell Airstrip is. Senator Harris referred to hi s remark concerni ngsome of the monies being used for equipment -- he noted that the question to be placed before the voters said the money was for fi re protection faci Iities. Mr.Sacheck responded. Senator Kerttu la said that he thought weneeded a re-eval uation of what shou Id be protected -- some of the areas we would be better off if they were burned for the moose browse that wou Id produce. Mr.Sacheck referred to the locations and said that he felt that, for instance, the KenaiPeninsula was an area that youcould not turn your back on. Senator Kerttula asked if the Federal Government was withdrawing from these areas. Mr.Sacheck affirmed this was so and described the pressure on the Bureau of Land Management. ----------------------- Page 163----------------------- MINUTES March 14th, 1974 Page Two Senator Kerttula asked if we hadn't explored the possibi lity with our United States Congress delegation that the withdrawal stated by the Bureau in correspondence to the Department of Natura I Resources be cancelled or delayed. Mr.Sacheck said they had worked out a few delays. Senator Kerttula asked him if he thought that a combination of parks and recreation and the State Forest Service should not be accomplished. Mr.Sacheck said he thought that would be good for the Department, personalities aside. Senator Rettig addressed the thought that the Bureau of Land Management should take the heat of providing fire protection because this is the only state in the United States where all theland is owned and controlled by the Federal Government. Senator Kerttula asked that Mr. Sacheck and Commissioner Herbert both appear before the committee the following week. Senator Miller referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 464 andintroduced Senator Hensley, the sponsor. Senator Hensley said,"I think that if there is any state equipment,operational or non-operational,I don't think it should be granted away to someone else. I do know that in forty or some odd towns that I represent there is a Iways a need for state equipment and we would like to have access to some of this equipment. " The committee members tossed around ways to change the bi IIthat they cou Id live with.All decided that Commissioner Campbell should be asked to speak to the committee on this bi II. Senator Miller referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 294.Senator Ray moved we moveit out. Senator Kerttula seconded it.Senator Mi Iler adjourned the meeting. ----------------------- Page 164----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE March 18, 1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller, Rettig,Ray,Kerttula,and Harris Senator Miller called the meeting to order and invited Brooks Hanford to address the comm ittee . Brooks Hanford explained the need for Senate Bill No. 424.He said that the existing law was passed in a rather sneaky manner during the1971 session when most of those voting for it felt that it was to establish bonded warehouses in the state. He felt that the state was losing much money by not having a handle on the trade and not being able to tax all the liquor that is coming into the state.He said that they we were trying to get thislegislation back to where it was -- it would just be a start. Senator Harris roved we pass Senate Bill No.424 as amended. Hearing no objections Senator Miller so ordered.Senator Harris asked that we put it out with individual recommendations.Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Miller brought up Committee Substitute for House Concurrent Resolution No. 26.Senator Kerttula moved that we delete "of the highest priority during" on the last line and insert, II be considered for".Senator Ray seconded this motion and Senator Miller hearing no objection so ordered. Senator Kerttula moved that Senate Concurrent Resolution No.29 be moved out with individual recommendations.Senator Miller hearing no objections so ordered. Senator Rettig moved we move out Senate Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution No.65 with a liDo Pass" recommendation. Heari ng no objection Senator Miller so ordered. Thi s was signed out wi th a unani mous liDo Pass" recommendation. Senator Mi Iler brought up Committee Substitute for House Concurrent Resolution No. 26.Senator Ray said that he would put Committee Substitute for House Concurrent Resolution No. 26 out with a liDo Not Pass" recommendation. He pointed out that it takes more money to run the Wickersham and it takes less people so you get less return. Senator Ray moved and asked unanimous consent that this be laid on the table unti I such time as the sponsors come forth and show facts and figures to substantiate ----------------------- Page 165----------------------- MINUTES March18, 1974 Page Two the need for this. Other committee members told Senator Ray that the committee had already listened to the Commissioner of Public Works, his Deputy Commissioner, and the Director of the Division of Marine Transportation. Senator Kerttula suggested that we put it out with individual recommendations. All members of the committee opposed Senator Ray's motion tolay Committee Substitute for House Concurrent Resolution No. 26 on the table. Senator Harris moved that the committee pass it out with individual recommendations. Hearing no objections Senator Miller so ordered.All signed "No Recommendation"except Senator Miller who signed "Do Pass". Senator Mi Iler adjourned the meeting. APPROVED ----~-------+~--~----------~~~---- ----------------------- Page 166----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE March 19, 1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller,Ray,Rettig, Kerttula Absent: Senator Harris Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 05 PM. He announced that the committee wouldconsider Senate Bill No.272 and invited Senator Ziegler to address the committee. Senator Ziegler said that it had occurred to him that perhaps the Legislature does a great injustice to state employees and state officials.He noted that Legislators are entitled to $35 per each day they spend any part of about legislative business which takes them out of town. If a Legislator travels with a state employee,it is unfair that the state employee is not equalized with the Legislator -- his costs are the same as the Legislators. He asked why the state employee or official should be a second class citizen. Senator Rettig asked what away from regular post of duty meant. Senator Ziegler explained that it meant any time you must leave your place of abode to conduct your duties of employment. Senator Ray noted that the concept of this bi II had been knocking around a long time and he was in favor of the bi II. He spoke at some length about the possi bi Iities of the bi II bei ng mi sused or taken advantage of un Iess safeguards we re incorporated, but the other committee members did not feel the safeguards were necessary. Senator Rettig moved that his proposed amendment be adopted.The amendment was unanimously adopted. Senator Ray moved that the bi II as amended by moved out of the committee with a unanimous liDo Pass" recommendation. Hearing no objection, Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Miller referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 287 and invited Commissioner (Department of Natura I Resources) Herbert to testify. Commissioner Herbert pointed out that the establishment of the Fairbanks shop would save the Department approx imately $10,000 a year because it wou Id absorb the offices spaces currently being rented. The Commissioner then referred to proposed amendments in firefighting within the Department. He addressed other proposals in the bi II and explained them to the committee. ----------------------- Page 167----------------------- -i MINUTES March 19, 1974 Page Two Senator Rettig said that his hangup was in picking up the jobsof the Bureau of Land Management. It looked to him as though they(the Bureau of Land Management) was trying to shed itself of the responsibility of taking care of their own land,which is the predominant in Alaska. Commissioner Herbert said that the Department was at least one year behindin tryi ng to accompl ish what the Bureau of Land Management has told them to do -- he said they are backing out on fire protection. He did believe that the State's assuming fire protection is going to be commensurate price-wise with what it has been in the past -- in 1971 we paid $3,000,000 forBureau of Land Management fire protection. In some areas the value of theland is not any where near the worth of the cost of protecting it. The Bureau of Land Management wi II not leave any fire alone -- and we could do that where the landis not designated as valuable. A good portion of our forthcoming expenses are actually going to be educational and prevention of fires. Senator Mi Iler asked what the effect would be on the Department of NaturalResources if the bi II did not pass. Commissioner Herbert said they would be in pretty badshape if they were supposed to be providing fire protection. Senator Rettig expressed his fear that this is a pressure trap bing applied against the state and the department. He feels that once we open the door, we are further away from obtaining our ownland applications selections. Senator Rettig proposed an amendment.He moved that hi s amendment be adopted and asked unanimous consent.Senator Miller so ordered.Senator Rettig moved that the bill be moved out as amended.There being no objection Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Miller then adjourned the meeting. '~/ ----------------------- Page 168----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE March 26th,1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller,Kerttula,and Harris Absent: Senators Ray and Rettig Senator Miller called the meeting to order. He referred the committee to House Bill No. 205 amended. He invited Donald Magnusson, representing the Alaska Retail Association,Inc., to speak to the committee. Mr. Magnusson shared his concerns with some of thelanguage of the bi II which he suggested could be amended. Senator Harris asked that House Billno. 