Information about http://www.leg.state.or.us/pcol/comm_facilities/minutes/pcolfa_04142006.pdf
THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE …
Tags: april 14, capitol building, carl wilson, committee administrator, exact words, facilities committee, garber, hearing room, krieger, marjorie taylor, oregon legislature, public comment, public hearing, quotation marks, raul ramirez, senate chambers, speaker comments, whiting, wilhelms, work session,Pages: 9
Language: english
Created: Tue Apr 18 14:10:27 2006
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THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
April 14, 2006 Hearing Room
9:00 A.M. Tapes 12 - 13
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carl Wilson, Chair
Bridget Burns
Mark Garber
Rep. Wayne Krieger
Gary Wilhelms
MEMBER EXCUSED: Sheriff Raul Ramirez
STAFF PRESENT: Marjorie Taylor, Committee Administrator
Kellie Whiting, Committee Assistant
PROPOSALS/ISSUES HEARD:
· Committee Discussion and Work Session on Proposals related to the
Capitol Building - Proposals #033 and #144
· Committee Discussion and Work Session on Proposals Related to the
House and Senate Chambers Proposals # 134 and #008
· Committee Discussion on Proposal # 044
· Opportunity for Public Comment
These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker's exact words. For
complete contents, please refer to the tapes.
TAPE/# Speaker Comments
TAPE 12, A
002 Chair Wilson Calls the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. Opens a public hearing and
possible work session on Proposals #033 and #144. Acknowledges that
Mr. Garber is joining the committee via conference phone.
PROPOSAL #033 (FACILITIES EVALUATION) AND PROPOSAL #144 (BUILDING A NEW
OFFICE BUILDING) PUBLIC HEARING AND WORK SESSION
009 Dave Henderson Legislative Administrator. Submits and refers to a letter from the
Architects Four, LLC (EXHIBIT A), and a letter from Darwin Doss,
FAIA (EXHIBIT B). Talks briefly about the Capitol Wings
Renovation Project that has been an ongoing discussion since the late
1990's. Speaks about the factors that drove the pursuit of the project
including failing plumbing. Demonstrates what the water in the wings
looks like and the pipes that are corroding from the inside out, causing
corrosion in the water.
040 Rep. Krieger Asks when the pipes were installed.
041 Henderson Responds that the pipes were installed in 1977.
THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
FACILITIES COMMITTEE April 14, 2006
Page 2
044 Herb Colomb Facilities Manager.
048 Henderson Continues to talk about the factors that drove the pursuit of renovating
the wings including the network cabling, air standards, fire concerns,
furniture not up-to-date with ergonomic standards, and the fire
sprinkler systems not up-to-code. Demonstrates the network cabling.
States that if there was a fire causing the cable to burn, there would be
toxic gases released because the cable is not installed in cable trays and
are not installed to code. Refers to (EXHIBIT A) which indicates the
deficiencies within the Capitol. Testifies that it would be in the best
interest to address all the concerns at once.
093 Chair Wilson Asks if the project considers any expansion of the wings.
097 Henderson Answers no. Explains that hearings rooms A-F were renovated in such
a way that will allow offices to be moved there during the wing
renovation. States that the hearing rooms were renovated in 2002.
Explains that following the 2003 session, the continuation of the Wings
Renovation Project was not approved due to the downturn in the
economy.
119 Chair Wilson Asks if Certificates of Participation (COPs) will have to be re-
authorized.
120 Henderson Concurs. States that they believe the project can be completed in 18
months. Refers to (EXHIBIT B, page two) and illustrates the schedule
to start after the 2007 session. Speaks to the cost.
159 Wilhelms Interjects that if the committee is to make a recommendation to move
the project forward, the start up cost of $100,000 is needed as soon as
possible and the decision to move forward with the project, or not,
needs to be made early by the full legislature.
166 Henderson Responds the authorization for the COPs will have to be done by the
full legislature.
176 Wilhelms Adds that a commission recommendation will need to be expedited in
order for it to move ahead.
184 Henderson Adds that the $100,000 cost to update the plans could be fronted out of
Legislative Administration's budget, with the understanding that it
would be refunded in the COPs. States that DAS has a COP sale in
March 2007 and Legislative Administration would have to be a part of
that sale.
