Committee Meeting Information

October 30, 2006
Room 302 Wyoming Capitol
Cheyenne, Wyoming

 

Committee Members Present

Representative Pete Illoway, Chairman

Senator Jayne Mockler, Chairman

Senator John Hanes

Senator Tony Ross

Representative Burke Jackson

Representative Layton Morgan

 

Committee Members Absent

None

 

Legislative Service Office Staff

Dan J. Pauli, Director

Wendy K. Madsen, Legislative Information Officer

Joy N. Hill, Associate Research Analyst

Others Present at Meeting

Please refer to Appendix 1 to review the Committee Sign-in Sheet
for a list of other individuals who attended the meeting.

 

 

Call To Order

 

Chairman Illoway called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.  The following sections summarize the Committee proceedings by topic.  Please refer to Appendix 2 to review the Committee Meeting Agenda.

 

Approval of Minutes

 

Minutes from the June 14, 2006 Committee meeting were approved without any changes. 

 

Presentation of Stained Glass Lighting Feasibility Study

 

Mr. Steven Hefferan, Hefferan Partnership Lighting Design, provided the Committee with an overview of the Stained Glass Lighting Feasibility Study report (Appendix 3), and discussed various chamber lighting and skylight re-glazing options for the Committee to consider.  Options Mr. Hefferan discussed with the Committee included a variety of ways to improve the electric lighting within the chambers, as well as to consider options to re-glaze the skylights, ranging from 10 to 30 percent to 100 percent reglazing to re-open the chambers to natural light. Mr. Glen Garrett noted that the most historically correct option would be to choose a 100 percent re-glazing of the skylights. 

Senator Mockler moved to request that Management Council include $1,200,000 in the 2007 supplemental budget to fund options E2, E4, and S3 (page 3 of Appendix 3).  The motion carried.  The Committee requested that A&I look at the possibility of relamping the Senate chamber with down lighting for the upcoming session with 150 watt frosted lamps and redirect the lighting, if A&I has funding available.  The Committee also requested that Hefferan prepare a budget to study options to light the stained glass in Room 302, the Rotunda, and to look at the possibility of installing stained glass in the second floor stairwells for future consideration by the Committee. 

 

Presentation of Sound Systems Phase One Study

 

Mr. Rich Zwiebel, K2 Audio, briefed the committee on the phase one sound system study (Appendix 4).  During the study, Mr. Zwiebel evaluated speakers in the House, the entire sound system in the Senate, and options for a permanent sound system in Room 302.  Mr. Zwiebel summarized problems identified in the existing sound systems for the Committee and provided options for addressing the identified issues. The Committee discussed the costs of the options presented in the study to replace the Senate chamber sound system, to install a permanent sound system in Room 302, and to upgrade the speakers in the House chamber.  The Committee further discussed options to reduce the costs, including using existing microphones and hearing impaired systems, using lower-cost speakers, and reducing the number of media feeds. 

Senator Mockler moved to request that Management Council add $250,000, including consultant fees, to the 2007 supplemental budget for Option A in the Senate Chamber, but for the consultant to use the existing microphones and hearing impaired system, using the lower-quality gallery speakers identified in Option B, and not installing media feeds at the media table in the Senate Chamber.  The motion carried.  Senator Mockler moved to request that Management Council add $50,000, including consultant fees, to the 2007 supplemental budget for Option B in Room 302.  The motion carried.   Senator Mockler moved to request that Management Council add $60,000, including consultant fees, to the 2007 supplemental budget for Option A in the House Chamber, and to include adding additional speakers at the Chamber front desk to that option.  The motion carried.  The total cost associated with these projects is $360,000. 

 

Completed FY05-06 Projects

 

Restoration of Historic Benches

Mr. Gary Stephenson and Mr. Larry Buchholtz, Wooden Works, discussed the restoration of the benches and provided the committee with archival information (Appendix 5) to document each stage of work to restore the benches.   