205 amended be held over one day. Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Miller next brought up Senate Bill No. 461.Senator Kerttula moved we put it out with a "00 Passll recommendation and asked unanimous consent. Senator Miller hearing no objection so ordered. Senator Miller referred the committee to House BillNo. 247.Senator Kerttula movedit be passed out without recommendation. Senator Harris said he wou Id sign it out II Do Pass" . Senator Miller adjourned the meeting. --I-~~'"_If-----&.-"~_...~__APPROVED ~~ ----------------------- Page 169----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE March 21,1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller,Kerttula, Harris Senator Hensley, Representative Ed Barber Senator Mi Iler called the meeting to order and referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 479.He introduced Representative Ed Barber to the committee. Representative Barber said that two years earl ier there was an ASHA bi II passed through the Legislature sent on to Free Conference Committee -- the result being that Fairbanks Pioneers Home was completed. Anchorage, Kotzebue, and Palmer were to have homesor additions.Due to the time lag and construction costs incidental to that time lag, the price of course has gone up. We are nowready for construction of the Anchorage facility with bids to belet very shortly. While the original request was for 7 million dollars the Free Conference Committee cut it down to 4 million. 4 million would be enough to build a core facility. In Palmer construction costs have escalated and they need more to complete construction projects contemplated by ASHA. Senator Harris asked if the sum in the bill was in addition to the already appropriated 4 mi Ilion dollars. Representative Barber answered that it was. Senator Hensley said that when we passed the origi nal measure he was able to get only1 .7 mi Ilion which is barely enough to begin a decent faci lity. Senator Kerttula moved that Senate Bill No. 479 be moved out withindividual recommendations. Senator Kerttu la asked that the motion be amended to be passed out with a liDo Pass" recommendation and asked for unanimous consent. Senator Miller referred the committee to Senate Concurrent Resolution No.15 and introduced Senator John Sackett. Senator Sackett said that for a number of years there had been a memorandum to the administration for serious consideration of this transportation link between Poorman and Sterling Landing.There are presently some small links of roads for mining purposes. With the increase in the price of gold that area is becoming economically feasible. The entire region could be expanded for mining purposes. The Kuskokwim region has not had the trade in terms of boat service because of low water and all supplied have had to be shipped in by air whichis cost prohibitive. ----------------------- Page 170----------------------- MINUTES March 21, 1974 Page Two Senator Sackett said that if there were a road, that wou Id provide a better access. He said that he wouldlike to see the Legislature give the administration direction in this area. Senator Hensley asked how the Natives felt about this proposed road. Senator Sackett replied that they are very muchin favor of it. Senator Kerttula said that he could substantiate the fact that the road is very greatly needed. Senator Harris moved that Senate Concurrent Resolution No.15 be put out with a 1100 Pass ll recommendation. Hearing no objection Senator Mi Iler so ordered. Senator Miller referred the committee to Senate Bill No.211.Senator Kerttula said that some eastern states have now decided along with the countries of England and Germany that it isin the best interest of the country to keep food producing lands for just that. So long as the land is being used for agricultural purposes, the tax should be different. If you change the use of that land, then youshou Id change the tax base.If you change the taxes you have to pay the taxes back seven years.Senate Bill No. 428 in the Community and Regional Affairs Committee addresses that. Weare having a problem with keeping land for agricultural purposes. Senator Harris asked that we move the bi II out so that it could go to Community and Regional Afairs to be considered with Senate Bill No.428. Senator Ray asked that we go back to the Pioneers Home bi II. He said that at the present time there was a waitinglist of sixty-five or seventy people. What we actually need is assistance in providing a nursing home in conjunction with the home,that wou Id do the most good.He felt that it shou Id be amended to include nursing home fad lities instead of pioneers homes. Senator Harris agreed. Senator Kerttula asked Senator Ray if he would draw up a substitute bi II in Finance which would address the need for nursing home care. Senator Ray said he would like to if there were enough support for that. Senator Hohman noted that Southeast and Southcentral Alaska were rarely taken care of in this kind of thing and agreed with Senator Ray.Senator Ray affirmed again that the nursing home concept is something about which something must be done. Senator Miller adjourned the meeting. ----------------------- Page 171----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE March 27th, 1974 Joint Hearing with House State Affairs Committee Present: Senators Keith Miller,Harris, and Rettig Representatives Fischer, Mike Miller, Joann Miller, Huber Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: os. He introduced Eugene Bennett, the Fire Chief in Anchorage,and President of the Alaska Fire Chiefs' Association. Mr.Bennett addresssed the committeess and said that the nation has a fireloss record equal to no one else in the world. This country is the wealthiest,the most technologically advanced and yet has the worst record for fireloss andloss in life alone. The per capita loss more than doubles over our nearest competitor.As far as the state is concerned the per capita fire loss in Alaska was approximately 23 million dollars, or Number One in the nation. Next average is 7.23 million per capita. The State of Alaska experiencES three times the per capita fire loss as the rest of the United States.Ourlife loss is something like five times the national average. Mr.Bennett then gave a brief history of the proposal before the committee. The City of Anchorage found a need to develop a fire training center which is a very expensive proposition.Shared revenue has increased the incentive for smaller communities to have fire departments but this means a demand for fire training, fi re experti se . Mr.Bennett told the committees that he was the first elected president of the Alaska Fire Fighters Association. He felt that this proposal spoke for fire fighters generally throughout the state.He said that we really should not be talking about just one regional fire training center -- there is really need for three centers.Their effort at this point is to construct a fire training center,centralizedfacility, in the Anchorage area. He then touched on the nationalpicture as far as fire training is concerned,and noted that while this was to be a fire training center, there would be a possible mUltiple use of the facility such as for police training. He reiterated that this proposal was only to be the first fire training center in the state,not the only one. Mr.Bennett then read a letter from the State Fire Marshall, Mr.Hendrie, in which the thought that this maybe should be put off another year was discussed. Mr. Bennett replied to the letter saying that he thought it would be very unwise to put this off another year. Hestated that it was the concensus of those with