198 Wilhelms Asks if Legislative Administration would be comfortable advancing the
start-up-cost without having a decision from the legislature about going
ahead with the project.
200 Henderson Responds that if the legislature did not issue the start up money in
COPs, they would have to ask for an additional $100,000 to make up
for the spent money.
209 Rep. Krieger Speaks about the challenges of adjourning session to allow the time for
completion of the project and the conversations people need to have
with leadership.
221 Wilhelms Adds that there has been discussion about adding more components
into the wings project and asks if the components should be handled in
These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker's exact words. For
complete contents, please refer to the tapes.
THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
FACILITIES COMMITTEE April 14, 2006
Page 3
a separate project, or is there cost savings by handling it all together.
237 Henderson Suggests an option package for the 2007-09 budget to do the
architectural and engineering work on renovating the old portion of the
building, keeping them as separate projects, but start on the prep work.
Wilhelms Asks if it would include seismic upgrades.
250 Henderson Answers that it could include seismic upgrades.
259 Wilhelms Asks if the wings are expandable.
265 Colomb Answers that all the mechanical components are on the top level of the
wings and would be a massive effort to expand up.
272 Garber Refers to the (EXHIBIT B) and asks what the COPs would break
down into a biennial cost.
288 Henderson Refers to page two and explains what the start-up costs would include.
319 Chair Wilson Speaks about the start-up costs. Speaks to the issue surrounding
Legislative Administration fronting the money. Asks if there is
anything, the commission can do to mitigate the difficulties.
337 Henderson Answers no. Adds that the construction costs will keep going up and
the project costs will only get more expensive.
340 Chair Wilson Responds that updating the plans is necessary no matter when the
project is done.
350 Colomb Adds that there were substantial changes to the codes since the last
plan, and does not expect the changes to be as great next time.
360 Wilhelms Speaks in support of the project and states he believes that the
committee can make a compelling case to the legislature to get on with
the project. Reiterates that if not, they are only delaying an increasing
cost and it is just not good business to not move forward with the
project. Adds that it can be delayed because of political pressures, but it
will only cost more money.
378 Chair Wilson Asks if the current leadership is a proponent of the project.
380 Wilhelms Responds he believes they are awaiting a recommendation and a study
from the commission.
390 Burns States that if these conditions were going on in any of our universities,
as a fiduciary responsibility, this would be unacceptable. States that in
terms of long-term stability of a system, this is unacceptable for this to
continue. States she understands why the commission was formed, and
states that this is one of those times where the legislature really needs
the commission to come forward and take on hard stance on this
because it just won't look attractive coming from the legislators and so
they really do need the commission's neutral perspective. States she
does support the project.
411 Chair Wilson Concurs.
414 Garber Concurs. Asks that the committee keep in mind that the building does
not belong to the legislature, it belongs to the people of Oregon. States
that if we are not taking care of it, it is shameful. States that the
amount of money to renovate the wings is not that significant
considering that the building will be here long after the legislators
These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker's exact words. For
complete contents, please refer to the tapes.
THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
FACILITIES COMMITTEE April 14, 2006
Page 4
serving are gone. States that the committee could make a very strong
case and feels confident that leadership and the legislators will support
it.
TAPE 13, A
002 Chair Wilson States that it is an interesting situation and one that has become more
apparent in the political process that we tend to let our public buildings
go because of politics and being afraid to make the house look better,
but really, it is the people's house, and the peoples' investment. If the
legislature converts to annual sessions, asks how the project would be
impacted.
015 Henderson Responds that the chambers would not be affected and four hearing
rooms will be available for committees. Acknowledges it would be
difficult, but could be done.
026 Garber Speaks about the Washington State Capitol.
034 Marjorie Taylor Committee Administrator. Clarifies that the Constitution requires the
legislature to meet in the Capitol.
036 Chair Wilson Asks what kind of action should be considered to deal with the main
building.