Capitol Artwork Security System

Mr. Marc Thayer, Corporate Protective Services, indicated the system is complete and functioning.  Wendy Madsen, LSO, explained to the Committee the protocols for administration of the program between the LSO, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) and the State Museum.  Ms. Madsen also informed the Committee the system provides coverage in the Chambers and lobbies, but that the system is scalable and would require additional funding if the Committee elects to add to the system.  Lt. Scott Minyard, WHP, explained to the Committee the WHP’s response to the alarm system, and that he would like to integrate all alarm systems for the Capitol into one system.  The Committee inquired as to whether or not the five elected officials expressed any interest in utilizing this system as well.  Lt. Minyard indicated that to his knowledge, they had not expressed interest. 

Narratives for Legislator Composite Frames

Ms. Judy Sargent discussed the process to create the narratives (Appendix 6) and provided a key for the location of the narratives with the appropriate composites.  The Committee expressed interest in having the narratives in published form, in addition to the wall format.  Ms. Madsen indicated that there are still a few details to be added to the narratives and that they will be proofed again in LSO and then by the State Museum.  Afterwards, the narratives will be mounted by Hobby Lobby and A&I General Services will hang them. 

Basement Re-Carpeting

Ms. Madsen updated the Committee on the project to recarpet the LSO-occupied portion of the basement. The Committee discussed concerns about the appearance and rippling of the old carpet in the basement leading into the LSO offices and potential safety hazards.  Ms. Madsen noted that the part of the basement with the old carpet is not within the Committee’s purview, but was overseen by the State Building Commission, through the Department of Administration and Information.  Representative Illoway requested that this matter be brought to A&I’s attention. 

 

Furniture Purchases for LSO, House, and Senate

Ms. Madsen discussed the funding for this project, which used the remaining miscellaneous funds of the Committee and LSO funds.  The Committee toured the areas where the new furniture was installed in the Senate and the House.  Ms. Madsen noted that Haworth furniture has been used throughout the legislative areas of the building and the Committee requested that LSO examine the possibility of sole sourcing for Haworth furniture through their communities purchasing program to ensure consistency in furniture that is purchased for the legislative branch in the future. 

 

Ongoing FY05-06 Projects

 

Remodeling of Chamber Workstations

Ms. Madsen informed the Committee that Al Eggli, of Eggli Bros. Millwork, indicated the Chamber front desk remodel and coat racks will be completed in early November.

 

Committee Room Door Signage

Ms. Madsen discussed the configurations of the signs, noting that eight of the House committees share four rooms, so the signs will need to serve both committees.  There are a total of 17 signs, including signs to hang on each side of JAC.  She noted that the Committee elected not to purchase cover art for the signs and must now decide how to complete the covers of the signs.  The Committee took no additional action at this time. 

 

Projects Approved for FY07-08

 

Update on Furnishing and Remodeling Projects

Jo Haley, TDSi, presented the schematics (Appendix 7) she prepared for completed and proposed furnishings and renovation projects.  Ms. Haley provided an update on the design specifications for the remodel of the Senate break room and explained to the Committee that, depending on the amount of funds available, the Senate break room remodel may reflect only a portion of the design specifications, and the Committee may wish to seek additional funding for the break room next year.  Ms. Haley also provided her recommendations on replacing some furniture in Room 204 and adding new furniture in Room 302.  She recommended that the Committee leave the furnishings in Room 204 as is, other than considering having glass tops made for the tables.  The Committee agreed with Ms. Haley’s recommendation.  Ms. Haley will work on design specifications for replacing the conference tables, testimony table, staff tables, coffee area, and adding a storage cabinet to Room 302.  She will work with Eggli Bros. to examine the costs to design a conference table for the room and noted that more funding may be needed for all of the pieces that the Committee would like to replace in Room 302.