whom he has ----------------------- Page 172----------------------- MINUTES March 27th,1974 Page Two met was that this facility should be operated under the auspices of the University of Alaska;training should be scheduled and programmed by the State Department of Education,Division of Vocational Education,and the maintenance could be contracted, perhaps with the City of Anchorage.Mr.Bennett explained that Dean Short of the Anchorage Community College indicated that the Anchorage Community College would be more than happy to be responsible for the curriculum aspect of this program.He further explained the Federal proposal fora nationwide academy and thought that this fire training center could eventually become a satellite of this academy. Senator Miller thanked the Chief and asked the committees if they had any questions. Representative Joann Miller asked if the fourteen-acre tract referred to was already owned. Mr.Bennett said that it was under state ownership, leased to the City of Anchorage for fire training. Representative Miller asked about smoke patterns and wi nd patterns. Mr. Bennett said that the prevai ling wi nds are Northeast from Merri II Field and further pointed out there wou Id not be that much smoke generated because of the nature of the fi re training fires -- they wouldattempt no petroleum burns, for instance. Senator Harris asked who the adminstrator would be. Mr.Bennett replied that the administration should be through the University of Alaska, operation through the Department of Education. Mr. Bennett asked that the record reflect the submittal of Resolution No.73 - 1 by the Alaska State Fire Chief's Association, copy of whichis included in the Senate State Affai rs Committee fi les. Representative Fischer noted the increased water traffic in Anchorage and Valdez and remarked that wehave no water fire fighting training. Mr.Bennett said there was a program in the formulation stage now with the City of Seattle which would be a training measure. As far as training itself, there was none underway, but there should surely be. He said that we are behind the ball in marine fire fighting and other training. Jerry Hiley of the Division of Vocational Education introduced himself fo the committees and said that they do operate the fire training service out of the Department of Education. They have discussed this with the Commissioner and they are very much in tune with what is being done. He said they provide training through twosuper- visors to local and municipalfire departments throughout the state. He thought the regionalconcept would permit much greater utilization of funds. A facility would playa very key role in fire training.With a center in Southeast there could be marine fire training very easily.All in all he saw it being a very worthwhile ----------------------- Page 173----------------------- MINUTES March 27th, 1974 Page Three and very needed operation. Senator Harris asked if it would be compatible to train people to fight fires in remote areas with training people to fight fires in more urban areas. Mr Hi ley said the key was to have a faci lity so that you could bring the people in and get them together and then key the trai ni ng area to the faci Ii ty -- forinstance you would not put a bush person in the same fire fighting training as someone from Anchorage. Don Berry, the Executive Director of the Alaska MunicipalLeague, addressed the cmmittees and said that he did want them to,know that this has been an Alaska Municipal League priority project for several years now. At least he thought we should set up some type of training program so that wecan set up a training place where people can go and get the traini ng they need. Senator Mi Iler thanked all those who attended and concluded the joint meeting. --+~~::::::.---=-.....::~~II---=--.----....:..~,..--_·_--=--__APPROVED ~/h:j ----------------------- Page 174----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE March 28th, 1974 Joint Hearing with House, State Affairs Committee re Confirmation of Suel A. Taggart as Commissioner of Public Works Present: Senators Keith Miller, Harris,Thomas, Kerttula Representatives Fischer, Orsini, Naughton,Gardiner, Mike Miller, Joann Miller, Urion,Huber, Hackney, Laktonen Senator Miller called the joint hearing together and invited Mr.Suel A. Taggart to take the chai r. Mr. Taggart gave a biography,discussing his work experiences -- a brief copy of whichis contained in the Senate State Affairs Committee files. Senator Thomas asked if he felt he hadany busi ness connections that might in any way be a conflict with the position. Mr.Taggart replied that he had none whatsoever. ',~ Senator Thomas asked if Mr. Taggart was in business with Alex Miller or any of his partners. Mr. Taggart repl ied that he was not. Representative Orsini noted that he had quite a background in construction and said that the Department of Public Works handles the ferry system -- did he have any background in marine transportation. Mr. Taggart affirmed that he had no background in that field and he would certainly try to learn from the expertise in that Department. Representative Orsinireferred to the extent of his background and asked the maximum number of people under hi ssupervision.Mr. Taggart said that there had been as many as 700 people under his supervision and the largest construction project was a little better than 7 million dollars. Representative Mike.Miller asked if he anticipated any basic changes in the Department.Mr.Taggart said that at the present time he foresaw only that the Deputy Director of Aviation would be put back to that position. Representative Mike Miller asked about a financialarrangement which Taggart said he had no intention of doing at that time. Senator Thomas asked if he had any idea of who the new Director of Aviation would be.Mr. Taggart said that he and the Governor had discussed the possibility of ----------------------- Page 175----------------------- MINUTES March 28th, 1974 Page Two appointing Jack Peck. Senator Thomas asked about Mr.Taggart's experience with aviation -- Mr. Taggart referred to brief use with construction background -- he was aware of the planned capital airport improvements throughout the state. Representative Miller noted that in reviewing the biography,it was not stated what his position was between 1962 and1967.Mr. Taggart said that between 1962 and 1964 he had been with H & K Constructors Company.In 1964 after the time of the earthquake, he was back with the Corps of Engineers until1967. Representative Joann Miller stated that he had had relatively little experience in the operation of airports and related faci lities.Mr. Taggart agreed. Representative Miller then asked that Mr.Taggart give the committees a recap of his background. In this Mr. Taggart included that he had administrated allconstruction and utilities in the City of Fresno, close to 300 people under his jurisdiction.With the Corps of Engineers he outlined his experience. Senator Keith Miller asked if he intended to keep Captain Lockert as the Director of Marine Transportation. Mr. Taggart said he had no intentions of making any changes at this time. Representative Huber recommended that he work with Representative Fischer very closely if he were confirmed -- felt she would be a great help to him. Representative Urion asked if he was an engineer. Mr. Taggart said that he did not have a degree in engineering, but he had worked as an engineer and felt he was qualified as an engineer. Representative Urion asked if he owned any property in Juneau. Mr.Taggart replied that he did not. Representative Naughton asked if he had any property in Talkeetna.Mr. Taggart replied that he did not have any property in the State of Alaska. Representative Naughton asked what hi s thought on the continued use of the Wickersham was. Mr. Taggart said that all that he knew about it was what he readin the papers.He understood that it was a very expensive piece of equipment. If it could be made to pay, it would be a good thing to keep, but he did not know because he had not made any study of it. Senator Miller asked if anyone else wi shed to question or testify. Hearing no one else, he concluded the hearing. A 11~ APPROVED 71?