043 Taylor Clarifies.
047 Chair Wilson Asks about Proposal #144 (Building a new office building).
053 Wilhelms Speaks in support of Proposal #144. Speaks about the needed space for
future growth of government. Asks that the issue of a separate member
office building be explored. Suggests having the discussion surround
cost investment and the return for the public. Acknowledges the
difficulties and asks for discussion around building an office building.
Reiterates interest in exploring how to obtain more space and how to be
cost effective in the immediate future.
116 Chair Wilson Asks why the property across the street from the Capitol has not been
purchased by the State of Oregon.
118 Henderson Responds that Legislative Administration met with the Department of
Administrative Services a few years ago about the property and other
properties, and notes that there was discussion about an option to
purchase one of the properties.
122 Chair Wilson States it is of interest.
125 Garber Asks what specifically should be appropriated to investigate the
property issue.
132 Wilhelms States he would support an expenditure to obtain a thorough
investigation about the feasibility and cost return on purchasing an
additional office building for all entities involved.
144 Chair Wilson Asserts it is unenviable that more space will be needed.
153 Wilhelms With regard to the wings evaluation, asks if the committee is ready for
a motion.
159 Rep. Krieger Asks if the motion would be for the wings renovation.
163 Wilhelms Clarifies the motion could be for renovation, not expansion.
These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker's exact words. For
complete contents, please refer to the tapes.
THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
FACILITIES COMMITTEE April 14, 2006
Page 5
170 Chair Wilson Asks if the recommendation should be made today.
178 Rep. Krieger Reminds the committee about the pipe, notes that the project has been
on hold since 2002 and should be moved forward.
183 Burns Concurs.
188 Garber Supports a recommendation in support of renovation. Asks for full
documentation about the rationale for the full commission.
198 Chair Wilson Responds it will be available.
202 Taylor Suggests the motion could read: that the committee recommend to the
commission that they recommend to the legislative assembly, that they
move forward in spending the money to update the wing renovation
plan, as previously developed, and continue to look into funding for the
project.
219 Henderson Suggests adding a timeline to begin construction following the 2007
session.
224 Wilhelms Asks how to respond to the details of the renovation.
234 Henderson Explains that to address the plumbing, electrical and infrastructure
hazards, the walls, ceiling and carpets have to be removed. Reiterates
that the infrastructure is what is driving the project, but it is not cost
effective to try to preserve the existing furniture, carpet and ceiling.
254 Wilhelms Asks if the project's fiscal discipline the maximum of the COPs.
256 Henderson Concurs.
258 Rep. Krieger Acknowledges that the current furnishings are not functional.
272 Henderson Explains that the cosmetic aspect of the renovation is not fancy and
expensive, but rather functional and timeless.
288 Wilhelms Speaks to the pragmatic enhancements.
294 Henderson Speaks to the cost to maintain fabrics as opposed to leather.
295 Chair Wilson Proposes that Legislative Administration commit the necessary
expenditures immediately to update construction plans on the wings,
and to urge the 2007 legislature to approve necessary expenditures to
remodel the House and Senate Wings as soon as possible.
305 Rep. Krieger Reiterates the dangers within the Capitol building's infrastructure,
including not being up-to-code in terms of power, water and fire
sprinkler conditions.
318 Wilhelms Responds that the documentation is available that responds to any
questions.
325 Chair Wilson Reiterates how contaminated the water is.
332 Garber Inquires about the start-up money allocation.
342 Henderson Responds that the Legislative Administration facilities budget can
expend the start-up money, but it would have to be replenished.
354 Wilhelms Adds it would be preferable to have the Emergency Board handle it.
358 Garber Asks if the motion should include Legislative Administration
expending the start-up money.
363 Chair Wilson Agrees.
These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker's exact words. For
complete contents, please refer to the tapes.
THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
FACILITIES COMMITTEE April 14, 2006
Page 6
365 Taylor Suggests that the motion would include that within the Legislative
Administration budget, spend the money to update the renovation plan
for the wings and to encourage the legislature to seek funding to
implement and begin the renovation plan in the summer of 2007.