 

Consideration of the Artwork Donation Policy and Administration of Program

Mr. Milward Simpson and Ms. Lilly Francuz, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, discussed suggested changes to the proposed artwork donation policy (Appendix 8).  Mr. Simpson explained that he believes that the State Museum is the most appropriate entity to oversee this program.  The Committee discussed the criteria for artwork donation and inquired as to whether or not the 501(c)(3) needs to be reactivated.  Ms. Francuz indicated it would be better for all donations to go through the State Museum.  The Committee expressed concern about ensuring this program outlives the current Committee and that, if approved by Management Council, to enter into an MOU with State Parks for administration of the program.  Representative Jackson moved to forward the draft policy to Management Council for their consideration. The motion carried. The Committee discussed budget issues related administration of the program.  Senator Hanes moved to request from Council $7,500 for State Parks to administer the program for the remainder of the biennium.  The motion carried.

 

Commission of Past Governor’s Portraits

Mr. Simpson provided the Committee with a potential list of portraits to be painted (Appendix 9).  Mr. Simpson presented the process the State Museum will use to commission artists to paint the remaining portraits, and provided a potential list of those who should be on the selection committee:  a conservator, family representative, curator, current first lady, and a member of the Legislative Facilities Committee.  The Committee discussed the likelihood that more funds will be needed to complete all of the portraits identified, but that the $70,000 already appropriated would be a start.

 

Blue Book Update 

Mr. Roger Joyce and Mr. Curtis Gruebel, Wyoming State Archives, discussed how the project is progressing and that the goal is for the information to be at the printer by February.  Mr. Joyce indicated the books will be available through a variety of mediums, including digital and online formats.

 

Other FY07-08 Projects

Purchase of new committee and audience chairs

Ms. Madsen informed the Committee that all chairs ordered have been received and have been installed in the appropriate committee rooms.

 

Equipment for medical aid station

Ms. Madsen explained that Ms. Susie Pouliot, Director of the Wyoming Medical Society, has ordered the needed equipment and it should be installed before the beginning of session.

 

Historic coat racks

Ms. Madsen explained to the Committee that some changes were being made to the coat racks at the request of Senator Mockler and Ms. Jo Haley, but that Mr. Eggli anticipates that he can complete the work for the $7,000 available.  Mr. Eggli has indicated a delivery date of mid-November for the coat racks.

 

Remodel main LSO office

Ms. Madsen discussed the future remodel of the main LSO office, and that it will be started after session.  The Committee expressed a desire to recarpet the rooms adjacent to the LSO main office and requested that Ms. Madsen request a bid from A&I to recarpet these offices and to include that amount in the Committee’s 2007 supplemental request. 

 

Committee room photographs

Senator Mockler indicated she still has to finish choosing committee room photographs.

 

Other Business

 

Capitol Security

Lt. Scott Minyard, Wyoming Highway Patrol, discussed integrating the security systems in the Capitol.  He explained the limitations on the House and Senate’s current panic alarm system and would like to integrate the system with the WHP’s existing system in the Capitol.  Senator Mockler moved the Committee request funds to integrate the House and Senate system with the WHP system and for LSO to determine the funding needed.  The motion carried.

 

Lt. Minyard addressed other security issues at the Capitol, including the WHP’s desire for more doors within the Capitol to be accessible only through the card key system.  Lt. Minyard mentioned the open nature of the Capitol and the challenges the WHP faces in ensuring the security of the occupants within the Capitol.  Lt. Minyard recommended that the State consider evaluating whether certain doors in the Capitol could be locked, especially in the basement, and requiring use of access cards for individuals with permission to access the building through the locked doors and routing all other traffic through the first floor doors of the building.  This would allow the WHP to better monitor public traffic in the building.

Mr. Pauli indicated that this would be a decision that the State Building Commission needs to make.  The Committee requested that LSO draft a letter to Management Council requesting that Council consider forwarding this issue on to the SBC for their consideration. 

 

Consideration of developing RFP for ongoing architectural and design consulting

Ms. Madsen suggested the Committee consider identifying funds for interior design consulting in a separate pot rather than using funds from project budgets to pay for these services.  Mr. Pauli suggested the Committee put out an RFP in the future for ongoing consulting services of this nature. 