~ ----------------------- Page 176----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE April 2, 1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller, Kerttula,and Harris Senator Rettig joined the meetinglater Senators Hensley and Sackett Senator Miller called the meeting to order.He said that the first item for consideration would be the bi lis addressing the creation of a Department of Transportation,Senate Bi lis Numbered 363 and 380.He introduced Bruce Campbell, the Commissioner of the Department of Highways, to the committee and asked him to address the committee. Basically the Commissioner said that he wouldlike to make two or three objections about the proposed Department of Transportation.He noted that the Federal Government did create a Department of Transportation to place all modes of transportation into one department.He thinks the Department is unwieldy; thinks that perhaps after it was formed,it was found that there was too much power in one department. No great breakthroughs have resulted in solving problems as a result of creating Departments of Transportation in various states.He noted that people were the problem -- not organizations. He related that any organization would work if you had the right people and no organization would work if you did not have the right people. He cited features involved in creating a transportation department in this state: Federal Government State government loca I governments private enterprise Native corporations highways aviation Department of Marine Transportation He said that the above listed entities would be the only componenets of this department of transportation which will be leaving out most of the transportation links.This bill wi II not come within a mi Ie of doing what you think it wi II be doing, he told the Committee. He said that 60 to 70 percent of state budget would be in one department and he didn't think that it was smart or good politics to have that much power in one department.He noted that if you do create a transportation czar, the czar was going to have so much responsibi lity that his control would be so deleted that you would ----------------------- Page 177----------------------- MINUTES April 2, 1974 Page Two have a slow-responding and heavi Iy burdened bureaucracy. He said that ninety percent of the operation of highways and possibly public works is operational and maintenance -- only ten percent of the work of each department is for planning and designing and new construction. If the drafters of this bill thought they were going to be consolidating the planning and design for transportation by this bi II, they will only be saddling the one person with the mountain of operation and maintenance. Senator Kerttula addressed the advantages of having all forms of transportation under one department. He cited the benefits of cost ratio to rural communities. Dennis Dooley, a transportation analyst in the Department of Administration, intro- duced himself to the committee and firmly stated that he was not representing the Department of Administration, but only himself.He wanted to make it perfectly clear that his views did not coincide with the views of the Department and in accordance with that he was here on a day of annual leave.He stated that careful planning for our resources was an essential prerequisite for optimum economic development of the state.He noted that Alaska was such a large, diverse state. What is the state's role in transportation needs to be stated.One of the falacies of cost benefit analysis is that a look to future gains is not taken into consideration. "-..../ He felt that planning and development are inter-related. Transportation investments can effect the location and the pace of economic development. Transportation is very closely related to land use planning. He took issue with specific comments referring to funding that were made by Commissioner Campbell. After detai ling the role of the new Federalism that options will be given to use of Federal funds such as a block of 20 mi Ilion dollars being awarded the state of Alaska and it being left up to the state to designate the use. He did suggest that either bi II have a section for private enterprise public hearings to be held.He also noted that commissioners are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature and thi s wou Id be a check and ba lance on the creation of a czar. Creation of a new department would add only one thousand additional employees to one department. He said he doesn't see how that would affect managment control. He continued that Senate BillNo. 380 stresses a multiple mode of concept and included a reference to land use policy. Senator Sackett said that obviously one of the reasons that bi lis are introduced and laws are passed is that there is a great need or a misuse of present laws.This is the reason that these bi lis have been introduced, based upon hearings held statewide. In his own case, he continued, the bi II was introduced based upon what he con- sidered a lack of planning statewide over a long period of time. He said that he liked Mr. Dooley's reference to mUltiple mode concept. He cited no planning, no local input as to what people wouldlike to have in the rural areas.He said ----------------------- Page 178----------------------- MINUTES April2, 1974 Page Three that in 1971 the Governor himself proposed a Department of Transportation and he read a portion of the Governor's message to the Legislature in1971.Due to the lack of planning that has occurred,something must be made available so that you can look at the various methods of transportation and combine them with the proper management. Rural Alaska has a different type of life that has existed, perhaps because of its remoteness.We have requested that roads not be bui It into specific vi Ilages because of hunting pressures that occur in such cases. But the Department of Highways continues to construct highways where they please in spite of all input to the contrary. They haven't even gone to the land use planning commission for input. Senate Bill No.475 was next considered by the committee. Senator Ray addressed the need for an auctioneer to auction off unclaimed property instead of a police officer.He gave an example wherein the time of a police officer is wasted doing something that an auctioneer or someone who could perform the same service could easi Iy do. Senator Rettig asked if we could say "peace officer or his agent?"Senator Ray said that would be all right.Senator Ray said again "peace officer or his agent" would be just fine. Senator Rettig moved that Senate Bi IINo.475 be changed and passed out as a committee substitute by changing it to read "peace officer or his agent" and he asked for unanimous consent in putting it out with a "Do Pass" recommendation. Hearing no objection Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Miller next introduced Bob Crowder of the Alaska Carriers Association to the Committee.Mr. Crowder submitted a position paper asking that the passage of the legislation to create a department of transportation be put off another year. Referring the committee to Senate Bill No. 464 Senator Miller noted that it was the thought of the committee that the bi IIshou Id be redrafted as a committee substitute. Senator Hensley said he would have it redrafted and bring it back to the committee for consideration the following day. Senator Harris moved that Senate Bill No. 380 be put out with individual reco- mmendations. Senator Rettig objected.Senator Rettig said that neither bi II specified where the headquarters of thi s department shou Id be. Senator Harris said he still preferred Senate Bill No. 380.Senator Rettig felt that this bill should not be put out untilSenator Kerttula had returned. The committee was unable tolocate Senator Kerttula. ----------------------- Page 179----------------------- MINUTES April 2, 1974 PageFour Senator Rettig moved that the body of Senate Bi II No. 363 be substituted for Senate Bi II No. 380 and Senate Bill No. 380 be passed out. No one el se approved. Senator Harris moved that we put out the original Senate Bill No. 380 with individual recommendations. Senator Rettig objected. Senator Rettig again moved that Senate Bi II No. 363 be substituted for Senate Bi II No. 380 and be passed out with individual recommendations.Unanimous consent was given. Senator Miller adjourned the meeti ng. ~~ _APPROVED ,~~ ----------------------- Page 180----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE April 3, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Mi lIer, Kerttula, Rettig Absent: Senators Ray and Harri 5 Senator Mi lIer called the meeting to order at 2: 00 PM. He brought up Senate Bi II No. 200 for the committee consideration. Senator Rettig moved that it be put out withour recommendation. He asked for unanimous consent.Hearing no objection,Senator Mi lIer 50 ordered. Senator Miller referred the committee to House Bill No.563. Senator Rettig moved that we put thi s bi II out with no recommendation and asked for unanimous consent. Hearing no objection Senator Mi lIer so ordered. Senator Mi lIer adjourned the meeting at 2: 20 PM. ----------------------- Page 181----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Apri I 5, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller, Kerttula,and Rettig Absent:Senators Ray and Harris Senator Mi Iler called the meeting to order. He said the first order of business would be Senate Bill No. 377.He introduced George Benesch to the committee and invited him to address the committee. George Benesch explained that he was an attorney