378 Wilhelms Adds urging the 2007 legislature to meet March COP sale.
390 Taylor Reads final motion: " The committee recommends to the commission
that they recommend that within the Legislative Administration budget,
they spend money to update the renovation plan for the wings; they
urge the 2007 legislative Assembly to seek funding to implement that
renovation plan; to do so in a timely manner to participate in the
March 2007 COP sale; and that the project begin as soon as possible
with the goal to meet the March 2007 COP sale."
413 Wilhelms MOTION: Moves PROPOSAL # 033 be sent to the full
commission and that the committee recommends to the
commission that they recommend that within the
Legislative Administration budget, they spend money
to update the renovation plan for the wings; they urge
the 2007 legislative Assembly to seek funding to
implement that renovation plan; to do so in a timely
manner to participate in the March 2007 COP sale;
and that the project begin as soon as possible with the
goal to meet the March 2007 COP sale.
415 VOTE: 5-0-1
AYE: In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.
EXCUSED: 1 - Sheriff Ramirez
Chair Wilson The motion CARRIES.
422 Chair Wilson Closes the public hearing and work session on Proposals #033 and
#144. Recess for 5 minutes.
433 Chair Wilson Brings the committee back to order and opens a public hearing and
possible work session on Proposal #134 (Review of the use and
necessity of the House and Senate Lounges).
TAPE 12, B
PROPOSAL # 134 PUBLIC HEARING AND WORK SESSION
007 Judy Hall Secretary of the Senate. Testifies that when speaking with members and
the Senate caucus offices, they are comfortable with maintaining the
status quo. Notes that 1/3 of the Senate do not use the Senate lounge
for various reasons.
019 Chair Wilson Asks for clarification on what the House and Senate lounges provide.
022 Ramona Kenady Chief Clerk of the House. Asserts that the members pay for the service.
Explains what services are provided, including breakfast and lunch for
legislative members. States that they go to great lengths to service all
members and there are only a few House members who do not
participate. Adds that the service also provides legislators with a place
to networking and build relationships in addition to a meal during a
very busy schedule. Speaks about the management of the Lounges.
095 Hall Responds about some of the reasons one third of Senators do not
choose to participate.
These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker's exact words. For
complete contents, please refer to the tapes.
THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
FACILITIES COMMITTEE April 14, 2006
Page 7
111 Garber Asks about the motivation of the proposal.
120 Wilhelms Answers he does not know where the proposal came from.
122 Taylor Clarifies.
125 Rep. Krieger Agrees with Ms. Kenady that it is a place to sit and converse with other
members in a bi-partisan manner, build relationships, have lunch and
notes it is not an expense to the public to any degree.
140 Wilhelms States he feels that the lounges contribute to the efficiency of the
legislature and also addresses excessive partisanship by building
relationships that in turn help with deliberations.
154 Burns Asks if a motion is needed to take no further action.
160 Kenady Expresses that the lounges need to be upgraded, as they have not been
upgraded since 1983.
182 Hall Concurs. Asserts that the Senate Lounge has even gone longer without
upgrades to the kitchen. Indicates that the meals are all prepared over in
the House Lounge and then brought to the Senate side for serving.
States that the Senators would like to have their own functioning
lounge.
196 Burns Asks about the members' daily fee.
199 Kenady Responds it is a weekly charge of $35.00.
210 Chair Wilson MOTION: Moves PROPOSAL # 134 be sent to the full
commission with the recommendation that no further
action be taken.
221 VOTE: 5-0-1
AYE: In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.
EXCUSED: 1 - Sheriff Ramirez
Chair Wilson The motion CARRIES.
222 Chair Wilson Closes the public hearing and work session on Proposal #134 and
opens a public hearing and possible work session on Proposal #008
(paperless floor sessions).
PROPOSAL #008 PUBLIC HEARING AND WORK SESSION
225 Taylor Touches on the previous testimony given about the paperless floor
sessions, "console" concepts and the fact that floor sessions will never
be completely paperless.
242 Chair Wilson Asks Ms. Kenady and Ms. Hall for their thoughts.
247 Ramona Kenady Chief Clerk of the House. Explains that her office has done extensive
research on the issue in the 2004 interim. Explains the process for
moving a measure in and out the committee in terms of paper.
Reiterates an "on-demand" printing concept.