 

Clarifying roles and responsibilities of Committee

The Committee discussed questions of jurisdiction of the Committee since it has become more involved in building issues and requested that Ms. Madsen work with the House and Senate Chief Clerks on protocols and to also look at the other entities involved in building issues for the Committee’s consideration in the future.   

 

Letter to First Lady regarding House sconces in Governor’s Residence

Ms. Madsen reminded the Committee that they elected to request that the Governor’s residence look at options for returning the original House sconces to the House as part of the Chamber lighting renovation.  Mr. Pauli indicated it may be more appropriate to send a letter to the Governor from Management Council.  Mr. Pauli provided a draft letter (Appendix 10) for committee review.  The Committee requested that this letter be forwarded to Management Council for their consideration.  

 

Space consultant study of legislative space with A&I Construction Management

Ms. Madsen provided the Committee with the RFP (Appendix 11) that has been developed to seek the services of a space planning consultant to evaluate the long-term needs of the legislative branch. Ms. Madsen informed the Committee that responses are due from consultants on November 1^st and the Committee needs to appoint a selection team to work with A&I Construction Management in selecting a consultant.  Representative Illoway and Senator Mockler will serve in that capacity. 

 

Capitol Plan

Sylvie Rupp, A&I Construction Management, met with the Committee regarding potential costs to renovate the Capitol and to construct a new state office building.  The Committee discussed the need for the Legislature to begin setting money aside for these projects.  Senator Mockler and Representative Illoway will address Management Council about the need to begin putting money aside for these projects.

 

House and Senate Chief Clerk requests

Diane Harvey, Senate chief clerk, asked the Committee to look into remodeling the president secretary’s office in the future, and suggested the glass around the third floor galleries be raised.

 

Budget Requests for 2007 General Session

 

Ms. Madsen discussed the Committee’s supplemental budget requests made during the meeting.  Based on further Committee discussion, the Committee made a number of other requests for Management Council’s consideration for funding in the FY07-08 supplemental budget, including $30,000 to replace all furnishings in Room 302, $15,000 for miscellaneous projects, $5,000 for architectural and interior design consulting services, $10,000 for remodeling the Senate break room, and $30,000 for committee room and leadership office furnishings.  The Committee also requested that LSO provide price estimates to include in the budget for furnishings for the Senate Staff Supervisor’s Office, LSO Rooms 214, 215, 215B, recarpeting Room 302 and Rooms 214, 215, 215B.

 

Meeting Adjournment

 

There being no further business, Chairman Illoway adjourned the meeting at 5:00 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Representative Pete Illoway, Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix		Appendix Topic		Appendix Description		Appendix Provider
1		Committee Sign-In Sheet		Lists meeting attendees		Legislative Service Office
2		Committee Meeting Agenda		Provides an outline of the topics the Committee planned to address at meeting		Legislative Service Office
3		Stained Glass Lighting Feasibility Study		Report prepared by Steve Hefferan		Hefferan Partnership Lighting Design
4		Sound Systems Phase One Study		Phase One study report and powerpoint presentation		K2 Audio, LLC
5		Restoration of Historic Benches		Letter to the Committee, photographs of benches and CD.		Wooden Works, LLC
6		Narratives for Legislator Composite Frames		Packet of narratives		Judy Sargent
7		Room 204 and Room 302 furnishings and Update on other Furnishing Projects		Schematics for renovations and furnishings		TDSi
8		Consideration of the Artwork Donation Policy and Administration of Program		Proposed Wyoming Legislative Artwork Donation Program language		State Museum
9		Commission of Past Governor’s Portraits		List of portraits, itemized budget, RFP, sample language from Nevada		State Museum
10		Letter to First Lady regarding House sconces in Governor’s residence		Letter to Governor Dave Freudenthal from Management Council		Legislative Service Office
11		Space Consultant study of legislative space with A&I Construction Management		Copy of the RFP		Legislative Service Office