in private practice representing the Alaska Independent Truckers Association. He said that a number of private truckers formed an association a year ago for the purpose of remedying in some manner the problems the members have hadin attempting to operate dump type equi pment as a vocation. Members are genera Ily owner operators who have invested substantial amount of capital in equipment. For these owner operators, this is their means of livelihood.Under the present regulatory scheme in Alaska they have nothing but substantial difficulty in trying to make a livelihood by this operation. Thi s proposed bi II is intended to de-regu late dump type operations in so far as economic regulations are concerned. Other type of regulations such as safety regulations willapply and should apply. This bill would eliminate the requirement that they must obtain a permit from the Commission and to do so must show that this is a public convenience and necessity. With dump truck services you do not have common carrier servi ces.Therefore the whole purpose of economic regulation in transportation is just not appropriate for this type of transportation. Other states to a majority regulate to some extent dump truck operation but they do not require public convenience and necessity to be shown. They require only that it not be contrary to the public interest. There is a substantial difference. Our statute does not make this kind of distinction -- everyone has to make this kind of distinction. This makes it almost impossible for a new owner operator to obtain a permit.Government should not interfere with contractual regulations between individuals unless there is a substantial interest as far as the public is concerned. Mr.Benesch then referred to the committee substitute for Senate Bill No. 377 and addressed the effect previous court on thi s. Senator Rettig asked what the committee substitute does for the industry that he represented.Did it do what he wantedit to do. George Benesch answered that it did do what he wanted it to do. ----------------------- Page 182----------------------- MINUTES AprilS, 1974 Page Two Senator Rettig asked if Senator Kerttula read the committee substitute as doing that. Senator Kerttula answered in the affi rmative. Mark Jensen representing the Associated General Contractors introduced himself and said they would like to endorse the bi II and explained why. The Associated General Contractors Association thinks it would be a step in the right direction. Bob Crowder representing the Alaska Carriers Association introduced himself to the committee and explained that he objected to and opposed the passage of this bi II. He felt that protection of the public was a factor to be considered and referred to making a viable trucking industry in the event of nationalemergency. Senator Kerttu la read a paragraph from the interi m transportation commi ttee report to the legislature. Senator Rettig asked if tariffs were requi red for dump trucks.Crowder said that they were and that tariffs were handled through docket fi lings. The tariffs had to be justified. Senator Rettig asked if a guy who could talk an idiot banker into financing a truck for him -- shouldn't he have the right to operate it at what profit he wanted -- or to go broke. Mr. Crowder responded. He noted that the exception was in transportation - low rates naturally make profit margins lower. Senator Rettig asked how this bi II referring to dump truckers could adversely affect permanent carriers. Mr.Crowder likened it to the limited entry -- said that if the pipeline construction is started we wi II have wi Idcatters coming up here and it wi II affect the permanent carriers. Senator Rettig suggested that the committee get the Public Service Commission to come in and discuss thi s bi II. Senator Kerttu la further suggested that t the Teamsters Union people come in also. Senator Rettig referred to the Constitutional right to go into business and go broke if you wanted to. Senator Kerttula referred to the right of the public to have a little new bloodin the operation. George Benesch asked forrebuttal time to statements madein Mr. Crowder's testimony. He expressed concern about de-regulation of dump truck operators because this might remove these operators from teamster jurisdiction. This is not true he asserted; ----------------------- Page 183----------------------- MINUTES April 5, 1974 PageThree it has absolutely nothing to do with the teamsters contract. He gave an example of a recent case in the state. Senator Miller said that the committee would hold another hearing on this bill and notify the teamsters union and a public utilities commission representative. Senator Mi Iler then adjourned the meeting. APPROVED -+~__~__-L__~~__~__~~__~________ ----------------------- Page 184----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE April 9, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller,Rettig, and Harris Representatives Chance and Orsi ni Absent:Senators Kerttu la and Ray Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 10 PM. He said that the committee would take up House Bill No.683 amended first.He invited Representative Orsini to speak on behalf of the bill.The purpose of the billis to allow the Legislative Affairs Agency in the interim period to go through the statutes and be sure they are completely up to date.He referred to Supreme Court decisions referring to statutes and indicated for use of Legislature where the effect certain statutes. One man now doesn't have time to do all this. John Elliott, the Director of Legislative Affairs, says this wi II not effect Legislative Affairs Agency costs by having a two-year interim period within which to do it. Senator Rettig doubted if this could be done in two years.Mr.Orsini noted that the advantage of using the whole staff of Legislative Affairs is that each person would be handling what was his specialty. This bill is needed to really go through the statutes and clean them up elimi nating the antiquated portions such as an example given by Mrs.Chance wherein on our statutes we sti II have a law which makes it illegal to duel and post. Mrs.Chance noted that a revisor wouldsystematically go through the statutes and be able to make recommendations to the Legislature for neededlegislation to clean up areas of legislation or bring them up and current. Senator Harris moved and asked unanimous consent that House Bill No. 683 amended be passed out with a "00 Pass" recommendation.Hearing no objection Senator Mi Iler so ordered. Senator Mi Iler next referred the committee to the Second Committee Substitute for House Bi II No. 205 amended. Mrs. Chance noted that Senator Harris had an amendment prepared that would include home owners. Senator Harri s moved that House Bill No.205 amended as further amended in committee be moved out of the committee and asked unanimous consent. Hearing no objection Senator Mi Iler so ordered. ----------------------- Page 185----------------------- MINUTES April 9, 1974 Page Two Senator Miller then referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 460.Senator Rettig moved the adoption of his amendments and asked for unanimous consent.Hearing no objection Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Harris moved we put the bi II out with a liDo Pass" recommendation and asked for unani mous consent.Senator Miller heari ng no obj ection so ordered. Senator Mi Iler adjourned the meeting. ----------------------- Page 186----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE April10th, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller, Harris,and Rettig Representative Wi liard Bowman Absent:Senators Ray and Kerttula Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2:10 PM. Senator Miller referred the committee to House Bill No. 310 and invited Representative Bowman to testify before the committee. Representative Bowman read several letters from people requesting this legislation. He referred to the large number of horses brought into the Anchorage area during the last few years. Many of these horses are kept in back yards or the equivalent.Trai Is on which snow machines are allowed are not combined-use trails but rather push """"/horse use out of the picture. Horse riding trai Is must be for horse use only. He submitted copies of correspondence in favor of House BillNo. 