296 Judy Hall Concurs with the printing on-demand concept. Speaks to the idea of a
console and/or on-demand printing, operated by the desks to become
more organized. States incremental steps are necessary.
314 Rep. Krieger Adds that a member's bill file will always be needed.
337 Wilhelms Reflects on the trip to Olympia, WA and encourages technology, but
not pushing it on persons who do not want to use it. Supports a
recommendation in terms of on-demand printing or consoles on the
These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker's exact words. For
complete contents, please refer to the tapes.
THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
FACILITIES COMMITTEE April 14, 2006
Page 8
members desks in the chambers, along with discipline in the House and
Senate Rules.
386 Garber Adds that after visiting Washington, he feels encouraging the use of
technology is a good idea in terms of a general statement.
418 Burns Adds that the commission needs to urge a strong recommendation in
terms of moving forward, encouraging incorporating technology in the
efficiency of the legislature.
TAPE 13, B
011 Chair Wilson MOTION: The committee recommends to the full commission that
they recommend that the legislature use technology to
the best of its ability to expedite the legislative process,
this includes the possibility of using consoles or laptops
on the floor or in committee meetings, electronic bill
book technology and on-demand printing; encourage
the legislature to approve rules to govern the use of
technology in committee meetings and on the floor.
020 Garber Asks if a statement should be added about the use of computers on the
floor to reflect that the commission is not fearful of technology.
025 Burns Concurs.
030 Kenady Suggests an immediate review of on-demand printing.
046 Wilhelms Asks about the device on the members' desks in Florida.
050 Kenady Responds that Florida's Legislature uses the console type system on the
Chamber floor, rather than laptops.
071 Wilhelms Asks if the motion should acknowledge support in providing necessary
resources to procure the technology.
082 Rep. Krieger Adds that strength comes from acknowledging the future.
094 Wilhelms States the recommendations should be clear.
100 Garber Agrees with being specific without tying member's hands with a
particular system.
111 Chair Wilson Reiterates the motion.
124 VOTE: 5-0-1
AYE: In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.
EXCUSED: 1 - Sheriff Ramirez
Chair Wilson The motion CARRIES.
125 Chair Wilson Closes the public hearing and work session on Proposal #008 and
opens a public hearing and possible work session on Proposal # 044
(electronic voting in the Senate).
PROPOSAL #044 PUBLIC HEARING
130 Judy Hall Secretary of the Senate. Testifies that the Senate does have a voting
system, but has an oral roll call. Explains there are two boards in the
Senate Chamber that were installed in 1995 to allow the public to know
what the final vote is and to allow the members know what measure is
up for a vote. Explains the next step would be to place member's
individual votes on the voting board and voting buttons on the desk.
171 Chair Wilson Asks if the electronic voting includes voting buttons on the desks.
These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker's exact words. For
complete contents, please refer to the tapes.
THE PUBLIC COMMISSION ON THE OREGON LEGISLATURE
FACILITIES COMMITTEE April 14, 2006
Page 9
175 Hall Answers it would include voting buttons on the desks.
182 Chair Wilson Asks about voting differences between the House and the Senate.
190 Hall Responds that the Senate has a custom of oral votes, maybe because of
the smaller number of members.
195 Kenady Explains the voting system in the House was installed as a direct result
of a recommendation by the 1969 review commission; it was installed
in 1974 and first used in 1975.
211 Chair Wilson Asks what the Senate membership feeling is about electronic voting.
218 Hall Explains there are different feelings about using electronic voting in the
Senate.
226 Chair Wilson Asks if having the members' individual votes displayed is a good first
step.
230 Hall Agrees that it would be a good first step.
240 Wilhelms Speaks about the transition in the House. Clarifies that an oral vote is
still an option.
262 Chair Wilson Asks for more discussion on Proposal #044. Closes the public hearing
and possible work session on Proposal #044.
284 Taylor Explains there will be a report distributed for Proposal #033.
288 Chair Wilson Adjourns the meeting at 11:02 a.m.
EXHIBIT SUMMARY
A. Proposal #033, letter, Dave Henderson, 2 pp
B. Proposal #033, letter, Dave Henderson, 3 pp
These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker's exact words. For
complete contents, please refer to the tapes.