310 by the Chugach Range Riders Association and the Alaska State Horsemen group.He then explained just what the bi II does. Joann Robitaille, a resident of Juneau, introduced herself to the committee and . was invited by Senator Miller to address the committee.She related that she was on the Board of the Juneau Horse Owners Associ ation and then she gave an experience of being thrown from her horse because of reckless snow machine riders. Senator Harris moved that House Bill No. 310 be passed out of committee.Hearing no objection,Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Miller brought up Senate Bill No. 464.Senator Rettig moved that the State Affairs Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 464 be moved out with a liDo Pass" recommendation. Hearing no objection Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Miller next referred the committee to House Bill No. 782 amended. Senator Miller said the committee would hold the bill over until a different time. Senator Mi Iler asked that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 58 be brought before the commi ttee. Senator Rettig read the bi II and noted that he wou Id like to see some- ----------------------- Page 187----------------------- MINUTES Apri I 10th, 1974 Page Two thing of this nature wait until the race(dog sledding) was more stabilized. He thought thi s was a good bi II but that it was premature. Senator Miller said the bill would be held over.Senator Harris moved we adjourn. Heari ng no objection Senator Miller so ordered. VED ----------------------- Page 188----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE April12th, 1974 Present:Senators Kei th Miller,Harri sand Kerttu la Representative Helen Fischer Absent:Senators Ray and Rettig Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 05 PM. Senator Miller introduced the members of the State Affai rs Commi ttee. He said that the order of busi ness wou Id be to discuss House Joint Resolution No.100 amended relating to Western Airlines Hawaii triangle fare first. Rex Herman introduced himselfas the District Manager for Marketing Sales in Southeastern Alaska, and then introduced Ray M. Waters, the Assistant Vice President for Alaska Projects. Mr.Herman noted that the triangle fare had been attacked by a competitor. He explained what the triangle fare concept was and said that the triangle fare was an attempt to increase the commerce of the state. Mr.Waters explained that it wasin the state's obvious interest to continue with the triangle fare.It has generated traffic that would not otherwise be coming to Alaska. It has generated a great deal of business between California and Alaska. Without the triangle fare they doubted that they could continue service on a profit- able basis. He felt this was a very real and fair fare that allowed them to offer services to a market that would not be possible otherwise. Senator Harris said that Alaska Airlines must feel that it has some effect on thier business. Mr. Waters explained whyit did not effect Alaska adversely but rather it was a benefit because tourists, while in Alaska,visit other remote areas and towns of Alaska flying on Alaska Airlines. Senator Mi Iler then introduced Representative Helen Fischer.Mrs.Fischer said that in followi ng up the question Senator Harri s posed -- it has done a tremendous job in adding to and following up the tourism industry.She thought it had been a benefit to all the other airlines in Alaska rather than a detriment. Richard Lauber introduced himself to the Committee and directed his comments to Line 21 of the bi II which refers to the transportation of fishery products. He said that the fisherieslooked forward to the potential of Hawai i as a fishery market which would not be available if the fish first had to be shipped to a point in the ,~_/ lower forty-eight states and then to Hawai i. The potentialhigh volume market and the current market needs this triangle concept. ----------------------- Page 189----------------------- MINUTES Apri I 12th, 1974 Page Two Helen Elbridge, a visitor to the Legislature from Ketchikan, felt it was a shame that SouthEast did not have the same advantages as other areas of the state. Mr. Herman read specific figures into the record of passenger fares and boarding places. Senator Harris asked what the chances of restoring Western Airlines services to SouthEast Alaska were. Mr. Waters said that Western was disappointed, to say the least, when they were asked to stop their service into SouthEast. They would like to get back in any day but the Civi I Aeronautics Board had just ruled that it would be five years before they could come back in. He said it was a big blow to Western -- they had felt very much a part of SouthEast, felt competition is a healthy thing, and felt that the best carrier woulddo better.The CAB has said they would stay out,but the company wouldlike to be back. Senator Mi Iler said that the Committee would take up Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 63.Senator Harris asked that someone from Gruening Park testify first. ',,~ Maryann Isturis said that Gruening Park at the present time has a count of approxi- mately 75 chi Idren attending school each day, boarding the school bus. The problem is that the children have to stand on the highway itself in the morning.She noted that the morning hours were early when they are picked up -- the bus that picks them up is going in to town, not out, therefore the chi Idren have to cross the line of traffic to go on to the bus. During morning hours it is somewhat dark and the traffi cis the heavi est. Senator Harris asked how long the problem had beenin existence. Mrs. Isturis said that help had been sought since early in December. She described the ma ny steps taken and the dead ends at each step in getti ng someth ing constructi ve done instead of lip service so that the school chi Idren do not have such a hazardous place to catch the school bus. Mr. Arthur Morrison, the Director of Public Works for the City and Borough of Juneau,introduced himself.He said that he had issued a work order although there is some joint responsibi lity here with the state. Senator Mi Iler asked what kind of time frame Mr. Morrison was talking about. Mr. Morrison replied that it could be done within a week or so. Senator Harris asked if the state could assist. Mr. Morrison said that if the state could assist, they could do more extensive fill work. ----------------------- Page 190----------------------- MINUTES April 12th,1974 Page Three Mari Iyn Freymueller introduced herself to the committee, said that she served as President of the Juneau School Board, and noted that we had this problem allover the borough as well as probably allover the state. She said we had the same problem at Switzer Creek and Mendenhaven, to name a few. As a result of an accident last year in which a chi Id was permanently injured a safety commission was formed. One of the problems is that under state law a school bus cannot go on roads that are not maintained by either the borough or the state. This is a responsibility that the school board feels very heavily but it is not a problem that they can handle. Mrs. Freymueller thanked the committee for thei r time in addressing this problem. Senator Mi Iler thanked all who had testified. Senator Mi Iler referred the committee to Senate Bi IINo. 520 and introduced Bob Pavitt from the Division of Planning and Research in the Office of the Governor. Mr.Pavitt testified on Senate Bill No. 520 with respect to regulation rather than speaking advocatively either for or against the bi II. Mr.Pavitt said he deplored governmental intervention in this kind of thing but when it gets to the point that a citizen who must rent cannot do so because of being totally gouged,then other steps must be taken. He described current rental rates and renting procedures in Valdez. ' ....~ The idea of governmentalintervention during real housing emergency is sound but whether the criteria in the bill and the rates stated in the bill are correct or not is frankly not within his area of expertise.He pointed out other areas of the bi II that shou Id be adressed and noted that the landlord tenant bi II does not really adress the matter of rental increases. Senator Mi Iler asked him if he were taking a position pro or con.Mr. Pavitt said he was really not fami liar enough wi th the bi 11to take a posi tion. John Thomas from Anchorage explained that he was in Juneau attending the CPC meeting and he also represented OPAG (Older Persons Action Group). He said that they support the essence of Senate Bill No. 520. They believe this measure is somethi ng that shou Idbe passed in th is sessi on.Most of the seven thousand OPAG people are on a fixedincome and there are no increases.But there is a chance of rents being increased.Hesaid the12 percentvacancy rate in Anchorage was in high income rental bracket. He said the older people in the state need this statute on the books. Myra Ekoluk introduced herself to the committee, explained that she was attending the CPC meeti ng from Fai rbanks. She said that she spoke for others in urgi ng support of Senate Bi 11 No.520. ----------------------- Page 191----------------------- MINUTES April12th, 1974 PageFour Connie Wilkins introduced herself to the committee, said that she also was attending the CPC meeting from Sitka. She said that if there is no provi sion then rents wi II be raised very high. Don Clocksin introduced himself as the Deputy Director of Alaska Legal Services. He said he was sorry that the rest of the committee could not be here.This was a very important issue. He referred to the Memorandum to Senator Keith Miller and the summary of Senate Bill No. 520 he had prepared,copies of which are made part of these Minutes. Alaska LegalServices does support this bi II, very strongly support this bi II. Senator Mi Iler thanked those who had testified and then adjourned the meeting. ~~If~APPROVED ----------------------- Page 192----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE April16th, 1974 Present: SenatorsRay,Harris,Keith Mi Iler ,and Kerttula Absent: SenatorRettig SenatorMi Iler called the meetingto order. He referredthe committeeto House Bill No.782.He invited Dorothy MacKenzie, the Director of Elections to address the committee. She gave an explanation for the necessityof the bill for voter regi strati on . SenatorRay moved that HOuse Bill No. 782 be passedout with individual recommendations. Hearingno objectionSenatorMi lIer so ordered. SenatorMi lIer broughtup Senate Concurrent ResolutionNo. 64 next. Senator Harrismovedthat it be put out and notedthat the committeehad alreadyheard testimonyon it. SenatorMi lIer so ordered. SenatorMiller introducedHouseConcurrent ResolutionNo. 63 and invited SenatorMelandto address the committee concerningthis.Senator Meland said it affects not only peopleof SouthEast butall of the peoplein Alaska. He noted that the Resolutionasksthe Governor to look into this and begin negotiations with the Canadian Government. SenatorKerttula moved that the Resolutionbe movedout with a "Do Pass" recommendation. Senator Millerbroughtup HouseJoint ResolutionNo. 94. SenatorKerttula moved that weput out HouseJoint ResolutionNo. 94 with individualrecommendations. Hearingno objectionSenator Miller so ordered. SenatorMiller referredthe committeeto SenateBill No. 368 andinvited Senator Hensleyto speak to the committee. SenatorHensleybeganby sayingthat theymight recall that several yearsago there wasa majorannouncement that wewereto receive someFederalhousing. ThatFederal program neverdid materialize. The Federaladminsitration closed downmostof the housingprograms throughoutthe country. The efforts to bringhousingto the remoteareas, the bush,neverdid workout.The state has madesomeattemptsto bui Id housingunder Alaska State HousingAuthority programs.We have housing constructedwhichwe hopedwould solve some of our problems but in mostcases the moneywasspreadtoo far and the units ----------------------- Page 193----------------------- MINUTES PageTwo April16, 1974 werenot adequatelyconstructed. Thereare no ASHAfundsleft for remote housing in the state. Thefigure on this bill is the figure put togetherby SenatorSackett andhim from the report of the committee chairedlast summer by Mr.Laktonen. SenatorKerttulasaid he favoredthis legislation but that he had beentold there was9.5 million dollars floating around. SenatorKerttulasaid he knewthat SenatorStevenshad tried to put that together but it hadbeen in the Office of Management and Budget and sat on for months. He had no knowledge that this wasgoing to move. Housingis an impossibleproblemin the bush. SenatorKerttula moved that SenateBill No.368 be moved out withindividual recommentdations. Hearingno objection,SenatorMiller so ordered. Senator Mi Iler next referredthe committeeto Senate Concurrent ResolutionsNumbered 37, 50, 51.SenatorKerttula explained that the Department of Highways needed the backupof these Resolutionsto do someworkon exi sting bedsbut that there wasflack fromSierra Clubbers which could be quietedwith these Resolutions. Theroad bedswere alreadyin place in these areas-- the Department of Highways neededtheseResolutionsto "hangtheir hat on". SenatorKerttula moved that wemoveout SenateConcurrent Resolutions Numbered 37, 50, and 51 with individualrecommendations. SenatorMiller broughtup Committee Substitute for Sponsor Substitute forHouse Bill No.428.WilliamFackler of the Department of Natural Resources said that the Department favoredthe bill as nowwritten. SenatorKerttula moved that HouseBill No. 428 be movedout of committee. SenatorMiller movedthe committeeon to Senate Bill No.520.SenatorHensley said that of all the legislation introducedrelative to pipeline impact,this wasthe only one that addressed the needs of the peoplealreadyhere. He also thought no decentlandlord wouldhaveany problem with this bill.There was allowance for an adequatereturn on rental units. Ordinarilyhe said that he did not believe in this type of economiccontrols but he felt in this case this might prevent seriousrent gouging. DonClocksinof Alaska Legal Servicessuggested relatively minoramendments to the bi II. SenatorMi Iler said that BenMarshof Anchorage had called and askedthat the bi II be held in committeeunti I he hadhad a chanceto testify so the bi II would be held overuntil Thursday, April18th.SenatorMiller than adjourned the meeting. ~ APPROVED -r-----+------:=-rL;~----- ----------------------- Page 194----------------------- MINUTES STATEAFFAIRSCOMMITTEE April 17th, 1974 Present: Senators Keith Miller, Rettig, Harris Absent:Senators Ray and Kerttula Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 2: 05. He referred the committee to House Bi II No. 387 amended. Bi II Jorgenson introduced himself to the committee and said that he had testified at various meetings relating to this subject throughout the state. It was the concurrenceof the Alaska Historical Society of which he is a member,that this bi II was bad Iy needed.Thi s is a housekeepi ng measurethat wi II make the present historical act much moreworkable.The bi II is designed to makeit more workablefor the various state agencies that have to do with administrating the act. The State Archaeologist would be placed inthe Departmentof Natural Resourceswhich would give him more freedom.The bill eliminates some professional categorieswhichthe original act called for that werenot too practical. Senator Harris could not see what the bi II really did -- what the changes were. Dick Engen, the Director of the State Library, said that it really just eliminates the position of the State Archaeologist and removesan unworkablesituation. Senator Rettig movedthe bi II be put out with a liDo Pass" recommendation. Hearing no objection Senator Mi lIer so ordered. Senator Mi lIer next referred the committee to Committee Substitute for House Bi II No.766, described what the bill does.Senator Harris movedthat the bill be put out with a liDo Pass" recommendation. Hearing no objection Senator Miller so ordered.Senator Miller then referred the committee to Senate Bill No. 530. He explained that it was introduced by this committee at the request of the widowof Duane Gifford whoperished in the landslide earlier this year in Juneau. Senator Rettig movedthat the bi II be moved out with the recommendationthat it be sent to the Finance Committee. Senator Harris asked that the motion be amendedto be referred to the Labor and Management Committee. Senator Rettig so moved. Senator Miller introducedHouse Joint Resolution No. 72 amendedfor committee discussion. Senator Harris movedthat it be put out with a liDo Pass" recomm- endation.Heari ng no obj ection Senator Miller so ordered. ----------------------- Page 195----------------------- MINUTES Page Two April 17th, 1974 Senator Miller next referred the committeeto Senate Concurrent ResolutionNo. 56.Senator Rettig moved that the bi II be amendedto delete the word II National ll on the 23rd line.Senator Ziegler addressedthe committeereferring to the proposedamendment of Senator Rettig.He noted that it was the request of those involved in the lumberrelated prod-ucts industry that this Resolution be passedand the deletion of the wordIINational 1l really did not matter. Senator Mi Iler then adjourned the meeting. ~~~APPROVED ----------------------- Page 196----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE April 18, 1974 Present:SenatorsKeith Miller, Harris, Rettig, and Kerttula Absent: Senator Ray SenatorMiller called the meetingto order at 4: 15. He introducedBen Marsh of Anchoragewhorepresents the AlaskaLandlord andProperty Management Association. Mr .. Marsh explainedto the committee that the Landlordand PropertyManage- ment Associationis comprisedof some 128 members and he testified urgingthat Senate Bill No.520 not be passed. He referredto informationfrom the presidentof the home bui Iders associationwhich indicated that the necessary number of housingunits requiredcould be erected within a yearstime to meet the increasedhousi ng demand. He al so said that the mobile homehous- ing industry felt they could easily take up the slack in housing. He said the rental industry has beenin some di stress for· the past year and a half.He said that there was no evidencethat rent gougingwas going to occuror had occurred. He conti nued sayi ng that sewerrates, taxes,cost of carpeti ng and plumbing and heating were all goingup.He felt rent control might be necessaryin areas whereyou hadslum lord activities but that is not true in Alaska. The wholebill is discriminatoryagainst a particularsegment of the economy,and he thinks that it is blind legislation. Mr. Marshcontinuedthat the criteria for declaring an emergency is so vague that an emergency could be declared for any part of the state today. He did not like the portion of the bi II that attempts to control rents and evi ctions . He did not see the connection.Themembers of the association feel that the right to evict is an inherentright of the propertyowner. The associationis unalterablyopposedto the bi II -- they do not think it can be amended so that it can be lived with. SenatorHensley askedif Mr. Marshhad any information gatheredby the association concerni ngvacancies,rental rates, etc.Mr. Marshsaid they had only the information gatheredby the Greater Anchorage AreaBorough. SenatorHensley said that underpresentlaw there is nothingthat prevents a landlord from having justified rental increases.This bill is trying to reach the abuse that might comeinto play in some specific locations and gives the Governorthe power to control rents if this is a necessity. ----------------------- Page 197----------------------- MINUTES April18, 1974 Page Two Senator Hensleysaid it was a good bi II to have in the law in the wingsif it was necessary. He could not see it being invoked unlessit was seriously necessaryas it may be in the Interior and even in Anchorage. Senator Rettig said he thought there was perhaps a wayto approachthis problem. SenatorKerttula said if we are going to enactrent controls, there has to be some type of formula whichtakes into considerationthe cost of maintaining rental control but there has to be a formula built in that passeson the costs, legitimate increases. Senator Hensleysaid that as he viewedthe bi II there wouldn'tbe a wholesale imposition of controls by the Governor sitting in his office promulgating regulations. The Commissioner of Commercewouldhold hearingswith the landlordsto determinecosts of providing rental units, and this wouldbe the basis from whichto establish fair costs for rental housing. Don Clocksin,representingAlaskaLegal Services,responded to testimonyof Ben Marshshowi ng that even thoughthe hous ing needcou Id be met as affi rmed "'- by housingorganizations,it was not being done andthe vacancyrate in all areas of the state is dropping, not rising.Asummaryof his testimonywould be that he felt the mereexistence of this bi II as law on the bookswouldtend to keep rents withinreason.DonClocksin finished bysaying that this bi II was fair becauseit wouldallow for reasonableincreasesin rents, provided that the increasedcosts couldbe justified. Dwayne Carlson testified noting the truth of remarks in previoustestimony and said that he thought maybe that it would be best to try to bui Id adequate fami Iy housing. He agreedthat it was not an easy problembut thought it was necessary that the Governor have the powerto go in and do somethi ng . Senator Kerttula notedthat unless there is immediateaction it would be futile anyway. Robert VanHoute said the problem is now and that he wouldcertainly urge the committee to take action of some kind to hold things in a reasonablelight. He felt some type of control wouldbe necessary. Senator Hensleyremarked that it was an eminentlyreasonablepiece of legislation. An amendment to the bi II was discussedduringfurther committeediscussion, but it was finally decidedto have a committeesubstitute preparedto be ----------------------- Page 198----------------------- MINUTES April18, 1974 Page Three presented to the commi ttee members the followi ng day. The bi II was passed out of committee with three "No Rec" recommendationsand one "Do Pass" recommendation,on April 20th. Senator Miller adjourned the meeting. ----------------------- Page 199----------------------- MINUTES STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE April19th, 1974 Present: SenatorsRay,Rettig, and Keith Mi IIer Absent: SenatorsHarrisand Kerttula SenatorMi IIer called the meetingto orderand referredthe committee to Committee Substitutefor HouseBill No. 445.HeintroducedAudieMooreof Anchoragewho represented the Realtors Association. Mr.Mooretestified before the committeeopposing HouseBill No.445.He summa- rized bysaying that he entreated the committeenot to take awayanymore of the basic rightsof ownership. SenatorRettig and SenatorRaythought that the bi II was ratherlike taki ng propertywithoutdue processof law. SenatorMi IIer read a proposedamendment and askedhowAudieMoorefelt about that.Mr.Mooreobjected againto takingland for public use withoutcompensation fromthe public. GaryThurlow, the attorney for the Greater Anchorage Area Borough, spokefor himselfas an individualand not for the Borough sayingthat his past experience of workingwith local governments pertainingto park dedicationis that the responsible developershaveno problemwith an ordinance of this type and then he gavesome examples.He felt that each community had to look at its own needs andeach community wouldhaveto preparethe ordinancethat wouldmeet the needsof that community. DorieClark, the Directorof Parksand Recreationfor the Greater Anchorage AreaBorough pointed out that this legislation wasnot an ordinance, but it only gavethe communities authority to pass and enact an ordinance. She felt it wouldbe a mistake to pass an ordinanceat the state level -- the authority to do so locally should be passedso that individual communities canaddresstheir ownneeds. Shesaid the PlanningAssociationof Alaska wasin support of this legislation as well as the Leagueof WomenVoters. MarlaSturgi luskyof Anchorage,anothermember of the Planning. Commission, thoughtthat a phi losophyof government wasthat local communities shouldhave the authority to addressthe quality of life in that community.Eachcommunity shouldbe able to establishthe standards. Sheurged the committeeto allow the ',--,/legislation to go the Floor for a vote. ----------------------- Page 200----------------------- MINUTES April 19th, 1974 Page Two Lawrence Kimball, Principal Plannerin the Department of Community and Regional Affai rs, introducedhimself to the committeeand said that one of the purposesof the Departmentis to maximize theabilities of the communities, local governments, to set thei r own standardsand decide at thei r own levels and own standards. Several times communities have indicated that they would like to have this kind of enabling legislation. He addedthat the majority of communities in the state are general law communitieswhichonly have the powersspecifically outlined in the statutes. SenatorMiller referred the committee to SenateBill No. 520.It was decided that a committee substitute wouldbe drafted for SenateBill No. 520 for the meeting the followi ng day. SenatorRettig movedthat CommitteeSubstitute for HouseBill No. 559 be passed out with a liDo Pass" recommendation. SenatorMi lIer so ordered. Senator Mi lIer adjournedthe meeting. ~I!~ APPROVED ~~~~.~~-=-td""'---- ----------------------- Page 201----------------------- MINUTES STATEAFFAIRS COMMITTEE April 22, 1974 Present:Senators Keith Miller, Harris, Kerttula, and Rettig Absent: Senator Ray Senator Miller called the meeting to order at 3: 40. Senator Kerttula moved that the committee substitute a proposed bi II for House Bill No. 827, and asked for unanimousconsent.Hearing no objection Senator Mi lIer so ordered.The committeesubstitute was moved out of committee with ,a "00 Pass" recommendation. Senator Harris movedthat Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 20 be moved out with individual recommendations. Senator Kerttula seconded the motion. Senator Rettig movedthat Senate ConcurrentResolution No. 59 be movedout as amendedwith a "00 Pass" recommendation. Hearing no objection Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Harris movedthat Senate ConcurrentResolution No. 22 be moved out with individual recommendations. Hearing no objections Senator Mi lIer so ordered. Senator Harris movedthat House ConcurrentResolution No. 90 be movedout with individual recommendations. Senator Rettig objected. After further dis- cussion it was decided that the Resolution would be put out with a "00 Pass" recommendation signed by all but Senator Rettig who signed "No Recommendation. II Senator Harr i s moved that the comm ittee pass out Senate Bill No. 416 and asked unanimousconsent for a 1100 Pass" recommendation. After committee discussion Senator Harris withdrewhis motion. Senator Miller referred the committee to House Bill No. 845. Senator Harris movedthat we put it out with individual recommendations. Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Kerttula movedthat Senate Bi II No. 473 be movedout with a "00 Pass" recommendation. Hearing no objection Senator Miller so ordered. Senator Mi Iler adjourned the meeting. \.~/